Prospective Students
Ecology (BSc)
UCAS Code:
- C180 BSc/Eco (3 years)
- C183 BSc/Eco4 (4 years)
3 years (4 years sandwich) (Full-time) / n/a (Part-time) / n/a (Distance / E-Learning)
Ecology is the study of the interaction between living organisms and their environments. Ecological science is currently flourishing, with modern approaches including environmental chemistry, remote sensing, and computer simulations of ecological systems. A scientific approach to the study of environmental problems is increasingly important in helping us develop a sustainable future for ourselves and the biosphere we inhabit.
In your first year you will follow the School's common first year biological science programme. This gives you a firm foundation in all the biological disciplines and essential related disciplines. The common first year also has the big advantage of giving you flexibility of degree choice. At the end of the first year you will have a free choice of whether to stick with your original degree choice or change to one of the other programmes which is served by the same common first year programme
The second year modules give grounding in community and population, ecology, animal behaviour, population genetics and microbial ecology and the very new science of molecular ecology. Others cover the taxonomic and statistical background essential for a professional ecologist. In the final year, core subjects are more applied and relate to the impact of human activities on natural ecosystems, particularly habitat management, conservation and pollution.
Other modules include behavioural ecology, fisheries management and agricultural pest management. Recent final year projects include a survey of otters in mid-Wales and an analysis of the seed bank of coastal sand dunes.
Students taking the four year sandwich programme spend their third year away from the University on a placement which is arranged with the help of the School. Typical placements include the Environment Agency, Wildlife and Wetlands Trust, and ecological consultancies.
Typical Offer
AAB- ABB (340-320 points)
Entry Requirements
Two or three subjects at A-level, normally including Biology and at least one other science subject, preferably Chemistry. Two AS subjects will be accepted in lieu of a third A-level.
Alternative Entry Requirements
Applications from those offering alternative/vocational/overseas qualifications (eg Access, Vocational A-level) are welcome as are those who may have combinations of qualifications or other relevant work/life experience.
Detailed Admissions Criteria
Please click here for a full list of entry requirements and admissions criteria for this degree programme.
Next intake: September each year
School Contact
Name: Dr Peter Randerson Admissions Tutor
Telephone: 029 2087 4148
Fax: 029 2087 4116
Email: biomedical-ug@cardiff.ac.uk
School Website:
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/biosi