Ecology and Conservation

University of Plymouth

The BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation programme is designed to provide students with the biological expertise, both from a theoretical and practical perspective, to appraise, monitor and manage species, habitats and ecosystems for conservation purposes. Students study the essential aspects of ecology, behaviour, evolution, and genetics, building a sound theoretical framework for the understanding of organism, population, species and community function. Students also examine the challenges facing real-world conservation, exploring ethical/welfare issues and stakeholder/community engagement. They then focus on gaining expertise in specific analytical techniques, approaches and practices to enable them to apply that knowledge to both in- and ex situ conservation issues, as well as sustainable land management and development. The aim of this degree is to train a new generation of ecologists and conservation biologists, preparing them with both the theoretical background and the practical knowledge and skills to enable them to contribute to the future of ecology and conservation at home and abroad. This programme forms part of the Biology Subject Group (BSG) undergraduate degree scheme (including Zoology and Biological Sciences) and encourages students to explore, disseminate and analyse important contemporary developments in ecology and conservation biology. The course complements and interacts with other degree programmes offered by the School of Biological and Marine Sciences (e.g. Biological Sciences, Zoology, Marine Biology, and Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology). Key features of the Ecology and Conservation degree are:
• a strong scientific foundation in theoretical aspects of ecology, behaviour, evolution and genetics.
• in-depth field study of both plants and animals, including two field courses during the degree in Year 1 and Year 2. Students are offered the choice of two international residential field courses or two local (UK) field courses (or a mix of both), which help develop field techniques and familiarise students with a wide range of ecosystems.
• practical experience and skills development in analytical techniques and management tools employed by practitioners working within ecology and conservation.
• consideration of current contemporary issues in ecology and conservation.
• strong external links with local conservation organisations, government organisations and ecological consultancies. Key features of the wider BSG scheme are:
• a strong system of student support and monitoring via Personal Tutors.
• an emphasis on experiential learning via practical classes in the laboratory, in the field and at the computer.
• the possibility of transfer to other programmes within the BSG scheme after Level 4.
• a strong emphasis on research-informed teaching throughout Levels 4 to 6 (but particularly level 6).
• the opportunity of a placement year after Level 5 making use of our external links with relevant organisations.
• an extended personal research project at Level 6.
• the involvement of external organisations in teaching, practicals and field work.