15 credits
Level 1
First Term
15 credits
Level 1
First Term
Practical activities provide hands on experience of materials demonstrating the diversity of plants and invertebrates.
You will be assessed by a combination of laboratory reports, on which you will get detailed feedback to help you develop your skills, and an exam.15 credits
Level 1
Second Term
This course will take you on a journey through the physical workings of the Earth, the interactions between species and their environments and then on to the effects humans are having on the planet and thoughts on the future.
Teaching by staff with different subject specialisms who give both variety and immediacy to course material.
Exposure to the problems we are facing both now and in the future which means that students can make informed choices in their everyday lives.
A range of ‘wet’ and computer-based practicals enhance the classroom teaching and develop generic scientific skills.
15 credits
Level 1
Second Term
7.5 credits
Level 1
Second Term
The week-long residential course is based at the University’s Bettyhill field station in the far north of Scotland. The location is stunning and, for many students, a new experience of unfamiliar plant communities.
You are introduced to representatives of the local flora. We teach skills in recognising key features of plant species and how to identify them.
You are encouraged to consider the reasons why and where plant species are found within the northern landscape and how plant communities can be sampled.
15 credits
Level 2
First Term
15 credits
Level 2
First Term
The course will help you consolidate and develop skills in experimental design, sampling, analysis, presentation, and interpretation of data. You will be encouraged to seek to improve your academic writing and develop other transferable skills.
Each week, there is one 1-hour introductory lecture. In two 2-hour sessions when will work through a series of computer-based data tasks, using relevant and realistic biological and environmental themes.
Teaching is informal and friendly. During sessions, staff and demonstrators will chat to you about your progress and provide help.
Assessments are two online multiple-choice tests (each 25%) and an individual project (50%).
15 credits
Level 2
First Term
A range of practical and workshop classes will enable you to consider information from lectures in more detail and develop ideas.
A range of types of continuous assessment allow you to consolidate learning throughout the semester.
Weekly opportunities to practice writing skills needed for the exam and regular feedback provided on writing exercises.
Detailed feedback on practical assignments will help you develop essential scientific writing skills
You will use Peerwise to write multiple choice questions, requiring thorough engagement with taught material and developing an extensive set of questions for use in revision
15 credits
Level 2
First Term
15 credits
Level 2
First Term
15 credits
Level 2
Second Term
Lectures, workshops and practical classes provide opportunities for consideration of key conservation issues, allowing you to discuss and develop ideas.
You will visit a local nature reserve and consider some of the key management issues facing these types of site.
The main written assessment provides an opportunity to study a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species of your choice in depth.
You will receive detailed feedback on the essay and practical write-ups which will help you consolidate your skills in scientific writing and writing for a more general audience.
15 credits
Level 2
Second Term
Physiology is the study of the normal functions of living systems. This course will introduce you to the basics invertebrate and vertebrate physiology.
Lectures will guide you through the various body systems and their interactions that maintain homeostasis in animals. Associated practicals allow you to explore particular systems in further detail and to develop relevant lab skills.
Through the study of examples from across different phyla, you will gain an appreciation of processes fundamental to all animals, and of differences across groups.
15 credits
Level 2
Second Term
15 credits
Level 2
Second Term
15 credits
Level 2
Second Term
15 credits
Level 2
Second Term
15 credits
Level 2
Second Term
A combination of three lectures per week and five fortnightly practical classes covering a broad range of topics in marine biology.
The course is taught by a range of lecturers who specialise in a wide variety of research areas.
Coursework is designed to develop skills in reading scientific articles, research methods, critical thinking, and scientific writing. Assessed coursework comprises a combination of practical reports, quizzes and one written essay from a range of topics. There is a two-hour exam (essay and multiple choice questions).
Specialised lectures on essay writing skills, pre and post-essay coursework, are provided to enhance writing skills.
7.5 credits
Level 2
Second Term
‘Mediterranean’ ecosystems have unique characteristics, with many endemic species. This is an 8-day field course in Catalonia, Spain. The course will run during 1—9 June 2016, inclusive). Cost, excluding flights, is likely to be about £362 (tbc).
Field work will be in three contrasting Natural Parks. You will use observation, discussion, and group projects to understand each ecosystem more fully. You will also talk with locally-based biologists.
The course will help you learn skills in developing a fast, detailed understanding of unfamiliar ecosystems and their species, and to record observations in a field notebook.
7.5 credits
Level 2
Second Term
15 credits
Level 3
Full Year
Students enrolled in level 2/3 of the BSc Wildlife Management degree programme undertake six weeks of work experience relevant to the degree.
Regular contact with the course coordinator and the maintenance of a diary of activities provides a framework for reflecting on the experience.
Preparation of a final report helps to consolidate learning and relate experiences to the business and scientific theory-studied in university-based courses.
Students will achieve a better understanding of the practical and commercial aspects of employment in the industry.
15 credits
Level 3
First Term
In a series of cases studies, you will learn how to analyse and interpret biological data to a level which will allow you to design, at least, the first stages of your level 4 honours project.
You will also choose from4-6 topics in advanced data handling techniques also pertinent to level 4 honours projects.
The course is intensive but allows you to work largely at your own pace with considerable assistance from 3-4 staff and 5-6 demonstrators.
15 credits
Level 3
Second Term
You will be trained in broad environmental thinking required to understand the complex nature of contemporary environmental problems.
The course aim is to work towards a sufficiently deep understanding of society’s relationship with the environment to appraise and start to address so-called wicked problems.
The course follows a textbook to allow immersion in the author’s ways of thinking. Key aspects of human-environment relationships will be developed through lectures and subsequent discussion.
You will engage in the co-production of knowledge by preparing and presenting worked out case studies themselves as starting point for debate on focal ‘objects of concern’.
15 credits
Level 3
Second Term
Fundamental concepts of animal behaviour are introduced through a series of lectures and practicals, essential knowledge for those interested in better understanding animal behaviour as well as potentially undertaking an animal behaviour Honours project.
During the practicals students are encouraged to reflect on the theoretical knowledge learned during the lectures and apply that in explaining the observed behaviour of animals.
Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of animal behaviour by producing an innovative multimedia presentation on the observed behaviour of a species of their choice.
15 credits
Level 3
Second Term
Interactive course that explores key underlying principles in conservation and the challenges of applying those in the real world.
Field excursion to important protected area to learn about the practical issues of protecting biodiversity.
Guest lecturers from key organisations in Scottish conservation and other relevant disciplines to give you insight into career choices and alternative perspectives.
You will produce a poster and a project proposal and get feedback for improving your presentation and writing skills.
15 credits
Level 3
Second Term
The course will give you generic knowledge on life history theories and trade-offs.
The different life history concepts presented in this course will be illustrated using world leading research studies covering the whole spectrum of life, from bacteria to fungi and plants to animals.
Directed learning will give you the opportunity to move from theory to practice. You will use tutorials to learn how, for example, to explore and describe trait variability, compute heritability estimates, or measure selection coefficients.
7.5 credits
Level 3
Second Term
Week long field course around Scotland to explore and gain first-hand experience of key conservation issues.
Meet key professionals working on these issues and gain insight into approaches and career options.
Guest speakers from key organisations in Scottish conservation to provide insight into different perspectives.
Opportunities to discuss and debate conservation practice, consider alternative arguments and gain debating skills.
15 credits
Level 4
First Term
Under the supervision of an academic, you develop a research proposal suitable for submission to a funding organization.
The exercise of defining a researchable question, outlining the methodology, and writing an argument as to why the research should be funded provides excellent training for students interested in pursuing a career in science.
During regular meetings with the course coordinators you develop your skills in record keeping, oral communication, and critical appraisal.
From feedback on your draft proposal you will gain experience in refining a written argument and in presenting documents professionally.
45 credits
Level 4
First Term
This independent research project develops your skills in scientific inquiry and critical analysis, as well as important generic skills, including presentation and time management.
Projects are field-, lab- and/or desk-based, developed on a topic of your interest under the direction of a supervisor.
Training in skills needed to perform your project is provided by world-leading researchers and their teams.
Workshops and drop-in sessions provide training in data analysis and thesis production.
This skill set will be appropriate for advanced study in the field of biological science or other careers where the generic skills that you will develop are highly valued.
15 credits
Level 4
First Term
You research a topic and write an extended essay, developing specialist knowledge and refining your synthesis and evaluation skills.
You choose your topic from a list that includes fundamental and cutting-edge issues, providing you with flexibility and an opportunity to pursue your interests.
An introductory workshop reminds you of good practice in writing an extended essay and a meeting with your essay supervisor provides you with feedback on your essay plan. You also have the opportunity to submit a draft essay for comments from your essay supervisor.
15 credits
Level 4
First Term
This course provides a foundation in understanding and managing environmental pollution.
Divided into contaminated land, waste, air, freshwater and marine pollution, each week the subject, legislative and regulatory context, site investigation and appraisal, and management are introduced.
Guest speakers from industry join the course each week (from Remedios, SEPA, ACC) giving you access to the reality of the role and important contact with practitioners.
Each theme also has an associated practical element to provide hands on experience in techniques in environmental pollution, providing you with a grounding in the assessment and management of environmental pollutants.15 credits
Level 4
Second Term
Current issues in biological and environmental sciences will be discussed in weekly seminars. Student-led group presentations will enable students to critically examine ecologically or environmentally-relevant topics of their choice, and also discuss the wider societal scientific and societal ramifications of these issues with their peers. Students will have the opportunity to develop their analytical and science communication skills through a debate, written policy brief (modeled on the UK Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology’s “POSTnotes”) and an individually-produced short film.
15 credits
Level 4
Second Term
You research a topic and write an extended essay, developing specialist knowledge and refining your synthesis and evaluation skills.
You choose your topic from a list that includes fundamental and cutting-edge issues, providing you with flexibility and an opportunity to pursue your interests.
An introductory workshop reminds you of good practice in writing an extended essay and a meeting with your essay supervisor provides you with feedback on your essay plan. You also have the opportunity to submit a draft essay for comments from your essay supervisor.
15 credits
Level 4
Second Term
Interactive course that allows you to explore in depth one topic that dominates current discourses in conservation.
You will write an essay, and give a science presentation to develop critical writing and presentation skills for a scientific audience.
You will also give a creative presentation to develop skills in getting your message across to a general audience
15 credits
Level 4
Second Term
Introduction to techniques used in environmental and ecological modelling.
Main course materials are in four parts; model development, model construction, model evaluation and communicating modelling issues.
Hands-on practice is gained in model development and evaluation in two 4 hour computer classes.
Course assessment is based on the write up of the two computer sessions (30% each), and additional exercises on model construction and communication (20% each).
The course provides students with the key skills required for environmental and ecological modelling.
75 credits
Level 5
Full Year
Under the supervision of an academic you conduct independent research and produce a thesis in the form of a peer-reviewed manuscript.
This project develops your skills in scientific inquiry and critical analysis, as well as useful generic skills, including time management.
Projects are field-, lab- and/or desk-based, developed on a topic of your interest under the direction of a supervisor.
This skill set will be useful both for future careers and further study in the field of biological science or other careers making use of these generic skills.
15 credits
Level 5
Full Year
Students will write a scientific document and a document aimed at a public audience and present their work to a mixed audience of specialists and non-specialists. Students will submit their public written document for publication. Skills in communicating complex ideas in clear and simple language will be developed. Students will also take advantage through the academic year of opportunities to communicate science to a public audience e.g. in radio and TV interviews and at science festivals – these will be assessed formatively.
During peer-review sessions students will gain experience in evaluating communication documents and in providing critical and constructive comments.
We have detected that you are have compatibility mode enabled or are using an old version of Internet Explorer. You either need to switch off compatibility mode for this site or upgrade your browser.