Course summary

This four-year course includes an integrated foundation year, after which the syllabus follows that of the standard three-year course, BSc Ecology (C180). Due to the urgent need to document, understand and ultimately prevent the decline of biodiversity, graduate ecologists are in high demand. The Ecology degree at Aberystwyth University aims to provide you with the academic knowledge and practical skills to meet this demand, and train you to be part of the next generation of ecologists who will respond to environmental threats, identify solutions and help conserve biodiversity into the future. You will study the interactions between organisms and their environment, building the essential foundation on which to develop your understanding of how wildlife will respond to current and future environmental threats, including pollution, climate change, invasive species and habitat destruction. At Aberystwyth you will be studying in an area rich in a variety of stunning landscapes, providing excellent fieldwork opportunities in natural and semi-natural habitats and ecosystems including the Cardigan Bay coastline, freshwater environments, woodlands, heaths, moorland and alpine habitats. Many nature reserves are within easy reach, including Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons National Parks. Fieldwork and practical classes form an integral part of the course throughout. Overseas field courses are also available to you, depending on module choice, enabling you to learn about tropical ecology first-hand. Our teaching staff conduct research in all areas of ecology and in different parts of the world. We have established links with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, National Botanic Garden of Wales, Natural Resources Wales, Snowdonia National Park Authority, the RSPB and various wildlife and woodland trusts.