Ecology and Conservation MSci

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Course structure

Over the course of your degree, you will study core themes in ecology, evolution and diversity, leading to applied elements of ecology such as wildlife conservation and habitat and species techniques. In the final year you will have the opportunity to undertake a research project and develop an area of specialism of your choice.

You will learn through lectures, fieldwork, group work, laboratory classes and independent study. Assessment involves the use of essays, exams, oral presentations and problem-based exercises, which can vary depending on which options you choose.

The course offers a number of field trips to complement your university-based study, including an optional trip to South Africa. Fieldwork is used to contextualise the taught material through real-world activities and provide valuable practical experience.

Our expert staff will support your subject-specific knowledge development and teach you the research, technical, practical and transferable skills that you need to maximise your career prospects. 

Year 1

You will explore the foundations of ecology covering skills for bioscientists, genetics and molecular biology, ecology and conservation, terrestrial ecosystems, and diversity of life. You can also choose from topics such as marine biology, global environmental issues and physical geography.

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.

• A Brief History of Earth

  Explore the evolution of the Earth and its climatic and environmental change over time. You will examine key concepts in the academic disciplines of geology, quaternary science and archaeology, enabling you to understand deep time trajectories alongside more recent climatic and environmental changes, through to the modern epoch of the Anthropocene.

• 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 

In your second year you will cover research skills, professional development, physiology of organisms, managing populations in ecology and conservation, marine and freshwater ecosystems and a field trip to Portugal. You can also choose from a range of options including fieldwork in 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*

• Applied Ecology Field Course OR Ecology and Conservation International Field Course
• Human Origins and Evolution
• Environmental Pollution
• Climate Change
• Sustainable Futures
• GIS and Remote Sensing: Principles and Practice

*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.

Year 3

You will study species interactions, ecological impact assessment, hot topics in ecology and conservation, and undertake an ecology research project. Option modules enable you to choose the subjects that interest you most, and you may also have the opportunity of fieldwork in Brazil.

Modules

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

Options*

• Current Topics in Marine Biology
• Biology Independent Study
• Rivers, Coasts and Wetlands: Assessment and Management
• Humans of Ice Age Britain
• Political Ecology: Contested Environments
• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
• Research Field Skills, Brazil

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

Final year

The focus of your final year is an in-depth research project, working with an academic expert. 

You will further explore the issues of ecology and conservation, advanced taxonomy and survey skills, and choose an option module in an area of interest.

Modules

• Research Project
• Issues in Ecology and Conservation
• Advanced Taxonomy and Survey Skills

Options*

• Ecology and Conservation in Practice (placement)
• Microbiology, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Remediation
• Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
• Applications in Geographical Information Systems
• Hydrology and Pollutant Transport
• Water Quality Analysis
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Case Studies in Environment Assessment and Management

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

Course fees

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2024–25.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• About the university’s fees by checking our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

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