Ecology & Conservation

About this programme

The BSc (Hons) in Ecology and Conservation covers the topics to help train the future conservation scientists and practitioners that we need to tackle the biodiversity crisis. It includes the broad foundations that any biologist needs, such as the ecology of terrestrial and aquatic environments, the process of evolution and speciation, adaptive physiology of plants and animals, and molecular ecology, as well as more specialist topics such as biodiversity, sustainable development, population demography, conservation problems and conservation solutions, all within a framework of quantitative, predictive ecology. The BSc (Hons) in Ecology and Conservation is a four-year course run by the School of Biology. The programme begins with a broad foundation in biology and then progresses to ecology and evolution with options across a range of relevant topics. It incorporates substantial practical and field training, and development of quantitative skills. Alongside biology, in the first year of your studies you will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year, you might carry on at least one of these subjects, sometimes two. Find out more about how academic years are organised . In third year, there is a shift from core, broad-themed modules to more specialised modules that allow students to prepare for their Honours degree. In fourth year, students continue specific research in their chosen area through student-led, inquiry-based learning. You also have the opportunity to apply for Vertically Integrated Project Modules (VIPs) , which are research-based mo