Ecology and Environmental Biology
C180 BSc Ecology and Environmental Biology
C189 MBiol, BSc Ecology and Environmental Biology (Integrated Masters)
Leeds is an exceptional place to study ecology, where world-class ecologists and biologists work closely with expert geographers and earth scientists.
This course offers:
- field courses in Africa, Europe and UK (many free of charge)
- unrivalled location for study sites: the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District, North York Moors and Peak District National Park are all close by
- exciting contemporary topics such as principle and practice in conservation biology, climate change, sustainable agriculture and wildlife, ecosystems services and the ‘value’ of the environment.
- the opportunity to undertake an integrated masters (MBiol) programme
- Leeds University Farm facilities for project and fieldwork
- teaching delivered by an enthusiastic and innovative team of ecologists and biologists, including members of the Earth and Biosphere Institute
- the chance to study in a Faculty ranked 4th in the UK by the leading scientific journal ‘Nature*’
- practical sessions in first-class purpose-built teaching labs
- opportunities to work on contemporary issues with leading researchers during your final year project
- the opportunity of a career-enhancing placement year
- the chance to study abroad
- all the facilities and lifestyle opportunities of a major university
- outstanding personal development opportunities including our distinctive Leeds for Life scheme
*based on the numbers of staff producing research that was “world leading or internationally excellent”
What is Ecology?
Ecology is the study of species and how they interact with one another and their environment.
Ecology forms a bridge between biology and environmental sciences and addresses important issues, such as species responses to climate change, maintaining biodiversity and conservation.
Why study Ecology?
Because it is endlessly fascinating. It encompasses many areas of biology, but from a unique perspective, exploring the mechanisms and functions of ecosystems and the interdependence of the organisms within them.
We are trying to solve fascinating biological puzzles in space and time.
Because it is relevant to global-scale challenges. Human pressure on the Earth, through climate change, population growth, pollution and many other processes is stressing ecosystem function, with potentially disastrous consequences.
Ecologists have a vital role to play in monitoring, understanding and reversing environmental degradation.
Entry Requirements
2014 entry requirements
BSc Ecology and Environmental Biology - UCAS code C180
A Level or Advanced Higher: AAA-ABB from 3 A2/Advanced Higher including Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. If Biology is the only science subject then an A grade is required. General studies excluded.
We consider applications on an individual basis and an offer will depend on the information given on your UCAS form. Applications are assessed from a combination of the following; the balance, nature and quality of A2, AS and GCSE subjects (or equivalents); the referee's comments and your personal statement.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF): DDD in Applied Science, including distinctions the following units: Fundamentals of Science, Mathematical Calculations for Science, Biochemistry and Biochemical Techniques, Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Chemistry for Biology Technicians.
International Baccalaureate: 38-34 (with 18-16 at HL) including 6 in HL Biology and another science or science-related subject at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAAB-AAABBB including an A in HL Biology and another science or science-related subject at HL.
Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers are not accepted on their own.
Cambridge Pre-U: D3/D3/D3-D3/M2/M2 including Pre-U Biology plus one other science or science-related subject.
Science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.
Science- related subjects: Computing, Environmental Science, Food Science, Geography, Geology, ICT, P.E, Psychology, Science in Society, Statistics and Sports Science.
BSc (Hons) Ecology and Environmental Biology with Industrial Placement
If you are interested in this programme, apply via UCAS for the standard BSc programme above. We will provide you with further details of the placement and study abroad schemes in year one, and you can transfer at the end of year two (subject to academic performance).
BSc (Hons) Ecology and Environmental Biology with Study Year Abroad
If you are interested in this programme, apply via UCAS for the standard BSc programme above. We will provide you with further details of the placement and study abroad schemes in year one, and you can transfer at the end of year two (subject to academic performance).
MBiol, BSc Ecology and Environmental Biology (Integrated Masters) - UCAS code C189
A Level or Advanced Higher: AAA from 3 A2/Advanced Higher including Biology and another science or science-related subject. General studies excluded.
International Baccalaureate: 38 (with 18 at HL) including 6 in HL Biology and another science or science-related subject at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAAB including an A in HL Biology and another science or science-related subject at HL.
Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers are not accepted on their own.
Cambridge Pre-U: D3/D3/D3 including Pre-U Biology plus one other science or science-related subject.
Applications are assessed from a combination of the following; the balance, nature and quality of A2, AS and GCSE subjects (or equivalents); the referee's comments and your personal statement.
Science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.
Science- related subjects: Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, ICT, P.E, Psychology, Science in Society, Statistics and Sports Science.
| 2013 entry requirements |
BSc Ecology and Environmental Biology - UCAS code C180A Level or Advanced Higher: AAA-ABB from 3 A2/Advanced Higher including Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. General studies excluded. We consider applications on an individual basis and an offer will depend on the information given on your UCAS form. Applications are assessed from a combination of the following; the balance, nature and quality of A2, AS and GSCE subjects (or equivalents); the referee's comments and your personal statement. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF): Typically DDD in Applied Science, including the following units: Fundamentals of Science, Mathematical Calculations for Science, Biochemistry and Biochemical Techniques, Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Chemistry for Biology Technicians. International Baccalaureate: 38-34 (with 18-16 at HL) including 6 in HL Biology and another science or science-related subject at HL. Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAAB-AAABBB including an A in HL Biology and another science or science-related subject at HL. Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers are not accepted on their own. Cambridge Pre-U: D3/D3/D3-D3/M2/M2 including Pre-U Biology plus one other science or science-related subject. Science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics. MBiol, BSc Ecology and Environmental Biology (Integrated Masters) - UCAS code C189A Level or Advanced Higher: AAA from 3 A2/Advanced Higher including Biology and another science or science-related subject. General studies excluded. International Baccalaureate: 38 (with 18 at HL) including 6 in HL Biology and another science or science-related subject at HL. Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAAB including an A in HL Biology and another science or science-related subject at HL. Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers are not accepted on their own. Cambridge Pre-U: D3/D3/D3 including Pre-U Biology plus one other science or science-related subject.
Applications are assessed from a combination of the following; the balance, nature and quality of A2, AS and GCSE subjects (or equivalents); the referee's comments and your personal statement. Science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.
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| Duration of the course |
3 Years Full Time (C180) 4 Years Full Time (C189) An Industrial Placement or Study Year Abroad will add a year to the duration of the course |
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| English language requirements | If English is not your first language, please check our minimum English language requirements. |  |
| Admissions policy | Download our Admissions Policy for 2013 entry. (PDF format). This includes information on the application process, our admissions intake and the selection process. | |
Admissions enquiries |
Carolyn Giles |
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Admissions tutor |
Dr Henry Greathead |
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Department |
Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate School |
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Programme Leaders |
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Course brochure |
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Course Structure
The structure of your course will vary dependent upon which of the following pathways you choose:
| Qualification | Course Title | Duration |
| BSc | Ecology and Environmental Biology | 3 years |
| BSc | Ecology and Environmental Biology with industrial placement year | 4 years |
| BSc | Ecology and Environmental Biology with a study year abroad | 4 years |
| MBiol, BSc | Ecology and Environmental Biology | 4 years |
| MBiol, BSc | Ecology and Environmental Biology with industrial placement year | 5 years |
| MBiol, BSc | Ecology and Environmental Biology with a study year abroad | 5 years |
BSc Course Structure
In the first and second year, lectures, practicals and tutorials are the most important forms of teaching. You will have lectures each week, and regular tutorials and laboratory sessions. In the final year, you will be able to choose your favourite topics to study under the guidance of leading scientists; your research project will take up about one third of your time with the rest devoted to lectures and tutorials. You will have the opportunity to attend field courses in all three years. Formal examinations are held twice a year, in January and May/June, to spread the assessment load.
Modules
All degree programmes are modular and offer wide choice.
Modules may be core (you have to take them), optional (you can choose from a list of alternatives) or elective (you have a free choice); the balance depends upon your year and programme of study. We offer a wide range of modules. Subjects areas include:
Ecology Year 1
Ecology in a Challenging World
Diversity of Life
Ecology Year 2
Population and Community Ecology
Mediterranean Field Course
Animal Behaviour
Ecology Year 3
Advanced topics in Ecology
Bats: Biology and Behaviour
Current Module Details
This link takes you to detailed information (on another part of the University of Leeds website) about this degree for the 2012/13 academic year. Please bear in mind that programme details may change and that entry requirements refer to previous years.
Research Projects
Final year students choose an individual project from a wide range of topics to suit their interests and career aspirations. The project is an original field, laboratory, literature or computer-based study, supervised by an academic member of staff. Projects are the most effective, exciting and rewarding way for students to learn about independent scientific research and develop important skills for future employment.
A large proportion of Ecology & Environmental Biology students opt for field based research projects, which may be carried out here in the UK or overseas. Some students have published their final year research project in a scientific journal or special interest magazine . Recent examples include:
Cave use and conservation of bats
MBiol Course Structure
To find out more about how the MBiol differs from the BSc programme, download our PDF guide to MBiol degrees.
Current Module Details
This link takes you to detailed information (on another part of the University of Leeds website) about this degree for the 2012/13 academic year. Please bear in mind that programme details may change and that entry requirements refer to previous years.
Visit the Studying with us pages to find out more about studying in the Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate School.
Please be aware that course details do change from time to time. ...
... If in doubt, please contact us to verify course content and availability. Whilst the University endeavours to ensure that the information on this website is accurate at the date of publication it does not accept liability for any inaccuracies. The University reserves the right to change or cancel its courses or services at any time without liability even after students have registered at the University. The University's contract with its students does not confer third party benefits for the purposes of Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Act 1999.
Teaching and Assessment
Our approach to teaching and learning is based around developing your knowledge and skills, and training you to be independent and to think critically. This means that you will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials with additional time allocated to private study, project work, laboratory practicals and fieldwork, the balance of which will vary through your course and as you become more confident and experienced. At Leeds you will learn in many different ways:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Practical work
- Field courses
- E-learning
- Research-based teaching
- Research projects
- Research placement opportunities
- Industrial/professional placement opportunities
- Study year abroad opportunities
Typical timetable (3 year BSc)
A typical week:
- in year one includes twelve hours of lectures, a three hour practical
session in the lab, additional workshop and seminar sessions, plus private
study.
- in year two includes nine hours of lectures and nine hours of practicals,
with a one hour tutorial or workshop, plus private study.
- in year three week includes nine hours of lectures and extended time in a research laboratory, plus private study.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods including:
- multiple-choice testing
- practical work
- data handling and problem-solving exercises
- group work
- discussion groups (physical and online)
- computer-based simulation
- essays
- posters and oral presentations
Current assessment details for each individual module can be accessed via the programme catalogue.
Careers
Ecology and Environmental Biology graduates enjoy excellent career prospects as their training opens up opportunities in scientific and non-scientific careers alike.
A growing awareness of the environmental impact of human activity is leading to increased demand for ecologists in both the public and commercial sectors. Our Ecology and Environmental Biology programmes foster the development of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers throughout the world.
" Studying biology at the University of Leeds gave me the diverse set of skills that has allowed me to work in roles as varied as research, journalism and advocacy. "
Dr Mike Shanahan, BSc Biology 1995
View scientific careers
Ecology graduates can become research scientists in universities, museums, institutes, NGOs (e.g. RSPB, National Trust, WWF), public sector ecologists with e.g. Natural England and national parks (reserve management, research, policy formulation and enforcement), consultant ecologists with commercial firms, e.g. major developers, wind farm companies, landscape architects), teachers, science and conservation communication in the public and private sectors.
View non-scientific professions
Our graduates acquire skills of numeracy, analytical thinking, creativity in problem solving and data handling, all of which equip them for jobs in non-scientific careers e.g. sales and marketing, accountancy, finance, patent work and journalism.
View further study
Graduates also go on to further study e.g. MSc, PhD, PGCE.
Careers Support
Faculty careers events
We organise regular careers workshops especially for biological sciences students. We also organise an annual Bioscience Careers Networking Event, offering a chance to meet bioscience employers, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information. Browse the careers fair photo gallery.
University Careers Service
Our on-campus Careers Centre is one of the largest in the country, with experienced advisers and strong relationships with graduate recruiters. The Careers Centre will help you to find out how to develop your employability right from the start and provide support after you graduate. Find out what the Careers Centre has to offer. .
Gaining work experience
Work experience is increasingly important in a competitive job market and Leeds offers many opportunities to gain experience and develop skills valuable to employers, including our industrial placement and year abroad schemes, laboratory placement schemes, and volunteering via Leeds for Life..
Industrial Advisory Board
Our Industrial Advisory Board gives employers the chance to input directly into programme and module content. This ensures that our programmes include appropriate training and skills so that our students and graduates are desirable to a broad range of graduate employers.
Join a global network of Leeds graduates
A remarkable variety of opportunities result from our relationships with our graduates, including access to the Leeds Graduate Careers Network.
Recent graduate jobs include: |
Recent graduate employers include |
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Read graduate profiles...
- Mike Shanahan (1995), Press Officer, International Institute for Environment and Development
- Sarah Proctor (2007), Ecological Assistant Consultant, Andrew McCarthy Associates
Careers resources
For more information on our approach to graduate employability, please see: www.leeds.ac.uk/employability
Field Courses
We see great value in the learning opportunities offered by practical field courses and offer five field courses for undergraduates in locations as diverse as North Yorkshire, the Mediterranean and Africa.
Not only are field courses highly enjoyable, but participants benefit from:
- Applying university-learnt techniques in real life situations
- Individual and team working
- High staff /student ratios
- Tutor support on location
- First-hand experience of collecting and analysing data
- Opportunies to develop individual research skills
- Skills development valued by employers after graduation
- A chance to get to know staff and fellow students even better
Compulsory Field Courses
Year 1:
Coastal and Uplands Habitats, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Year 2:
Mediterranean Ecology Field Course
Optional Field Courses
You also have the opportunity to participate in optional field courses:
Year 2:
Marine Zoology Field Course, Dale Fort, Pembrokeshire
Terrestrial Ecology and Behaviour Field Course, Malham Tarn, Yorkshire Dales
Year 3:
What will it cost?
2012 entry - Any field courses that are compulsory for your degree programme will be free of charge, however, for optional field courses you will be charged relevant out of pocket costs (principally travel, subsistence, accommodation and insurance), for which there may be help available.
Recent field course case studies:
Natalie Coles (BSc Zoology) Africa Field Trip 2007
Amy Backhouse (Bsc Zoology) Africa Field Trip 2008
Students' Experiences
Danny Grainger"I decided to come here because of the University's excellent reputation for ecology and the exciting field trips they have on offer."
"When you get a lecture about something really genuinely interesting, presented by someone who obviously knows a lot about the subject, it makes you realise how different university is to school."
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