On our BSc Evolutionary Biology you will utilise our cutting-edge facilities to develop advanced knowledge in this rapidly developing field, which encompasses genetics, animal behaviour and psychology, and examine evolution from many perspectives – from the smallest building blocks of life to entire ecosystems.
As a fast growing area of study, it is led by some of the UK’s foremost internationally-recognised, research active staff in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on our Penryn Campus in Cornwall. The Centre hosts a large and thriving group of scientists who work at the cutting edge of research on evolutionarily informed organismal biology and run research projects across the globe, from Uganda to Australia. The programme utilises expertise in the Centre to provide you with the skills, concepts and experience to understand all aspects of modern evolutionary biology.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Year 1
Develop both practical skills and knowledge of theory in evolutionary ecology through lectures and laboratory work.
- Genetics
- Microbes
- Evolution
- Skills and Careers
- Introduction to Human Sciences
Year 2
Apply your knowledge to examine the basis for evolutionary change, including consideration of both the ecological and genetic mechanisms driving adaptive evolution. Take a field course to gain an understanding of evolution in the wild.
- Evolutionary Ecology
- Analysis of Biological Data
- Animal Ecophysiology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Molecular Ecology
- Biosciences Penryn Virtual Field Course
- Bio Penryn 2nd Year Field Course
Placement/study abroad year (if taken)
with Professional Placement
with Study Abroad
Final year
Specialise in your area of interest. Interact closely with an expert member of academic staff and carry out a detailed independent research project on evolutionary biology in the wild or a laboratory. You will also take part in an international field trip*.
- Research Project
- Preparing to Graduate
- Borneo Field Course
- Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology
- Galapagos Islands Field Course
- Yukon-Alaska Field Course
- Azores Field Course
- Northern Spain Field Course
- Tropical Biodiversity and Conservation: Costa Rica Field Course
- Human-Wildlife Coexistence in India Field Course
