Ecology

Department of Animal and Plant Sciences

A Levels: AAB
Qualification: BSc
UCAS Code: C180
Duration: 3 years
Related subjects: Biology Ecology Environmental Science
Financial help: Find out how much you could get
What our students think - Alex Leschinsky - Biology

Course description

This three year course gives a conceptual and practical understanding of communities and ecosystems and the threats they face. We offer a wide range of optional modules, covering subjects from molecular and evolutionary ecology to biodiversity and ecosystem function.

We have excellent facilities for ecology teaching and research, including controlled environment chambers that simulate conditions ranging from the Tropics to the Arctic, experimental gardens and glasshouses, artificial stream systems, state-of-the-art equipment for DNA, bio-molecular and elemental analyses, and extensive computing facilities. Your study at Sheffield will benefit from the nearby Peak District National Park, and other habitats and land use within easy reach.

There are optional field courses in the Peak District National Park (UK), Anglesey (UK), Ireland, Arctic Sweden, the Mediterranean and the tropical rainforest in Borneo in the summer between your second and third levels.

Modules: what you study and when

Financial help from the University - bursaries

If you're a UK student, you could be entitled to a University bursary. A bursary is the same as a grant - you don't have to pay it back.

Find out how much you could get

How our bursary scheme works

Entry requirements

  • Required subjects - Biology and another science subject (Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Geography or Environmental Science). If you have any questions about required subjects, contact the department
  • A Levels - AAB including Biology and another science subject
  • Scottish Highers + Advanced Highers - AAABB + B including an Advanced Higher in Biology
  • Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) - AAAABB
  • BTEC - DDD in a relevant subject area plus interview
  • International Baccalaureate - 35 points
  • Welsh Baccalaureate - Pass + AA in two A Levels
  • Advanced Diploma - Environmental & Land-Based Studies grade B, plus grade A in A Level Biology
  • Cambridge Pre-U - D3 D3 M2
  • We will consider a range of other qualifications
  • International students will require IELTS 6.5 with 6 in each component, or an equivalent English language qualification

Information for international students

Modules - what you study and when

The modules listed below are examples from the last academic year. There may be some changes before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department direct.

Contact the department

First year

Module/Unit
Biodiversity
Ecological identification skills
Ecosystems and Environmental Change
Evolution
Genes in Populations
Population and Community Ecology
Principles of Molecular Biology
Skills for Biologists 1
Laboratory Skills in Biology 1
Laboratory Skills in Biology 2

Second year

Module/Unit
Animal and Plant Science Tutorials
Data Analysis
Freshwater Ecology Field Course
Plant Habitat and Distribution
Animal Ecology
Ecology Project

Third year

Module/Unit
Project

Department of Animal and Plant Sciences

The Times Good University Guide 2011 ranks Sheffield third in the UK for biological sciences. In the 2011 National Student Survey, 95 per cent of our students were happy with their course.

We have outstanding teaching and research facilities for molecular biology, genetics, physiology, species interactions, plant sciences and ecosystems. Your timetable will include small-group tutorials, lectures, field courses and practicals.

What we teach and the way we teach it is informed by the very latest research. You'll be taught by experts who love what they do.

What our graduates do

Life scientists are employed throughout business and industry, in universities, schools and hospitals, as well as government departments and charitable foundations. They develop new technology, and improve our health and living standards. They're vitally important to the economy.

According to the HESA 2011 survey, over 70% of our 2010 graduates were in employment within six months of finishing their degree. Over 20% go on to further study.

Here are some examples of what graduates in each area are doing now:

Biology
Research, education, environmental planning, biomedical science, agri-business and biotechnology, international and domestic government (eg DEFRA, Environment Agency, Food Standards, World Bank), and international conservation agencies (eg RSPB).

Zoology
Local, national and international government and industries, addressing issues ranging from conservation and management of natural resources through to medical, veterinary or agricultural research.

Plant Sciences
The national shortage of plant science graduates means there are excellent career opportunities in research institutes, universities, agricultural and horticultural services, in biotechnology and any sector of the economy dealing with climate change.

Ecology
Environmental assessment, management and conservation, biodiversity monitoring, sustainable forestry and agriculture, environmental impact assessment and waste management.

Conservation and Biodiversity
Resource management, conservation, research and education, finance, forensic science, regional planning, journalism, law and bioethics.

Student profile


"I've met some fantastic staff who are at the cutting edge of climate change research, which is a real privilege."

Alex Leschinsky
Animal and Plant Sciences

Any questions?

Admissions Secretary
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
Telephone no: +44 (0)114 222 0123
Email addressanimal.plant@sheffield.ac.uk
Web addresswww.sheffield.ac.uk/aps

Visit us

University Open Days

There are four open days every year, usually in June, July and September. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

Book your place

Department open days

If we make you an offer, we'll invite you to one of our departmental Open Days to visit the department and see student accommodation and facilities.

We provide an in-depth overview of our courses, an opportunity to meet staff and students and a variety of demonstrations about the exciting research you'd be involved with as a student in our department. For some courses and students we may also request an informal interview.

Campus Tours

Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Campus tours - find out more and book a place online

How to apply

Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply:

Read our How to apply information

When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:

www.ucas.com