Ecology is about understanding how ecosystems work and the processes that promote or threaten biodiversity. Ecology addresses questions such as:

• How can biodiversity be conserved most effectively?

• How do interactions between species affect their distribution or abundance?

• Can species' responses to climate change be predicted?

• How can populations be managed sustainably?

The Ecology courses (BSc and MBiolSci) focus on conceptual and practical understanding of communities and ecosystems and the threats they face. As concern rises over the human impact on the environment, with mounting evidence of global warming, increasing rates of tropical deforestation and species extinctions, and expanding use of genetically modified organisms, the need for ecologists to understand these problems has never been greater.

The courses offer a range of options spanning the breadth of ecology from molecular and evolutionary ecology to pollution biology and conservation, providing you with a scientific understanding of the principles of ecology, along with consideration of how these principles can be applied to current environmental issues. You will gain insights from current research in habitats from the tropics to the Arctic, in both pure and applied ecology and will have the opportunity to attend field courses in the UK, Portugal, Sweden or Borneo.

Why Ecology at Sheffield?

Animal and Plant Sciences has excellent modern facilities for ecology teaching and research, including controlled environment chambers that simulate conditions ranging from tropical to sub-Arctic and even future climate scenarios, experimental gardens and glasshouses, artificial stream systems, state-of-the-art equipment for DNA, bio-molecular and elemental analyses, and extensive computing facilities.

Ecologists in the Department of Animal & Plant Sciences have pioneered contributions to understanding these threats and are at the forefront of understanding major processes such as ecosystem response to climate change and the maintenance of biodiversity. Our expertise extends to molecular ecology, behavioural ecology, freshwater biology, pollution biology and includes genomic, evolutionary, population and community approaches.

The course benefits from Sheffield’s excellent location, with the Peak District National Park within five miles of the University. We have an extensive range of upland and lowland habitats and land uses within easy reach. In particular the contrasting environments provided by the limestone of the White Peak and gritstone of the Dark Peak, give excellent opportunities for field teaching on habitats and distributions of organisms.

EcologyBSc (C180) & MBiolSci (C189)

Why should I choose Ecology?

The Ecology degree gives you a strong core training in theoretical and practical aspects of ecology. The course provides a structured programme of study, while still retaining a wide range of choices in ecological subjects, particularly at Level 3. You will also find that the Ecology course has a larger practical and field component than other degrees. If you have an enthusiasm for understanding how ecosystems work, and how to apply that knowledge, then Ecology would be a good choice.

What does the Ecology MBiolSci involve?

The 4 year MBiolSci is designed for students who wish to gain a more in depth experience of research. Years 1 to 3 are the same as the BSc but year 4 is devoted to an extensive individual research project and advanced courses in research and communication skills (full details are provided on a separate sheet). Examples of recent Level 4 research projects in Ecology include: The role of roadside trees in urban ecosystems, The structure of marine protected networks, The effect of temperature on microbial species diversity, Experimental impacts of climate manipulation on grassland ecosystems, The effects of coal mine discharges on aquatic biodiversity.

What can I do with an Ecology degree?

Ecology graduates are well equipped for careers in conservation, environmental consultancy, environmental and general education, ecological research (e.g., PhD), government agencies (e.g., Environment Agency), agricultural science and industry. An understanding of the science behind environmental issues is increasingly important in many aspects of planning and business management. Ecology also provides training in transferable skills, such as data analysis, project planning, critical thinking and written and spoken communication, which are useful in whatever career direction you choose.

Ecology Course Structure (Levels 1-3)Ecology Course Structure (Levels 1-3)Ecology Course Structure (Levels 1-3)Ecology Course Structure (Levels 1-3)

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Core modules:

BiodiversityEcosystems and Environmental ChangeGenes in PopulationsEvolutionPractical Skills in Biology 1 & 2Principles of Molecular BiologyEcological Identification SkillsSkills for Biologists

2 modules from options including:

Population and Community Ecology 1Reproduction, Development and GrowthBehaviour of Humans and Other AnimalsNeuroscienceHuman Form and FunctionDiversity of Life

Up to 2 modules from outside Biology (example subjects: modern languages, geography, chemistry, psychology)

Core modules:

Population and Community Ecology 2Data analysisFreshwater Ecology Field CoursePracticals (Plant Habitats and Distributions, Animal Ecology, Ecology Project)Ecology Tutorials

5 modules from options including:

Plant, Cell and EnvironmentWorld EcosystemsPalaeobiologyEvolutionary BiologyBiotechnology and FoodAnimal BehaviourInsectsAnimal DiversityConservation Principles

Up to 2 modules from Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, or from outside biology.

Core modules:

Research ProjectUndergraduate Ambassador Scheme orDissertationField course (UK, Portugal, Borneo, or

Sweden)

7 modules from options including:

Issues in Conservation BiologyGlobal ChangeCommunity EcologyTrends in BiologyCooperation and ConflictEnvironmental Regulation in PlantsSustainable Agro-ecosystemsEcotoxicologyLife in Extreme EnvironmentsTopics in Evolutionary GeneticsEvolutionary EcologyBiology and EthicsHistory and Philosophy of Science

“There are options to choose from which cover all areas of biology, from whole ecosystems to species interactions. I love the field courses and modules which have trips to the Peak District. I also went to the rainforests of Borneo for 10 days. It was amazing!”

(Level 3 Ecology MBiolSci)