BSc(Hons) Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science

Program Overview

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This Wildlife Conservation degree program, accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences, equips students with the knowledge and skills to address global biodiversity loss and climate change impacts. Through a blend of theoretical and practical learning, including field work and optional work placements, students develop problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills essential for careers in wildlife conservation. The program offers unique access to expertise from Bristol Zoo Project and connects students with local conservation organizations.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Accreditations and partnerships:

• Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES)

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Program Focus:

• Exploring the nature of global biodiversity and the effects of habitat loss and climate change.
• To gain scientific knowledge and skills to tackle these issues.
• To develop problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills.

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Distinguishing Features:

• Created in partnership with Bristol Zoo Project, offering unique access to expertise.
• Blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
• Investigates the relationship between wildlife and society, analyzing human impact.
• Offers field work opportunities in natural habitats near Bristol (Severn Estuary, Cotswolds, Somerset Levels).
• Connects students with local conservation organizations.
• Optional sandwich course with a year of work placement.
• Provides a strong foundation for a career in conservation.

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Benefits:

• Develop valuable skills and knowledge for wildlife conservation careers.
• Gain practical experience through field work and placements.
• Benefit from the expertise of Bristol Zoo Project.
• Study in a dynamic learning environment with dedicated support.

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Outline:

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Year One

• Life on Earth
• The Earth
• Field Skills (including a residential field trip)
• Wildlife and Society

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Year Two

• Environmental and Field Techniques (including a residential field trip)
• Conservation in Practice
• Ecology and Ecosystem Protection
• Two optional modules:
• Plant Growth and Survival
• The Microbial World
• Wildlife Ecology

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Placement Year (optional)

• If students choose the four-year (sandwich) course, they will spend this year on a work or study placement.

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Final Year

• Research Dissertation Project
• Contemporary Conservation Science
• Optional modules (number depends on credit requirements):
• Environmental and Ecological Consultancy
• Environmental Microbiology
• Global Forest Systems
• Marine Ecosystems
• Primate Ecology and Conservation
• Professional Practice in Applied Sciences
• Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• Science Communication
• Sustainable Food Production
• Tropical Expedition
• Wildlife, Film and Media

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Learning and Teaching:

• Lectures, seminars, and tutorials.
• Laboratory investigations, case studies, workshops, work-based experiences.
• Fieldwork opportunities (extensive time spent working in the field).
• Residential trips to Dartmoor and Cornwall.
• Research expeditions (optional) to Madagascar and other locations.
• One-on-one guidance from experienced academic and personal tutors.
• Extensive use of equipment for fieldwork and laboratory work.

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Assessment:

• Unseen, open-book, and practical exams.
• Essays, practical reports, individual and group projects.
• Oral and visual presentations.
• Case study analysis, taxonomic collections, and problem-solving exercises.
• Blogs, online portfolios, and web page design to develop e-communication skills.
• Placement year assessed through a reflective portfolio, work supervisor's report, and oral presentation.

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Teaching:

• Experienced academic and personal tutors provide one-on-one guidance.
• The course benefits from input from Bristol Zoo Project experts.

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Careers:

• National and international wildlife conservation organizations
• Ecological consultancy firms
• Wildlife Trusts
• The Woodland Trust
• Other non-government organizations (NGOs)
• Field Studies Council
• Other educational organizations
• Postgraduate study and research degrees in areas like wildlife film-making, science communication, environmental consultancy.

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Other:

• Potential overseas experience opportunities (work on projects in Namibia, Africa, New Zealand, Cameroon).
• Access to well-equipped science laboratories, a glasshouse, and a dedicated field center.
• Support from the award-winning careers service for career coaching, finding graduate jobs, placements, and global opportunities.
• Access to local volunteering and community opportunities.
• Access to employer events.
Changes to the course structure or content may have occurred since then.

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Full-time; Sandwich course

Fees Amount (£) Home Annual (Per Year) Fee 9250 Home Full Annual Fee Following Placement Year 9250 Home Module Fee (15 Credit) 1156 Home Placement Year Fee 1156 Home Reduced Annual Fee Following Placement Year 8094 International Annual (Per Year) Fee 15850 International Full Annual Fee Following Placement Year 15850 International Module Fee (15 Credit) 1981 International Placement Year Fee 1981 International Reduced Annual Fee Following Placement Year 13869 Offshore Annual (Per Year) Fee 9250 Offshore Full Annual Fee Following Placement Year 9250 Offshore Module Fee (15 Credit) 1156 Offshore Placement Year Fee 1156 Offshore Reduced Annual Fee Following Placement Year 8094

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Part time course

Fees Amount (£) Home Module Fee (15 Credit) 1156 Offshore Module Fee (15 Credit) 1156

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Indicative Additional Costs

Fees Amount (£) Additional Course Costs Indicative Maximum Cost Per year 500