Programme structure
Please note that the optional modules offered are subject to change depending on staff availability, timetabling and student demand.
Over the three years of the programme, you will learn about the science of conservation and ecology, building up your knowledge of biology, evolution, behaviour and genetics. You will gain skills that are essential for working conservationists and ecologists, including wildlife identification and data handling.
You will progress through your degree by studying modules and accumulating credits as you successfully complete them; you have to complete 120 credits per year in order to progress through the programme.
First year
You will take modules covering a broad spectrum of topics in biology, ecology and conservation, plus your choices from related programmes, to prepare you for your advanced specialist modules in years two and three. Biology modules based on field trips, led by wildlife specialists, are an exciting aspect of the programme, during which you will survey a wide range of animals and plants, from marine mammals to heathland flowers, in their natural environments, recording how they interact with their surroundings and humans. Identification and collation of these observations from South West England is a requirement of these modules. In addition, you can choose one module from Geography or Geology (subject to timetabling and availability).
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
You must choose 2 optional modules totalling 30 credits. At least 15 credits must be from the list below; up to 30 credits may be approved modules from another subject in the University (timetable permitted).
| Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Genetics | 15 |
| Physiology | 15 |
Second year
Compulsory modules
| Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Biodiversity and Conservation | 15 |
| Critical Thinking and Scientific Reasoning | 15 |
| Population and Community Ecology | 15 |
| Analysis of Biological Data | 15 |
Optional modules
You must choose a number of optional modules totalling 60 credits. At least 30 credits must be from the list below; up to 30 credits may be approved modules from other another subject in the University (timetable permitted).
Third year
Compulsory modules
| Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Research Project | 40 |
| Preparing to Graduate | 5 |
| Spain Field Course OR Africa Field Course OR Disseration in Conservation and Ecology |
15 30 15 |
Optional modules
You must choose a number of optional modules, totalling 45-60 credits from the list below.
Final MSci year
If you choose the four year MSci programme (available for 2014 entry) you will spend your fourth year on two projects focused on a specialised area aligned with one of our leading research groups, one of which will be in partnership with an external organisation, plus a two week intensive field course.
