Ecology and Conservation MSci

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Top reasons to choose this course

• Professional accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology.
• Guaranteed interview scheme with Brighton and Sussex Medical School.
• Fieldwork opportunities in places such as South Africa and Shropshire, and in the rich local environment.
• Travel and accommodation included in the fees for mandatory residential trips to locations such as Shropshire (go to the fees and costs section for more info).
• Specialist facilities such as our aquatic suite, GIS lab, and ecology, microbiology, molecular biology and tissue culture labs.
• Get involved in our research in areas such as micropollutants, invasive species and aquatic environments, and reintroducing species.
• Guest lecturers and optional placement year.

Year 1

You will explore the foundations of ecology covering skills for bioscientists, genetics and molecular biology, ecology and conservation, terrestrial ecosystems, and diversity of life.

Modules

• Fundamentals of Marine and Freshwater Biology

  This module introduces the principles of marine and freshwater biology by examining the evolution  and diversity of aquatic flora and fauna. You'll focus on physical and chemical aspects of aquatic ecosystems, their impact on the populations of organisms that live in the ecosystems, and how organisms adapt to their environments. Practical sessions will cover methods for collecting, handling and analysing scientific data, as well as developing effective science communication skills.

• Essential Skills for Bioscientists

  This module introduces the principles of the scientific method and a variety of study and communication skills that you’ll need during your degree. You’ll develop mathematical and statistical skills and apply them in the context of bioscientific data presentation and interpretation.

• Fundamentals in Genetics and Evolution

  Genetics is fundamental to understanding life sciences. In this module you will gain an understanding of how information is stored and inherited in living organisms. You will consider genetics from the perspectives of DNA structure, gene expression, genome replication, heredity, genes in populations, and evolution. You'll also be introduced to DNA-based laboratory techniques. 

• Introduction to Microorganisms and Plants

  This module looks at the classification of the living world, focusing on the structures and patterns in microorganisms and plants. You'll explore taxonomic groups considering of key features, increased complexity of structure, and their ecological role and importance. You'll develop an integrated approach to the diversity of these organisms, linking evolutionary theory with biology, form and function of organisms.

• Introduction to Ecology and Conservation

  This module will introduce you to key concepts and principles in both ecology and conservation science – illustrated with case studies. The links between ecology and conservation and also between theory and applied research are emphasised

• Terrestrial Ecosystems

  This module will introduce you to major terrestrial natural and semi-natural habitats, covering key ecological and biological processes that structure these systems. You will reflect on the conservation challenges and management strategies used to maintain and restore these habitats. You'll also learn about, and use, field-based techniques during field trips and local site visits.

Year 2 

In your second year you will cover research skills, professional development, physiology of organisms, managing populations in ecology and conservation, and marine and freshwater ecosystems. You can also choose from a range of options including fieldwork in South Africa.

Modules

Core modules

• GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice

  This module will help you develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the areas of optical Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and apply this learning to real-world situations in the geographical, geological and environmental sciences. You will be encouraged to engage in spatial and digital computing, remote sensing, data handling and problem solving so you become proficient at using remote sensing and GIS software.

• Population Biology for Conservation

  This module will teach you about the conceptual aspects of wildlife populations, their conservation and management, and how behaviour serves as the fundamental link between single organisms and population processes. You will study population genetic mechanisms, such as genetic drift and inbreeding, and how these interact to influence threatened species. You will also discuss the dynamics of current and future threats to surviving populations and learn to interpret population biology data.

• Animal Diversity and Adaptations

  This module will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the vast diversity of the animal kingdom and the various adaptations that have evolved to enable animals to survive and thrive in different, and sometimes extreme, environments. You will explore the principles of animal classification, evolutionary processes and the remarkable range of functional adaptations exhibited by animals.

• Research Skills and Professional Development

  This module will enable you to develop the skills and knowledge required to improve your graduate career opportunities. You’ll grow your understanding of the role of experimental design in the data collection stage of a laboratory investigation and enhance your skills in the analysis of such data. You will also gain investigative, reflective, communication, self-presentation and digital literacy skills relevant to career planning and development.

• Marine and Freshwater Ecology

  This module will develop your knowledge of global marine and freshwater habitats. You will investigate and discuss the diversity of habitats, including lentic, lotic, transitional and marine systems, and explore aquatic systems, from source to sea. The module will cover a range of human-made impacts and conservation issues related to the disturbance of systems and species. A series of one-day field trips will enhance your practical abilities, including survey techniques and identification skills.

Options*

• Applied Conservation Field Course (UK)

  This module takes the form of lectures, workshops and field days that will provide you with training in ecological census, monitoring and evaluation techniques and the collection of field data. As part of a personal project, you will be able to design and undertake individual field investigations. You will gain practical experience and expand your knowledge of applied ecological issues such as land management, environmental assessment and conservation of rare species.

• Climate Change

  Many consider climate change to be the most important global-scale environmental issue of our time, and in this module you will gain an overview of contemporary debates in this area. Following an introduction to the scientific context of the subject, you’ll explore the potential environmental, social, economic and political impacts of climate change. You will discuss mitigation, adaptation and enhancing resilience, and consider the unknowns in climate change science. Practical sessions will focus on methods for generating and analysing climate change-related information.

• Sustainable Futures

  This module will introduce you to historical and contemporary debates around sustainability and encourage you to ‘think spatially’ about environmental and social inequalities associated with approaches to sustainability and sustainable development through relevant case studies. Topics might include vulnerabilities and conflicts in water supply systems, food security and food sovereignty. A field visit to Brighton will help you explore pathways to sustainability in practice and provide a firsthand context in which to deepen critical engagement with key sustainable development debate.

• Ecology and Conservation International Field course

  The exact content of this module depends upon location as it features a combination of lectures and workshops which take place during an international residential field trip. You will learn ecological census, monitoring and evaluation techniques and how to collect field data while experiencing and learning about the ecology of a specific ecosystem outside of the UK. You’ll be able to design and undertake individual field investigations as well developing your teamwork, communication and presentation skills.

• Environmental Pollution

  This module investigates how society manages pollution in order to protect human health and the natural environment. You'll examine changing attitudes to pollution and how environment management and technology can be used for pollution control. You’ll explore sustainability and technologies in relation to the management of waste, air quality, water, wastewater and noise pollution.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placement year 

There are many advantages of spending a placement year working in industry, or research. It can help you to:

• apply your learning to real-life situations and challenges
• learn new skills which can help in your career
• explore specialisms to gain better understanding of what you want to do
• gain vital work experience and build your network of professional contacts
• come back for your final year more focused, more organised and more confident.

Our students have been on placement with organisations including the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, Paignton Zoo, the Sea Life Centre and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.

Year 3

You will study species interactions, ecological impact assessment, hot topics in ecology and conservation, and undertake an ecology research project. Option modules enable you to choose the subjects that interest you most.

Modules

Core modules

• Ecological Impact Assessment

  Using a hands-on approach, this module gives you an overview of Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) processes within the current legal context and requirements. You will adopt the role of consultant and undertake surveys using biodiversity metric tools to complete a Preliminary Ecological Assessment leading to an EcIA, produce a technical report and discuss limitation and mitigation opportunities associated with the assignment.

• Ecology Project

  In this module you will demonstrate core research skills by pursuing an independent and original scientific investigation in the field of ecology and report on the results. Studying independently, you will produce a full project report in the format of a scientific paper and present a summary of the project in poster format which will be assessed through an oral examination. You will be supported with key skills workshops and supervisory guidance throughout.

• Hot Topics in Ecology and Conservation

  Providing an ecological perspective to some of the problems associated with human exploitation of the environment, this module explores how knowledge of ecology and conservation may help manage these issues and improve understanding. You will focus on ways to address global priorities – including sustainable agricultural and agroecosystems, ecosystem services and nature-based solutions, restoration and rewilding – and explore the pressing challenges in ecology and conservation, such as climate change, disconnection to nature, invasive species and human-wildlife conflict.

• Species Interactions

  The biology, behaviour and ecology of most species are influenced by their interactions with other organisms. This module will help you develop an appreciation for the complexities of relationships between plants and animals, animals and microbes, and plants and microbes. There will be an emphasis on understanding the positive and negative species interactions, including the role of organisms in the spread of disease, as well as researching the nature of interspecies relationships as drivers for ecosystem development.

Options*

• The Humans of Ice Age Britain

  In this module you will explore the past and current theories surrounding human origins and evolution. You will develop a critical understanding of the British Palaeolithic record and the occupation of Britain by various human species over the last million years. Various lines of evidence will be considered including a site-by-site analysis of geology, fossil material, archaeological material, palaeogenetic studies, and evidence for palaeoclimate change.

• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing

  This advanced module on spatial and digital computing will strengthen the data-handling and critical thinking skills you gained in the GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice module. It will teach you the expertise needed to identify and critically examine geographical and wider environmental issues. The module delivers theoretical knowledge and practical skills to help you retain and reapply geospatial information to unfamiliar contexts, so you are able to develop novel solutions and evaluate outcomes.

• Biology Independent Study Module

  This independent study module gives you the opportunity to thoroughly research key areas of a topical issue in contemporary biosciences to a level not possible in other taught modules. You will choose two topics related to your degree subject in which you will be able to specialise. By focusing on areas of specific personal interest, you will further develop transferable skills such as planning, written and communication skills.

• Political Ecology: Contested Environments

  In this module you will explore global environmental challenges through the lens of political ecology which provides a framework for the critical thinking needed to examine power and the politics of nature-society interactions. You will study themes including resource access; property and ecosystem management; colonial-capitalist natures and the rights of Indigenous people; coloniality, extractivism and conflict; socio-natures and urban infrastructures; environmental identities; and political subjectivities.

• Current Topics in Aquatic Environments

  In this module you will examine the major environmental processes that are important to aquatic habitats such as rivers, coasts and marine ecosystems. Site visits will facilitate the critical evaluation of selected aquatic habitats so you can gain an understanding of anthropogenic impacts – for example climate change, renewable energy and over-exploitation of resources – as well as natural disturbances, and explore opportunities for mitigation and restoration of disturbed sites.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Final year

The focus of your final year is an in-depth research project, working with an academic expert. 

You will further explore the issues of ecology and conservation, advanced taxonomy and survey skills, and choose an option module in an area of interest.

Modules

Core modules

• Issues in Ecology and Conservation

  This module has a journal club format and provides an in-depth critical exploration of some of the key issues and current global challenges facing species, habitats and ecosystems. You will examine the ecological and environmental factors that impact biodiversity and critically evaluate the effectiveness of conservation strategies in mitigating these impacts. With emphasis placed on providing an interactive learning experience, each week will focus on a different topic.

• Plant and Invertebrate Taxonomy

  This practical module provides you with advanced knowledge of the diagnostic features of important UK invertebrate and plant families. You will become familiar with key taxonomic groups and competent in the use of identification keys across specialist taxonomic groups. The module aims to consolidate identification of plant species, focusing on common Eudicots families and Poaceae, and further your classification and identification skills for invertebrate taxa (molluscs and arthropods).

• MSci Research Project

  The role of the MSci Research Project module is to develop the skills required to prepare you for a career in research. It will relate to the academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice that’s relevant to you. The advanced project will provide you with the opportunity to propose, plan, execute and present an original piece of ecology, biology or biomedical sciences research in the form of a 12,000-word dissertation.

Options*

• Introduction to Geographical Information Systems

  This introductory course to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is for both newcomers to the field and existing practitioners. The module will give you a theoretical and practical understanding of GIS concepts, technical issues and applications using GIS software. You will develop spatial and digital computing, data handling and problem-solving skills and apply these to the identification and examination of geographical and wider environmental issues.

• Environmental Impact Assessment

  This module will examine the principles behind, and the practice of, environmental impact assessment (EIA). You will study the development of EIA and its integration into EU and UK law, and the relationship between EIA and sustainable development. You’ll also explore the importance of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and the effects that it may have on UK and EU environmental management. The module will use case studies to provide local and national examples of environmental statements and discuss the importance of quality and review.

• Case Studies in Environmental Assessment and Management

  This module gives you a core understanding of contemporary environmental management issues. It will assess the global mega trends driving the need for environmental management, including climate change and biodiversity loss, and cover concepts and policy interventions to address these challenges. The module includes case studies that critically evaluate how environmental management is being addressed from policy through to project level, including waste management, food supply, coastal environmental management, sustainable business models and energy.

• Hydrology and Pollutant Transport

  The Hydrology and Pollutant Transport module introduces you to the fundamentals of surface and groundwater hydrology, focusing on precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, discharge, groundwater recharge, groundwater storage and groundwater flow. You will look at pollutant transport dynamics with a focus on pollutants in surface and groundwaters generated by human activities. The module places these topics in the context of the UK water industry structure, international legal and policy frameworks, and integrated catchment management.

• Applications in GIS

  Application in GIS is a follow-on course to help you develop skills around spatial and digital computing, data handling and problem solving. You will use the skills learnt in module GYM01 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems to identify and examine geographical and wider environmental issues. Case study topics include suitability modelling using raster-based Boolean approaches; data acquisition using GPS and Differential-GPS; and development of GIS-based decision support systems.

• Microbiology, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Remediation

  This module provides an integrated approach to the study of key issues in ecotoxicology and environmental microbiology. You will explore a range of contemporary issues concerning biodegradation, food contamination, water quality, environmental health, bioremediation and current environmental legislation. You’ll look at the key concepts around the safe consumption of food and water and the biological responses to environmental stressors and microbial pollution events.

• Water Quality Assessment and Management

  This module introduces you to water quality assessment and management, teaching you skills related to field and laboratory experimental design, measurement of water quality, data analysis, interpretation of results and reporting to specialist/non-specialist audiences. It will provide you with experience in the management and presentation of large datasets and you will explore the roles of water safety planning, risk assessment, nature-based management and water treatment. You will also undertake analysis of water samples in the Centre for Aquatic Environments lab.

• Ecology and Conservation in Practice (Work Placement)

  This Ecology and Conservation in Practice (Work Placement) module gives you the opportunity to engage with not for profit and/or community-based organisations by working a minimum of 65 hours in a voluntary placement. During the placement you will develop your competencies, skills, network and experiential learning by gaining work-related experience in professionally relevant fields. The work placement will support your career development and enhance your experience.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Course fees

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

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