Environmental Biosciences degree

BSc - 3 years (C151)

Environmental Biosciences degree

Environmental Biosciences considers how human activity impacts on the environment, how ecosystems respond to these activities and how we can intervene to mitigate adverse consequences. The course aims to develop practical specialist and transferable skills alongside theoretical knowledge in an interdisciplinary context whilst tackling some of the major global challenges facing mankind.

Content and structure

This degree focuses on the interface between biotic (including human) systems and the physical environment, exploiting our easy access to a wide range of managed an d semi-natural habitats to provide field experience of these interactions. The description and analysis of human impacts on the environment and ecosystem responses to these impacts is a recurring theme. The breadth and flexibility of the discipline incorporates perspectives from the sciences and the social sciences, providing the opportunity to gain skills and experience in these fields.

Our location is ideally situated for these studies with ready access to a wide range of marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats. It is within easy reach of many national nature reserves and sites of special scientific interest, including the Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire National Parks. These all provide a wealth and diversity of ecosystems, with their associated plants and wildlife. Our close relationships with the National Botanic Garden of Wales and the Countryside Council for Wales, together with the recently built suite of tropical and temperate glasshouses provide excellent opportunities for teaching and research in environmental sciences. Specialists from the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences contribute to this degree scheme in relevant aspects of physical geography.

Year 1

Your first year provides the broad base of skills and knowledge needed for more advanced studies, combining aspects of animal, microbial and plant biology, with broader ecological and geographical topics. Training is also provided in research and communication.

Years 2 and 3

During the second and third years you will take modules that further your fundamental understanding of the discipline through core modules in topics such as climate change, threats to natural ecosystems and biodiversity, environmental economics and policy, and environmental law. In addition you will develop specialist interests through your choice of optional modules. Building on fieldwork experience in the first and second years, more advanced terrestrial ecology field experience can be gained in the third year, including working in the Swedish Arctic. You will have options to study different terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems or selected areas of physical geography. The degree scheme provides further opportunities for you to develop your own interests through your research project in the third year. You will also take part in field courses, both local and overseas.

Teaching and Learning

The course is structured around a mix of practical classes, field trips, small group tutorials, and interactive lectures. This wide range of activities helps you to integrate science and practice relevant to environmental processes. You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, including practical reports, presentations, essays and written examinations.

Careers Opportunities

Many graduates in the Environmental Biosciences at Aberystwyth choose to follow careers in conservation or environmental management, directly employing their degree knowledge and skills. Others move into careers in accountancy, banking, retailing, transport, teaching, local

government and management. A significant proportion stay in higher education, either undertaking full-time research for PhD or MSc degrees, or for vocational and professional qualifications.

Study Scheme Information

• C151



Environmental BioSciences