BSc (Hons) Ecology And Conservation Bachelor's degree at Edge Hill University

Looks at the nature of biological enquiry, the ways that biological knowledge develops, and the contribution biology makes to society.

Assessment: 55% Coursework 45% Practical

Introduces concepts fundamental to populations and communities using examples from across habitats and ecosystems. You will learn the basic skills required for employment and further ecological study including plant and animal identification, field surveying, microscopy, safe laboratory and field practice, and data handling. Half and full-day field trips include sampling animals and plants to develop concepts such as energetics, food webs, limiting factors and ecosystem functioning. You will gai

Assessment: 100% Coursework

Introduces the genetic and environmental control of an individual's characteristics. The module outlines how variation at DNA and chromosomal level leads to variation in the phenotype and genotype and the potential consequences of this variation including speciation. Taking a largely population genetics approach, you will study mutation, genotypic and phenotypic variation, meiosis, Mendelian inheritance, phylogeny and speciation.

Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Exam

Focuses on the cell as the basic biological unit. Using a range of activities, you will examine the molecular components that determine the structure, biochemical nature and physiology of different cells. This will then enable you to appreciate the significance of a range of environmental influences. Practical activities, including a number of core biological exercises, will be used to reinforce these aspects and equip you with skills and confidence in scientific laboratory techniques. The aim i

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Exam

Provides an overview of the diversity of life, the major taxonomical groups and their phylogenetic relationship. Sub-divided into distinctive microbial (including viral, bacterial and archaeal), plant, fungal, and animal sections, the module covers key findings on the definition, the origin, and the evolution of life. You will develop a range of subject-specific and transferable skills to enhance your employability, including microscopy and slide preparation, as well as information retrieval.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Practical

Introduces the basics of chemistry, involving clear and lucid explanations of chemical concepts with a coherent problem solving approach. Building your understanding of the periodic table, atomic and molecular structures, pH, solutions, chemical reactions, model buildings and practical skills are the core elements of this module. The aim is to provide you with a toolkit of knowledge and practical skills within chemistry and linking to wider concepts within biological and physical sciences. Appro

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Exam

Is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. The module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encoura

Assessment: 85% Coursework 15% Practical

Provides an awareness and understanding of the nature of environmental issues facing the world today. The module explores the important impact that people have on the environment and the influence that the environment exerts on people. It will focus on both natural hazards and the modification of environmental systems by human activity and the problems this may pose. You will have the opportunity to consider issues such as climatic change, water quality, flooding, biodiversity loss and human vul

Assessment: 100% Coursework

Develops essential biological research methods and data analysis skills, providing a sound base for a future dissertation. The module begins with sessions on experimental design and statistical analysis, working with varied types of data, and culminates with the design and implementation of a one-week research project.

Assessment: 100% Coursework

Examines spatial and temporal patterns of living organisms over the earth's surface and highlights the fundamental processes and causal factors which determine these patterns. This includes themes such as climate, evolutionary history, continental drift, spatial area, isolation, succession and disturbance. Key themes such as biodiversity and the history and development of ecological communities through time run through the whole module. The module culminates in exploring the impacts of human med

Assessment: 60% Exam 40% Coursework

Provides you with an introduction to the fields of off-site (ex-situ) management and animal behaviour and the intersection between these two areas. You'll explore how and why species are managed in captivity with consideration of species-specific needs. The module will also introduce the theories and methodologies in animal behaviour and will be combined with consideration of abnormal behaviours in captive animals and the management methods employed to reduce or prevent these.

Assessment: 100% Coursework

Explores the diversity of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, examining their life cycle, basic physiology, importance to ecosystem functioning and the range of services with which they provide society. You will learn quantitative sampling techniques as well as navigation, health and safety assessment and ethical considerations. You will also develop a sound knowledge of taxonomy for a variety of groups such as aquatic insects, spiders and beetles, gaining the identification, preservation and

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Practical

Provides you with the essential knowledge and practical skills to study forest canopies. You will learn practical canopy access skills during a five day intensive Basic Canopy Access Proficiency (BCAP) course. The climbing course will have the option of external certification by Canopy Access Ltd who have over 20 years experience of providing rigging and technical rope training solutions for the wildlife film industry. You will learn how to access the canopy safely and the challenges associated

Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Exam

Provides an understanding of several aspects of the regulation of gene expression both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The module is essential preparation for studying more advanced topics in the fields of genetics and biotechnology. You will explore and acquire practical skills in molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gene expression monitoring and genome editing by cloning. Basic concepts in bioinformatics will be introduced and you will gain hands-on experience of essen

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Exam

Provides you with an understanding of tree structure and physiology. It explores the basic tree structure of leaves, roots and stem as well as specialised structures that enable such organisms to survive and reproduce. It includes anatomical aspects such as secondary thickening, transport structures and timber characteristics alongside biochemical aspects such as photosynthesis, water regulation and hormonal response to external stressors. Throughout this module, you will also develop relevant l

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Exam

Gives you the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the conservation and ecology sector. You will take what you've learned in your other modules and put it into practice during this placement which will help you deepen your understanding of ecological theory while appreciating the challenges of hands-on conservation work. Through the Department of Biology's extensive network of contacts, you'll receive support in finding a placement that matches your interests and goals. Placements can ra

Assessment: 100% Coursework