BSc Ecology and Conservation

Key details

BSC ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION

Start Year

2021

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Bachelor of Science

UCAS course code

C180

Entry Requirements

BBB or ABC

You will explore topics ranging from the molecular genetics of populations, plant science and animal behavior, to environmental management, biodiversity and conservation – plus the essentials of economics and politics.

You could be discussing the theories behind evolution or behavior 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 and/or Swaziland) to test your skills in a totally different environment.

Developing your own unique, independent research takes your learning to the next level. So you’ll work with a member of our world-leading team of researchers to understand a system using the latest scientific techniques.

About

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.

This course is for you if you have a scientist’s mind combined with a love of nature, animals, plants and ecosystems. You will 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.

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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 will develop your skills and knowledge through a range of activities from field-based surveys through lab practicals to lectures. You will 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, 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 will undertake a range of modules which will see you exploring biodiversity and taxonomy as well as evolution which will enable you to explore the processes which have driven the diversity of life on Earth. Alongside this you will also consider the challenges facing ecologists today and think about solutions to some of these problems from an interdisciplinary perspective by studying alongside students from the School of Environmental Sciences. Finally you will also 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

Teaching

All teaching in the School of Biological Sciences is research led. This means that you benefit from the teaching expertise of nearly 50 enthusiastic academic staff, who ensure that the most recent scientific advances and new ideas are incorporated into all our courses. This makes for engaging programmes that our students love.

You will 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. You will meet and learn from working ecologists from key partner organisations to develop practical conservation skills to complement your academic studies.

Independent study

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

You’ll also get 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, the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).

You can also work with the broader CEEC community in developing your third year research project.

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Assessment for Year 2

Structure

The second year of your degree sees you further developing your theoretical knowledge with compulsory modules that explore population and community ecology, the management of populations including the role of citizen science and Big Data and a two-week long field course in Western Ireland exploring a range of habitats, refining your survey skills and analytical techniques. You also get to choose three modules to complement all of these and might find yourself exploring the aquatic and marine environment, undertaking a further field course in the tropics, currently in Swaziland in Southern Africa or exploring environmental policy and the role of politics in science and conservation.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching

Independent study

You can also work with the broader CEEC community in developing your third year research project.

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Assessment for Year 3

Structure

In your final year of your studies you will 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, to 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 carrying out this research project, you will also 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, 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 through to science communication.

You will graduate with an excellent grounding in Ecology and Conservation, ready to apply your skills to this increasingly important field of science.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching

Independent study

You can also work with the broader CEEC community in developing your third year research project.

Admissions Live Chat

Virtual Open Day

Assessment for Year 1

Compulsory Modules

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.

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.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

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, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.

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 programme R-studio. The projects will provide a strong training in both subject specific and transferable skills.

Optional A Modules

(40-60 credits)

PLANT BIOLOGY

Code BIO-5006A

Credits 20

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

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.

AQUATIC ECOLOGY

Code ENV-5041A

Credits 20

Explore how chemical, physical and biological influences shape the biological communities of rivers, lakes and estuaries in temperate and tropical regions. Three field visits and laboratory work, usually using microscopes and sometimes analysing water quality, provide an important practical component to this module. A good complement to other ecology modules, final-year Catchment Water Resources and modules in development studies or geography, it can also be taken alongside Aquatic Biogeochemistry or other geochemical and hydrology modules. Students selecting this module must have a background in basic statistical analysis of data.

Optional B Modules

(0-20 credits)

HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY

Code BIO-5004A

Credits 20

This module will provide you with an understanding of the themes and principles of physiology and a detailed knowledge of the major human organ systems. An understanding of how disease affects the ability of organ systems to maintain the status quo will be an important part of this course.

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.

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Important Information

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

Assessment for Year 3

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.

Optional A Modules

(60-80 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.

SOCIAL EVOLUTION

Code BIO-6011B

Credits 20

Life is organised hierarchically. Genes aggregate in cells, cells aggregate in organisms, and organisms aggregate in societies. Each step in the formation of this hierarchy is termed a major evolutionary transition. Because common principles of social evolution underlie each transition, the study of altruism and cooperation in nature has broadened out to embrace the fundamental hierarchical structure common to all life. This module investigates this new vision of social evolution. It explores how principles of social evolution underlying each transition illuminate our understanding of life's diversity and organisation, using examples ranging from selfish genetic elements to social insects and mammals.

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.

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 denialists.

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.

Optional B Modules

(0-20 credits)

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

BBB or ABC including Biology or Human Biology or BBC including grade B in Biology or Human Biology with an A in the Extended Project. Science A Levels must include a Pass in the Practical Element

BTEC

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

Scottish highers

AABBB including grade A in Biology, Human Biology, Geography or Environmental Science

Scottish highers advanced

CCC including Biology, Human Biology, Geography or Environmental Science

Irish leaving certificate

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

Access course

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3 including 12 Level 3 credits in Biology, Geography or Environmental Science

European Baccalaureate

70% overall including 70% in Biology, Human Biology, Geography or Environmental Science

International Baccalaureate

31 including HL 5 in Biology, Geography or Environmental Science

GCSE offer

GCSE Requirements: GCSE English Language grade 4/C and GCSE Mathematics grade 4/C

Additional entry requirements

A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Science A-levels must include a pass in the practical element

UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.

If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes.

Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year

INTO UEA also offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:

Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA

English for University Study at INTO UEA

Alternative Qualifications

Students for whom english is a foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including speaking, listening, reading and writing) at the following level:

IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)

We will also accept a number of other English language qualifications. Please click here for further information.

INTO University of East Anglia

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for this course, our partner INTO UEA offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a foundation programme:

International Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Sciences

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

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

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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.

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University Taster Events

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

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WHATEVER YOU LOVE, GO FURTHER

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

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Course Reference Number: 1545121

BSc ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION