Ecology and Conservation Biology with Placement Year MBiolSci

at University of Sheffield

Modules

Year 1:
 

In your first year, you'll spend your first week on a field course in Sheffield, collecting and analysing data throughout the city's green spaces and out to the edge of the Peak District. Throughout the year, you’ll study topics including sustainability, biotechnology, biodiversity, climate change and environmental management. You'll develop practical skills in the lab, including microscopy and genetics, complemented by regular field trips to zoos, aquariums and nature reserves. You'll also have lectures and take part in small group tutorials where you'll enhance your writing, data analysis and presentation skills as you learn about the latest research findings from our world-leading academics.
 

Core modules:

• Climate Change and Sustainability
• Principles of Ecology and Conservation
• Skills in Biology
• Ecological identification skills
   

Year 2:
 

In your second year, you’ll build on your new skills and knowledge covering more advanced scientific topics and techniques across ecology and conservation biology. Some students choose to take our science communication module where you'll get the chance to make your own factual science documentaries, with support and advice from professional filmmakers. 
 

All of our ecology and conservation biology students receive training in modern data analysis techniques and get the opportunity to participate in an optional two-week intensive project, designing and carrying out your own research. Depending on your focus, this could be in the field, giving you the chance to develop an understanding of the ecology and biodiversity of different habitats across the globe, or in one of our world-class labs here in Sheffield, dedicated to an area such as molecular biology, genetics or even wildlife forensics.
 

Core modules:

• Conservation Principles and Realities
• Population and Community Ecology
• Biological Field Skills
• Skills in Biology II
   

Year 3:

You will spend your third year on a work placement in industry. Previous students have found placements within industry, charities or government at organisations that include Atkins Environmental Consulting, Cadbury (Mondelēz International), Kew Gardens and Transport for London.
 

Year 4:
 

Once you return from your placement, in your fourth year you'll complete a research project and dissertation in an area of ecology and conservation biology that interests you alongside your chosen specialist modules. Conducted under the supervision of one of our world experts, you'll work in a small group to define questions, develop experimental protocols, conduct the research, analyse the data and ultimately produce a written report in the form of a scientific publication.
 

Core modules:

• Biological Field Research
• Conservation Issues and Management
• Topics in Modern Ecology
• Literature Review
• Research Project
   

Year  5:
 

In your final year, the majority of your time will be devoted to a major research project designed to equip you with the advanced laboratory, data analysis and writing skills you'll need for a successful and rewarding career in science. You'll be embedded within one of our specialist research groups, conducting your own independent research and interacting with academics and lab staff as a professional scientist.
 

Core modules:

• Research & Communication Skills in Biology
• Research Dissertation
• Advanced Biological Analysis
• Research Project
   

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:

• AAB
   

including Biology and a second science
 

A Levels + additional qualifications AAB, including Biology and a second science + B in the EPQ; AAB, including Biology and a second science + B in Core Maths
 

International Baccalaureate 34, with 6, 5 in Higher Level Biology and a second science
 

BTEC Extended Diploma DDD in Applied Science or Forensic Science with Distinctions in all Biology units
 

BTEC Diploma DD in Applied Science or Forensic Science + B in an A Level science subject
 

Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers AAABB + AB in Biology and a second science
 

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels B + AA in Biology and a second science
 

Access to HE Diploma Award of Access to HE Diploma in Science, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction (to include Biology and a second science) and 9 at Merit

Other requirements

• Second science subjects include Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Science or Geography. Human Biology is accepted in lieu of Biology, but Biology and Human Biology cannot be accepted in combination as the two science subjects

• GCSE Maths grade 4/C
   

English language requirements 
 

You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

Home students
£9,250

Overseas students
£25,670
 

Additional costs

The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

Biosciences graduates have a growing range of career options available to them. Whether you want to work in industry, join a Top 100 graduate employer, or continue your studies, employers seek out our graduates because of their ability to communicate complex ideas to a range of audiences, handle data, and work to deadlines, independently and as part of a team.
 

Many of our graduates choose to pursue a bioscience research career, working within higher education, for public bodies and charities, or in research and development in leading organisations around the world. Some are saving local biodiversity and developing solutions to global food shortages, others are interested in industrial research, joining pharmaceutical, biotechnology and consumer goods companies like Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Reckitt.
 

Our graduates are also applying their skills and training from Sheffield working in healthcare, in the NHS or for private healthcare providers or charities.
 

If conservation or ecological consultancy is something that you’re passionate about, the RSPB, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Wildlife Trusts are just some of the places where our graduates now work. Roles often cover environmental management, sustainable forestry, crop protection and breeding, and climate change mitigation.
 

Going on to further study in the biosciences, or in areas such as medicine, veterinary science, physiotherapy and teaching is another popular route, with graduates often completing masters courses and PhDs.
 

A biosciences degree from the University of Sheffield can even take you into roles in marketing, teaching, human resources, IT, science communication and beyond. Each year our graduates apply their transferable skills and begin careers in these areas with Top 100 employers like GSK, Google and Aldi.