BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation with a Year Abroad

Key details

BSC (HONS) ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION WITH A YEAR ABROAD

Start Year

2023

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Bachelor of Science

UCAS course code

C18A

Entry Requirements

AAB (specific subject requirements apply)

Duration (years)

Get ready to deep-dive into the key concepts of ecology and discover how organisms behave, evolve and interact with their physical and biological environments – here in the UK and abroad.

This course is for you if you have a scientist’s mind combined with a love of the natural world, animals, plants and ecosystems, and have the desire to uncover the natural secrets of another country as part of your degree.

You’ll be fascinated by life science and how it underpins our understanding of the natural world and conservation. You might aspire to work in conservation, research, agriculture, or even conservation communication. Or you might not yet know which career path you want to take and be excited about exploring the wide range of careers open to ecologists and conservationists.

About

This four-year course aims to give you an understanding of how life on this planet works and changes, and how organisms, plants and animal species react with one another within the ecosystems around us. You will explore topics ranging from the molecular genetics of populations, plant science and animal behaviour, to environmental management, biodiversity and conservation – and explore some of these within a socio-economic and political context.

You could be discussing the theories behind evolution or behaviour in a seminar one day, and experiencing the subject first-hand in the laboratory the next. Here in the lab, you’ll develop techniques to explore ecology, from microbes and parasites to model organisms.

You’ll get out into the natural environment too – gaining confidence in practical field skills, survey techniques and field projects. You can choose to join one of our residential field trips to Europe or go further afield in a sub-tropical climate (currently Kenya, eSwatini or Peru) to test your skills in a totally different environment.

Your third year will see you travel again, to Australasia, North America or Europe, where you will live and study, immersed in a new culture with its intriguing ecological differences. This is an incredible opportunity to expand your thinking, make valuable connections with partner universities and see the world. You will then return to UEA to complete the final year of your degree.

In your final year, you’ll take your learning to the next level by developing your own unique, independent research, working with one of our world-leading team of researchers to understand an ecological system using the latest scientific techniques.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

During this course, you’ll develop your skills and knowledge through a range of activities, from field-based surveys through lab practicals to lectures. You’ll be assessed on your learning and progress on this course through a range of methods which may include the presentation of your own taxonomy collection, creating social media articles, group presentations, or writing executive reports for clients, as well as the more formal course tests, exams and assessed practical work. Ecology with Conservation has a strong emphasis on coursework and practical reporting, preparing you for the workplace after you graduate.

Structure

The first year of your Ecology and Conservation degree is all about developing your field skills and theoretical knowledge to give you a solid grounding in the fundamentals of ecology. You’ll undertake a range of modules in which you’ll explore biodiversity, taxonomy and evolution, which will enable you to explore the processes that have driven the diversity of life on Earth. Alongside this, you’ll consider the challenges facing ecologists today, and will think about solutions to some of these problems from an interdisciplinary perspective by studying alongside students from the School of Environmental Sciences. Finally, you’ll undertake a module based around a programme of field trips exploring some of the wonderful habitats and landscapes found across East Anglia.

Teaching and Learning

All our teaching in the School of Biological Sciences is research led. This means that you benefit from the teaching expertise of experienced, enthusiastic academic staff, who ensure that the most recent scientific advances and ideas are incorporated into all our courses. This makes for engaging programmes that our students love.

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars and workshops geared towards helping you understand the theory and concepts behind evolution, behaviour, ecological services, processes and conservation. You will spend time in the laboratory developing techniques to explore ecology, from microbes and parasites to model organisms. You will also learn through fieldwork where you’ll perfect practical field skills and survey techniques.

Independent study

You’ll conduct your own unique research projects in your fourth year – and you’re in the ideal place to do so. Our research environment was rated 100% internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) for Biological Sciences.

You’ll also have the chance to attend regular seminars and workshops exploring the latest research in ecology. These are often conducted by world-leading scientists and are organised by the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (CEEC) – one of the largest groups of ecologists and evolutionary biologists in Europe. They regularly feature scientists from UEA, as well as our affiliated partners like the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS). You can work with the broader CEEC community in developing your third-year research project.

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Assessment for Year 2

Structure

In the second year of your degree, you’ll further develop your theoretical knowledge with compulsory modules that explore population and community ecology, and the management of populations including the role of citizen science and Big Data. You will also go on a two-week field course, exploring a range of habitats and refining your survey skills and analytical techniques.

You’ll choose three modules to complement all of these and might find yourself exploring the parasite and pathogen ecology, undertaking a further field course in the tropics, or exploring environmental policy and macroecology.

Teaching and Learning

Independent study

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Assessment for Year 3

Structure

In the final year of your studies, you’ll undertake an independent ecological research project. Working with one of the researchers from within the School or from one of our affiliated research institutions, this project is your opportunity to explore your own areas of interest and answer a research question that you may have developed during your studies. Your project can be field- or lab-based and take place in the UK or overseas.

In addition to the research project, you’ll choose to study a range of modules that help you to specialise in the areas of ecology that suit your own interests, be they the evolution of social behaviour, the role of parasites in driving host evolution, or biodiversity conservation and human society.

By the time you finish this final year of your studies, you will have had hands-on opportunities to explore a range of temperate and tropical habitats. You will have spent time exploring organisms and their anatomy, considered the role of evolution in driving the diversity of life, and developed many transferable skills, from report-writing to science communication. You’ll graduate with an excellent grounding in Ecology and Conservation, ready to apply your skills to this increasingly important field of science.

Teaching and Learning

Independent study

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Assessment for Year 4

Structure

Teaching and Learning

Independent study

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Open Days

Assessment for Year 1

Compulsory Modules

BIODIVERSITY

Code BIO-4001A

Credits 20

This module explores life on Earth. You will be introduced to the major groups of microorganisms, plants and animals. You will explore the evolutionary relationships that link the major groups and discover the immense biodiversity of living organisms. Central to this evolutionary path is how microorganisms, plants and animal invaded the land and coped with limited water. You will study this subject through lectures, workshops, laboratory-based practical classes and field trips. You will gain practical experience handling a wide range of organisms and learn how to report experimental work that you carry out. A key part of this module is the production of a learning portfolio which will help you to develop independent study skills in relation to the topic of the module.

EVOLUTION, BEHAVIOUR AND ECOLOGY

Code BIO-4002B

Credits 20

Why do trees grow tall? Why do male birds have long bright feathers? Why do people cooperate? Why does sex exist? Why do we grow old and die? These and other questions in biology can be understood if we learn how to think in terms of natural selection and adaptation. This module introduces the main concepts in evolutionary theory, from the original ideas introduced by Darwin to the modern developments, and uses these concepts to understand a wide range of topics in behaviour and ecology. We start from evolution and discuss how Darwin arrived at the idea of natural selection, its critiques and how to address them; we then study the basics of Mendelian genetics and population genetics and learn how to check if a population is evolving’ we discuss adaptation and optimization in biology; then we move to specific issues like the evolution of reproductive systems and life cycles, the evolution of stable sex-ratios and coevolution between species; we discuss the concept of selfish genes and how it helps us think in terms of adaptation; we study the methods used to understand long-term evolution and speciation; and we conclude the first part with ideas from evolutionary medicine to understand why we get sick, and human evolution and social behaviour. In the second part of the module we focus to ecology: we discuss the general concepts of abiotic limits, resources and models of intraspecific competition and logistic growth; we learn the basic concepts of demography and population growth, interspecific competition, predation, predator-prey dynamics, and we discuss at length mutualism and cooperation in nature; finally we talk about the nature of the English countryside and issues in conservation biology and ecosystem services. In the third part we focus on behaviour: after a general introduction on the key concepts in the study of animal behaviour we discuss cooperation among non-kin and the concept of kin selection and kin conflict; we review animal communication and models of sexual selection and sexual conflict.

ISSUES AND APPROACHES IN ECOLOGY

Code BIO-4006Y

Credits 20

A programme of field trips to a range of habitats will introduce students to local biodiversity and landscapes and give practice in useful techniques of project planning, data collection and analysis. Field skills will be reinforced with lab based identification and skills workshops. Small group seminars and essay writing are used to introduce a variety of ecological concepts and scientific writing styles focusing on current issues and approaches to investigating these issues

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

Code ENV-4001A

Credits 20

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.

SKILLS FOR BIOLOGISTS

Code BIO-4008Y

Credits 20

The aim of the module is to provide a you with a broad range of skills that you will need as biologists and in future employment. You will develop a working knowledge of mathematics and statistics, as well as gain skills relating to information retrieval, structuring writing and arguments, data analysis, team work, presenting work verbally and visually and an appreciation of the role of ethics in science.

SUSTAINABILITY, SOCIETY AND BIODIVERSITY

Code ENV-4006B

Credits 20

Striking a balance between societal development, economic growth and environmental conservation has proven challenging and contentious at many scales and over time. The concept of `sustainable development’ was coined to denote processes aiming to achieve this balance. This module introduces sustainable development, and examines the challenges and opportunities to achieving this, drawing together social and ecological dimensions. Drawing upon the social sciences, this module examines the theory and practice of sustainable development. From an ecological perspective, the module covers a range of concepts relevant to the structure and functioning of the biosphere, and topics ranging from landscape and population ecology to biodiversity conservation. This module is assessed by coursework and an examination.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Modules in the 'Core Modules' range have to be taken and passed and are not eligible for compensation.

Assessment for Year 2

Compulsory Modules

COMMUNITY, ECOSYSTEM AND MACRO-ECOLOGY

Code BIO-5014B

Credits 20

This module introduces you to major concepts and definitions in community ecology, macro-ecology and biogeography. You will use these to explore how communities are structured in relation to local-scale to regional-scale processes, how they function and respond to perturbations at different scales, and result in emergent macro- to global-scale patterns of biodiversity distribution. Throughout the module, there is an emphasis on the relevance of theory and fundamental science to understanding the current environmental and biodiversity crisis. Anthropogenic impacts on natural communities through land-use, species exploitation, non-native species, and climate change, are a recurrent theme underpinning the examples you will draw upon.

POPULATION ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

Code ENV-5014A

Credits 20

We live in a human dominated era recently designated “the Anthropocene”. Humans harvest more than half of the primary productivity of the planet, many resources are over-exploited or depleted (e.g. fisheries) never before has it been so important to correctly manage natural resources for an exponentially growing human population. It is, thus, fundamental to predict where other species occur and the sizes of their populations (abundance). Population Ecology is an area dedicated to the dynamics of population development. In this module we will look closely at how populations are regulated, from within through density dependent factors and from external density independent factors. We start the module with a global environmental change perspective to the management of populations and the factors that affect the population size. We then extend these ideas to help us understand population properties and processes both intra-specifically and inter-specifically. Finally we examine several management applications where we show that a good understanding of the population modelling is essential to correctly manage natural resources on the planet. Practicals include learning to survey butterflies and birds using citizen science monitoring projects and will be focused on delivering statistical analyses of “Big data” using the open access programme R-studio. The projects will provide a strong training in both subject specific and transferable skills.

FIELD ECOLOGY

Code BIO-5013A

Credits 20

This module aims to introduce you to a wide range of habitats and methods for studying the organisms and natural processes occurring in these habitats. The focus is on identification of species and on formulating and testing hypotheses to investigate interactions between species and their habitats or on examining environmental gradients. The module includes a two week residential field trip to Ireland before the start of the first semester in the autumn term. This module would suit you if you are interested in natural history, geography, ecology and designing and testing scientific hypotheses.

Optional A Modules

(20-40 credits)

PLANT BIOLOGY

Code BIO-5006A

Credits 20

The module studies the biochemical, physiological and developmental processes of plants.

PARASITE AND PATHOGEN ECOLOGY

Code BIO-5026A

Credits 20

We will explore the relationships between parasites, pathogens, hosts and their environments from both an ecological and evolutionary standpoint. We will help you develop knowledge and understanding of different pathogenic agents (prionic, viral, prokaryotic and eukaryotic) and the diseases they cause. We will engage with current issues surrounding parasite and pathogen biology, exploring zoonotic diseases and why they are increasing in frequency as well as exploring how different social, cultural, environmental, ecological and biological factors can contribute pathogen transmission. In parallel with lectures, there are a range of wet lab and data handling and problem solving sessions.

CLIMATE CHANGE: SCIENCE AND POLICY

Code ENV-5003A

Credits 20

You will develop your skills and understanding in the integrated analysis of global climate change, using perspectives from both the natural sciences and the social sciences. You will gain a grounding in the basics of climate change science, impacts, adaptation, mitigation and their influence on and by policy decisions. This module also offers you a historical perspective on how climate policy has developed, culminating in the December 2015 Paris Agreement. Finally, it considers what will be required to meet the goal of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels.

WEATHER

Code ENV-5043A

Credits 20

The weather affects everyone and influences decisions that are made continuously around the world. From designing and siting a wind farm to assessing flood risk and public safety, weather plays a vital role. Have you ever wondered what actually causes the weather we experience, for example why large storms are so frequent across north western Europe, especially in Winter? In this module you will learn the fundamentals of the science of meteorology. We will concentrate on the physical processes that underpin the radiation balance, thermodynamics, wind-flow, atmospheric stability, weather systems and the water cycle. We will link these to renewable energy and the weather we experience throughout the Semester. Assessment will be based entirely on a set of practical reports that you will submit, helping you to spread your work evenly through the semester. You will learn how Weather is a rich fusion of descriptive and numerical elements and you will be able to draw effectively on your own skill strengths while practising and developing others, guided by Weatherquest’s Meteorologists.

Optional B Modules

(20-40 credits)

EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Code BIO-5008B

Credits 20

This module investigates the principles of evolutionary biology, covering various sub-disciplines, i.e. adaptive evolution, population ecology, molecular and population genetics, speciation, biogeography, systematics, and finishing with an overview of Biodiversity. This module will enable you to understand, analyse and evaluate the fundamentals of evolutionary biology and be able to synthesise the various components into an overall appreciation of how evolution works. Key topics and recent research will be used to highlight advances in the field and inspire thought. Weekly interactive workshops will explore a number of the conceptual issues in depth through discussions, modelling and problem solving. Although there are no pre-requisites in terms of specific modules, students will need a basic understanding of Evolution and Genetics to undertake this module.

BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY

Code BIO-5010B

Credits 20

We will explore how evolution and ecology shape animal behaviour, examining how important traits have evolved to maximise survival and reproduction in the natural environment. Darwinian principles provide the theoretical framework, and we will explore key concepts of selfishness, altruism, conflict, survival, optimality, reproduction, parental care and death. Relevant research will be used to lead our understanding of the ultimate function of key traits. In parallel with the lectures, students design, conduct, analyse and present their own research project, working in a group to collect original data in order to answer a question about the adaptive significance of behaviour.

MICROBIOLOGY

Code BIO-5015B

Credits 20

A broad module covering all aspects of the biology of microorganisms, providing key knowledge for specialist 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.

CONSERVATION, ECOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY IN THE TROPICS (FIELDCOURSE)

Code BIO-5020K

Credits 20

Conservation ecology and biodiversity are central areas of research in the biological sciences and they share many theories, concepts and scientific methods. This module intends to take a practical approach to the commonalities in these areas using a combination of seminar work and fieldwork. The seminars will develop ideas in sub-tropical and tropical biology: students will research issues affecting conservation of biodiversity in the tropics, considering the species ecology and the habitats, threats and challenges. There will be a significant component of small group work and directed, independent learning. The field component of this module will be a two week residential field trip to the tropics, one of two field sites (depending on numbers of students and availability).The field sites are run by expert field ecologists and during the two weeks we will explore the local environment, learn about the ecology of the landscape and about the species that inhabit the area. We will develop and run practical sessions on survey and census techniques, use of technology in modern field biology and the role of protected areas in species conservation. Students will conduct original research on the field trip, informed by prior research at UEA, to gain a deeper understanding of an aspect of tropical biology. There will be an assessed presentation on the field trip and many opportunities to develop the students own interests. All student participants will take an active role in the organisation and running of the module in order to gain project management and field logistics experience. Students will be responsible for the sourcing, storage and transport of field equipment on the way to the field site and of samples on the return to the UK. Students will gain experience of travelling to a remote area and of working through licensing and customs processes. At the end of the module a report is written on the field project in the style of a journal article addressing specific questions in ecology conservation or biodiversity. Throughout the module students will be expected to maintain a modern-media record of their project from the initial desk based work at UEA, through the field component to outcomes and reporting. NOTE: There will be a significant additional cost to this module to cover the costs of transportation and accommodation in the field. Costs will be detailed at an initial meeting for interested students and will be clearly advertised. 2018/19 costs were £1300 per student. Students will need to provide any visas required for entry into the host country, sturdy walking boots and appropriate field clothing. All attendees must ensure that all travel vaccinations etc are in order prior to departure.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICY MAKING

Code ENV-5002B

Credits 20

The most significant obstacles to problem solving are often political, not scientific or technological. This module examines the emergence and processes of environmental politics. It analyses these from different theoretical perspectives, particularly theories of power and public policy making. The module is focused on contemporary examples of politics and policy making at UK, EU and international levels. The module supports student-led learning by enabling students to select (and develop their own theoretical interpretations of) ‘real world’ examples of politics. Assessment is via seminar slides and a case study essay. The module assumes no prior knowledge of politics.

GIS SKILLS FOR PROJECT WORK

Code ENV-5028B

Credits 20

This module builds upon the introduction to GIS provided in the first year Research and Field Skills module, focusing on how you obtain your data, integrate it and then undertake analysis and presentation tasks. ESRI ArcGIS will be the main software used, but the module also offers information on online GIS (ArcGIS Online) as well as scripting tools (Python) and open source software (QGIS) that you may wish to progress in your own time. Teaching will consist of a one-hour lecture and a three-hour practical class each week.

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Important Information

Students will be enrolled on EITHER BIO-5001Y OR BIO-5017Y OR BIO-5018Y depending on their chosen location of study during their Year Abroad.

Assessment for Year 3

Compulsory Modules

YEAR IN AUSTRALASIA

Code BIO-5001Y

Credits 120

You will undertake a full academic year of approved study at a specified Australian or New Zealand University.

YEAR IN EUROPE

Code BIO-5017Y

Credits 120

You will undertake a full academic year of approved study at a specified European University.

YEAR IN NORTH AMERICA

Code BIO-5018Y

Credits 120

You will undertake a full academic year of approved study at a specified University in North America.

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Open Days

Important Information

Modules in the 'Core Modules' range have to be taken and passed and are not eligible for compensation.

Assessment for Year 4

Compulsory Modules

ECOLOGY RESEARCH PROJECT

Code BIO-6022Y

Credits 40

You will design and undertake an independent research project under the supervision of staff members from the Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation (CEEC). You may choose to conduct fieldwork in the summer vacation preceding the third year or during the Autumn semester. Project topics should be selected during the spring semester of your second year (or beginning of the third year, in the case of Year Abroad Ecology students), in consultation with CEEC faculty. You are strongly encouraged to develop your own project ideas. Recent issues of ecological journals in the library can be consulted for ideas.

FIELD ECOLOGY

Code BIO-5013A

Credits 20

Optional A Modules

(20-40 credits)

SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

Code BIO-6018Y

Credits 20

You will gain an understanding of how science is disseminated to the public and explore the theories surrounding learning and communication. You will investigate science as a culture and how this culture interfaces with the public. Examining case studies in a variety of different scientific areas, alongside looking at how information is released in scientific literature and subsequently picked up by the public press, will give you an understanding of science communication. You will gain an appreciation of how science information can be used to change public perception and how it can sometimes be misinterpreted. You will also learn practical skills by designing, running and evaluating a public outreach event at a school or in a public area. If you wish to take this module you will be required to write a statement of selection. These statements will be assessed and students will be allocated to the module accordingly.

BIOLOGY OF AGEING: EVOLUTION, ECOLOGY AND HUMAN HEALTH

Code BIO-6031A

Credits 20

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the fundamentals of the biology of ageing, as well as to the latest discoveries in evolutionary and applied biogerontology. The students will learn about the ultimate evolutionary causes of ageing, the genetics of ageing, and the role of the environment in shaping differences in ageing between populations, sexes, and individuals. The module material will cover ageing in wild populations of animals and plants, in laboratory model organisms, and in historical and contemporary human populations. Special attention will be given to ageing as a global challenge facing modern societies and to the research advances aimed at extending healthy lifespan in humans. The module will use Mechanisms of Life-History Evolution (2011) (Oxford University Press, eds. Flatt and Heyland) and The Evolution of Senescence in the Tree of Life (2017) (Cambridge University Press, eds. Shefferson, Jones and Salguero-Gomez) as the items of core reading and will refer back to some of the chapters in these books.

WORK PLACEMENT

Code BIO-6033A

Credits 20

This module will enable you to develop a range of workplace skills associated with the Sciences, which may take place across a variety of organisations. This will involve identifying, securing and undertaking a placement in association with the organisation you will be working for.

BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE ECOLOGY

Code ENV-6005A

Credits 20

Explore the evolution, biodiversity and ecology of bacteria, diatoms, coccolithophores and nitrogen fixers, and the physiology and distribution of zooplankton. You will study ecosystems such as the Antarctic, mid ocean gyres and Eastern Boundary Upwelling Systems in detail, and predict the impact of environmental change (increasing temperature, decreasing pH, decreasing oxygen, and changes in nutrient supply) on marine ecosystem dynamics. Biological oceanographic methods will be critically evaluated. The module will include a reading week in week 7 and a voluntary employability visit to the Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in Lowestoft. You will be expected to have some background in biology, e.g. have taken a biology, ecology or biogeochemistry based second year module in order to study this module.

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND HUMAN SOCIETY

Code ENV-6006A

Credits 20

The global biodiversity crisis threatens mass species loss. What are the implications for society? How can communities solve this problem in a world that is facing other challenges of climate change, food security, environmental and social justice? In this inter-disciplinary module, (designed for students of Geography, Environmental Science, Ecology and International Development who have an interest in biodiversity and its conservation), you will focus on the interactions between biodiversity and human societies. The module adopts a rigorous evidence-based approach. You will first critically examine the human drivers of biodiversity loss and the importance of biodiversity to human society, to understand how underlying perspectives and motivations influence approaches to conservation. You will then examine conflicts between human society and conservation and how these potentially can be resolved, reviewing institutions and potential instruments for biodiversity conservation in both Europe and developing countries. Coursework is inter-disciplinary and will require you to evaluate and communicate the quality of evidence showing effectiveness of conservation interventions and approaches.

THE CARBON CYCLE AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Code ENV-6008A

Credits 20

What do you know about the drivers of climate change? Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the greenhouse gas that has, by far, the greatest impact on climate change, but how carbon cycles through the Earth is complex and not fully understood. Predicting future climate or defining ‘dangerous’ climate change is therefore challenging. In this module you will learn about the atmosphere, ocean and land components of the carbon cycle. We cover urgent global issues such as ocean acidification and how to get off our fossil fuel ‘addiction’, as well as how to deal with climate change denialists.

Optional B Modules

(20-40 credits)

EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION GENETICS

Code BIO-6008B

Credits 20

You will gain a deep understanding about conservation genetics / genomics based on an evolutionary / population-genetic framework, thereby covering contemporary issues in conservation biology, evolution, population biology, genetics, organismal phylogeny, Next Generation Sequencing, and molecular ecology. This is an advanced course in evolutionary biology / conservation genetics that will benefit you if you plan to continue with a postgraduate degree in ecology, genetics, conservation, or evolution. It is also ideal if you are wishing to deepen your knowledge in 1st and 2nd year conservation / evolution / genetics modules. A background in evolution, genetics, and/or molecular biology is highly recommended.

NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS

Code ENV-6012B

Credits 20

Environmental economics provides a set of tools and principles which can be useful in understanding natural resource management issues. This module introduces you to key principles and tools of environmental economics for students who have not studied the subject previously. It then explores how these principles can be applied to address a number of complex economy-environment problems including climate change, over-fishing and water resources management. In this module you will have the opportunity to practically apply cost-benefit analysis as a framework for decision-making and will gain knowledge on the key non-market valuation techniques that are used to monetarily value environmental goods and services. At the end of the module you will have gained insights into how environmental economics is used in developing natural resource management policy as well as some of the challenges in using environmental economics in policy-making.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANCY

Code ENV-6031B

Credits 20

You will learn how a business functions (part on-line learning, part seminars) and gain experience of working on an environmental project by acting as an environmental consultant for a project presented by an external organisation. Through the project you will gain experience of working on a ‘real-world’ environment-related challenge, acting as an environmental consultant. You will have the opportunity for discussion and feedback with the host organisation (three meetings are required at least one in person, others may be via e.g. Teams) before submitting an individual business style report as your contribution to the consultancy exercise. Overall, the aim is for you to gain a taster of the post-graduate transition to working with an organisation and confidence of how your skills and attributes are transferable to graduate employment. There is a cap of 60 for this module. Students that enrol by the deadline will be selected at random and if unsuccessful, will be added to a waiting list. The maximum number of students this module can accommodate is 60. However, if this cap is not reached during the initial module enrolment task, students requesting to change onto this modules during the academic year will be considered at the discretion of the module organiser, based on projects available. This module is open to ENV students only.

Optional C Modules

(0-20 credits)

DATA SCIENCE FOR BIOLOGISTS

Code BIO-5023Y

Credits 20

This module will teach students the tools they need to use computing and programming to handle biological data. As big data becomes more mainstream across all biological disciplines (from multi-omics to complex ecological datasets), biology students need to have skills in computer programming and data analysis. Here they will learn how to organise and store large data sets, run a data science project, and communicate their findings with visuals and clear insights. This module will be available to students in year 2 (Level 5), and will focus on providing students with the data handling tools to problem solve across a range of biological disciplines.

THE ORIGINS OF THE ENGLISH LANDSCAPE 4000BC TO 1066AD

Code HIS-5002A

Credits 20

On this module you’ll study the development of the English landscape from early prehistoric times to the late Anglo Saxon period. You’ll learn to identify and interpret key landscape features from the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages before moving on to study Roman and Anglo Saxon landscapes. Lectures, seminars and field trips will provide you with an introduction to the approaches and sources used by landscape historians and landscape archaeologists. You’ll develop your understanding of landscape history through the study of key sites such as Stonehenge, Hadrian’s Wall and Sutton Hoo. The chronological approach of the module will provide you with an understanding of long term landscape change, telling the story of the English landscape from prehistory to the eve of the Norman Conquest.

THE ENGLISH LANDSCAPE 1066 TO 1600

Code HIS-5003B

Credits 20

You’ll examine the development of the English countryside during the Middle Ages. You’ll discuss the nature of rural settlement, high status buildings and landscapes and 'semi-natural' environments.

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Important Information

Entry Requirements

A Levels

AAB including Biology/Human Biology, Geography, or Environmental Science. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.

T Levels

Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are: Science

BTEC

DDD in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Animal Management with Science, or Countryside Management. Excludes BTEC Public Services, Forensic Science, Uniformed Services or Business Administration

Scottish highers

AAAAA including Biology/Human Biology, Geography, or Environmental Science

Scottish highers advanced

BBC including Biology/Human Biology, Geography, or Environmental Science

Irish leaving certificate

4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3, including Biology, Geography, or Environmental Science

Access course

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

European Baccalaureate

80% overall including grade 7 in Biology, Geography, or Environmental Science

International Baccalaureate

33 points with HL 5 in Biology, Geography or Environmental Science

GCSE offer

You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

Additional entry requirements

UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.

We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.

A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.

If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year.

Important note

Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.

International Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.

INTO University of East Anglia

If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA, offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of the following preparation programme:

International Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Sciences

Students for whom english is a foreign language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):

IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:

Interviews

Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.

Gap year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Intakes

This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

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Course Reference Number: 6774153

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

View our information for Tuition Fees.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.

Course related costs

You’ll normally be expected pay 50% towards the cost of any optional field trips selected from the range of residential field courses within the Schools of Biological Science or Environmental Sciences. All ecology students are expected to have suitable field clothes including walking boots and waterproofs.

You are eligible for reduced fees during the year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee website.

There will be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year abroad, which will vary depending on location.

View our information about Additional Course Fees.

September 2023 opportunities. Discover more

UEA Award

Develop your skills, build a strong CV and focus your extra-curricular activities while studying with our employer-valued UEA award.

LEARN MORE >

Ask a Student

This is your chance to ask UEA's students about UEA, university life, Norwich and anything else you would like an answer to.

ASK US ON UNIBUDDY >

University Taster Events

Come to one of our taster events and experience university life for yourself.

LEARN MORE >

WHATEVER YOU LOVE, GO FURTHER

Whether you want to diversify or specialise – explore your options.

LEARN MORE >

What's included in your fees

Explore some of the benefits included as part of your UEA learning package.

FIND OUT MORE >

Course Reference Number: 6774153

BSc (Hons) ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION WITH A YEAR ABROAD