Course summary

Understanding how to tackle environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, and unsustainable use of resources has become the important challenge of our century. We need to understand how we can effectively conserve species and their habitats, as well as vital ecosystem services. This BSc (Hons) Environmental Conservation degree brings together different disciplines to consider conservation issues in a holistic way. It provides a theoretical grounding in how ecological systems work, together with a practical understanding of the issues surrounding environmental conservation. You will not only develop the key skills needed by conservation professionals for monitoring habitats and species but also an appreciation of how and why it is important to consider social and economic factors. For example, understanding the needs of local communities when establishing a new protected area, or how financial incentives can convince landowners to buy into conservation schemes. Highly practical in nature, you will conduct experiments in the field and in the lab. We run field courses in and around Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) and other parts of Wales, and organise various lab practicals, for instance, theoretical modelling of species dynamics and population sizes. This degree draws on our expertise across the natural and social sciences. This includes conservation, ecology, environmental science, forestry, and zoology. It focuses on developing practical, technical and professional knowledge and skills – from animal and vegetations surveys and species mapping to landscape ecology and environmental consultancy. Our field trips are designed to enhance you subject-specific knowledge and understanding, while equipping you with valuable skills in data collection and analysis. You also get to use state-of-the art equipment, such as our mobile laboratories, which monitor greenhouse gas emissions in difficult to reach environments, such as in inaccessible mountain habitats. We also run optional international field trips At Bangor, you’ll learn from scientists at the cutting-edge of research to solve major issues like how to feed nine billion people in a future impacted by climate change. Our greenhouse trials at Henfaes, for example, are testing different scenarios to see how impact on soil functioning affects whether plants adapt, thrive and survive or die. As well as experiments at the molecular level, we also run large-scale trials, such as the uptake of grafted tree ferns placed in otherwise biodiversity-poor oil palm plantations. ‘Placement Year’ and 'International Experience Year’ options are available for this course. You will have the opportunity to fully consider these options when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto such a pathway at the appropriate time. You can find more information about these options on our website and if you have any questions, please get in touch. If you don’t have the required qualifications for this degree-level course or are looking to re-enter education after time away from study, then a Foundation Year Programme might be the right choice for you. Please see Environmental Science (with Foundation Year) F90F.