Evolutionary Biology MSci

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