Postgraduate Taught Degrees

Graduate Diploma Ecology (Part time)

Duration:: 2 years
Attendance:: Part Time
Award:: Graduate Diploma
School of Study:: Biological Sciences
Brochure:: Faculty of Science Postgraduate Brochure (PDF)

Overview
Why Choose Us
Course Profile
Requirements
Fees and Funding
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The Graduate Diploma in Ecology combines a selection of honours level units specifically designed to give you a strong training in ecological theory and skills.

The programme focuses primarily in the areas of population ecology and conservation biology, but is sufficiently flexible to enable you to strengthen your knowledge in other areas of ecology. Topics include: the functioning of aquatic, marine and terrestrial ecosystems; the importance of community structure, succession and population dynamics; the processes of predation, competition and other plant/animal interactions; population responses to natural environments and man-induced stress; the current research agenda in ecology, evolution and conservation; and the potential contribution of integrating sustainable development with biodiversity conservation.

The teaching staff are all members of the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (CEEC), a multi-disciplinary centre that comprises researchers in ecology and conservation across the University. Many of the lecturers are internationally recognised researchers in their discipline, and with ‘research-led’ taught units you will benefit from learning at the ‘cutting-edge’ of the discipline. You will also have the opportunity to take one unit in any field of study taught at the University in the form of a ‘free-choice’ unit.

The Graduate Diploma is specifically designed to ensure you will develop a wide-range of transferable skills, which will apply to any career or further graduate study at MSc or PhD level. You will gain skills in communication, information technology, data mining and analysis, fieldwork, team work, critical writing, reasoning and time management. Courses are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and field work and assessment is in the form of coursework, presentations, projects and examinations. Throughout the programme you will be expected to undertake search and selection of scientific literature and data, use information technology for scientific study of ecological processes and problems and demonstrate field-based skills.

Course Organiser:Dr. Richard Davies

90% of research activity classified as internationally leading, excellent, or recognised in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.
Teaching of the highest quality; rated “Excellent” in the most recent Teaching Quality Assessment.
Consistently ranked in the top five for overall student satisfaction amongst mainstream English universities (UK National Student Survey).
Research and teaching supported by an impressive array of cutting edge in house facilities and a range of well equipped modern laboratories.
Part of the Norwich Research Park, a major international centre for plant, microbial, food and health science.
Close collaboration with scientists from the Sainsbury Laboratory.

Come and Visit Us

Our Open Days will give you the opportunity to experience the University of East Anglia's unique campus atmosphere.

Year 1

Compulsory Study (20 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 20 credits:

Name	Code	Credits
COMMUNITY, ECOSYSTEM AND MACRO-ECOLOGY	BIO-2B26	20
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.
INTERACTIONS AND POPULATIONS	ENV-2A35	20
Ecology can be defined as the scientific study of how organisms interact with each other and their physical environment. In this module we will look closely at how interactions between individuals determine the structure and functioning of populations. We will start by considering antagonistic interactions between members of different trophic levels, their evolution and the possible coevolution. The nature of these interactions will be analysed by examining the rules that determine how animals behave while foraging, including evolution of optimal foraging strategies in relation to both diet width and patchy environments. Consideration of competition will lead into the population consequences of both within trophic level and between trophic level interactions. We will examine basic concepts of population ecology- age structure, limits to growth, time delays and density dependence illustrated using simple models and case studies of plant and animal populations set within an evolutionary context. We will move on to consider the role of mutualistic interactions in dispersal processes and spatially explicit population processes including the effect of landscape structure on population dynamics, metapopulation dynamics, ecological mechanisms (dispersal, predation) and community structure. A-level Biology is an acceptable alternative pre-requisite for this module. Please note: you cannot take this module if you have already taken ENV-2A03, BIO-2B03 or ENV-2A28.

Option A Study (20 credits)

Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:

Name	Code	Credits
AQUATIC ECOLOGY	ENV-2A01	20
An analysis of how biological, chemical and physical influences shape the biological communities of rivers, lakes and estuaries in temperate and tropical regions. There is an important practical component to this module and the first of the three pieces of written work involves statistical analysis of class data. The module fits well with other ecology modules and can also be taken alongside geochemical, sedimentological or hydrological modules. The module may also appeal to students with interests in international development. Pre-requisite requirements: A first-year ecology module in either ENV or in the School of Biological Sciences or an A-level in a biological subject or a biologically biased access course plus familiarity with basic statistics and data analysis.
BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY	BIO-2B18	20
In this unit, the interrelationships between animal behaviour, ecology and evolution will be explored. More specifically, students will examine how animals behave under particular ecological conditions and seek explanations for the evolution of specific behavioural patterns, using the concepts of Darwinian selection and adaptation as theoretical cornerstones. Students will become familiar with several modelling approaches to behaviour.
BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE ECOLOGY	ENV-3A15	20
This module examines the biological and ecological processes that underpin our dependence on, and use of, the marine environment for 'goods and services'. Students will study the ecology of marine organisms (from bacteria to fish) which provide the 'services' of climate modulation, nutrient regeneration and food production, threats to the sustainability of these services and the management challenges that result. The module will cover the biodiversity and molecular ecology of bacteria,diatoms, coccolithophores and nitrogen fixers, the physiology and distribution of zooplankton, the ecology of exploited populations and management of the marine environment including fisheries. Example ecosystems such as polar regions, 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, changes in nutrient supply and human exploitation) on marine ecosystem dynamics, will be examined. The module also includes lectures and workshops by biological oceanographers from the Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).
COMMUNITY, ECOSYSTEM AND MACRO-ECOLOGY	BIO-2B26	20
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.
EARTH AND LIFE	ENV-3A38	20
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.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICY MAKING	ENV-2A06	20
Examines the theoretical and empirical development of environmental politics in modern society (mostly in the European Union) including: the sources of modern environmentalism and its many manifestations in modern policy making systems; the environmental policies of the UK and the European Union; different theories of political power and public policy making; the role of environmental pressure groups and business; global environmental politics and policy making. The module draws heavily on the theoretical interpretation of everyday examples of politics, which are explored in student seminar presentations and in an extended case study (i.e. essay). This module is co-convened by Professor Andrew Jordan and Dr Irene Lorenzoni.
EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY	BIO-2B10	20
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.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE	ENV-3A20	20
An exploration of both the scientific causes of global environmental change and the integrative and complex nature of the societal response to such changes. An examination of attempts to predict future trends in the global environmental over the next few centuries. Topics covered include climate change, the carbon cycle, global pollution, and sea level rise. Group projects will tackle multi-disciplinary topics within these areas, using research literature and by interaction with researchers currently in these fields.
INTERACTIONS AND POPULATIONS	ENV-2A35	20
Ecology can be defined as the scientific study of how organisms interact with each other and their physical environment. In this module we will look closely at how interactions between individuals determine the structure and functioning of populations. We will start by considering antagonistic interactions between members of different trophic levels, their evolution and the possible coevolution. The nature of these interactions will be analysed by examining the rules that determine how animals behave while foraging, including evolution of optimal foraging strategies in relation to both diet width and patchy environments. Consideration of competition will lead into the population consequences of both within trophic level and between trophic level interactions. We will examine basic concepts of population ecology- age structure, limits to growth, time delays and density dependence illustrated using simple models and case studies of plant and animal populations set within an evolutionary context. We will move on to consider the role of mutualistic interactions in dispersal processes and spatially explicit population processes including the effect of landscape structure on population dynamics, metapopulation dynamics, ecological mechanisms (dispersal, predation) and community structure. A-level Biology is an acceptable alternative pre-requisite for this module. Please note: you cannot take this module if you have already taken ENV-2A03, BIO-2B03 or ENV-2A28.
ORGANISMS AND ENVIRONMENT	BIO-3C45	20
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.

Free Choice Study (20 credits)

Students will select modules worth 20 credits from the course catalogue with the approval of their School

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.

Entry Requirements

Degree Subject:: This programme is open to students with a first degree in any discipline along with a strong academic background.
Degree Classification:: Good first degree (minimum 2.1 or equivalent)
Alternative Qualifications:: Relevant work experience is desirable but not essential.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)
TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 (minimum 18 in listening, 21 speaking, 19 writing and 20 reading)
PTE (Pearson): 62 (minimum 55 in all components)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests such as TOEIC and the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English are also accepted by the university. Please check with the Admissions Office for further details including the scores or grades required.

INTO UEA and INTO UEA London run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk (INTO UEA Norwich) or pseuealondon@into.uk.com (INTO UEA London).

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees 2013/14

UK/EU £5,500
International £15,400

Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.

You can apply online, or by downloading the application form.

Further Information

To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our online enquiry form.

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.