Program Overview
MB"io Ecology and Conservation
The MBio Ecology and Conservation program at the University of Lincoln is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of ecology and conservation. The program aims to enable students to specialize in areas that interest them, with a focus on key industry-relevant skills taught by practitioners from various employers in the sector.
Key Information
- Campus: Brayford Pool
- Typical Offer: See More
- Duration: 4 years
- Validation Status: Subject to Revalidation
- UCAS Code: C18B
Course Overview
Conserving biodiversity and avoiding the extinction of species are significant global challenges. The Ecology and Conservation program at Lincoln seeks to explore the natural world, from individuals to populations, and communities to ecosystems. Students examine how organisms interact with each other and their environment and how these processes are affected by human activities.
Why Choose Lincoln
- Subject area ranked 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction
- Optional overseas field trip to locations around the world
- Optional study abroad year
- Taught by experienced research-active staff
- Fully-funded residential field trip and day trips in the UK
- Available with a Science Foundation Year
How You Study
This degree is designed to provide a broad understanding of the key aspects of ecology and conservation, emphasizing gaining practical skills in the field and laboratory. Students develop practical skills in species identification and environmental surveying, as well as 'soft' skills in scientific methods and communication.
Modules
First Year
- Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Animals
- Earth Observation & GIS
- Ecology
- Plant Structure and Function
- Practical Field Skills in Ecology
- Research Methods for the Life Sciences
- Sustainable Environments & Ecosystems
Module Overviews
Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Animals
This module explores the principles of anatomical form and function in animals using a comparative approach.
Earth Observation & GIS
This module teaches students the fundamental theory and practical applications of Earth observation and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Ecology
Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and their environment.
Plant Structure and Function
This module provides a broad overview of plant form and function, reviewing key structural characteristics of cells, tissues, and organs in various plant species.
Practical Field Skills in Ecology
Practical field skills are essential for the Ecology and Conservation degree, introducing students to a range of skills including field identification, sampling of specimens, and laboratory analysis.
Research Methods for the Life Sciences
This module introduces students to the skills and knowledge necessary for assimilating and judging scientific knowledge.
Sustainable Environments & Ecosystems
This module focuses on the links between ecosystems and human health, covering human impacts on ecosystems and policy actions to improve and safeguard vital ecosystems.
Second Year
- Conservation Biology
- Data Skills for the Life Sciences
- Evolution
- Managing Ecosystems
- UK Field Course
- Animal Behaviour (Option)
- Biogeography & Planetary Health (Option)
- Climatology and Quaternary Science (Option)
- Human Impacts on the Environment (Option)
- Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology (Option)
- SLS Study Abroad (Option)
Module Overviews
Conservation Biology
This module provides a critical insight into the application of the principles of conservation biology.
Data Skills for the Life Sciences
Data-centric skills are crucial for any life scientist, introducing students to skills in data storage, handling, and manipulation.
Evolution
The Evolution module aims to introduce the fundamental concepts and theories that explain and predict how biodiversity evolves.
Managing Ecosystems
This module deals with managing ecosystems in various contexts, assessing and addressing the impacts of human activity on ecological systems.
UK Field Course
This module aims to help students understand theory, develop skills, build tacit knowledge, and integrate and apply know-how and skills acquired from prior learning to novel situations.
Third Year
- Global Change Biology
- Life Sciences Research Project
- Plant and Animal Interactions
- Practical Skills in Conservation
- Soil Biology
- Behavioural Ecology (Option)
- Coastal Systems and Global Change (Option)
- Environmental Management (Option)
- Overseas Field Course (Option)
- Palaeobiology (Option)
Module Overviews
Global Change Biology
This module considers human-caused environmental change affecting a substantial part of the globe and biological systems.
Life Sciences Research Project
In this module, students undertake an independent program of research under supervision from a member of staff.
Plant and Animal Interactions
Students gain an understanding of and appreciation for the interactions between plants and animals that have driven the evolution of the world.
Practical Skills in Conservation
Conservation of plants and animals usually involves interactions between multiple stakeholders, refining practical and transferable skills beneficial for employment in conservation research and practice.
Fourth Year (MBio)
- Professional and Research Skills in the Life and Environmental Sciences
- MBio Research Project
- MBio Research Techniques
What You Need to Know
The University provides information to help students make an informed decision about their course, including explanations on key topics such as program validation, additional costs, and contact hours.
Study Abroad
An optional year abroad is available for full-time students between the second and third years, providing the opportunity to study at one of the University's approved partner institutions.
How You Are Assessed
Assessment methods include coursework, such as written assignments, videos, reports, or dissertations, and written exams, with the weighting given to each method varying across each academic year.
Overseas Field Trip
There is an optional overseas field trip in the third year, providing the opportunity to conduct research in a novel environment and study local plants and animals.
Entry Requirements
United Kingdom
- 112 to 120 UCAS Tariff points
- Minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications, including 40 points from Biology, Geography, Geology, or Environmental Science
International
- Non-UK qualifications are considered on an individual basis
- English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element
Fees and Scholarships
A full breakdown of fees associated with this program can be found on the University's course fees pages. Scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs, including international scholarships ranging from ｣1,000 up to 50% of tuition fees.
What Can I Do with an Ecology and Conservation Degree?
Career opportunities for Ecology and Conservation graduates may include teaching, environmental consultancy, applied conservation, and science journalism. Graduates may choose to continue their studies at the postgraduate level.