Ecology BSc Hons

This Joint Honours programme allows you to combine your interest in ecology with another subject area, e.g. Environmental Management or Geography.

Ecology is the science that examines the inter-relationship between the living environment and the physical environment. This Joint Honours programme allows you to combine your interest in ecology with another subject area, e.g. Environmental Management or Geography.

The University of Worcester is well placed geographically to take advantage of the many environments and habitats in the area. We look further afield at contrasting environments, such as the Mediterranean region and the Cairngorms, during residential field trips. There is a strong emphasis on fieldwork, to allow you to experience the environment and practise skills first hand. Additionally the learning and practise of laboratory skills support the analysis of environmental samples collected in the field.

In the final year you will undertake an independent research project. This is an opportunity to research a topic of interest to you over the academic year, supported by your Independent Study tutor. Past topics have included the impact of introduced species, uptake of heavy metals by maize (allied to phytoremediation studies), effects of trampling on species diversity on footpaths, and the study of flooding events in local rivers.

You can also enter directly into year Two or Three if you have the appropriate prior learning either in earlier years or at other HE Institutions.

Factfile
Entry requirements
Course content
Student views

UCAS code

This degree is only available in combination with another course. The University of Worcester’s degree combinations add breadth to your studies and enhance your employability. For the latest information, check the UCAS website at www.ucas.com

Study options

Joint Honours only
Strong links with sector organisations for work experience, etc.
Field trip to Provence (Year 3)

Get in touch

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

Dr. Rob Herbert
Course Leader
01905 855215
r.herbert@worc.ac.uk

Institute of Science and the Environment Admin Office
01905 855201
ise@worc.ac.uk

220 UCAS Tariff points with A2 Biology

240 UCAS Tariff points if only AS Biology or A2 Environmental Science

The University will consider each application on its individual merits and will recognise a range of qualifications not currently included in the Tariff, including Access courses, European Baccalaureate and pre-2002 qualifications such as GNVQ.

If your qualifications are not listed, please contact the Admissions Office for advice on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk for advice.

Further information about the UCAS Tariff can be obtained from http://www.ucas.com

Modules

Year One
Biological Diversity
Introduction to Ecology
Basics of Biological Surveying

Year Two
Conservation Ecology of Habitats & Species
Conservation Biology & Landscape Ecology
Field Techniques in Ecology

Year Three
Residential Ecology Field Course
Restoration Ecology
Population & Community Ecology for Conservation
Behavioural Ecology
Independent Study

Assessment

There are a wide range of assessment types including course work, essays, field and laboratory reports, presentations, examinations and project work.

Dr John Dutton

Course Leader, Ecology BSc (Hons)

“This course allows students with an interest in Ecology to combine this with another subject, such as Biology, Animal Biology, Environmental
Management or Geography.”

Academic department

Institute of Science & the Environment

“The Institute’s acclaimed research in areas such as river management, rural issues, forensic biology, nutrition and archaeology has a common thread: our belief that science should be centred around its impact on people.”
Professor John Newbury, Head of Institute

Employability

As an Ecologist at the University of Worcester, you will be able to develop a wide range of intellectual, practical and social skills that are much in demand by employers. These include primary research and critical evaluation skills, communications skills, both written and oral, and a range of technical and IT skills such as the use of DNA technology, IT-based vegetation analysis, data analysis, and applied statistics.
You will also learn how to gather environmental or physiological data in the laboratory and/or the field using logging equipment, controlled environment cabinets and a range of physiological monitoring devices.

Ecologists, who can solve problems, look at evidence and make measured and reasoned arguments, are not only required in scientific fields but also in other fields - such as the media, retailing and finance - to ensure there is a balanced view relating to new technology and that any risks are neither under nor over stated.

Graduation from this course prepares you for a career with such organisations as Natural England, the Environment Agency, Local and County Councils, business and industry, e.g. consultancies, or undertaking research.