BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation

Compulsory modules

Field Ecology

Gain hands-on understanding of the interactions between organisms, their environment and human activity. You’ll learn to recognise the diversity and structure of different ecological systems and learn how we monitor and identify organisms. As you study, you’ll gain practical skills from field visits and biodiversity sampling techniques.  

Our Changing Planet

Study the major changes undergoing our planet that have been brought on by anthropogenic activities. You’ll consider the impact they have on biodiversity, including our soils, rivers, and oceans, and the threats currently posed to land masses and sea levels. Critically review past, present and future strategies aimed at solving conservation and sustainability challenges.  

Fundamentals of Ecology

Learn about ecological concepts and how they are applied in both the field and laboratory. Explore how species interact with each other and their environment, how biodiversity assembles in communities and forms entire ecosystems and biomes, and how human activities are influencing many ecological processes.  

History of Life on Earth 

Embark on a journey through the development of our planet – from the early appearance of bacteria to the explosion of marine life in the Cambrian and Ordovician eras and then to land. You’ll be introduced to the main bacterial, protozoan, plant and animal groups, investigating the innovations that led to their success. 

Optional modules

Fundamentals of Evolution

Gain an overview of evolution as you study the fundamental concepts in biology that cause species to change over time. You’ll consider the impact of forces such as genetic variation and natural selection as well as the major patterns that can be seen throughout evolution.   

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Advanced Ecology

Study how ecology has evolved rapidly in the age of big data, molecular biology, and citizen science. Deepen your understanding of the patterns and processes in ecological systems as you discuss the latest methodologies and new insights they have provided. You’ll explore topics including biochemical cycles and the role of microbes in ecological processes, food webs, ecosystem services, and more.  

Conservation Biology in Practice

Study the world of conservation science using examples from the field, gaining an understanding of the inherent conflicts and challenges associated with nature conservation and developing effective tools and methods to address these challenges.  

Quantitative/Professional Skills

Learn how to handle, analyse, visualise, and interpret diverse types of data. You’ll apply quantitative (statistical) approaches and present results using various visualisation tools, from graphs to maps based on GIS data.  

Optional modules

Ecology and Conservation Field Course

Study nature in a hotspot of biodiversity. Visit areas and sites of conservation and biodiversity on this two-week residential summer field course - currently in South Africa, but locations can vary. Learn about species and ecosystems, the challenges and successes of conservation, and the culture of local communities. Explore different species of plants and vertebrates and become familiar with different approaches to surveying. During the trip, you will complete a research project, and learn to collect, analyse and present your data.

UK Biodiversity Field Course

Take part in a one-week residential field course that provides an immersive introduction to essential biodiversity field skills. You’ll enhance your appreciation for British wildlife and learn survey techniques vital for a career in ecology, zoology, or wildlife conservation.  

Comparative Vertebrate Biology

Discover the diversity behind how animal form and function evolved – from small, simple organisms to our familiar modern vertebrates. You’ll embark on an intensive journey, exploring vertebrate life through a range of theoretical and practical activities and gaining hands-on practical knowledge in the Cole Museum of Zoology. 

Marine Biology and Conservation

Uncover a range of marine habitats, environments and associated biodiversity as you study marine environments that range from dark, mysterious and deep trenches to colourful coral reefs. You’ll study the major physical and chemical mechanisms underpinning oceanic processes, the key aspects of biology and ecology on ocean life, and the ecological impacts of human activities.  

Palaeobiology

Study concepts drawn from geology and biology that provide you with valuable context for the study of modern organisms and ecosystems.  

Invertebrate Zoology

Discover the world of invertebrates that inhabit every corner of the planet. You will learn of their significance to the entire planetary ecosystem as you explore the weird and wonderful animals that are often overlooked. You will learn how to identify invertebrates in the Phylum Arthropoda, most commonly insect, and gain a deep understanding of their life cycle and ecology and the significant impact they have on economic, social and scientific discoveries of human society.

Animal Behaviour 

Why do animals behave the way they do? Study the underlying science and principle theories related to animal behaviour. You’ll focus on nature versus nurture, the theory of the selfish gene, and learn why animals fight or help each other.   

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Research Project

Gain hands-on experience in independent research, applying, and expanding, what you’ve learned while working with an academic supervisor on experiments, data analysis, and science communication.

Optional modules

Paleoecology Research Field Course

Gain an in-depth introduction to the study of paleontology and paleoecology and hands-on practical field research in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canada. This physically demanding and unique trip is jointly hosted by Reading, the University of New England (Australia), and the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology (Canada). You will spend two intensive weeks in the Badlands of Alberta learning about surveys, prospecting, identification, bonebed mapping, and fossil excavation. You will also benefit from excellent practical and academic skills training with world experts in dinosaur paleontology.

Marine Biology Field Course

Develop biodiversity skills and practical conversation related to the marine environment. Using breath-hold, snorkelling or SCUBA diving, you’ll learn the internationally recognised ecological assessment methods and gain an advanced understanding of diverse marine habitats such as rocky coral reef and kelp forest communities.  

Venoms and Poisons: From Pharmacology to Therapeutics

Gain a comprehensive overview of venoms and poisons and how they are used for defence or predation. Study a series of animals, plants, and fungi as you learn about the evolution and ecology of them and how they may be used for medicinal purposes.  

Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases

Discover the range of diseases that can be transmitted to humans from animals, originating from wildlife, livestock, and companion animals. You’ll study a range of zoonotic disease-causing organisms, their hosts and vectors, the symptoms associated with zoonoses, and the impact they have on human health and the economy. Example diseases include COVID-19, Lyme disease, Ebola, and rabies.  

Forensics

Examine the scientific basis for crime-scene analysis and the application of scientific techniques, approaches and knowledge needed for solving crimes. You’ll study key principles and processes of biological sciences through the perspective of criminology and discover how cutting-edge science has been used to solve some of the most complex criminal cases in history.  

Ecology of Urban Areas

Study the explosion of urban life and the negative impacts it has had on global flora and fauna. You’ll consider the impact urban life has had on different species – from those that have not survived it, to those that have exploited them and actively thrive in these novel habitats.  

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.