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Students sitting in a woodland clearing on an ecology field trip

Ecology and Conservation BSc(Hons)

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Intro

This course explores core themes of conservation and biological diversity across both marine and terrestrial environments. There is a focus on habitat and survey species skills, applied management and conservation.

There is a strong emphasis on applied and experiential learning. With fieldwork opportunities in each year of the course you investigate our rich local environment as well as overseas to destinations such as Portugal. There is also an optional international trip to South Africa where you study indigenous species and issues relating to habitat, species management and conservation.

You will develop your practical skills in our specialist laboratories and build your scientific research skills working alongside a member of staff to research an area of personal interest or address a practical conservation question. You will learn with a course team who are internationally recognised experts in their field, with research strengths including ecology and conservation, human-wildlife interactions, zoonotic disease, behaviour, ecosystems and environmental management, and marine ecology.

Our Ecology and Conservation MSci a course offers an extra year of integrated study at masters level.

Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

UCAS code CFC8

Full-time 3 years
With placement year 4 years

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology

Join an online event

Apply now with UCAS

Course content

How this course is delivered

We've made some changes to the way our courses are taught to keep everyone safe, connected and involved in university life.

At the moment, students have a blend of on-campus and digitally enabled remote learning that provides lots of opportunities to interact and engage with lecturers and other students.

Find out what these changes mean for this course

Course structure

You will study core themes in ecology, evolution and diversity and applied elements of ecology such as wildlife conservation.

You will learn through lectures, fieldwork, group work, practical classes and independent study. Assessment involves essays, exams, presentations, practical exercises and communication exercises, which can vary depending on which options you choose.

Ecology students on a field trip in a field

Year 1

You will explore the key principles of ecology and conservation and choose option modules in areas that interest you most.

Modules

Core modules

  • Essential Skills for Bioscientists

    This module introduces the principles of the scientific method and a variety of study and communication skills that you’ll need during your degree. You’ll develop mathematical and statistical skills and apply them in the context of bioscientific data presentation and interpretation.

  • Introduction to Genetics and Molecular Biology

    This module will provide you with a conceptual and procedural understanding of the modern evolutionary synthesis of natural selection, Mendelian inheritance and population genetics culminating in the emergence of modern molecular biology. The recognition of DNA as the archetypical material responsible for information transfer, the discovery of the mechanisms of information flow in biological systems (eg transcription and translation) and the development and application of modern recombinant DNA techniques are also studied.

  • Diversity of Life

    This module will provide an integrated approach to the study of living organisms. Beginning with a study of taxonomic principles, you will explore the cell biology of selected examples of microbes, plants and animals, focusing on cell structure and organisation. Practical and field exercises help bring the subject to life.

  • Introduction to Ecology and Conservation

    This module will introduce you to key concepts and principles in both ecology and conservation science – illustrated with case studies. The links between ecology and conservation and also between theory and applied research are emphasised

  • Terrestrial Ecosystems

    This module will introduce you to major terrestrial natural and semi-natural habitats, covering key ecological and biological processes that structure these systems. You will reflect on the conservation challenges and management strategies used to maintain and restore these habitats. You'll also learn about, and use, field-based techniques during field trips and local site visits.

Options*

  • Introduction to Marine Biology and Ecology

    This module will provide an overview of the major taxa of marine organisms, their diversity, ecology, biology and evolutionary relationship. Origin of life, evolution of marine life, living fossils and specific adaptations to marine habitats will be highlighted. You'll also be introduced to the biogeochemical processes that operate within the marine environment and how they relate to the ecology of oceans.

  • The Earth and Ocean System

    In this module you will explore and discuss the four ‘spheres’ of the Earth system: the lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, and how they interact to produce the stratigraphic record of Earth history.

  • Global Environmental Issues

    This module introduces pressing global environmental issues which you'll explore through natural science and social science case studies. The module focuses on scientific, social, economic and political aspects of current and past environmental issues and examines how some of the issues may be addressed through interdisciplinary management and mitigation.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Student injecting chemical samples in the lab

Year 2

Second year topics continue to build you knowledge and skills with options including a field trip to South Africa.

Modules

  • Research Skills and Professional Development
  • Behavioural and Evolutionary Biology
  • Physiology of Organisms
  • Managing Populations in Ecology and Conservation
  • Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems

Options*

  • Biology International Field Course
  • Paleoenvironments
  • Human Evolution
  • Environmental Pollution
  • Climate Change
  • GIS and Remote Sensing

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

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Placement year

There are many advantages of spending a placement year working in industry, or research. It can help you to:

  • apply your learning to real-life situations and challenges
  • learn new skills which can help in your career
  • explore specialisms to gain better understanding of what you want to do
  • gain vital work experience and build your network of professional contacts
  • come back for your final year more focused, more organised and more confident.

Our students have been on placement with organisations including the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, Paignton Zoo, the Sea Life Centre and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.

Ecology students working in the lab

Final year

You will study current topics in ecology and conservation, and undertake an ecology research project. Option modules mean you can choose the subjects that interest you most.

Modules

  • Ecology Project
  • Species Interactions
  • Ecological Impact Assessment
  • Hot Topics in Ecology and Conservation

Options*

  • Current Topics in Marine Biology
  • Aquatic Environments
  • Water, Sanitation and Health
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Atmospheric Environment
  • Waste Management and the Circular Economy
  • Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
  • Research Field Skills, Brazil

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

 

Ecology students on a field trip taking grass samples

Staff profile

Dr Maureen Berg

Course leader

"I am an ecologist with specific interests in plant-plant and plant-animal interactions at the community and population level. My research focuses on elucidating how these relationships evolve with changing environmental conditions, and what underlying processes are at play. I have extended experience with riparian and wetland habitat, and I have become particularly interested in Invasive Non-Native plant Species and understanding their direct impacts on habitat changes. Much of the focus of previous work has been on management of wet grasslands and their restoration but this has expanded to wetlands and across taxa through collaborative work.

"I teach a range of topics related to plants, from plant physiology to plant community ecology. Understanding how plants interact with their environment and other species is important to inform management decision and practices. I am a strong believer in research-informed teaching and experiential learning. My teaching style includes lectures, problem-based and data-interpretation exercises as well as group discussion. In addition, I support most of my teaching with practical lab and field classes to help consolidate the material covered in class. I value the time allocated for residential field trips and this allows student to have an immersive experience with ecology."

Dr Maureen Berg profile picture

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Careers

 

 

Professional accreditation 

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).

This programme has been accredited following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers.

The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

By choosing a course with accreditation, you can be confident that your course meets a set of criteria determined by bioscience professionals independent of the university. Accreditation provides a mark of good practice and provides an assurance that you will graduate with appropriate knowledge and skills.

RSB accreditation logo

Prepare for your career 

Gain insight into professional practice, from projects with our industry partners that tie in teaching, research and field trips with current ecological issues such as rewilding.

Develop transferable skills by working in groups with other students from across our natural sciences courses to solve problems, share knowledge and support each other.

Take real life case studies and create an ecological impact assessment mirroring the role of an ecological consultant.

Our careers module in year two includes visits from guest speakers who share their experience with you.

Ecology students shifting through soil samples

Facilities for learning 

Your lab-based learning is in our specialist laboratories which are purpose-built for the study of ecology, molecular biology, and microbiology.

Facilities include a dedicated microbiology lab, primary cell/tissue and secondary cell culture facility, molecular biology lab with access to RT-PCR equipment, an Image Analysis Suite with electron microscopes, a confocal microscope and atomic force microscopes, and a genomics/proteomics facility for analysis of cell genes and proteins.

Biological sciences laboratory virtual tour

Click to view a virtual tour of some of our biosciences facilities.

Professional links  

Connect with our professional networks as visiting lecturers with a range of ecological expertise, from bats to ecological policy, share their insight and knowledge with you.

Our links with local and national organisations provide opportunities for placements, volunteering, projects and individual research in current ecological issues.

Graduate destinations 

Our graduates have gone on to careers in conservation organisations, ecological consultancies, local authorities, scientific research, animal care and teaching.

Others choose to continue their studies at postgraduate level.

Further study 

If you achieve the required standard in year 2, you can progress to the third year of the Ecology and Conservation MRes and study towards a masters-level qualification.

Our Ecology and Conservation BSc(Hons) also opens up a range of postgraduate study options. We have opportunities for further postgraduate study in the following fields, all of which can be a springboard to PhD level:

  • Ecology and Conservation MRes
  • Biological Sciences MRes
  • Natural Sciences MRes

Supporting your employability 

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

  • Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
  • Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
  • Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
  • Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
  • Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
  • Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more...

Coloured background with the words Be More, Connected, Skilled, Emlployable

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

A-levels or BTEC
Entry requirements are in the range of A-level BCC–CCC (104–96 UCAS Tariff points), or BTEC Extended Diploma DMM–MMM. Our conditional offers typically fall within this range.

A-levels must include a science at grade B or C. BTEC must be in a science-based subject.

International Baccalaureate
26 points, with three subjects at Higher level. Higher level subjects must include biology at grade 5.

Access to HE Diploma
Pass with 60 credits overall. Science or similar programme. Must include 12 credits in biology. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 18 at merit or above.

GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4)
At least three GCSEs, subjects must include English language, mathematics and a science.

Foundation degree/HND
May enable you to start the course in year 2.

Studied before or got relevant experience?
A qualification, HE credits or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3. 

English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 14,748 GBP

If you choose to take the professional placement (sandwich) year offered on this course you will pay a reduced fee during this year. Our fee for the professional placement year is £1,330 for UK students and £2,100 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences are listed here.

  • All students are provided with a laboratory coat, safety glasses and log book.
  • A budget to cover laboratory consumables and equipment for your final year project is included in the fees for all students.
  • Access to key subject journals and subject specific databases is provided, as well as a site licence for industry-standard chemical drawing software.
  • Essential instruction booklets (laboratory handbooks) are provided, as is project poster printing and thesis binding. However, you should budget for books, printing and stationery for personal study.
  • The school provides some financial support for social activities via the student societies and holds a free annual graduation party.
  • Optional placements and day trips may include additional costs but this will vary depending on location of the placement.
  • For our ecology and conservation courses there are compulsory field trips for which you should budget up to £200. There are also optional field trips for which you may choose to budget up to £2,700. You may also need to buy appropriate clothing for outdoor use.
  • DBS checks for MPharm students are included in the fee.
  • Costs for MPharm placement travel is reimbursed up to a specified amount depending on location of placement.

You can chat with our enquiries team through the Stay in touch panel at the end of this page if you require further information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships, as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2021–22.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location

Local area

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus. Subjects taught here include architecture, business, computing, construction, engineering, geography, product design, law and pharmacy.

On campus you will find professional-standard facilities including a flight simulator, trading room, design and digital media suites and specialist research laboratories, alongside the library, student centre, a nursery, fitness facilities and Students’ Union. There are excellent public transport links.

The Big Build
A major transformation of our Moulsecoomb campus began in summer 2018. By the time the Big Build is complete, there’ll be new halls of residence, academic building, and Students’ Union and fitness facilities – all created with sustainability, inclusivity and community in mind.

As the development grows it will provide many exciting learning opportunities for our students, ranging from live projects, placements and internships with the companies involved to guest lectures and site visits. Find out more...

The Big Build

Accommodation

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

  • You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
  • Moulsecoomb campus is linked to Varley Park and Moulsecoomb Place halls. All halls are self catered, but if you prefer you can add in a food and drink plan.
    • Varley Park offers a mix of rooms. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent, and there’s a shuttle bus between our Brighton campuses during term time.
    • Moulsecoomb Place halls are all self-catered and are located right on campus.

Want to live independently or in a university-managed house? We can help – find out more about unihomes and unilets or private renting.

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Halls

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Park

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Students eating at the Hub

Students eating at the Hub

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

Stay in touch

Join an online event

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Statistics

These charts give an indication of how much time you will spend on different activities at each level of the course, and an indication of the balance of assessment by coursework, and written and practical exams. For courses with option modules, actual proportions will depend on the modules you choose.

Find out more about how the academic year and degree courses are organised, and about learning and assessment activities you might get to grips with at Brighton. More specific information about this course is detailed in the programme specification (linked above). You can find out also about the range of support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Overall workload

Assessments

Discover Uni

Discover Uni enables you to compare information when choosing a UK university course. All UK universities publish Discover Uni data on their website. Discover Uni will be launching a widget this month that will show top line stats for this course. Once live, the widget will appear below. 

Programme specification

The programme specification is the approved description of each course. They are updated following course changes, and give a detailed breakdown of the content and structure of the course.

Programme specification

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