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    KEY FACTS

    • Title
      BSc (Hons) Environmental Biology
    • Course type
      Full-time
    • Duration
      3 years (optional placement)
    • Award
      Bachelor of Science - BSc (Hons)
    • Faculty
      Faculty of Science and Technology
    • School
      School of Biomedical and Biological Sciences
    • UCAS codes
      Institution P60
      Course C150
    • Location
      Plymouth
Skip Navigation LinksPlymouth University > courses > undergraduate > BSc (Hons) Environmental Biology
Anaerobic glove box​

​Student testimonials 

'What I have learnt will shape the rest of my life.'
'Thank you for expanding my mind. I have really enjoyed every module.'
'The teaching has been superb and many of the staff truly inspirational.'
'I found the course inspiring, challenging and motivating, exceeding my highest expectations. The most rewarding three years of my life!'
'An excellent and worthwhile hands-on residential field course in a wonderful part of the world.'
'I hope that other students will be given such a good opportunity to learn with enjoyment.' 
​Clearing Crytomeria japonica - Azores, Portugal

Summary

This course draws together the best of ecology and environmental biological sciences in a unique blend of ecology and its related laboratory disciplines. From biodiversity, community ecology and conservation, to ecotoxicology, pollution science and environmental microbiology, this course equips graduates for careers such as research, consultancy and environmental protection.

The 21st century is a challenging time for those for whom the natural world is a source of pleasure or employment. The planet is increasingly threatened by extinction and degradation, yet new and exciting areas of traditional disciplines such as ecology are emerging in response to these forces. This course aims to provide students with two different elements that are crucial in equipping them to work in this changing environment. Firstly, we provide a sound theoretical underpinning in science and especially ecology, a broad base in biology upon which to build specialist knowledge. Secondly, we provide practical skills and real-world experience through field days and residential field courses that allow the theory to be placed in context. Environmental biology also allows students to diversify, adding elements of ecotoxicology and microbiology to their portfolios. These subjects are ever increasing fields in the challenged environment of the 21st century.

This course is offered by the School of Biomedical and Biological Sciences.
​
Working on the estuary - Santec, France

​Course highlights 

  • A multi-disciplinary course, but taught by biologists for biologists!
  • Specialist pathways through years two and the final year, one in ecology, the other in ecotoxicology
  • Overseas residential field courses in years one and two
  • Fieldwork provision commended by the government's agency and external examiners
  • Personal and course tutor systems to provide help when needed
  • Tailor-made to provide employment-related skills
  • Enriched by cutting edge research in terrestrial ecology, aquatic ecology, ecotoxicology and stress biology

 

Local workers weeding the 'restored' laurisilva - Azores, PortugalCareer opportunities​

This course equips graduates with the skills they need to work in environmental protection, consultancy and research, in fields from pure ecology through to laboratory-based science. The blend of field-based and laboratory-based skills is designed to maximise breadth of employment possibilities.


The important scientific publication Nature recently ran an article highlighting career opportunities for ecologists. In industry, ecologists and ecotoxicologists are responsible for monitoring and managing the environmental impacts of the activities of a company. In consultancy, ecologists and ecotoxicologists are contracted to perform independent studies to assess likely impacts of development, or to determine threats to sensitive ecosystems and to propose strategies for managing them. Ecologists work in conservation, ecotourism, the media and journalism, and in environmental law. As a science that deals with nature and wildlife, environmental biology combines a scientific training with an interesting and absorbing subject to produce capable, flexible and highly employable graduates. 
Iron-rich mineral spring at Lombadas - Azores, Portugal
​Searching the mud in Santec, France