Conservation Biology

Conservation Biology encompasses the disciplines of Marine Biology, Zoology and Plant and Soil Science, Forestry and Geography.

Why Aberdeen?

• The University of Aberdeen is uniquely placed to teach conservation biology and is closely linked to local government institutes concerned with biological and environmental conservation
• In the School of Biological Sciences the strong disciplines of Zoology and Plant & Soil Science teach Ecology, which forms the basis of the course. Additionally Forestry and Geography contribute with information on environmental usage
• Staff in these disciplines are active in conservation research
• Many staff actively contribute to the development of national and international policies on practical conservation work

Programmes

Study Abroad

There will be opportunities for expeditions, voluntary work overseas and ‘year-out’ placements. International exchanges are also possible, normally in the second year of a four year programme. Similarly, it is possible to study for part of the degree in another European university under the ERASMUS programme.
Further Study Abroad Information.

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

First Year

All Conservation Biology students take eight courses normally including Ecology and Environmental Science, Organismal Biology, Sustainable Land Management, and a tutorial course in Biological Sciences. This leaves a choice of four further courses which contribute to enhanced study; options include subjects such as Global Worlds, Global Challenges, The Natural Environment Through Geological Time and new interdisciplinary courses. Students take a one-week field course on Plant Ecology at Bettyhill, Sutherland.

Second Year

All students study Skills for Life Sciences. There is a dedicated Conservation Biology course in second year, as well as compulsory courses on Community Ecology and Plant Diversity and a field course run by the Zoology Department. Options include courses in Plant Science, Soil Science, Zoology, Ocean Biology and Geography.

Third Year (Junior Honours)

All students take a course in Life Sciences. Other core elements of the third year include Animal Population Ecology, Plant Biogeography, Sustainable Resource Management and Ecosystem Processes. A wide range of further courses can be taken within the School of Biological Sciences.

Fourth Year (Senior Honours)

A semi-independent project takes up a substantial part of the Honours year. This is often carried out in conjunction with a conservation agency. Students also attend courses on Conservation in Practice, Environmental Pollution, prepare an extended essay and contribute to a discussion programme on Topics in Nature Conservation. One further course is chosen from a list of options. A residential team-building course and a careers programme form part of a graduate skills module.

Teaching and Assessment

Assessment is typically a mixture of continuous assessment and formal exams. The continuous assessment includes formal practical reports, brief essays, worksheets and posters, seminar presentations, and group projects.

Careers

There are career opportunities in Britain and all over the world for Conservation Biologists. Conservation work has expanded greatly recently and many of our graduates are already placed as conservation and education staff in wildlife trusts and zoos, pollution control officers, countryside rangers, government conservation officials, land managers and a host of related jobs. As a conservation biologist you will be in increasing demand in similar posts, with an edge over more traditionally qualified graduates. With your scientific training you will also be in demand for jobs requiring general graduate abilities.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Conservation Biology.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - AABB*
A Levels - BBB*
IB - 32 points, 5 at HL
ILC - AABB (B1 or B2 required) 
*including good performance in at least two Mathematics/Science subjects.

Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers ABB or A Levels ABB or IB 34 points (6 at HL), including Biology and Chemistry, one of which must be at A-grade.

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide