Conserving biodiversity and avoiding the extinction of species are huge global challenges. It has never been more important for scientists to understand organisms and ecosystems, and how they respond to the threats they face.
Ecology and Conservation at Lincoln seek to explore the natural world, from individuals to populations, and communities to ecosystems. Students are able to examine how organisms interact with each other and their environment, and how these processes are affected by human activities. This helps them to understand the planetary ecosystem and how it responds to environmental change. Students can learn key practical skills that professional ecologists and conservation practitioners are looking for in graduates.
The course offers a diverse programme that aims to provide a firm grounding in the principles of ecology and conservation. It aims to enable students to specialise in the areas that interest them. It is taught by research-active staff in both the School of Life Sciences and the School of Geography, who specialise in a wide range of disciplines across evolution, ecology, zoology, and environmental health. Key industry-relevant skills are taught by practitioners from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and Forestry England, as well as speakers from a range of employers from across the sector.
Alongside fully-funded day trips throughout the degree to locations that have previously included Kew Gardens and the Millennium Seed Bank, this course also includes two fully-funded residential field trips in the UK to study ecology in a field setting. There is an additional optional overseas field trip in the final year where previous students have visited the Andean Cloud Forest in Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and boreal forests in Finland. Those who choose to participate in the international trip are required to pay for their own flights but accommodation and meals at the field site are covered by the University.
Students have the chance to develop practical skills in species identification and environmental surveying, as well as 'soft skills in scientific methods and communication, which can be invaluable in many workplaces but are especially critical for ecology and conservation. There is also an opportunity for students to gain professional experience by undertaking a placement year, between the second and third years of their studies.
How You Study
This degree is designed to provide a broad understanding of the key aspects of ecology and conservation and emphasises gaining practical skills in the field and laboratory.
In the first year, students have the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of biological concepts, including ecology, animal and plant anatomy and physiology, as well as key skills in environmental monitoring.
During the second year, more specialist modules include evolution, conservation biology, and plant-animal interactions. Students can choose from a selection of optional modules to align their studies with areas of particular interest.
There is an emphasis on independent research in the third year, and students are expected to undertake a substantial research project, as well as modules to develop critical scientific skills. This degree combines demonstrations with hands-on work in-lab or in-field.
Students will also have the opportunity to develop their ability to communicate scientific knowledge effectively, in different contexts, different formats and to different recipients.
"I chose this course as it combined my two favourite subjects: Geography and Biology. I really liked the unique blend and it enabled me to study key elements from both subjects."
Ellen Butcher, BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation graduate
Field Trips
Students can participate in a residential field trip in the UK, enabling them to study animals and plants in the wild. For UK-based field trips, the University will cover the costs of transport, accommodation, and meals at the field site.
An optional module in the final year involves an overseas field trip. This will provide the opportunity to do research in a novel environment and to study local plants and animals. Destinations may vary but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Peniche in Portugal.
Students who opt to undertake a field trip overseas will be expected to cover transport costs (including flight costs). These costs will vary depending on the location of the field trip. Accommodation and meals at the field sites are fully funded by the University.
Students may be required to pay for overnight stays, local travel and food close to the destination if their flights arrive the day before the team is scheduled to meet. Students may bring personal items of clothing and travel equipment, some of which may be specialised for the environment they are travelling to, and recommended medicines and travel toiletries such as anti-malaria medication, vaccinations, insect repellent and sunscreen. These costs will depend on what they choose to bring.
Optional Placement Year
All full-time Ecology and Conservation students may take an optional placement year between the second and third years of the programme. These placements are student-led but will be continuously supported by academic staff throughout. Placements provide students with the opportunity to gain work experience and a chance to hone their skills in a professional environment. When students are on an optional placement, they will be required to cover their own transport, accommodation, and meal costs.
Modules
First Year
Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Animals (Core)
Earth Observation & GIS (Core)
Ecology (Core)
Plant Structure and Function (Core)
Practical Field Skills in Ecology (Core)
Research Methods for the Life Sciences (Core)
Sustainable Environments & Ecosystems (Core)
Second Year
Conservation Biology (Core)
Data Skills for the Life Sciences (Core)
Evolution (Core)
Managing Ecosystems (Core)
UK Field Course (Core)
Animal Behaviour (Option)†
Biogeography & Planetary Health (Option)†
Climatology and Quaternary Science (Option)†
Human Impacts on the Environment (Option)†
Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology (Option)†
SLS Study Abroad (Option)†
Third Year
Global Change Biology (Core)
Life Sciences Research Project (Core)
Plant and Animal Interactions (Core)
Practical Skills in Conservation (Core)
Soil Biology (Core)
Behavioural Ecology (Option)†
Coastal Systems and Global Change (Option)†
Environmental Management (Option)†
Overseas Field Course (Option)†
Palaeobiology (Option)†
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
How You Are Assessed
Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, videos, reports or dissertations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.
Scholarships
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
United Kingdom
A Level: BBB, to include a grade B in Biology or Geography (120 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).
International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall to include Higher Level grade 5 in Biology or Geography.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Animal Management or Applied Science*: Distinction, Distinction, Merit or equivalent (*not all modules are accepted, please contact our Admissions team for further information.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from 15 credits in Biology or Geography.
A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ, etc.
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for Ecology and Conservation graduates may include teaching, environmental consultancy, applied conservation in the UK or internationally, and science journalism. Graduates may choose to continue their studies at the postgraduate level.
"This degree allows students to study the interconnectedness of the natural world and, in doing so, learn how to better protect and conserve it."
Dr Carl Soulsbury, Programme Leader, BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation
