MBiol (Hons) Ecology and Conservation Biology Integrated Master's degree at the University of Leeds

You'll be provided with an overview of the evolution and diversity of life, the key features that define each group and the role of those taxa in ecological processes. Each group of organisms will be linked to a major global challenge, including food security, disease, and wildlife conservation, to demonstrate how fundamental science informs important societal issues.

You'll develop a broad range of standard laboratory skills, including the essential fundamentals of good laboratory practice, routine calculations, and analytical methods. Field work will address processes at the whole organism and population level within the broader area of ecology.

You'll develop core research, scientific and study skills that will underpin your degree. You'll gain in-depth understanding of the scientific process, the formulation and testing of hypotheses, and making best use of scientific literature. Hands-on computer practical sessions will develop an appreciation of scientific data, and the key skills needed to solve problems.

You'll explore the different meanings of 'genetics' and how this concept has changed over time. More importantly, you will explore what genetics means for us as organisms. To what extent do genes determine our inheritance? How do our genes make us the distinct and unique organisms we are?

You will attend a residential field course in a UK location, and will develop skills suitable for field-based careers. The emphasis within the different sub-modules varies, but all include elements of biological identification, hypothesis testing, data collection and interpretation and the written presentation of results.

This module examines how knowledge derived from biological research is applied to and exploited in agriculture. You'll study food production from animals, plants and microorganisms, the different systems of production, the use of biotechnology for crop improvement and the opportunities and challenges facing a changing world.

You'll develop a basic understanding of cell biology and biochemistry, which underpin the fundamental processes of life. You can apply this knowledge in later optional studies in applied biology or plant biology.

You'll identify the challenges we experience in a changing world, such as climate change, pollution, increasing populations and poverty. This module will give you knowledge of sustainability issues, identify solutions, and develop the skills to influence future change.

You'll explore the characteristics of individuals and how they determine patterns seen in populations, the dynamics of species and their interactions in communities, and how these communities interact with the environment to create the ecosystems we find across the world.

Fascinated by dinosaurs? Intrigued by human origins? Worried by whaling? If so, this module is for you. You'll explore the major features of vertebrate evolution from the origin of the group around 430 million years ago to their present-day diversity. You'll also examine how geological processes have influenced the amazing story of vertebrate animals.

You'll study the factors that control the distribution and abundance of different populations, exploring the interactions between species and their environment, the properties of ecological communities, and the application of these principles to key challenges in ecology.

This module further develops the core research and scientific skills that were developed in Level 1, preparing you for third-year research projects and beyond.

This course takes place at a field station in a semi-arid region of southern Spain. Working in small groups, you'll explore the ecology, behaviour and adaptations of the unique flora and fauna found in this beautiful location, while engaging with some of the challenges that field ecologists face.

You'll learn about the value of biodiversity in an urban context, with a focus on the biodiversity and sustainability on campus and the University's reduced carbon emissions commitments. Working in small groups, you'll collect biodiversity data across a range of urban sites and produce a biodiversity action plan to support and improve biodiversity on the campus.

You'll examine the techniques used by professional ecologists to observe wildlife, and how this information can inform the management of species, resolve human-wildlife conflict, and shape conservation decision-making and interventions.

You'll explore the importance of plants in their environments, covering basic physiology and metabolism and revealing key concepts of plant growth that enable plants to adapt within the environment. Topics include embryogenesis, flower and seed development, gravity and hormonal signals, model systems and research methodologies.

You'll be provided with an introduction to parasitology with an emphasis on parasites that cause diseases of medical and veterinary importance. The main content will be delivered through specific examples, including single-celled microparasites and macroparasites.

The module allows you to explore the fascinating diversity of life on Earth. You'll examine evolutionary processes to develop an understanding of adaptation to environments in our rapidly changing modern world.

You'll explore both crop and animal production systems, reviewing the evolution of farming biodiversity and the challenges of maximising production while safeguarding the environment.

Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge facing mankind today. You'll explore the fundamental natural processes driving the Earth's climate system, while learning about the human influence on current and future climate, and the science behind the attribution of climate change to human activities.

You'll consider some of the key theories in conservation ecology and biodiversity management in the context of major contemporary threats to biodiversity, and the consequences of biodiversity loss. You'll apply your knowledge to evaluate the role of management planning to halt the losses and manage biodiversity sustainably into the future.

The module will be taught by researchers intimately involved with the research developments in ecology being explored. It will provide you with a detailed understanding of key recent developments in ecology, alongside insights into the process of scientific research.

You'll carry out an extensive review and critique of the literature relevant to a topical issue in ecology