BSc (Hons) - Ecology and Wildlife Conservation

Year one

Your first year (Level 4) is designed to introduce you to life on Earth, fundamental biogeochemical processes, basic ecological theory and the interactions between wildlife, ecosystems, and people.

You will develop a toolkit of scientific and digital skills and competencies that you will build upon as your career in wildlife conservation progresses.

• The Tree of Life
  The Tree of Life will introduce you to the incredible range of biodiversity on our planet, focusing on multicellular organisms such as fungi, lower plants, flowering plants, protists, invertebrate and vertebrate animals. You will develop an understanding of the taxonomical hierarchies and classifications that underpins the tree of life. You will study aspects of their anatomy and gain identification skills through practical sessions in the laboratory and the field. This module forms a useful base for other modules that you will go on to study at levels 5 and 6 of your programme as well as providing fundamental knowledge and skills that are appropriate in employment within various fields within natural resource management.
• Skills for Ecology and Wildlife Conservation
  Skills for Ecology and Wildlife Conservation is designed to help you develop your own personal skills toolkit to help you succeed during your time at University and encourage your commitment to lifelong learning. The module will help you learn basic skills in scientific writing, data analysis, data presentation, report writing, the scientific method and various forms of communication. Part of the experiential learning for this module will involve a short residential field trip to help you get to know your classmates and teaching staff better, foster your sense of a community of learners and learn about the exciting habitats and species found in the Lake District.
• Key Concepts in Conservation Science
  Key Concepts in Conservation Science provides an introduction to the fundamentals that underpin conservation biology as an interdisciplinary science. It introduces the central tenets you need to understand and consider when addressing issues confronting conservationists in today's environmentally conscious world. The module will introduce you to biological considerations, existing conservation practices, governance and societal pressures that affect wildlife and ecosystems. You will gain the basic knowledge and understanding needed review and consider conservation issues, inform evidence-based conservation action, and improve your ability to articulate and communicate complex conservation scenarios.
• Essentials in Ecology
  Essentials in Ecology provides you with a thorough understanding and knowledge of key ecological concepts and processes, considering spatial and temporal dynamics across local to global scales. In addition, this module will help you understand how this fundamental knowledge is essential for applied issues, such as the disruption of ecosystems by human activities and how informed conservation action may help provide solutions.
• Form and Function
  Form and Function introduces you to fundamental cell biology and the genetic, physiological, and morphological adaptations exhibited by organisms in a variety of habitats. You will learn about the structure and function of cells as the fundamental building blocks of life. You will investigate how fundamental components are integrated into physiological systems and how anatomical features have evolved to meet different physiological functions and how these need to be considered in wildlife conservation. Examples will draw on broad range of animals and plants, but also consider microbes and fungi.
• Earth Systems
  Earth Systems builds your knowledge and understanding of the fundamental biogeochemical cycles and processes that underpin all life on Earth. It will begin with the origins of Earth, earth surface processes and the major geological events and that have shaped our planet and produced the patterns of modern biogeography we see today. You will learn about fundamental biogeochemical processes and global cycles that contribute to global ecosystem services and the effects that humans have had on Earth systems over the past 12,000 years, as we transition into the Anthropocene.

Year two

Your second year (Level 5) will build upon the knowledge and skills gained at L4 and undertake critical review and evaluation of evidence and strategies relevant to conservation science.

You will develop professional competencies in ecological survey methods and report writing, and learn how to analyse, handle and present different types of data using quantitative and qualitative techniques. Your will gain critical digital skills required for conservation by learning to use Geographic Information System (GIS) and statistical analysis software.

Level 5 includes optionality allowing you to tailor aspects of the programme to suit your own interested and talents. The year culminates with our exciting residential field module (UK and/or international destination) where you will apply and consolidate your learning in preparation for progression into your final year of study.

• Research Design and Data Analysis
  Research Design and Data Analysis supports the development of your competencies undertaking research and analysing data. You will be guided though the research process, learning how to formulate research questions, critically evaluate published literature and develop suitable aims and objectives. You will learn how to collect data in a robust manner, with awareness of assumptions, context, process, and design. The module will also develop your ability to evaluate and apply a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods to describe, measure, analyse, discuss, and communicate these data. These skills will develop your competence in the planning and analytical skills required to complete an undergraduate honours dissertation research project at Level 6.
• Ecological Census Techniques
  Ecological Census Techniques introduces you to the wide range of standard survey techniques commonly used in environmental impact assessments and ecological research across a broad range of taxa. It will introduce you to the equipment and methods necessary to conduct surveys and provide hands-on practice to improve your competency in survey skills and survey design. This experience will be essential for modules and projects later in your programme, and will develop the practical, personal, and academic skills required by graduates for careers in ecological or environmental consultancy, management, and research.
• Genetics and Evolution
  Genetics and Evolution develops your understanding of the main drivers behind evolution and give you fundamental knowledge of DNA, heredity, genetic diversity, and speciation. Together with species and ecosystem diversity, genetic diversity is an essential aspect of wildlife conservation. You will explore the genetic problems facing small, fragmented populations of conservation concern and broader aspects of population genetics over wider scales. Practical sessions in the laboratory will introduce you to standard genetic techniques such as DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing, which will allow you to analyse phylogeny using bioinformatic tools. This demonstrates how genetics can contribute to the management and conservation of wildlife populations.
• Geographical Information Systems
  Geographical Information Systems provides a sound understanding of the theory and application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in a manner relevant to your field of study and potential future employment. The module will develop the practical skills required to use appropriate software effectively through a progressive combination of practical, step by step exercises and assessed tasks. This will be underpinned by lecture sessions introducing you to the theory and concepts relevant to the practical skills being applied.
• Field Ecology and Wildlife Conservation
  Field Ecology and Wildlife Conservation is a field-based module, delivered as a residential field trip in a national and/or international location rich in wildlife and of conservation importance. The module allows you to put your learning at Levels 4 and 5 into practice to address research questions about ecosystems and their conservation. It encourages you to extend theoretical and practical knowledge using data-driven approaches and accessing specialist literature. You will learn about local ecosystems and the interest groups that depend on them. You will collect data related to ecology and wildlife conservation to address a specific research question.
• Animal Behaviour and Ecology (optional - pick one option from two)
  Animal Behaviour and Ecology introduces you to the main influences that shape the behaviour of animals, and how different animal species interact with each other and their environment. You will learn how genetic and environmental factors work together to control the expression of specific behaviours, and how natural and sexual selection act on them to shape behavioural repertoires. You will also learn how biotic and abiotic factors affect animals and their behaviour at the individual, population, and species level and how research into behaviour and population ecology can inform wildlife conservation.
• Marine and Freshwater Ecology (optional - pick one option from two)
  Marine and Freshwater Ecology helps you develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles of marine and freshwater ecology. Marine and freshwater habitats occupy over 90% of the habitable space on earth and support diverse and important communities across the globe. It has been estimated that up to 80% of all life on Earth can be found in the oceans and, despite occupying only 0.01% of the world’s water, around 6% of all species described occur in freshwaters. This module builds on your learning from L4 and helps develop your knowledge and understanding of the ecology and wildlife found in aquatic ecosystems on a global scale.

Year three

Your final year (Level 6) enables you to apply the knowledge and skills gained so far to develop novel ideas and strategies relevant to ecology and wildlife conservation.

A range of modules address management of biodiversity and ecosystems, human dimensions in wildlife conservation and emerging global conservation issues.

At L6 you will complete your own, independent dissertation research project (on a topic of your choice), supervised by an academic expert which allows you to focus on aspects of conservation that you are passionate about and helps to refine your organisation and management skills in preparation for graduate employment or postgraduate study.

• Dissertation
  Year four - Module 1 (Description) The Dissertation is the hallmark of an undergraduate education. This independent research project is an opportunity to plan, to develop and to demonstrate how the knowledge and research skills you have gained can be used to communicate new perspectives on global academic debates and/or contribute to the evaluation of real-world issues. The dissertation experience offers students the potential opportunity to meet employers and partnership organisations, and to continue to evaluate and develop their skills and expertise for graduate employment. The module will also steer you to the developing attributes in demand by employers. This embeds the need to assess the research carbon footprint, the sustainability of our practice, and developing digital competency.
• Ecosystem Management
  Ecosystem Management demonstrates how ecosystem management ideas have arisen from more traditional methods for management of wildlife and natural resources, reflecting our improved knowledge on the disturbance and resilience of ecological communities as interdependent components within a holistic environmental system. We will explore the intrinsic links between humans and nature, and focus on how interactions within and among ecosystems can inform policy and practice to sustain and restore ecological function.
• Environmental Philosophy, Policy and Practice
  Environmental Philosophy, Policy and Practice brings together broad themes that underpin and manage our relationship with nature through a detailed and rigorous multidisciplinary exploration. The module considers environmental practices, policy, legislation, and management actions within the context of wider cultural, ethical, and political implications both within and on environmental institutions and organisations. As we confront unprecedented environmental crises, it is now more urgent than ever to consider the concept of nature and our relationship and place within it.
• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing (Optional Semester 1 - pick one option from two)
  Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing provides you with the digital skills and knowledge to plan and implement projects using geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing to address discipline-specific debates and questions. With a focus on an analytical approach to using GIS and remote sensing, you will cover the theory behind a range of digital tools and methods frequently applied in research projects and learn to critically appraise their relative strengths and weaknesses as well as potential applications in various fields of interest. With a mix of practical workshops within the application of advanced GIS techniques and interpretation of remote sensing data; you will develop technical skills to undertake your own project.
• Sustainability, Biodiversity and Conservation (Optional Semester 1 - pick one option from two)
  The world is constantly adjusting to emerging or evolving global challenges, including zoonotic diseases, pollution, unsustainable resource use, declining global biodiversity, and the intensification caused by interactions between these issues. This module will assess an increasing suite of tools promoting potential sustainable development pathways and offering possible mechanisms for future sustainability. It will develop your ability to review complex issues, make evidence-based decisions, identify interactions between biological factors and human dimensions, and seek sustainable resolutions for biodiversity and conservation.
• Behavioural Research in Conservation (Optional Semester 2 - pick one option from two)
  Behavioural Research in Conservation examines the role of behavioural biology in conservation and the management of wildlife populations. Building on your knowledge gained in modules at levels 4 and 5, this module will approach learning through a case-studies, seminars, and debate to develop your critical thinking, as well as analytical and communication skills.
• Marine and Freshwater Conservation (Optional Semester 2 - pick one option from two)
  Marine and Freshwater Conservation explores aquatic systems, vital to global biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and whilst also providing many essential human resources. This module will build on knowledge gained in modules at levels 4 and 5, enabling you to explore some of the issues surrounding conservation in marine and freshwater ecosystems in detail to help identify problems and effective strategies to bring about positive change. This module will approach learning through case-studies, seminars, and debate to develop your critical thinking, communication, and facilitation skills to provide an authentic experience of delivering advice and recommendations to interested parties from various backgrounds.