Ecology and Conservation BSc(Hons)

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.

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.

• Past Landscapes and People

  This module introduces key concepts surrounding past societies and the way they viewed, interacted with, and changed their environment. You will explore the techniques and theories that archaeologists use to engage with the past, and how the subject of archaeology interacts with physical and human geography. You will explore human impacts on past environments and put how the modern landscape has been created through the human activities into context. 

• Global Environmental Challenges

  This module introduces pressing global environmental challenges 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.

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 Origins and Evolution
• Environmental Pollution
• Climate Change
• Sustainable Futures
• GIS and Remote Sensing

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

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.

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
• River, Coasts and Wetlands: Assessment and Management
• Water, Sanitation and Health
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Atmosphere, Weather and Climate
• 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.

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."

Course fees

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 £1,410 for UK students and £2,180 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2023–24.

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.

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Local area

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Support and wellbeing

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