Ecology and Conservation Biology with Placement Year BSc
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
Apply for this course >Course details
A Levels AAA-AAB Other entry requirementsUCAS code C185
Duration 4 years
Fees and additional costs Home/EU students International students
Related subjects Biology Ecology Conservation Biology Environmental Science
Any questions?
Admissions Secretary - Ecology
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
Telephone +44 114 222 0123
Email apsadmissions@sheffield.ac.uk
Website sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/undergraduate/courses/ecology
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
Top 5 for biological research
Research Excellence Framework 2014
7th in the UK for biological sciences
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019
Course description
Our four-year BSc with Placement Year gives you a conceptual and practical understanding of communities and ecosystems and the threats they face. This degree allows you to do a year-long, paid work placement between your second and third year.
You'll pay reduced fees for the year you're on placement. You'll also have regular contact with your tutor and all the support you need from the University. We have a dedicated tutor to help you find a placement, and our Careers Service is on hand to offer support and advice.
Optional modules include molecular and evolutionary ecology, population biology and conservation principles.
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. The Peak District National Park and other habitats are 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.
If you want to study ecology and conservation biology, but don't meet the entry requirements to go straight into the first year, our Biosciences with a Foundation Year could be for you. After successfully completing the one-year programme, you'll progress onto the first year of your chosen degree.
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.
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Grades |
|---|---|
| A Levels | AAA - AAB, including Biology and a second science |
| A Levels + additional qualifications | AAB-ABB, including two sciences + B in the EPQ; AAB-ABB, including two sciences + B in Core Maths |
| International Baccalaureate | 34, 6 in Higher Level Biology and a second science |
| BTEC | DD in Applied Science (with Distinctions in all biology units if not offered at A Level) + A in an A Level science |
| Cambridge Pre-U | D3 D3 D3 - D3 D3 M2, including Biology and a second science |
| Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher | AAABB, including a second science subject + B in Biology |
| Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | A+AA - B+AA in Biology and a second science |
| Access to HE | Entry requirements for mature students |
| Other qualifications |
Other UK qualifications
Other EU/international qualifications |
Other requirements
|
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| If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department | |
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.
Course information on Department of Animal and Plant Sciences website
First year
Core modules:
| Skills for Biologists 1 | |
| Biodiversity | |
| Evolution | |
| Genes in Populations | |
| Molecular and Cell Biology | |
| Population and Community Ecology 1 | |
Optional modules:
| Animal Behaviour | |
| Animal Physiology, Reproduction and Development | |
| Ecological identification skills | |
| Ecosystems, Climate and Environmental Change | |
| Plant Physiology, Reproduction and Development | |
Second year
Core modules:
| Animal and Plant Science Tutorials | |
| Careers for Biologists | |
| Conservation Principles | |
| Data Analysis | |
| Freshwater Ecology Field Course | |
| Plant Habitat and Distribution | |
| Population and Community Ecology 2 | |
Optional modules:
Fourth year
Core modules:
| Research Project | |
| Biological Field Research | |
| Conservation Issues and Management | |
| Dissertation | |
| Topics in Modern Ecology | |
Optional modules:
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers.
In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
The Times Good University Guide 2019 puts Sheffield in the UK top 10 for biosciences. We think this means we're doing something right.
We combine lectures with small group tutorials. You'll also take part in cutting-edge field and lab research, giving you an exceptional breadth of experience. We're a close knit community where every student gets the support and encouragement needed to achieve their best work. Our staff are world leaders in their fields and much of what we teach is based on our own world-leading research.
Our state-of-the-art facilities include controlled environment chambers that simulate natural climates around the world. We also have experimental gardens and glasshouses, artificial stream and pond systems, leading equipment for DNA analysis, biomolecular and elemental analyses, and extensive computing resources.
What our graduates do
Wherever you choose to start your career, you'll be in demand. Each year our graduates join conservation and environmental consultancies, wildlife trusts, museums, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and local, national and international government. They use their transferable skills - in data analysis, project management and teamwork - and their specialist knowledge and skills to thrive in a range of organisations.
Here are some examples of what graduates in each area are doing now:
Biology
Our graduates work in business, IT, consulting, sustainability, museums, banking, agriculture and health. They also work in biodiversity conservation for local and national governments, charities, wildlife trusts and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Many go on to do PhDs.
Ecology and conservation
Ecology graduates are well qualified for careers in government, charity and industry sectors that focus on environmental management and consulting, sustainable forestry, agriculture and conservation. You could go into research, education, journalism, finance, law or a technical profession. Many of our MBiolSci students go on to PhDs.
Plant sciences
Our graduates have an understanding of ideas and techniques that are in demand, particularly in agriculture, biotechnology, crop protection, environmental management and climate change mitigation.
There are excellent career opportunities in government, academic and industrial research institutes focused on science and policy, as well as in teaching and consulting. Plant scientists are also needed in biotechnology companies and administration, including areas that require scientific training, such as computing, research and management skills.
Zoology
Our students graduate with a deep knowledge of zoology as well as core transferable skills in data analysis, presentation and writing. They're well equipped for positions in environmental consulting, wildlife trusts, and international conservation organisations. Some choose to work in business, IT and consulting linked to sustainability, museums, banking, agriculture and health. Many go on to do PhDs.
Student profile
"One of the big assets of coming to Sheffield was the field courses on offer...being able to come out to the Peak District regularly with my tutor or my lecturer, or going on field courses further afield, even internationally. I'm now an environmental photojournalist."
Ben Cherry
Animal and Plant Sciences
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How to apply >When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
ucas.com >Contact us
Admissions Secretary - Ecology
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
Telephone
+44 114 222 0123
Email
apsadmissions@sheffield.ac.uk
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