GO UNIVERSITY  Ghana/Global 2016/17/18/19

BSc Ecology & Conservation Biology Course - 3yrs

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Overview

With human activity increasingly transforming the planet, its never been more important to understand what determines the distribution and abundance of different species, how they interact with each other and their environment, and how they respond to threats such as climate change, over-exploitation and habitat destruction. This course provides practical insights into these processes and how to manage them to conserve species and ecosystems in a rapidly-changing world.

Ecologists have a vital role to play in monitoring, understanding and reversing environmental degradation. You are choosing a fascinating subject that encompasses many aspects of biology but from a unique perspective. It explores the mechanisms and functions of ecosystems and the interdependence of the organisms within them. The skills and knowledge you develop will be relevant to ecology related careers as well as broader opportunities after graduation.

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Course highlights

• The course is delivered by staff, drawing extensively on their expertise at the cutting edge of research in ecology and conservation, and working closely with geographers, Earth scientists and environmental biologists on a broad range of interdisciplinary research topics.

• We offer a range of residential field courses throughout the programme where you can gain first-hand experience of different ecosystems and learn key research skills in the field.

• The course combines a structured programme of core modules to ensure a good grounding in the topic with the flexibility to specialise in the areas that most interest you.

• Graduates will leave with a strong portfolio of practical skills including project management, data analysis, communication skills and group working.

 

Course Content

Through modules such as ‘Living Planet’ and ‘The Basis of Life', year one will introduce you to a broad range of concepts in ecology and biology. Covering a wide range of topics including biodiversity and evolution, you will develop grounding in the key skills required for your degree. Ecology is best understood through observation, so year one will also see you undertake your first of the residential field courses that we offer.
Year two will see you focus on core issues within ecology, studying modules such as ‘Population and Community Ecology’ and ‘Animal Behaviour’.
The focal point of year three is the independent research, literature, or computer-based project which you will undertake under the guidance of a leading academic. Alongside this you will work with field-leading experts on advanced topic modules such as ‘Evolution' and 'Conservation Biology', developing your research techniques, knowledge and transferable skills.

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Course Structure

 

Year 1

Compulsory modules

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• Biology Practicals and Data Analysis 20 credits

• Living Planet 20 credits

• Introduction to Genetics 10 credits

• Coastal and Upland Habitats Field Course 10 credits

• Research Experience and Skills Level 1 10 credits

• The Basis of Life 20 credits

• Optional modules

• You must take at least 30 credits and up to 40 credits from the following optional modules:

• Career and Professional Development for Life Scientists 10 credits

• How can Biological Sciences change the world 10 credits

• Applied Biology and Agriculture 10 credits

• Practical Genetics 10 credits

• Practical Applied Biology 10 credits

• Vertebrate Evolution 10 credits

• Environment and Ecology 10 credits

• Introduction to Meteorology and Weather Forecasting 10 credits

• Introduction to Creating Sustainable Futures 10 credits

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• Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Population and Community Ecology 20 credits

• Experimental Design and Analysis 10 credits

• Animal Behaviour 10 credits

• Organismal Evolution 10 credits

• Research Experience and Skills Level 2 10 credits

• Mediterranean Ecology Field Course 10 credits

• Optional modules

• You will be required to study at least 40 credits from the following optional modules:

• Employment, Career planning and Professional Development for Life Scientists 10 credits

• How Plants Work 10 credits

• Human Populations 10 credits

• Sustainable Food Production 10 credits

• Animals as Pests 10 credits

• Animal Physiology: from Ants to Whales 10 credits

• Terrestrial Ecology and Behaviour Field Course 10 credits

• Skills in Communicating Research beyond the University 10 credits

• Climate Change: Science and Impacts 10 credits

• Climate Change: Society and Human Dimensions 10 credits

• Computer Systems and Programming 10 credits

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Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Advanced Topics in Ecology 20 credits

• Conservation Biology 10 credits

• Optional modules

• Research Project (60 credits)

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• More information on modules at courses catalogue after your enrollment.

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• Learning and teaching

• You’ll be taught through lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical classes. You’ll enjoy extensive tutorial support and have freedom in your workload and options.

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• Assessment

• You’re assessed by a range of methods, including formal exams and in-course assessment.

 

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