Newcastle University

Biology (Ecology and Environmental Biology) BSc Honours
UCAS Code: C180 (3 Years)

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This degree covers plants, animals and microbes, but with a strong focus on whole organisms and their role in the environment through specialist topics such as:

• animal and plant physiology
• ecology
• population genetics
• biodiversity and conservation
• pollution science

Through lab-based teaching and fieldtrips, we equip you with key laboratory and field techniques required by professional biologists. You also develop a wide range of transferable skills that are valued by a wide range of employers.

The first-year of this degree is shared with Biology (C100), Cellular and Molecular Biology (C1C7) and Zoology (C300), allowing for easy transfer to another degree should you find your interests change.

Quality and ranking

Biological Sciences at Newcastle ranks in the top 150 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

The quality of the Biology study experience at Newcastle is recognised with an overall satisfaction score of 92% in the National Student Survey 2013.



Teaching and assessment

Research-informed teaching plays an important role at Newcastle. Particularly in your third year, teaching is strongly informed by the School of Biology's research, meaning you are supervised and taught by experts at the forefront of developments in their field.

During the final year you have the chance to conduct your own research through one of our project modules. Your individual project can be:

• based on laboratory research
• a detailed review of research publications on a special topic
• a project to enhance the public understanding of science

On average, you will spend around a third of your time in contact with teaching staff for lectures, laboratory and field practical classes, computer sessions and in tutorial activities tied closely to key skills development. You may well find yourself spending as much time in the laboratory as the lecture theatre, or be off campus for half-day field trips. 

Assessment is by examination and in-course assessment such as essays, presentations and laboratory reports. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module; more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Visit our Teaching and Learning pages to read about the outstanding learning experience available to you at Newcastle University.

Flexible degree structure

The first year is shared allowing for easy transfer before the second year should your interests change. You can transfer to:

• Biology (C100)
• Cellular and Molecular Biology (C1C7)
• Zoology (C300)

This shared first year provides you with a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of biology, through topics such as the diversity of form and function in animals, plants and micro-organisms.

You also study modules in ecology, evolution, biochemistry, cell biology and genetics, and select a topic in agriculture, marine biology or psychology.

Fieldwork

All of our Biology and Zoology degrees are designed to ensure that you gain practical experience. You have the opportunity to take part in a number of field courses including:

• a species identification field course in second year, providing skills that are sought after in the environmental sector
• a week-long residential field course in third year on ecology or animal behaviour, or a week-long lab workshop providing training in the application of molecular techniques.
• day excursions that take advantage of our unique geographic location close to a variety of natural habitats, from Northumberland National Park to the stunning local coastline

We also offer a vocational placement module, which enables you to enhance your CV by gaining academic credit for work in biology off campus.

Study abroad

UK and EU students have the opportunity to broaden their academic experience by taking part in a study abroad exchange.

Facilities

You will benefit from access to purpose-built teaching laboratories as well as unique facilities on campus and in the surrounding area to support your practical learning. These include:

• a field station which has a glasshouse complex and dedicated teaching facilities
• two University farms in Northumberland, which are used as demonstration facilities for students
• the University-led Great North Museum, adjacent to campus, which houses many interesting and important biological collections

Take a virtual tour of our facilities on the School of Biology's website.

School of Biology

The School of Biology at Newcastle is a friendly and vibrant place to study. We are based in the Ridley Building, on the University's city centre campus.

Small group teaching and student mentors are designed to help you settle into University life.

Our student-led society, BioSoc, provides plenty of opportunities for you to get to know people on your course, through social events and trips.