Due to the urgent need to document, understand and ultimately prevent the decline of biodiversity, graduate ecologists are in high demand. The Ecology degree at Aberystwyth University aims to provide you with the academic knowledge and practical skills to meet this demand.

On the Ecology degree, you will study the interactions between organisms and their environment, building the essential foundation on which to develop your understanding of how wildlife will respond to current and future environmental threats, including pollution, climate change, invasive species and habitat destruction.

Our aim is to train you to be part of the next generation of ecologists who will respond to environmental threats, identify solutions and help conserve biodiversity into the future.

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

### Course Overview

Why study Ecology at Aberystwyth?

* At Aberystwyth you will be studying in an area rich in a variety of stunning landscapes, providing excellent fieldwork opportunities in natural and semi-natural habitats and ecosystems including the Cardigan Bay coastline, freshwater environments, woodlands, heaths, moorland and alpine habitats. Many nature reserves are within easy reach, including Snowdonia (Eryri) and the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Parks.

* Fieldwork and practical classes form an integral part of the course throughout, and you'll engage with local fieldwork using a wealth of local habitats.

* Our teaching staff conduct research in all areas of ecology and in different parts of the world. We have established links with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, National Botanic Garden of Wales, Natural Resources Wales, Snowdonia National Park Authority, the RSPB and various wildlife and woodland trusts.

##### Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

### Modules September start - 2027

[Button: Year 1] [Button: Year 2] [Button: Year 3]

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

#### Core

Module Name | Module Code | Credit Value

Climate and Climate Change | BR16620 | 20

Comparative Animal Physiology | BR16720 | 20

Ecology and Conservation * | BR19320 | 20

Genetics, Evolution and Diversity | BR17120 | 20

Microbial and Plant Diversity * | BR19920 | 20

Skills for Wildlife Scientists * | BR15720 | 20

Climate Change: Plants, Animals and Ecosystems | BR21120 | 20

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Landscape Ecology | BR25520 | 20

Research Methods * | BR27520 | 20

Wildlife Surveying | BR29620 | 20

#### Options

Environmental Microbiology and Monitoring * | BR26020 | 20

Freshwater Biology | BR22020 | 20

Invertebrate Zoology | BR25420 | 20

Marine Biology | BR22620 | 20

Vertebrate Zoology | BR26820 | 20

Environmental Regulation and Consultancy | BR35620 | 20

Population and Community Ecology | BR33920 | 20

Research Project * | BR36440 | 40

Behavioural Neurobiology | BR35320 | 20

Freshwater Biology Field Course | BR37720 | 20

Sustainable Land Management | BR30420 | 20

Terrestrial Ecology Fieldcourse | BR36620 | 20

Wildlife Conservation & Biodiversity | BR37920 | 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

### Careers

Many of our graduates find employment in conservation and environmental protection, or in environmental education in schools, colleges or nature reserves. Our graduates can be found working for organisations such as DEFRA (Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs), the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Natural England, ADAS, Forestry Commission, wildlife trusts, the Wales Environment Link, the National Grid and water authorities.

How will my degree prepare me for the future?

Employability is embedded in our teaching. Our students leave Aberystwyth University with:

* the opportunity to develop high level surveying skills

* research and data analysis skills

* an understanding of UK environmental regulation and law

* effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills

* a thorough grounding in information technology skills

* the ability to work independently

* time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines

* the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form

* self-motivation and self-reliance

* team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement.

What work experience opportunities are available to me while I study?

Find out about the various opportunities that our Careers Service offers. Enhance your employability prospects with our Year in Employment Scheme .

### Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

In the first year you'll explore the amazing diversity of life on Earth. You'll be introduced to fundamental and topical elements of ecology and will consider future challenges such as responding to global climate and conserving biodiversity. You'll learn about the importance of conserving biodiversity at a range of scales, from genetic diversity to biomes and ecosystems, and will look at the science underpinning climate and climate change.

You'll study land flora and British habitats and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to underpin careers in ecological surveying or management.

In the second year you'll consider habitats, landscapes and the communities of species that reside within them, and gain the practical skills required by today’s professional ecologists. You'll receive a thorough grounding in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). You'll further investigate the impact of climate change as one of the major future challenges to global biodiversity, and apply your learning to problems and solutions through field excursions and practical classes.

Optional modules in aquatic biology, zoology and environmental microbiology enable you to specialise based on your interests.

In the final year you'll look at environmental protection and sustainability and will consider the legislation and principles governing the regulation of the environment in the UK, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). You'll explore population and community ecology and engage with research project, which will allow you to perform in-depth research under the guidance of a supervisor. Your project may be based on laboratory experiments or fieldwork surveying.

You'll also take optional modules from a range of topics including a Temperate Rainforest ecology field course, wildlife conservation and global biodiversity conservation. You can also study the impacts of different agricultural systems, such as intensive, extensive and organic farming on the environment.

How will I be taught?

The course will be delivered through lectures, workshops, tutorials, seminars, field courses and practicals.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through essays, practical exercises, oral presentations, worksheets, experiments reports, conservation plans, statistical exercises, posters, wikis, literature reviews, field notebooks and exams.

### Student Testimonials

Pippa - BSc Ecology

"The Ecology course at Aberystwyth has provided me with a good set of skills which I can utilise and apply to my current role. The field work part of many modules within the Ecology degree scheme has ensured that I have experience of working in outdoor environments, a necessity for many ecological careers."

Alex - BSc Ecology

"I am very pleased I chose the degree scheme. Interesting content throughout, great support from the lecturers, and comprehensive feedback. A great choice, no regrets."

### Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB-BCC with B in Biology

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):

English or Welsh, Science and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:

DDD-DDM in a specified subject

International Baccalaureate:

30-28 with 5 points in Biology at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:

75%-65% overall with 7 in Biology

English Language Requirements:

See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:

International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.

Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (ug-admissions@aber.ac.uk) for advice and guidance.

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