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Top reasons to choose this course

• 98% of our students are positive about the teaching on this course in the National Students’ Survey NSS 2024.
• Professional accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology.
• Fieldwork opportunities in places such as South Africa and Shropshire, and in the rich local environment.
• Travel and accommodation included in the fees for mandatory residential trips to locations such as Shropshire (go to the Fees and costs section for more info).
• Specialist facilities such as our aquatic suite, GIS lab, and ecology, microbiology, molecular biology and tissue culture labs.
• Get involved in our research in areas such as micropollutants, invasive species and aquatic environments, and reintroducing species.
• Guest lecturers and optional placement year.

Year 1

You will explore the key principles of ecology and conservation, and develop the essential skills that a professional bioscientist needs.

Modules

• Fundamentals of Marine and Freshwater Biology

  This module introduces the principles of marine and freshwater biology by examining the evolution  and diversity of aquatic flora and fauna. You'll focus on physical and chemical aspects of aquatic ecosystems, their impact on the populations of organisms that live in the ecosystems, and how organisms adapt to their environments. Practical sessions will cover methods for collecting, handling and analysing scientific data, as well as developing effective science communication skills.

• 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.

• Fundamentals in Genetics and Evolution

  Genetics is fundamental to understanding life sciences. In this module you will gain an understanding of how information is stored and inherited in living organisms. You will consider genetics from the perspectives of DNA structure, gene expression, genome replication, heredity, genes in populations, and evolution. You'll also be introduced to DNA-based laboratory techniques. 

• Introduction to Microorganisms and Plants

  This module looks at the classification of the living world, focusing on the structures and patterns in microorganisms and plants. You'll explore taxonomic groups considering of key features, increased complexity of structure, and their ecological role and importance. You'll develop an integrated approach to the diversity of these organisms, linking evolutionary theory with biology, form and function of organisms.

• 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.

Year 2

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

Modules

Core modules

• Population Biology for Conservation

  This module will teach you about the conceptual aspects of wildlife populations, their conservation and management, and how behaviour serves as the fundamental link between single organisms and population processes. You will study population genetic mechanisms, such as genetic drift and inbreeding, and how these interact to influence threatened species. You will also discuss the dynamics of current and future threats to surviving populations and learn to interpret population biology data.

• GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice

  This module will help you develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the areas of optical Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and apply this learning to real-world situations in the geographical, geological and environmental sciences. You will be encouraged to engage in spatial and digital computing, remote sensing, data handling and problem solving so you become proficient at using remote sensing and GIS software.

• Research Skills and Professional Development

  This module will enable you to develop the skills and knowledge required to improve your graduate career opportunities. You’ll grow your understanding of the role of experimental design in the data collection stage of a laboratory investigation and enhance your skills in the analysis of such data. You will also gain investigative, reflective, communication, self-presentation and digital literacy skills relevant to career planning and development.

• Animal Diversity and Adaptations

  This module will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the vast diversity of the animal kingdom and the various adaptations that have evolved to enable animals to survive and thrive in different, and sometimes extreme, environments. You will explore the principles of animal classification, evolutionary processes and the remarkable range of functional adaptations exhibited by animals.

• Marine and Freshwater Ecology

  This module will develop your knowledge of global marine and freshwater habitats. You will investigate and discuss the diversity of habitats, including lentic, lotic, transitional and marine systems, and explore aquatic systems, from source to sea. The module will cover a range of human-made impacts and conservation issues related to the disturbance of systems and species. A series of one-day field trips will enhance your practical abilities, including survey techniques and identification skills.

Options*

• Climate Change

  Many consider climate change to be the most important global-scale environmental issue of our time, and in this module you will gain an overview of contemporary debates in this area. Following an introduction to the scientific context of the subject, you’ll explore the potential environmental, social, economic and political impacts of climate change. You will discuss mitigation, adaptation and enhancing resilience, and consider the unknowns in climate change science. Practical sessions will focus on methods for generating and analysing climate change-related information.

• Sustainable Futures

  This module will introduce you to historical and contemporary debates around sustainability and encourage you to ‘think spatially’ about environmental and social inequalities associated with approaches to sustainability and sustainable development through relevant case studies. Topics might include vulnerabilities and conflicts in water supply systems, food security and food sovereignty. A field visit to Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ will help you explore pathways to sustainability in practice and provide a firsthand context in which to deepen critical engagement with key sustainable development debate.

• Applied Conservation Field Course (UK)

  This module takes the form of lectures, workshops and field days that will provide you with training in ecological census, monitoring and evaluation techniques and the collection of field data. As part of a personal project, you will be able to design and undertake individual field investigations. You will gain practical experience and expand your knowledge of applied ecological issues such as land management, environmental assessment and conservation of rare species.

• Environmental Pollution

  This module investigates how society manages pollution in order to protect human health and the natural environment. You'll examine changing attitudes to pollution and how environment management and technology can be used for pollution control. You’ll explore sustainability and technologies in relation to the management of waste, air quality, water, wastewater and noise pollution.

• Ecology and Conservation International Field course

  The exact content of this module depends upon location as it features a combination of lectures and workshops which take place during an international residential field trip. You will learn ecological census, monitoring and evaluation techniques and how to collect field data while experiencing and learning about the ecology of a specific ecosystem outside of the UK. You’ll be able to design and undertake individual field investigations as well developing your teamwork, communication and presentation skills.

*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 your Ecology and Conservation degree, and undertake an ecology research project. Option modules mean you can choose the subjects that interest you most.

Modules

Core modules

• Ecological Impact Assessment

  Using a hands-on approach, this module gives you an overview of Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) processes within the current legal context and requirements. You will adopt the role of consultant and undertake surveys using biodiversity metric tools to complete a Preliminary Ecological Assessment leading to an EcIA, produce a technical report and discuss limitation and mitigation opportunities associated with the assignment.

• Ecology Project

  In this module you will demonstrate core research skills by pursuing an independent and original scientific investigation in the field of ecology and report on the results. Studying independently, you will produce a full project report in the format of a scientific paper and present a summary of the project in poster format which will be assessed through an oral examination. You will be supported with key skills workshops and supervisory guidance throughout.

• Species Interactions

  The biology, behaviour and ecology of most species are influenced by their interactions with other organisms. This module will help you develop an appreciation for the complexities of relationships between plants and animals, animals and microbes, and plants and microbes. There will be an emphasis on understanding the positive and negative species interactions, including the role of organisms in the spread of disease, as well as researching the nature of interspecies relationships as drivers for ecosystem development.

• Hot Topics in Ecology and Conservation

  Providing an ecological perspective to some of the problems associated with human exploitation of the environment, this module explores how knowledge of ecology and conservation may help manage these issues and improve understanding. You will focus on ways to address global priorities – including sustainable agricultural and agroecosystems, ecosystem services and nature-based solutions, restoration and rewilding – and explore the pressing challenges in ecology and conservation, such as climate change, disconnection to nature, invasive species and human-wildlife conflict.

Options*

• The Humans of Ice Age Britain

  In this module you will explore the past and current theories surrounding human origins and evolution. You will develop a critical understanding of the British Palaeolithic record and the occupation of Britain by various human species over the last million years. Various lines of evidence will be considered including a site-by-site analysis of geology, fossil material, archaeological material, palaeogenetic studies, and evidence for palaeoclimate change.

• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing

  This advanced module on spatial and digital computing will strengthen the data-handling and critical thinking skills you gained in the GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice module. It will teach you the expertise needed to identify and critically examine geographical and wider environmental issues. The module delivers theoretical knowledge and practical skills to help you retain and reapply geospatial information to unfamiliar contexts, so you are able to develop novel solutions and evaluate outcomes.

• Biology Independent Study Module

  This independent study module gives you the opportunity to thoroughly research key areas of a topical issue in contemporary biosciences to a level not possible in other taught modules. You will choose two topics related to your degree subject in which you will be able to specialise. By focusing on areas of specific personal interest, you will further develop transferable skills such as planning, written and communication skills.

• Political Ecology: Contested Environments

  In this module you will explore global environmental challenges through the lens of political ecology which provides a framework for the critical thinking needed to examine power and the politics of nature-society interactions. You will study themes including resource access; property and ecosystem management; colonial-capitalist natures and the rights of Indigenous people; coloniality, extractivism and conflict; socio-natures and urban infrastructures; environmental identities; and political subjectivities.

• Current Topics in Aquatic Environments

  In this module you will examine the major environmental processes that are important to aquatic habitats such as rivers, coasts and marine ecosystems. Site visits will facilitate the critical evaluation of selected aquatic habitats so you can gain an understanding of anthropogenic impacts – for example climate change, renewable energy and over-exploitation of resources – as well as natural disturbances, and explore opportunities for mitigation and restoration of disturbed sites.

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

Staff profile

"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 £1,500 for UK students and £1,850 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

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

• Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and (pdf) for more on University of Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ tuition fees.

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