Program Overview
The MSci Evolutionary Biology program at the University of Exeter is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides a deep understanding of the evolution of life on Earth. The program prepares graduates for careers in laboratory-based research, conservation management, ecology, and other related fields.
Program Outline
MSci Evolutionary Biology - University of Exeter
Degree Overview:
- Duration: 4 years
- Discipline: Ecology and Conservation
- Objectives:
- Provides an opportunity to work on a specialized research project aligned with one of the University's leading research groups.
- Offers a deep dive into the fast-growing field of Evolutionary Biology, utilizing advanced technology to unravel the history of life on Earth.
- Includes extensive fieldwork in the UK and international locations.
- Taught by world-leading biologists specializing in evolution, behavior, ecology, and conservation.
- Provides access to state-of-the-art facilities for developing advanced knowledge of the impact of genes and evolutionary processes on individuals, communities, landscapes, and entire ecosystems.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Genetics (15 credits)
- Microbes (15 credits)
- Evolution (15 credits)
- Skills and Careers (15 credits)
- Introduction to Human Sciences (15 credits)
- Optional Modules:
- Physiology (15 credits)
- Ecology and Conservation (15 credits)
- Zoology (30 credits)
Year 2:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Evolutionary Ecology (15 credits)
- Analysis of Biological Data (15 credits)
- Animal Ecophysiology (15 credits)
- Behavioural Ecology (15 credits)
- Molecular Ecology (15 credits)
- Bio Penryn 2nd Year Field Course (15 credits) - Compulsory field course.
- Optional Modules:
- Population and Community Ecology (15 credits)
- Wildlife Disease (15 credits)
- Development of Behaviour (15 credits)
- Biology of Birds (15 credits)
- Evolution of Human Societies (15 credits)
- Mathematics of the Environment (15 credits)
- Workplace Learning (15 credits)
- The Biology of Mammals (15 credits) - Choose either this or Biology of Aquatic Vertebrates.
- Biology of Aquatic Vertebrates (15 credits) - Choose either this or The Biology of Mammals.
Year 3:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Research Project (40 credits)
- Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology (15 credits) - Only available if unable to attend the field course.
- Global Research Skills Virtual Field Course (15 credits) - Only available if unable to attend the field course.
- Penryn 3rd Year Field Course (30 credits) - Compulsory field course.
- Preparing to Graduate (5 credits)
- Optional Modules:
- Trends in Ecology and Evolution (15 credits)
- Human Behavioural Ecology (15 credits)
- Living in Groups (15 credits)
- Coevolutionary Interactions (15 credits)
- Symbiosis in Marine Systems (15 credits)
- Sensory Ecology (15 credits)
- Science in Society (15 credits)
- Animal Life Histories (15 credits)
- Ecological Responses to Climate Change (15 credits)
- Evolutionary Biology of Health and Disease (15 credits)
- Animal Migration (15 credits)
- Animal Cognition (15 credits)
- Primate Biology and Conservation (15 credits)
- The Complexity of Human Societies (15 credits)
- Major Transitions in Evolutionary History (15 credits)
- Mathematics for Environment and Sustainability (15 credits)
- Living with Environmental Change (15 credits)
- Frontiers of Global Health (15 credits)
Year 4:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Academic Research Project (60 credits)
- Global Challenges Field Course (MSci) (30 credits) - Choose either this or Rewilding the United Kingdom.
- Rewilding the United Kingdom (30 credits) - Choose either this or Global Challenges Field Course (MSci).
- Literature Review in the Life Sciences (15 credits)
- Applied Data Analysis (15 credits)
Assessment:
- First Year: Does not count towards final degree classification, but must be passed to progress.
- Subsequent Years: All marks count towards final classification.
- Assessment Methods:
- Essays
- Exams
- Presentations
- Laboratory Reports
- Dissertation
Teaching:
- Faculty: Taught by world-leading biologists specializing in evolution, behavior, ecology, and conservation.
- Methods:
- Lectures
- Laboratory Work
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Field Courses
- Unique Approaches:
- Close links with conservation organizations in the UK and overseas, providing guest lectures, placement opportunities, and project work.
- Emphasis on research-led teaching, with academics bringing their findings from the laboratory and field directly to the classroom.
- Students participate in data collection for research projects.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths:
- Laboratory-based positions
- Conservation management
- Ecology
- Teaching
- Nursing
- Law
- Business
- Management
- Opportunities:
- Sector-related careers and employability sessions, including career talks, networking events, employability seminars, assessment days, mock interviews, and a Careers Fair.
- Outcomes:
- Graduates are employed in a wide range of roles in the UK and overseas.
- The degree provides excellent employment prospects and transferable skills.
Other:
- Fieldwork:
- Extensive range of field courses across Biosciences degrees with local, national, and international destinations.
- Provides opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations and forge relationships with fellow students and academics.
- Residential field courses complement the degree and highlight conservation issues for terrestrial and marine species and habitats.
- Some optional field courses may incur additional costs.
- Proficiency Options:
- Students can gain proficiency in a foreign language or a second subject by completing 60 credits in modules related to that area.
- Proficiency in Law is available, adding "with proficiency in Law" to the degree title.
- Peer Mentoring:
- First-year students can join weekly groups led by second-year and PhD Biosciences students, providing advice and support.
- Groups cover social and pastoral care, key skills, employability, and discipline-specific support.
- Facilities:
- Teaching laboratories
- Computing suites
- Field equipment for research projects
- Library and online resources
University of Exeter
Overview:
The University of Exeter is a public research university located in Exeter, Devon, England. It is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK. The university is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of law, business, and environmental sciences.
Services Offered:
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Student website:
Provides access to information and resources for current students.ELE (Exeter Learning Environment):
An online platform for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and communicating with instructors.Email web access:
Allows students to access their university email accounts.Payment portal:
Enables students to make payments for tuition fees and other expenses.MyExeter (student app):
A mobile app that provides access to various student services and information.Library:
Offers a comprehensive collection of books, journals, and other resources.SID (Student Information Database):
A system for managing student records and accessing personal information.Timetable:
Allows students to view their class schedules.Programme and module information:
Provides details about academic programs and courses.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Exeter offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can expect:
Active student societies:
A wide range of clubs and societies cater to various interests.Sports facilities:
The university has excellent sports facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and sports fields.Campus events:
Regular events and activities are organized throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and social gatherings.Accommodation options:
The university provides a variety of accommodation options for students, both on and off campus.Wellbeing services:
The university offers a range of support services for student wellbeing, including counseling and mental health support.Key Reasons to Study There:
Excellent academic reputation:
The University of Exeter is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK.World-leading research:
The university is renowned for its research, particularly in areas such as environmental sciences, law, and business.Vibrant student life:
The university offers a diverse and engaging student experience with a wide range of clubs, societies, and events.Beautiful campus setting:
The university's campuses are located in picturesque settings, with easy access to the city of Exeter and the surrounding countryside.Strong career support:
The university provides excellent career support services to help students find employment after graduation.Academic Programs:
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
English, History, Classics, Philosophy, Music, Drama, and more.Social Sciences:
Law, Politics, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, and more.Science and Engineering:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and more.Medicine and Health:
Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and more.Business and Management:
Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, and more.Other:
- The university has three main campuses: Streatham Campus, St Luke's Campus, and Penryn Campus.
- The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on environmental issues.
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The university has a strong international reputation and attracts students from all over the world.
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Academic Programs:
While the context mentions some general disciplines, it does not provide a detailed outline of the key academic programs and strengths of the institution.
Entry Requirements:
- A-Level: AAB (with an A in a science subject)
- IB: 34/665 (with HL6 in a science subject)
- BTEC: DDD (Applicants studying one of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without GCE AL Science: Applied Science, Animal Management, Agriculture, Countryside Management, Environmental Sustainability, Fish Management, Forestry and Arboriculture, Marine Biology)
- GCSE: C or 4 in English Language, B or 5 in Mathematics
- T-Level: Not accepted
- Contextual Offer: A-Level: ABCIB: 30/555BTEC: DDM (Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.)
- Other accepted qualifications: View other accepted qualifications
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.