Course description
Content
Year 1
All modules are core and provide a foundation for the later stages of the course. Modules are entitled: Living World, The Earth, Field Course, Microbiology 1, Cell Biology, Genetics, Scientific Inquiry. They focus on the study of the living world and earth systems underpinned by data analysis and interpretation, which are essential to the study of Environmental Biology. A residential field course offers the opportunity to investigate a range of natural and semi-natural habitats, as well as introducing you to some of the practical skills required to study Environmental Biology in the field.
Year 2
You study in depth the relationships between animals, plants and their environment. Compulsory modules include: Environmental Skills and Applied Ecology. You may choose three further modules from: Animals and Ecosystems, Microbiology 2, Plant Growth and Survival, Molecular Biology of the Cell, Applied Genetics, Environmental Legislation and Decision Making or may opt to study a modern language or Presenting Science.
Placements
The optional sandwich year involves a period of at least 40 weeks practical training and employment in a suitable working environment in the UK or overseas. This experience is invaluable when you apply for jobs after graduation. Students in the School have previously worked in industry, government organisations, consultancies and conservation groups, for example the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), and the Environment Agency.
There are also good opportunities for sandwich placements overseas.
You may wish to undertake a non-credited sandwich placement or may opt to take the Professional Practice in Applied Sciences module (placement module) which on successful completion constitutes 20 credits at Level 3. Both options entitle you to graduate as a sandwich student.
Final Year
In the final year you undertake a research based project on any aspect of Environmental Biology. This may be field or lab based or involve science communication and interpretation. You may choose four optional modules from a range that includes: Tropical Forests and Coral Reefs, Estuarine and Marine Ecosystems, Sustainable and Environmental Biotechnology, Environmental Toxicology, Environmental Sustainability and Assessment, Environmental Plant Physiology, Professional Practice module (placement module) or a foreign language.
The optional module Tropical Forests and Coral Reefs provides you with the opportunity to explore at first hand these two fragile and globally threatened ecosystems through a residential field trip to the Caribbean. Prior to the field trip, you will usually receive dive training (PAD1 Open Water) in order to perform coral reef surveys during the trip.
