Ecology and Conservation - MBio

This degree is designed to provide a broad understanding of the key aspects of ecology and conservation, and emphasises gaining practical skills in the field and laboratory.

In the first year, students have the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of biological concepts, including ecology, animal and plant anatomy and physiology, as well as key skills in environmental monitoring.

During the second year, more specialist modules include evolution, conservation biology, and plant-animal interactions. Students can choose from a selection of optional modules to align their studies with areas of particular interest.

There is an emphasis on independent research in the third year, and students are expected to undertake a substantial research project, as well as modules to develop critical scientific skills. This degree combines demonstrations with hands-on work in-lab or in-field.

Students will also have the opportunity to develop their ability to communicate scientific knowledge effectively, in different contexts, different formats and to different recipients.

This four-year MBio programme includes an additional research-intensive final year and may lead to further research and employment opportunities.

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. To help you choose the course thats right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.

Find out More

Conserving biodiversity and avoiding the extinction of species are huge global challenges. It has never been more important for scientists to understand organisms and ecosystems, and how they respond to the threats they face.

Ecology and Conservation at Lincoln seeks to explore the natural world, from individuals to populations, and communities to ecosystems. Students are able to examine how organisms interact with each other and their environment, and how these processes are affected by human activities. This helps them to understand the planetary ecosystem and how it responds to environmental change. Students can learn key practical skills that professional ecologists and conservation practitioners are looking for in graduates.

The course offers a diverse programme that aims to provide a firm grounding in the principles of ecology and conservation. It aims to enable students to specialise in the areas that interest them. It is taught by research-active staff in both the School of Life Sciences and School of Geography, who specialise in a wide range of disciplines across evolution, ecology, zoology, and environmental health. Key industry-relevant skills are taught by practitioners from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and Forestry England, as well as speakers from a range of employers from across the sector.

Alongside fully-funded day trips throughout the degree to locations which have previously included Kew Gardens and the Millennium Seed Bank, this course also includes two fully-funded residential field trips in the UK to study ecology in a field setting. There is an additional optional overseas field trip in the third year where previous students have visited the Andean Cloud Forest in Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and boreal forests in Finland. Those who choose to participate in the international trip are required to pay for their own flights but accommodation and meals at the field site are covered by the University.

Students have the chance to develop practical skills in species identification and environmental surveying, as well as 'soft' skills in scientific methods and communication, which can be invaluable in many workplaces, but are especially critical for ecology and conservation.