BSc Ecology (C180)

Course Code UNU1C180301
Duration 3 Years
Attendance Full Time
Award Degree of Bachelor of Science

Overview
Why Choose Us
Requirements
Course Profile
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Overview

This is a single Honours programme which is recognised as one of the finest and most comprehensive in the country. It is the fruit of a unique collaboration between the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Environmental Sciences at UEA, Norwich, providing unrivalled opportunities for studying population biology, conservation and related topics ranging from the molecular genetics of populations, plant science and animal behaviour, to environmental management and environmental aspects of economics and politics.

The course also benefits greatly from specialist teaching by the staff of two affiliated Institutes, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Lowestoft) and the British Trust for Ornithology (Thetford), among other local organisations. Field courses are an important element of the teaching.

Course Organiser

Prof Tony Davy

Course Brochure

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Related Courses

Why Choose Us?

Biological Sciences now offer 20 different full-time undergraduate degree programmes (plus three part-time degrees) in a wide range of subjects. Approximately 150 new undergraduates join us each year to study Biological Sciences (including a range of specialised programmes), Biomedicine, Biochemistry and Ecology.

Our students also have the opportunity of studying abroad for a year in either Europe, North America or Australasia, or spending a year in industry. Indeed we are one of a very few departments in the UK able to offer such a comprehensive spectrum of biology-related degree programmes.

Two of the distinguishing features of the degree courses we offer are excellence and choice. You are able to choose from a large number of degree programmes composed of a wide range of teaching modules. Lectures and seminars introduce the latest ideas and understanding of biology, and you will gain a thorough training in modern experimental methodology through hands-on practical or fieldwork sessions.

Why Study Biology?

The biological sciences comprise a broad range of inter-linked disciplines which encompass the study of life from the molecular level, through cells, tissues and organisms, to populations and ecosystems.

As well as being intellectually interesting, advances in the Biological Sciences have direct relevance to our everyday lives. Examples of this are to be found in new medical treatments, increased agricultural output, the protection of endangered species and the development of new food products. These breakthroughs have improved the quality of life for millions of people over the past few decades, and led to a greater understanding of our impact on the environment and the need for better resource management and conservation.

Some examples of recent advances include:

The development of new vaccines
The development of rapid and accurate diagnostic tests for infectious diseases
The production of recombinant hormones in bacteria, e.g. insulin for the treatment of diabetes
The development of new techniques for the forensic detection of crimeThe development of disease and drought resistant strains of crop plants
The designation of thousands of wildlife reserves and national parks worldwide to protect and conserve endangered species and areas of special ecological interest
The development of biological control techniques to combat weeds and pests thereby reducing the use of herbicides and insecticides
The development of bioremediation – using naturally occurring plants or microbes to clean up pollution, e.g. oil spills

Continuing research into the biological sciences is essential if we are to overcome problems such as cancer, HIV and tuberculosis, find ways to treat or cure genetic diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy and Cystic Fibrosis, unlock the secrets encoded in the Human Genome Sequence, protect endangered species, conserve ‘at risk’ habitats, and combat threats such as bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases. Biological Scientists are at the forefront of biomedical, pharmaceutical, agricultural and ecological research, so if you are looking for an exciting, flexible field of study with excellent career prospects, both within science and in the wider employment market, then look no further than the biological sciences.

Entry Requirements

A Level ABB to include Biology.
International Baccalaureate 32 points including 3 HL subjects at Grade 5 including Biology.
Scottish Highers AABBB including Biology and one other science.
Scottish Advanced Highers ABB including Biology. Other Sciences at Advanced Higher level would confer an advantage.
Irish Leaving Certificate AABBBB at Higher Level including Biology and at least two other science subjects.
Access Course See below
HND Please contact university for further information
European Baccalaureate 75% overall, including 7.5 in Biology.

Students for whom English is a foreign language

If English is not your first language you must have a recognised English Language qualification: Minimum IELTS 6.0 with a 5.5 in each sub-section, or TOEFL 550 (213 CBT / 80 IBT). Please contact us for more information about other qualifications that we may consider.

If you do not meet the academic and or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:

International Foundation in the Sciences

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

A2-level Biology is required for this course. In addition to this, applicants are asked to have two other A2-level subjects. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 credits in Biology.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics and English Language at minimum of Grade C or above at GCSE Level.

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3

Year 1

Essential Study (100 credits)

Students will select 100 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Biodiversity An introduction to the evolution of the major groups of microorganisms, plants and animals. The module considers structural, physiological and life-cycle characteristics of these organisms. It charts the development of life on land and interprets evolutionary responses to changing environments. Students on this module are strongly advised to also take BIO-1A4Y and BIO-1A6Y. more...	BIO-1A03	20	Semester 1
Evolution, Behaviour and Ecology This module introduces the main ideas in behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology and ecology. It concentrates on outlining concepts as well as describing examples. Specific topics to be covered include the genetical basis of evolution by natural selection, systematics and phylogeny, the adaptive interpretation of animal sexual and social behaviour, ecological processes and population biology. more...	BIO-1A04	20	Semester 2
Global Environmental Challenges What are the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world today? How do we understand these problems through cutting-edge environmental science research? What are the possibilities for building sustainable solutions to address them in policy and society? In this module you will tackle these questions by taking an interdisciplinary approach to consider challenges relating to climate change, biodiversity, water resources, natural hazards, and technological risks. In doing so you will gain an insight into environmental science research `in action' and develop essential academic study skills needed to explore these issues. Please note this module is only available for ENV students and BIO Ecology students only. more...	ENV-1A29	20	Semester 1
Issues and Approaches in Ecology THIS MODULE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS ON ECOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAMMES. Small group seminars are used to introduce students to the primary literature. A programme of field trips will introduce students to a range of habitats and give practice in useful techniques of data collection. THIS MODULE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO YEAR 1 (ECOLOGY) STUDENTS. THIS MODULE IS NOT AVAILABLE TO VISITING/EXCHANGE STUDENTS. more...	BIO-1A8Y	20	Year Period
Maths and Statistics for Biologists A combination of lectures and workshops will be used to introduce a range of topics in maths and statistics that are absolutely essential for a contemporary undergraduate studying the biological sciences. THIS MODULE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO YEAR 1 STUDENTS. THIS MODULE IS NOT AVAILABLE TO VISITING/EXCHANGE STUDENTS. more...	BIO-1A6Y	10	Year Period
Skills for Biologists This year-long module combines small-group seminars with supporting lecture-based sessions. Material will support modules BIO-1A13, 1A14, 1A03 and 1A04. Students will learn how to access scientific material and to use it critically in essays, oral presentations and posters. This module will explore how such scientific material is disseminated to scientists and to the general public. There will also be data handling exercises. THIS MODULE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO YEAR 1 STUDENTS. THIS MODULE IS NOT AVAILABLE TO VISITING/EXCHANGE STUDENTS. more...	BIO-1A4Y	10	Year Period

Option A Study (20 credits)

Students will select 20 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Biodiversity in A Changing World Briefly introduces a wide range of major topics in conservation ecology, coupled with concepts relevant to the structure and functioning of the rapidly changing biosphere, from ecosystem, through community, population, behavioural, physiological to molecular ecology and conservation genetics. PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO STUDENTS REGISTERED IN THE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, AND ECOLOGY STUDENTS. Taught in second half of semester. more...	ENV-1A26	10	Semester 2
Earth's Chemical Processes 1 This module provides an introduction to chemical processes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, seawater, soils, sediments and rocks. Both the natural and anthropogenically perturbed system will be considered. This module assumes no previous chemical knowledge and will include a basic chemistry component. Students with previous experience of chemistry (A, AS level or equivalent) should take Earth's Chemical Processes 2. more...	ENV-1A32	10	Semester 2
Earth's Chemical Processes II This module provides an introduction to chemical processes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, seawater, soils, sediments and rocks. Both the natural and anthropogenically perturbed system will be considered. Students taking this module are expected to have previous experience of Chemistry at A, AS Levels or equivalent. Taught in the second half of semester. more...	ENV-1A34	10	Semester 2
Sustainability and Society Striking a balance between societal development, economic growth and environmental protection has proven difficult and controversial. The terms `sustainability' and `sustainable development' have been used in attempts to reconcile these three areas. Yet the ill-defined and contradictory nature of these concepts has also hampered their implementation. This module considers sustainability in theory and practice by examining the relationships between environment and society, through the contributions of a variety of social science disciplines. Taught in the first half of semester. more...	ENV-1A28	10	Semester 2

Year 2

Essential Study (60 credits)

Students will select 60 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Community, Ecosystem and Macro-Ecology The module will introduce the main concepts in community, ecosystem and macro-ecology - patterns and processes related to species richness; diversity; stability; succession; primary and secondary productivity and energy flows. We will then examine how these concepts aid our understanding of the functioning of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. more...	BIO-2B26	20	Semester 2
Field Ecology Students explore the ecology of moorlands, bogs, sand dunes, rocky shores, estuaries and woodlands. Students should develop skills in identifying plants and animals using scientific keys, carrying out quantitative surveys and statistically analysing their data. Strong emphasis is placed on student-lead project work. The bulk of the teaching takes place on a two week field course in Western Ireland, that runs immediately before the start of the Autumn Semester. more...	BIO-2B21	20	Semester 1
Interactions and Populations In this module we will look closely at how interactions between individuals determine the structure and functioning of populations. We will consider both antagonistic interactions between members of different trophic levels, their evolution and their possible co-evolution. Consideration of competition will lead into the population consequences of both within trophic level and between trophic level interactions. We will then move on to consider spatially explicit population processes including meta population dynamics and possible ecological responses to climate change including range shifts. Students taking this module must have a background in basic statistics and have taken any Level 1 ecology module in ENV or BIO, or equivalent. more...	ENV-2A35	20	Semester 1

Option A Study (60 credits)

Students will select 60 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Aquatic Ecology An analysis of how chemical, physical and biological influences shape the biological communities of rivers, lakes and estuaries in temperate and tropical regions. There is an important practical component to this module that includes laboratory work and three field visits. The first piece of course work involves statistical analysis of class data. The module can be taken alongside geochemical and hydrological modules and also fits well with other ecology modules. Pre-requisite requirements: An A-level in a biological subject, a biologically biased access course or any 1st year ecology module in ENV or BIO. Students must have a background in basic statistics. more...	ENV-2A01	20	Semester 1
Behavioural Ecology In this module, the interrelationships between animal behaviour, ecology and evolution will be explored. Students will examine how behaviour has evolved to maximise survival and reproduction in the natural environment. Darwinian principles will provide the theoretical framework, within which the module will seek to explain the ultimate function of animal behaviours. Concepts and examples will be developed through the lecture series, exploring behaviours in the context of altruism, optimality, foraging, and particularly reproduction, the key currency of evolutionary success. In parallel with the lectures, students will design, conduct, analyse and present their own research project, collecting original data to answer a question about the adaptive significance of behaviour. more...	BIO-2B18	20	Semester 2
Environmental Analytical Chemistry This module is designed to teach skills necessary for the acquisition of good quality chemical data in environmental systems, and in the interpretation of this data. The module will focus on the collection of environmental samples for chemical analysis, methods of chemical analysis and the analytical and mathematical techniques used for data quality control. There will be a large component of practical work. This module will be particularly relevant for those wishing to do a chemistry-related project later in their degree. Taught in the first half of the semester. more...	ENV-2A92	10	Semester 2
Evolutionary Biology The aim of this module is to provide a background in the concepts and principles of evolutionary biology. It includes discussion of genetic variation, population genetics, natural selection, population structure, ecological adaptation, life history characteristics, speciation, interactions among species, biological diversity, phylogeny and molecular ecology and biogeography. Workshop discussions are held weekly. more...	BIO-2B10	20	Semester 2
Gis Skills for Dissertations This module focuses on the practical use of GIS for dissertations. After an introductory `refresher' of GIS basics it will review the different techniques that can be used to create and edit data in a GIS, as well as existing digital databases from which map data can be extracted and downloaded. Particular attention will be given to Ordnance Survey mapping for the UK, but other international resources will also be discussed. The module will emphasise issues of error and uncertainty as they apply to spatial data and introduce the use of the ArcGIS ModelBuilder as a way of documenting and efficiently repeating more complex analysis procedures. Assessment will be through a small group project involving the download, integration, analysis and display of spatial data. Taught in the second half of the semester. more...	ENV-2A94	10	Semester 2
Human Physiology The module aims to provide an understanding of the physiology of several organ systems found within the human body. Learning Outcomes: On completion of the module it is expected the student will have gained an understanding of: - Information transmission within the body by the nervous system and the integrative processes within the spinal cord and brain. - Reaction to the environment through reception of external stimuli by sensory receptors, such as the eye. - Effector systems, including muscle contraction and its control. - Respiration, gas transport, blood circulation and heart function. - Kidney function in excretion and in water and mineral ion homeostasis - The digestive system and nutrition, including patterns of health and sickness. - Endocrine regulation and integration, including reproduction cycles in the female. The module is backed up with a comprehensive programme of practical work involving human physiological experiments. more...	BIO-2B05	20	Semester 1
Microbiology A broad module covering all aspects of the biology of microorganisms, providing key knowledge for specialist Level 3 modules. Detailed description is given about the cell biology of bacteria, fungi and protists together with microbial physiology, genetics and environmental and applied microbiology. The biology of disease-causing microorganisms (bacteria, viruses) and prions is also covered. Practical work provides hands-on experience of important microbiological techniques, and expands on concepts introduced in lectures. The module should appeal to biology students across a wide range of disciplines and interests. more...	BIO-2B28	20	Semester 2
Plant Biology This module aims to provide an appreciation of modern plant biology with an emphasis on development, signalling and response to the environment. It consists of practical classes and lectures. It encompasses molecular genetics, molecular, biochemical and physiological perspectives, and affords an understanding of aspects of plant and plant cell function including photosynthesis and the mechanisms by which plants perceive and respond to biotic and abiotic environments. more...	BIO-2B07	20	Semester 1
Research Skills for Social Scientists The study of society and its relationship to the natural environment poses distinct research challenges and social science presents a range of approaches and methods with which to address these problems. This module provides an introduction to the theory and practice of social science research. It covers research design, sampling, data collection, data analysis and interpretation, and presentation of results. It is recommended for any student intending to carry out a social science-based research project. Taught in the first half of the semester. more...	ENV-2A90	10	Semester 2
Soil Processes and Environmental Issues This module will combine lectures, practicals, seminars and fieldwork to provide students with an appreciation of the soil environment and the processes that occurs within it. The module will progress through: basic soil components/properties; soil identification and classification; soil as a habitat; soil organisms; soil functions; the agricultural environment; soil-organism-agrochemical interaction; soil contamination; soil and climate change. more...	ENV-2A27	20	Semester 1

Year 3

Compulsory Study (40 credits)

Students will select 40 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Ecology Research Project THIS MODULE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS ON ECOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAMMES. Students design and undertake an independent research project under the supervision of staff members from the Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation (CEEC). Students may choose to conduct fieldwork in the summer preceding the 3rd year or during the school year. more...	BIO-3C9Y	40	Year Period

Option A Study (80 credits)

Students will select 80 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Biodiversity Conservation and Human Society This is an inter-disciplinary module focusing on the interaction between ecology, biodiversity and human societies. It examines the human drivers of biodiversity loss, the importance of biodiversity to human society, conflicts between human society and conservation and how these can be resolved, and institutions for biodiversity conservation and environmental management. It is designed for students of Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Geography and International Development and Development Studies. This inter-disciplinary module does not require previous detailed knowledge of ecological mechanisms; where a simple understanding of key ecological processes is important, this will be reviewed and taught in class. Key principles, issues and theory are covered in lectures by UEA faculty. These are supported by case studies from external speakers working in conservation, environmental and resource management agencies and NGOs. The module will comprise 2 core lectures plus one workshop / seminar / outside speaker each week. The module will be assessed by a spring semester exam and coursework designed to develop skills in reviewing and interpreting evidence to non-scientists. This will comprise a briefing paper written for non-specialist policy makers, reviewing scientific evidence and areas of uncertainty on a conservation topic, and providing recommendations for UK government policy and identifying research needed, involving both group (written report max 1500 words, conducted in pairs) and individual (powerpoint slideshow: a summary presentation for policy makers) elements. There are no formal prerequisites, but the module complements and builds on a number of 200 level module including: ENV / BIO 200 level core ecology modules (ie, populations, processes), ENV2A8Y Economics of the Environment, ENV-2A06 Environmental Politics and Policy Making, DEV-2C63 Natural Resources for Development II, DEV-2D64 Natural Resources for Development III. more...	ENV-3A17	20	Semester 1
Biological Oceanography and Marine Ecology This module examines the microbial processes that underpin our dependence on the marine environment for `services' such as climate modulation and nutrient regeneration. The module will cover the evolution, biodiversity and molecular ecology of bacteria, diatoms, coccolithophores and nitrogen fixers, and the physiology and distribution of zooplankton. Example ecosystems such as the Antarctic, mid ocean gyres and Eastern Boundary Upwelling Systems will be studied in detail and predictions of the impact of environmental change (increasing temperature, decreasing pH, decreasing oxygen, and changes in nutrient supply) on marine ecosystem dynamics will be examined. Biological oceanographic methods will be critically evaluated. It is hoped the module will include lectures from scientists from the Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) and British Antarctic Survey (BAS). more...	ENV-3A15	20	Semester 1
Earth and Life This module introduces Earth system science, taking a top-down approach to the Earth as a whole system, and tracing its development since its formation 4.5 billion years ago. The main focus is on the coupled evolution of life and its environment through a series of revolutions. Theoretical approaches are introduced, including Gaia, feedback mechanisms and systems theory, and practical sessions use models to build up conceptual understanding. The subject is inherently inter-disciplinary, including aspects of biology, chemistry and physics, and unifying the study of climate and global biogeochemical cycles. Co-taught with ENV-MA38. more...	ENV-3A38	20	Semester 2
Evolutionary Biology and Conservation Genetics This module takes students from the fundamental tools of the molecular ecologist through to their use to address issues in the modern era of both evolutionary biology and conservation. Population genetic and phylogenetic theory and methodology are examined to provide the student with the critical means to both carry out and assess the use of modern molecular techniques in such areas as evolutionary biology, conservation genetics, behavioural ecology, and phylogeography. more...	BIO-3C24	20	Semester 2
Field Course to East Africa This fourteen-day field course to a remote part of north-western Kenya is set provisionally to run in late June/early July 2013 and only if 24 students accept a place. A significant personal contribution towards costs is required. The field course will be advertised in November 2012 via emails to eligible students and applications are made directly to the module organizer. Places will be offered and must be accepted before the Christmas Break. Planning begins in February 2013 and preparatory sessions are held throughout the Spring Semester. All preparation sessions are compulsory and involve lectures (1-2 pm on Wednesdays), tutorials for working groups (unslotted), first-aid training and attendance at a travel clinic. With the help of a project adviser, three-person groups develop a project design that will test in Kenya hypotheses in ecology, social science or an interdisciplinary combination of these. Different projects have different learning outcomes depending on the subject of the project. All projects work within limits set by health and safety. This module is incompatible with any Spring semester module that uses Wednesdays 1-2 pm for formal or informal classes. more...	ENV-3A55K	20	Semester 1
Food Domestication and Sustainability Scientists have recently been delivered with the challenge to double food production over the next 40 years in order to feed the population, without greatly increasing the area of land farmed, and with reduced input from fossil fuel energy. This provides challenges that include food safety (ensuring a sufficient food supply for a nation) and the challenge of food sustainability (ensuring there is sufficient energy to produce the food that is needed). The module addresses these challenges. An important starting point is the history and mechanism of food domestication, current practice, and the prospects and challenges for the future. more...	BIO-3C44	20	Semester 2
Host-Parasite Interactions The object of the module is to examine, from a evolutionary and ecological perspective, the complex interactions between parasites/diseases and their hosts and to show how the selection pressures that each side of these interactions impose lead to coevolutionary processes. We will take an overview of the role that such parasitic interactions may have played in the development of key biological traits, such as the evolution of sexual reproduction, and their current role in sexual selection. The module will include traditional parasitology (to set the scene and understand the complexity of the interactions), introducing the major groups of parasites and their hosts. We will examine the role of parasites and host-parasite interactions in evolution, drawing examples from conservation, behaviour, current research, theoretical predictions and models. more...	BIO-3C47	20	Semester 1
Landscape I: Structures of Landscape This module will examine the development of the English landscape from early prehistoric times to the late Saxon period. We will examine the field archaeology of the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, discuss in some detail the landscapes of Roman Britain, and assess the nature of the Roman/Saxon transition. We will then investigate the development of territorial organisation, field systems and settlement patterns during the Saxon and Medieval periods. The module provides an introduction to archaeological theory and methods, as well as giving a broad overview of the development of society, economy and environment in the period up to c.1300. more...	HISH2A51	20	Semester 1
Landscape II : Built and Semi-Natural Environments This module will examine the development of the English countryside from late Saxon times into the eighteenth century. Topics covered will include woods and wood-pastures, enclosure, walls and hedges, the archaeology of churches and vernacular houses. There will be a substantial practical component to the module, involving the analysis of buildings, hedges and woods and other semi-natural environments. more...	HISH2A52	20	Semester 2
Natural Resources and Environmental Economics Have you ever wondered why human economic activity seems to be so bad for the environment? Does it have to be like that? Is it possible for human beings to enjoy high standards of living and a high quality environment? Through the study of the principles of Environmental Economics this course sets out to answer those questions. Addressing a wide-range of economy-environment problems including car pollution, over-fishing, climate change and declining oil stocks, the course shows that most environmental problems can be solved through the adoption of policies crafted with the careful application of economic reasoning. Co-taught with ENV-MA44. more...	ENV-3A44	20	Semester 2
Organisms and Environment This module examines responses to the individual plants and animals, and their populations, to important aspects of terrestrial and aquatic environments that are determinants of distribution and abundance. It investigates in depth the extent to which physiological, metabolic and morphological responses may confer evolutionary fitness, particularly in extreme environments. Some of the environmental constraints covered act by imposing deficiencies of essential resources or conditions (e.g. water, essential ions, oxygen, carbon, light and temperature), whereas others are the result of toxicity, either natural or resulting from human activity (e.g. metal ions, salinity, acidity and organic industrial pollutants). The module will lead you through more fundamental aspects of ecology to consider their application in seeking to meet the multiple challenges of pollution and climate change. more...	BIO-3C45	20	Semester 1
"Pollution, Toxicology and Chemistry" Multidisciplinary module about problems of managing pollution, focussing on regional and urban issues, this module will unashamedly shift viewpoint between chemical, legislative, economic, historical and social interpretations of pollution. more...	ENV-3A08	20	Semester 2
Science Communication This module aims to bring an understanding of how science is disseminated to the public. Students on the module will be made aware of the theories surrounding learning and communication. They will investigate science as a culture and how this culture interfaces with the public. Students will examine case studies in a variety of different scientific areas. They will look at how information is released in scientific literature and how this is subsequently picked up by the public press. They will gain an appreciation of how science information can be used to change public perception and how it can sometimes be misinterpreted. Students will also learn practical skills by designing, running and evaluating a public outreach event at a school or in a public area. OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS REGISTERED IN THE SCIENCE FACULTY. more...	BIO-3C6Y	20	Year Period
Social Evolution Life is organised hierarchically. Genes aggregate in cells, cells aggregate in organisms, and organisms aggregate in societies. Recent developments in evolutionary biology have defined each step in the formation of this hierarchy as representing a major evolutionary transition in which a new type of individuality has arisen. Common principles of social evolution underlie evolution at each step in the hierarchy. Hence, the study of the evolution of altruism and cooperation has broadened out from the study of animal societies alone, and now embraces the fundamental hierarchical structure common to all life. This module will investigate this new vision of social evolution. It will consider which principles of social evolution underlie each hierarchical step and show how applying this approach illuminates our understanding of life's diversity and organisation, with examples ranging from intracellular selfish genetic elements to societies of insects and mammals. more...	BIO-3C38	20	Semester 2

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

UEA

Biological Sciences Courses

Biological Sciences

BSc Ecology (C180)

Year 1

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