Year 1
Diversity of Life
This module follows chronologically the development from biomolecules and the first basic cells through to the more complex organisms such as hominids and modern plants. Students will gain an appreciation of the process of evolution through natural selection which will furnish them with knowledge to underpin much of their further studies.
Ecology and Ecosystems
In this module, we will examine what controls the distribution and abundance of organisms, how energy is transferred through ecosystems and explore how the principles of ecology underpin effective conservation practice. The module will include fieldtrips to a diverse range of habitats and introduce key surveying and ecological assessment skills.
Practical Conservation and Field Research Skills
This predominantly field-based module will introduce some of the common techniques used in wildlife research and provide experience of the skills required to carry out ecological surveys. We will visit a diverse range of local habitats, learn how to track and identify common and protected British wildlife species, and carry out a range of biodiversity and ecology assessments.
Environmental Science
This module is designed to provide an understanding of the environmental challenges facing the world’s ecosystems. The module will examine the human impact on natural habitats, aquatic and terrestrial life and explore how to balance societies needs with the sustainability of the environment.
Scientific Skills
This module will provide students with the core skills required to carry out basic scientific procedures and communicate their research in an appropriate scientific format. The module is based on a series of practical sessions and is designed to develop the skills required for subsequent advanced modules on the course.
Cell Biology and Genetics
To understand the physiology and behaviour of life on earth, it is essential to have an understanding of how living organisms function at the cellular level. We will examine the structure and function of the subcellular components of microbial, plant and animal cells, and explore the genetic principles that are central to our understanding of inheritance, organismal diversity and evolution.
Year 2
Principles of Conservation
This module introduces the concepts of conservation. Students will investigate strategies for managing and conserving wild animals and develop an understanding of the economic, social and political issues that impact on management.
Marine and Freshwater Biology
Freshwater and marine ecosystems cover more than three-quarters of the Earth’s surface, however the world’s aquatic environments are increasingly under threat. In this module we will study the diverse range of life that inhabit aquatic environments and explore the issues involved in the management, conservation and restoration of aquatic resources.
Zoological Management
The module includes the management of health, nutrition and breeding programmes for exotic zoo species and will encompass other key topics such as welfare, behaviour, training, record keeping, enclosure design, legislation and the global community in a zoo context.
Data Analysis and Statistics
Effective scientists need to understand how experimentation, qualitative and quantitative analysis drives science forward via the process of attempted falsification and how this is quantified and presented. This prepares students for further study and employment by providing an understanding of inferential statistical analysis of scientific data; it prepares them for the Dissertation module.
Research Methods and Scientific Communication
This module introduces students to the principles of scientific research and the planning and design of experiments. Students will learn how to effectively analyse literature and communicate science in a variety of methods. Students will also study the detailed aspects of research design and planning.
Year 3
Dissertation
The dissertation will provide an opportunity for individuals to develop an area of scientific interest arising from either course-based or work-based experience. The focus of the dissertation will be a research-based study, central to which will be some form of hypothesis testing or problem solving.
Ecotoxicology
During this module you will study the molecular, cellular, and physiological effects of common inorganic and organic pollutants and gain experience of a range of laboratory-based toxicity tests.
Evolution, adaptive and conservation physiology
The basis of the module is to understand comparative physiology and morphology and how unique traits allow for adaptation to specific niches. Specific convergent evolutionary examples will identify key physiological and morphological processes using examples across the animal kingdom.
Professional development for life sciences
In this module students will explore the numerous career paths available for life science graduates, will gain experience of graduate recruitment processes, and will critically analyse their own skills and capabilities to develop, reflect and improve their professional career prospects.
