Course summary

This four-year course includes an integrated foundation year, after which the syllabus follows that of the standard three-year course, BSc Wildlife Conservation (C183). BSc Wildlife Conservation will interest those wishing to take a holistic approach that covers all aspects of wildlife conservation, exploring background scientific knowledge and ecological concepts applied to the conservation of endangered flora, fauna and habitats. You will learn about the ecological and evolutionary processes that have shaped key habitats, and the interactions between these habitats and the wildlife they support. You will also explore the political, financial and social forces that underlie wildlife conservation and environmental management. You will recognise the importance of conserving biodiversity at a range of scales, from genetic diversity to entire biomes, and will develop the academic knowledge and practical skills to contribute to these priorities in your professional career. Aberystwyth’s array of interesting and important habitats, including marine, moorland, mountain, grassland and coast, provides the ideal natural classroom for the teaching of practical skills. As a student you will enjoy the unrivalled wildlife and countryside, with opportunities to view common and rare UK animal species such as bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic grey seals, pine martens, otters, ospreys and red kites. Aberystwyth is a stone’s throw away from many internationally recognised habitats, including UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere, two RAMSAR wetlands, two marine special areas of conservation, two National Nature reserves, and several sites of special scientific interest to name but a few, providing you with fabulous fieldwork and recreational opportunities. This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Our Staff The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.