BSc (Hons) Environmental Biology and Conservation

Assessment on the course is done mainly by coursework (57%) and you will be provided with a set of challenging and stimulating assignments such as writing up a lab report,  designing a scientific poster, carrying out ecological census techniques or writing a solution-oriented report on a global problem.

Year 1

• Biology of the cell
  This is an introductory module providing a foundation for further studies in all areas of biology and biosciences. You'll be introduced to the cellular organisation of living organisms and you'll explore the organisation and functions of eukaryotic cells. You'll focus on the regulation of cellular homeostasis and metabolism, including the flow of energy and genetic information, cell death, renewal and differentiation and their relation to human health and disease. In addition, you'll be introduced to current research approaches and methods for studying cells and manipulating genes. 
• Environmental Biochemistry
  The module will cover topics such as the basic chemistry of abiotic factors and the biochemistry of living things, highlighting the similarities and differences between biotic and abiotic factors in the environment, as well as exploring the key interactions between these.  It will consider how organisms cope with environmental stresses at the biochemical and molecular level and will look at some ways in which biochemistry and molecular biology can be used to devise more environmentally friendly ways of using natural resources.
• Microbiology
  This module introduces the students to the microbial world, through the historical significance of microbiological discoveries, fundamental concepts of microbiology and how these are applied. In parallel, students will undertake a series of practical activities to develop Good Laboratory Practice, Aseptic Techniques and an understanding of Standard Operating Procedures.
• Biology of organisms
  This module introduces students to the form and function – the anatomy and physiology – of animals and plants.  Outline descriptions of morphogenesis and the developmental processes that result in formation of a mature organism will be given.  Differentiation of cells and tissue and organ formation will be the basis for subsequent coverage at systems level.  At the level of the organism, anatomical and physiological principles will cover terrestrial and marine animals, birds and plants with human biology represented as contrast to the terrestrials.  Life processes of plants and animals will be directly compared.
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
  This module will introduce the fundamentals of genetics and molecular biology. It will explore the underlying principle of the central dogma of molecular biology while defining the structures and functions of DNA, RNA, proteins and human genes, up to chromosome level. The basics of genetic variation in humans will be extended to understand population genetics and evolution.
• Employability module
  Students will examine the skills, competencies and behaviours required to optimally perform in their chosen career. Students will explore how reflection and mentoring can impact on their career development and learning within an applied setting. Action planning together with a critical analysis of skills and competences for employment and career progression will be explored during workshops. Students will use enquiry skills to investigate a range of roles within the environmental, animal and ecology / conservation sectors. Workshops and tutorials will allow students to use collaborative approaches to solve problems.

Year 2

• Research methods
  This module is intended to develop students’ understanding of the research process in the area of bioscience. It will provide knowledge about main research principles and methodologies for data collection and analysis. The students will gain practical experience in developing a research proposal and analysing data with parametric and non-parametric statistical methods using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The module will also teach bioinformatics approaches relevant for ecology, conservation and animal behaviour, and a basic introduction to Python programming
• Biodiversity, phylogenetics and Evolution
  This module will introduce students to the range of biological diversity on Earth, Linnaean classification, taxonomy, phylogenetics and evolutionary relationships. Students are introduced to the concept of biodiversity and how to measure and monitor it.
• Nutrition, Health and Disease
  This module will introduce the students to animal and plant nutrition and how this is related to animal and plant health and disease, with reference to crop species, as well as domestic, zoo and wild animal species. The module will progress to cover basic immunology, veterinary epidemiology and parasitology. The four main classes of disease will be considered: physiological disease, infectious disease, deficiency disease, and genetic and non-genetic hereditary disease.  Management of animal health and its importance in maintaining bio-security will be considered.
• Animal Behaviour & Welfare
  The module will introduce the topic of animal behaviour (classical ethology and selfish gene approaches) with a focus on how knowledge of behaviour can be used for improvements in animal welfare and animal management. A range of species including vertebrates and invertebrates will be considered.
• Ecology and Census Techniques
  The module aims to introduce the student to fundamental ecology with a strong practical fieldwork element. As well as introducing core knowledge in ecological theory, the emphasis will be on monitoring and survey methods for indicative taxa including plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians fish, mammals and invertebrates. Species of special interest in the UK will be studied in detail e.g. GCN, bats, invertebrates and invasive species e.g. Ring necked parakeets, cane toads. Standard methods of population estimation such as mark-recapture will be taught alongside methods of marking and surveying animals in ethical and non-invasive ways. The use of technology in measuring and monitoring will be discussed (e.g. camera traps, e-DNA) and students will be taught a range of practical techniques.
• Professional Work Placement
  Students will undertake placements in various organisations, such as conservation organisations, Sustainable development enterprises, circular economy companies, waste management companies, animal rescue charities, animal welfare / rights organisations, wildlife trusts, ecology consultancies, research institutes, zoos, ecotourism organisations, pet day-care / boarding, veterinary surgeries, environmental biotechnology and other relevant organisations. Students may also do their placement with voluntary groups which carry out hands on conservation such as bird ringing, toad patrols, etc. which are related to their career interests. Students may carry out work for a virtual organisation such as “Save the frogs” or they may physically visit the organisation.

Year 3

• Project
  The aims of this module are to provide students with an understanding of the nature of scientific research as well as to acquire, develop and practice skills required to undertake and manage an independent research project. The module will also provide the students with a sound ethical and professional basis on which to build a successful career in the chosen field. This is one of the most exciting modules where you will have the opportunity to carry out your own research project on topics of your choice. Some examples of topics current or past students have researched include:
  
  - Strategies for control of Campylobacter in the food chain, Algae as Sustainable alternatives to fish as an omega 3 fatty acids source, Dietary iron intake in vegetarian and non vegetarian populations, Effects of climate change on the timing of breeding in species of your choice, Do garden birds exhibit a colour preference for food?
  - Do animals change their activity patterns with the lunar cycle, Interactions with transparent boundaries in zoo housed reptiles – a welfare issue?, An investigation of plastic packaging recycling and reuse schemes in London Boroughs, Effect of light pollution on amphibian reproductive synchronisation, Effects of a plant based (vegan) diet on health.
  - Microplastics / nanoplastics: an environmental and food supply threat, a consumer perception, The role of plant-based packaging materials in mitigation of food waste, reduction of food packaging waste and promotion of sustainability.
• Ecosystems
  An in depth study of the major ecosystems on the planet (marine, terrestrial, freshwater), and selected biomes (desert, polar, tropical, reef) in relation to global environmental change. Biogeochemistry, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen cycling through ecosystems. Use of mapping tools, remote sensing, big data and biogeographical approaches to model ecosystem flux.  The effect of climate change on ecosystems and how to mitigate the effects of environmental change on ecosystem stability.
• Advanced Wildlife Conservation
  The module will equip students with cutting edge tools and strategies for the management both captive and free-living wildlife populations, in various contexts such as zoos, aquaria, nature reserves, ecotourism facilities, conservation areas, captive breeding facilities, national parks, protected areas for the purposes of species and biodiversity conservation, as well as in unprotected areas. A key part of the course will be the ability to critically evaluate  conservation strategies and interventions, and propose novel and creative solutions to a variety of real world problems, such as species resilience to threats such climate change; ocean garbage / acidification; pollution; species decline, wildlife trade, habitat loss and fragmentation, deforestation, wildlife poaching, human- wildlife conflict, degradation of ecosystems, zoonotic disease, and other contemporary issues.
• Current Perspectives in Bioscience
  This module takes a critical look at science and examines how it is perceived by scientists and non-scientists alike. The module will explore the links between pure science and applied science which give rise to technological advances and sometimes controversy. It also considers the way in which science is communicated. The ethical dimension of scientific endeavours is also examined along with the importance of professionalism within the scientific community. A variety of topical issues will be covered.
• Sustainability and Employability
  Sustainability is one of the key topical and wide-reaching issues of the 21st century. It addresses the maintenance of ecological balance through sustainable management of the natural resources.  It considers all practices, procedures, policies and control that ensure adequate global supply of resources for the current and future generations. It will consider all the practices, procedures, policies and controls in place for adopting sustainable environment, food production, good manufacture and supply. Climate change, waste management, environmental microbiology and biotechnology, renewable energy, bioremediation, employability and the roles of various stakeholders in relation to industry sustainability will be included.

Examples of jobs that you could apply for:

• Biodiversity Specialist, Joint Nature Conservation Council
• Senior Sustainability Consultant, SRE Ltd.,
• Adviser, Natural England
• River restoration Project Officer, Norfolk Rivers Trust
• Senior Ecologist, Scottish Wildlife Trust
• Carbon and Soils officer, Farm Caron Toolkit
• Sustainable Landscape officer, RSPB
• Schools officer, Ocean Conservation Trust
• Science Writer, Mongabey
• Education officer, Whipsnade Zoo.
• Other jobs can be found at environmentjob.co.uk

I have nothing but praise for the lecturers on my course; they are very supportive and help me whenever I need further explanation on a topic.

Dennis Watson, Alumnus, BSc Bioscience

Continuing to postgraduate studies

Graduates would also be eligible to apply for further study at postgraduate level, including our PhD/MPhil research opportunities. The academic strength of this course means that you can also consider entering the field of academic research. Alumni from this course have secured pure research positions in universities and research institutions and applied research roles in the biological-based industries.

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Teaching will be a mixture of on-campus and online (hybrid) delivery. We make extensive use of a Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle) to support student teaching, learning and assessment. Personal tutoring support is an integral part of the course. We also offer extra support in the form of extra clinics outside of lecture and tutorial sessions. There is a strong focus on the practical applications of knowledge, supported by hands-on laboratory exercises. A mix of assessment methods is employed in modules and across the course.

Personal Tutoring

As an undergraduate Applied Sciences student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU. The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.

Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.

Your tutor should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.

You will have a scheduled appointment with your personal tutor in your first semester. From here you will agree how to keep in touch and how often to meet throughout your course. You can contact your tutor for additional support by email.

• A Level: minimum of 2 A levels CCD to include Biology and a second A level subject or;
• BTEC National Diploma DMM ideally with a good Biology profile or;
• Access to Science with 39 Merits and 6 Passes including 12 credits in Science related subjects or;
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 104 UCAS points
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs minimum grade C including Maths, Biology and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
• We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

The individual fee for this course is shown above. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations; read notices of PhD studentships.