BSc Ecology and Conservation

Typical course content

The modules below provide an example of the typical course content for the BSc Ecology and Conservation degree. This constitutes a series of compulsory, core and optional modules amounting to eight modular units each academic year. Optional modules can be modules from outside the faculty, including Curriculum Innovation modules, and a language module, which can count towards your degree.

Students who have not taken A-level Chemistry are also able to take Introduction to Chemistry, which will provide sufficient background and insight into the subject for further studies.

Certain 2nd or 3rd year optional modules may require specified pre-requisites modules from previous years.

Patterns of Life
Macromolecules of Life
Experimental and Field Biology
Ecology & Evolution
Systems Physiology
Cell Biology & Genetics
Core Skills in the Life Sciences

Metabolism & Metabolic Disorders
Integrative Mammalian Physiology
Cell and Tissue Histology
Introduction to Marine Ecology
The Living Earth

Quantitative Methods in Biological and Environmental Science
Pure and Applied Population Ecology
Evolution
New Forest Field Course

Animal Behaviour
Plant Development and Function
Vertebrate Development
Environmental Microbiology
Cell Biology
Exploring Proteins: Structure and Function
Neuroscience
Flow of Genetic Information
Biotechnology and the Living Cell
Adaptive Physiology
Neural Basis of Behaviour
Phytoplankton and Primary Production
Ecological Processes in the Marine Benthos
Biological Sciences Study Abroad

One of the following research project modules:
Laboratory Research Project
Field Research Project
In-Silico Research Project
Bioscience Business
Bioscience Education
External Research Project

Or a combination of two of the following modules:
Literature-based Research Project
Science Communication
Extended Science Communication
Short Field Research Project

Applied Ecology
Biodiversity and Conservation
Topics in Ecology and Evolution
Global Change Biology
Fluxes, Cycles, and Microbial Communities
Tropical Ecology Field Course

Evolution and Development
Applied Plant Biology
Biofilms and Microbial Communities
Biogeography
Zooplankton Ecology and Processes
Palaeoclimate Change
Marine Fisheries Ecology
Current Topics of Cell Biology
Plant Cell Biology
Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Cellular and Genetic Aspects of Animal Development

Our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers you the chance to take optional modules outside of your chosen subject area. This allows you to personalise your education, to develop new skills and knowledge for your future. Modules range from "Living and working on the web" to "Business skills for employability".

View the Curriculum Innovation modules for this course

Some of our courses also give you the option of taking a language module, which can count towards your degree. These modules cover ten languages and range from absolute beginner to near-native speaker level.

View the language modules on offer for this course

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide or website).