Program Overview

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Ecology, BSc

Introduction

The Ecology degree at Aberdeen enables students to explore the science of wildlife and natural ecosystems, the relationship between the natural world and people, the impacts of climate change, and other environmental problems.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: BSc
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• Location of Study: Aberdeen
• UCAS Code: D430
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Frontiers in Biological Sciences (BI1009)
  • Diversity of Life 1 (BI1012)
  • Ecology and Environmental Science (BI1511)
  • Diversity of Life 2 (BI1512)
  • The Cell (SM1501)
• Optional Courses: Plus select 30 credit points from first-half session courses of choice, and 15 credit points from second half-session courses of choice.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Introduction to Genetics (BI2023)
  • Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST) (BI2018)
  • Ecology (BI2020)
  • Plants, People, and the Environment (BI25P4)
  • Mapping and Monitoring the Environment (GG2510)
• Optional Courses: Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Statistical Analysis of Biological Data (BI3010)
  • Population Ecology (EK3303)
  • Gateway to Honours Project (BI3511)
  • Field Ecology Skills (EK35F1)
  • Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GG3069)
  • Ecosystem Processes (PL3506)
• Optional Courses: Plus further 45 credit points from courses of choice, at least 15 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences (i.e., BI, EV, EK, FY, PL, ZO) at level 3.

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • SBS Honours Project (BI4016)
• Optional Courses: Select a further 75 credit points from courses of choice, at least 45 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences (i.e., BI, EK, EV, PL, or ZO courses) at level 4.

How You'll Study

• Combine practice and theory: Typically, one-third of class time is practical, and many courses include full-day practical classes and field visits.
• Research experience: Students are actively involved in scientific research throughout their degree.
• Engaging and inspiring teaching: Teaching methods are diverse, innovative, and based on research on how students learn.

Learning Methods

• Field Work
• Group Projects
• Lab Work
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies learned on the course
• Written examinations at the end of each course

Why Study Ecology?

• This degree combines the biology and ecology of plants, animals, and ecosystems, with the opportunity to include our particular specialisms in marine biology and conservation biology in your curriculum.
• The University of Aberdeen has long been renowned for teaching and research in Ecology and is home to one of the largest and most vibrant groups of staff in this subject area in the UK.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers: Standard: AABB, Minimum: BBB, Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS: Standard: BBB, Minimum: BBC, Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/Science subjects at HL.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

• Tuition Fees: £9,535 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland), £24,800 (EU/International students)
• Scholarships and Funding: Various scholarships and funding opportunities are available.

Careers

• Career Opportunities: Ecologist, Ecology Researcher, Environmental Lawyer, Environmental Protection Officer, Graduate Ecologist, Nature Conservationist
• Industry Links: We have strong local, national, and international links to industry, government bodies, charities, and other research institutions.

Accreditation

• Royal Society of Biology: Graduates from Accredited programmes will receive one year of free membership of the Royal Society of Biology in their final year of their degree.

Facilities

• Research facilities: Our research facilities on campus include animal holding facilities, greenhouses, fresh and salt-water aquaria, an insectarium, molecular and analytical laboratories, and a state-of-the-art genomics lab.
• Lighthouse Field Station: We have our own research and teaching facility, The Lighthouse Field Station, which is situated on the Cromarty Firth.
• Science Teaching Hub: Our state-of-the-art Science Teaching Hub provides students with a digitally focused environment including advanced analytical tools, research-grade equipment, and flexible laboratory spaces.