Ecology and Conservation
(BSc) Ecology and Conservation
Entry for 2025
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 6 in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course learning outcomes
Demonstrate a systematic and conceptual understanding of biological phenomena at a variety of levels, from molecular processes and genetics to organismal biology and ecosystems
Demonstrate systematic understanding and knowledge of the diversity, classification and evolution of life on Earth and its spatial and temporal variation, and of how principles of evolutionary biology underpin ecology, conservation and sustainability
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the interactions between organisms and their environment including population dynamics and community structure and biodiversity.
Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between ecological science and conservation practice, and of how conservation biology draws upon earth, life and social sciences, including policy, sustainability and human interactions with natural systems.
Demonstrate an ability to access, synthesise, critically evaluate and present ecological information from a variety of sources, including experimental data and primary literature, and an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of the current state of knowledge.
Demonstrate a range of practical field and laboratory techniques relevant to ecology and conservation, including experimental and survey design, animal and plant species identification, data collection and safety competencies
Analyse, interpret and critically evaluate environmental/ecological data, applying the appropriate qualitative/quantitative methods for a specified research objective with an appreciation of their advantages and disadvantages, using modern software for graphics, presentation and statistical analyses
Understand the underpinning ethical principles, potential impacts and social dimensions of science and scientific research
Work cooperatively in a team to develop and execute an independent project
Communicate rigorous scientific information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences both orally and in writing and in different media and formats including reports and posters
Research the opportunities and requirements for graduate careers, and demonstrate the skills and attributes required to progress to employment or graduate study.
Full-time course composition
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.