BSc (Hons) Biology and Environmental Science

In this course, you will explore how humans relate to the natural environment, and how to address some of the biggest threats to the world’s environmental and ecological systems. You may also cover a range of biological concepts which could include the complexity of biological processes and mechanisms at molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecosystem levels, exploring related philosophical and ethical issues. You will develop your practical skillset through a range of activities which may include sampling, recording, and analyzing data in the field and in our labs, developing practical and fieldwork skills in different environments, as well as experience in utilizing Geographic Information Systems. At the same time, you will explore how biology and environmental science can help to improve the quality and sustainability of life.

Year 1

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Physiology and Anatomy
• Fundamentals of Biology
• Core Practical Skills
• Studying the Environment
• Academic, Professional, and Fieldwork Skills
• Introductory Environmental Chemistry
• Climate Change: The Scientific and Societal Context

Year 2

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Microbes, Viruses, and Parasites
• Environmental Biology
• Practical Skills in Bioscience
• Research and Analytical Skills
• Human Impact on the Environment, scientific perspectives
• Environmental and Sustainability Impact Assessment
• Environmental Analytical Methods
• Research and fieldwork planning

OPTIONAL MODULES

• Human Impact on the Environment, scientific perspectives
• Current Topics in Biology
• Biodiversity Crisis
• Health and the Environment

Year 3

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Dissertation (15-credit)

OPTIONAL MODULES

• Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment
• Applied Insect Ecology
• Applied Life Sciences Placement – ISP
• Conservation Biology
• Double Applied Life Sciences Placement – ISP
• Life Sciences Double Experimental Project (with research skills assessment)
• Life Sciences Single Experimental Project (with research skills assessment) – ISP
• Life Sciences Dissertation
• Human Evolution
• Plant Science and Sustainability
• Glaciers and Glacial Geomorphology
• Natural Hazards
• Global Environmental Change
• Clean Technology
• Applied GIS
• Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment
• Animals and Society
• Applied Insect Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Work Placement Year
• Water Resources
• Coastal Environments
• The Science of Soil
• Plant Science and Sustainability

Employability

Biology and environmental science are interrelated disciplines that are highly relevant to many of the issues facing society today. Graduates gain a blend of skills that they can take to future employment. You could choose a career in conservation, or in environmental management or consultancy. Alternatively, you might decide to work as a research scientist or to continue your studies at the postgraduate level. With a degree in Biology and Environmental Science, you will be in a position for employment in environmental consultancy and regulation, water resource management, geospatial analysis, conservation, quality control in the food industry, the pharmaceutical industry, or as a scientific writer, research scientist or teacher. If you take our work placement year, you’ll graduate with a significant level of work experience in biology, or the environmental sector, to take to potential employers.

Previous employers:

• Boots
• Higher Education Providers
• ESF Consultants
• LGC
• Bentley
• NHS
• United Utilities
• Education First
• Mott MacDonald Bentley
• LGSS