Ecology & Conservation Biology

Ecology & Conservation Biology BSc (C180) & MBiolSci (C189) Ecology is about understanding how ecosystems work and the processes that promote or threaten biodiversity, while conservation biology involves applying that knowledge to develop the scientific basis for conserving and managing the ecosystems on which we all depend. Ecology and conservation biology address questions such as: • How does the biodiversity in an ecosystem a!ect its function? • How do interactions between species a!ect their distribution or abundance? • Can species' responses to climate change be predicted? • How can populations be managed sustainably? • What is the best strategy for conserving biodiversity? The Ecology & Conservation Biology course (BSc or MBiolSci) focuses on conceptual and practical understanding of communities and ecosystems and the threats they face. As concern rises over the human impact on the environment, with mounting evidence of global warming, increasing rates of tropical deforestation and species extinctions, and expanding use of genetically modified organisms, the need for ecologists to understand these problems has never been greater. The course o!ers a range of options from molecular and evolutionary ecology to population biology, and conservation principles, providing you with a scientific understanding of the principles of ecology, how these principles can be applied to problems in conservation and environmental management. You will gain insights from current research in habitats from the tropics to the Arctic, and will have the opportunity to attend field courses in the UK, Portugal, Sweden or Borneo. Why Ecology & Conservation Biology at She!eld? Animal and Plant Sciences has excellent modern facilities for ecology teaching and research, including controlled environment chambers that simulate conditions ranging from tropical to sub-Arctic and even future climate scenarios, experimental ponds, artificial stream systems, stateof-the-art equipment for DNA, bio-molecular and elemental analyses, and extensive computing facilities. Ecologists and conservation biologists in the Department of Animal & Plant Sciences have pioneered contributions to understanding these threats and are at the forefront of research into processes such as species and ecosystem responses to climate change and biodiversity loss. Our expertise extends to molecular ecology, behavioural ecology, freshwater biology, pollution biology and includes genomic, evolutionary, population and community approaches.

Ecology & Conservation Biology Course Structure (Levels 1-3) Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Core modules:

Core modules:

Core modules:

Biodiversity Ecosystems and Environmental Change Evolution Genes, Cells and Populations Practical Skills in Biology 1 & 2 Skills for Biologists

Population and Community Ecology 2 Conservation Principles Data analysis Freshwater Ecology Field Course Ecology Practicals (Plant Habitats and Distributions, Ecological Interactions, Ecology Project) Ecology Tutorials

Research Project Undergraduate Ambassador Scheme or Dissertation Field course (UK, Portugal, Borneo, or Sweden)

Options including: Population and Community Ecology 1 Reproduction, Development and Growth Behaviour of Humans and Other Animals Modules from Biomedical Science and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, or from elsewhere in the University (eg: modern languages, geography, chemistry, psychology).

Options including: Plant, Cell and Environment World Ecosystems Palaeobiology Evolutionary Biology Biotechnology and Food Security Animal Behaviour Insects Animal Diversity

Options including: Conservation Issues and Management Global Change Trends in Biology Environmental Regulation in Plants Sustainable Agro-ecosystems Life in Extreme Environments Topics in Evolutionary Genetics Evolutionary Ecology Biology and Ethics History and Philosophy of Science The Ecology of Landscapes Conflict and Cooperation

Modules from Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, or from elsewhere in the University.

Why should I choose Ecology & Conservation Biology? The Ecology & Conservation Biology degree gives you a strong core training in theoretical and practical aspects of ecology, and the scientific basis for conservation. The course provides a structured programme of study, while still retaining a range of choices in ecological subjects, particularly at Level 3. The course has a larger practical and field component than other degrees. If you have an enthusiasm for understanding how ecosystems work, and how to apply that knowledge, then Ecology & Conservation Biology would be a good choice. What does the Ecology & Conservation Biology MBiolSci involve? The 4 year MBiolSci is designed for students who wish to gain a more in depth experience of research. Years 1 to 3 are the same as the BSc but year 4 is devoted to an extensive individual research project and advanced courses in research and communication skills (full details are provided on a separate sheet). Examples of recent Level 4 research projects in Ecology & Conservation Biology include: The role of roadside trees in urban ecosystems, The structure of marine protected networks, Experimental impacts of climate manipulation on grassland ecosystems, The e!ects of coal mine discharges on aquatic biodiversity. What can I do with an Ecology & Conservation Biology degree? Ecology & Conservation Biology graduates are well equipped for careers in conservation, environmental consultancy, environmental education, ecological research, government agencies (e.g., Environment Agency), agricultural science and industry. Ecology & Conservation Biology also provides training in transferable skills, such as data analysis, project planning, critical thinking and written and spoken communication, which are useful in whatever career direction you choose. “There are options to choose from which cover all areas of biology, from whole ecosystems to species interactions. I love the field courses and modules which have trips to the Peak District. I also went to the rainforests of Borneo for 10 days. It was amazing!” (Level 3 Ecology MBiolSci)