BSc (Hons) in Biology (Conservation Biology)

Semester 1

Level 4

• Biological Techniques (C)
• Introduction to Biochemistry (C)
• Communicating Science (C)

Level 5

• Biological Systems (C)
• Research Skills in Biology (R)
• Conservation Ecology (R)

Level 6

• Conservation Biology Dissertation Planning (R)
• Environmental Practice (R)
• Plants and People (O)
• Disaster Risk Reduction (O)

Semester 2

Level 4

• Ecology and Diversity of Life (C)
• Human Biology (C)
• The Microbial World (C)

Level 5

• Biology in Society (C)
• Environmental Management (R)
• Food Analysis (O)
• Biology Work Placement (O)
• Environment and Education (O)
• Science Journalism and Publishing (O)
• The Marketing Business (O)
• Clinical Psychology (O)
• Professional Placement Year (O)

Level 6

• Conservation Biology Dissertation Planning (R)
• Animal Behaviour (R)
• Medical Biology (O)
• Wildlife Photography (O)
• Investigations in Microbiology (O)
• Marine Biology and Conservation (O)
• Learning in Science (O)
• Publishing Industry Project (O)

The aims of the Biology Programme are to:

• Deliver a challenging and motivating scientific program, via a broad-based course, with the option of focussing on specialized areas – particularly Microbiology, Conservation Biology, and Human Biology
• Provide students with appropriate biological knowledge, understanding, and practical skills at local, national, and global levels
• Prepare students for employment (managerial/professional and subject-specific) and post-graduate study including ethical standards and professional codes of conduct
• Encourage informed understanding and awareness of the biological world
• Enable students to become independent problem solvers in a world of biological challenges
• Improve career opportunities by encouraging engagement with external organizations to include volunteer and placement work.

Biology students are not required to undertake formal work experience or placements as part of their course program, but we recognize the value of such experience to career development and provide a range of opportunities for students to engage outside the classroom.

Students who would like to seek a placement experience related to their course have the opportunity to take the Biology Work Placement module in the second year of study. This is a subject focussed module which is well established, popular with students and produces excellent work from students which helps in their preparation for graduate employment. Staff can help with securing appropriate employment, through industry and community contacts. The Careers Service is also able to suggest suitable employers in the public and private sectors. If students wish to undertake a more general work placement outside the Biology sector there is an Open Module in Work Placement available.

This program can also be taken as a 'Sandwich' degree, which is studied over 4 years and includes a year-long work placement in a sector of your choice. The placement year is completed between years 2 and 3 of your degree and counts for 120 Level 5 credits. During this time you will be able to utilize knowledge gained as part of your studies in a real work environment to gain ‘hands-on’ experience. The University has a dedicated Careers & Employability team to help you find and prepare for a placement. Following your placement year, you will return to University to complete your final year of study.

Course length

3 years full-time, 4 years with Professional Placement Year 6 years part-time.