Biology (Ecologyand EnvironmentalBiology)MBiol Honours

UCAS code C1814 Years

www.ncl.ac.uk/ug/C181Printed from the web page above on 25/08/2016

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Biology (Ecologyand EnvironmentalBiology)MBiol HonoursUCAS code C1814 Years

Our four-year Ecology and EnvironmentalBiology MBiol Honours degree is very similar incontent to our BSc but includes a year ofMaster's-level study, which offers significantresearch experience.

For 2016 entry, this degree is now only availablevia Clearing.

For 2017 entry, please see our new Biology (Ecologyand Conservation) BSc Honours (C182) degree.

You focus on plants, animals and micro-organisms, but witha strong focus on whole organisms and their roles in theenvironment.

You study specialist topics related to ecology and theenvironment, such as:

• population genetics• wildlife management• biodiversity conservation policy

Like our BSc students, you learn the scientific skills requiredby professional biologists. You take these to a higherprofessional level during your fourth year, where you workalongside our research active staff to explore advancedtopics in ecology.

You will also enjoy a species identification field course, aswell as a week-long project-based residential field course.

Highlights of this degreeQuality and rankingThe quality of the Biology study experience at Newcastle isrecognised with a very impressive overall satisfactionscore of 92% in the National Student Survey 2015, rankingus 7th in the UK.

Biological Sciences at Newcastle also ranks in the top 150universities in the world in the QS World University Rankingsby Subject 2016.

Shared first yearThe first year is shared with other degrees in the School,providing all students with a thorough foundation in theessentials of the subject.

This shared first year provides you with a thoroughknowledge of the fundamentals of biology, through topics

such as the diversity of form and function in animals, plantsand micro-organisms.

You also study modules in:

• ecology• evolution• biochemistry• cell biology• genetics• a topic from a choice in agriculture, marine biology or

psychology

You can transfer to one of our other degrees before thesecond year should your interests change (subject toachieving the appropriate grades).

FieldworkAll of our Biology and Zoology degrees are designed toensure that you gain practical experience. You have theopportunity to take part in a number of field coursesincluding the courses detailed below.

Species identification field courseThis field course takes place in second year, providing skillsthat are sought after in the environmental sector.

Residential field courseThe week-long residential field course in third year is onecology or animal behaviour – current locations includeKielder, Millport and Crete.

Day excursionsDay excursions take advantage of our unique geographiclocation close to a variety of natural habitats, fromNorthumberland National Park to the stunning localcoastline.

We also offer a vocational placement module, whichenables you to enhance your CV by gaining academic creditfor work in biology off campus.

Facilities and supportThis degree is run by the friendly School of Biology, locatedin the Ridley Building on Newcastle's city-centre campus.

FacilitiesFacilities include:

• a field station which has a glasshouse complex anddedicated teaching facilities

• two University farms in Northumberland, which are usedas demonstration facilities for students

• purpose-built teaching laboratories• an on-campus museum – the Great North Museum –

with many interesting and important biological collections

Take a virtual tour of our facilities on the School of Biology'swebsite.

SupportYou will have an academic member of staff as a personaltutor throughout your degree. They can help with academicand personal issues.

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Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellowstudents who can help you settle in and answer anyquestions you have.

Social activitiesThere's a student-led society, BioSoc, which organisesregular social events and trips for its friendly cohort ofstudents.

Teaching and assessment

Study at the cutting edgeTeaching is strongly informed by the School of Biology'sresearch, meaning you are supervised and taught byexperts at the forefront of developments in their field,particularly in your third year.

During the final year you have the chance to conduct yourown research through one of our project modules. Yourindividual project can be:

• based on laboratory research• a detailed review of research publications on a special

topic• a project to enhance the public understanding of science

Teaching methodsOn average, you'll spend around a third of your time incontact with teaching staff for lectures, laboratory and fieldpractical classes, computer sessions and in tutorial activitiestied closely to key skills development.

You may find yourself spending as much time in thelaboratory as the lecture theatre, or be off campus forhalf-day field trips.

Assessment methodsAssessment is by examination and in-course assessmentsuch as essays, presentations and laboratory reports.

Find out moreTeaching and assessment methods may vary from moduleto module. More information about each module includingspecific assessment methods, credits and contact hours,can be found in the Course Details section.

Visit our Teaching and Learning pages to read about theoutstanding learning experience available to all students atNewcastle University.

Course Details

Our degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for anacademic year and you need to complete modules totalling120 credits by the end of each stage.

Please be aware that programme modules do change andtherefore may differ for your year of entry.

Stage 1

Compulsory modulesACE1013 Introduction to GeneticsBIO1001 Cell Biology 1BIO1002 The Animal KingdomBIO1003 Plant Biology 1BIO1004 Microbiology 1BIO1005 EvolutionBIO1006 EcologyBIO1010 Biology In ActionBIO1019 Introductory Biochemistry for BiologistsOptional modulesYou take one module from the following list:ACE1022 Crop PestsBIO1007 Introduction to Marine VertebratesPSY1006 Instinct, Learning and MotivationOther optional modules may also be available from thewider University with the approval of the DegreeProgramme Director.

Stage 2

Compulsory modulesBIO2003 Field Identification SkillsBIO2004 Plant Biology 2BIO2008 Evolutionary and Population GeneticsBIO2018 Pollution of Air, Water and Soil 1BIO2020 Experimental Design and Statistics for BiologistsBIO2025 UK WildlifeBIO2028 Biodiversity, Ecology and ConservationBIO2029 Vertebrate BiologyOptional modulesYou take 20 credits from the following list:BIO2006 EntomologyBIO2014 Animal PhysiologyBIO2021 Employability Skills for BiologistsACE2061 Environmental Management Skills

Stage 3

Compulsory modulesBIO3022 Residential Field CourseBIO3039 Biodiversity Science and Management

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Stage 3

BIO3040 Applied EcologyOptional modulesYou take one of the following optional modules:BIO3010 Conservation Research in Tropical ForestBIO3036 Mammal Surveying SkillsYou take one of the following optional modules:BIO3197 Biological Literature ReviewBIO3198 Biological Information ProjectBIO3199 Biological Research ProjectYou choose 20 credits from the following list:BIO3001 Animal EcophysiologyBIO3003 Ecological ModellingBIO3031 Pollution of Air, Water and Soil 2BIO3041 Molecular Evolution and SystematicsBIO3044 Behavioural EcologySUG3500 Creativity and Market Research in Science andEngineering

Stage 4

Compulsory modulesBIO8196 Research ProjectOptional modulesYou take 60 credits from the following list:BIO8014 GIS and Remote SensingBIO8052 Quantitative MethodsBIO8062 Global Species Conservation Principles andPracticeBIO8063 Invasive SpeciesBIO8054 Management of Wildlife Disease andEpidemiologyACE8042 Biodiversity Conservation: Policy and PracticeACE8045 Ecological Survey TechniquesACE8041 Ecosystem ManagementSPG8501 Ideas for Business Enterprise forPostgraduates in SAgE

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis. If yourqualifications are not listed here, please see our additionalentry requirements web pages to find out which otherqualifications are considered.

The entrance requirements below apply to 2017 entry.

A LevelsAAA-AAB including Biology and normally anotherscience-related subject from: Chemistry, Mathematics,Physics, Geography, Psychology.  Chemistry is preferred atA or AS level, but not essential.  For Biology, Chemistry andPhysics A levels, we require a pass in the practicalelement. GCSE Mathematics minimum grade B if notoffered at A or AS level.

Scottish QualificationsAAAAA-AAABB at Higher Grade including two sciencesubjects. Advanced Higher Biology and another sciencesubject normally required. Acceptable science subjects are:Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Psychology.Higher Grade Chemistry desirable.

Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

International Baccalaureate35 points normally including Higher Level Biology at grade 6or above. Chemistry is preferred at Higher Level but notessential. Mathematics or Mathematical Studies andChemistry required at Standard Level grade 5 if not offeredat Higher Level.

Irish Leaving CertificateA1A1A1AB-A1A1A1B1B at Higher level, including Biologyand another science subject from: Chemistry, Mathematics,Physics, Geography. Chemistry is preferred but notessential.

Access Qualifications45 level 3 credits at Distinction including 15 credits inbiological sciences. Chemistry and mathematics orquantitative methods units are desirable.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTECNational Diploma)A science-related subject with substantial biology andchemistry units at overall DDD grade.

Cambridge Pre-UD3,D3,D3-D3,D3,M2 in Principal Subjects including Biologyand normally another science subject from: Chemistry,Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Psychology. Chemistryis preferred but not essential. GCSE Mathematics minimumgrade B if not offered at a higher level.

PARTNERS - A LevelsBBB including Biology and another science subject from:Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Psychology.Chemistry is preferred at A or AS level, but not essential. ForBiology, Chemistry and Physics A levels, we require a passin the practical element. GCSE Mathematics minimumgrade B if not offered at A or AS level.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England. Find out more about the PARTNERSProgramme.

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PARTNERS - BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma(formerly BTEC National Diploma)A science-related subject with substantial biology andchemistry units at overall DDM grade.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England. Find out more about the PARTNERSProgramme.

English Language RequirementsApplicants whose first language is not English require aminimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

If you need help to meet our English Languagerequirements, we can provide support with extra tuition.

Read more about UK visas and immigration requirements.

Other International QualificationsABB at A level is typically the minimum required for entry toan undergraduate course. You can check the equivalentgrades for qualifications offered in your country.

International Foundation ProgrammesIf you are an international student and you do not meet theacademic and English language requirementsspecified above, you should consider a preparation courseat INTO Newcastle University, which will help to prepare youfor study on this degree course. INTO Newcastle Universityis based on the University campus and offers a range ofcourses including the International Foundation in Biologicaland Biomedical Sciences.

Undergraduate Admissions Policy

See our Newcastle University Admissions Policy for 2016Entry (PDF: 109 KB).

See further policies related to admission.

Careers

This is a brand new degree. Information will be publishedhere when it is available.

What our graduates go on to do:employment and further studychoicesSee what our recent graduates went on to do and view graduate destinations statistics. These statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation. The most recent

data available is for graduates who completed their coursein 2014/15.

The destination data is available in varying levels, beginningwith the University and moving through Faculty and Schooldown to individual course reports. This final level may giveyou some useful ideas about possible options after yourcourse or a course you are considering.

Careers and employability atNewcastleNewcastle University consistently has one of the bestrecords for graduate employment in the UK.

94% of our 2014/15 UK/EU graduates progressed toemployment or further study within six months ofgraduating.

Of our graduates who entered employment 85% were in aprofessional or managerial position.

We provide an extensive range of opportunities to allstudents through an initiative called ncl+. This enables youto develop personal, employability and enterprise skills andto give you the edge in the employment market after yougraduate.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest andbest in the country, and we have strong links withemployers.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees (UK and EU students)

2017 entry*:£9,0002016 entry*:£9,000*Please note:Newcastle University has guaranteed that EU studentsentering our University in 2016 and 2017 will pay the UK(Home) rate of fee for the full duration of theirprogramme of study.The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase yearon year in line with inflation and subject to governmentregulations.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.Tuition fees for 2017 entry are subject to approval by theOffice for Fair Access (OFFA) in July 2016.Students from Scotland, Wales and Northern Irelandshould seek advice about financial support from their ownfunding authorities.See more information on all aspects of student financerelating to Newcastle University.

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Tuition Fees (International students)

2017 entry:£17,935 per year2016 entry:£17,080 per yearYou will be charged tuition fees for each year of yourdegree programme (unless you are on a shorterexchange programme).If you spend a year on placement or studying abroad aspart of your degree you may pay a reduced fee for thatyear.Please note that the tuition fee amount you will pay mayincrease slightly year on year as a result of inflation.See more information on all aspects of student financerelating to Newcastle University.

Scholarships and Financial Support (UK and EUstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial supportSchool of Biology Scholarships

Scholarships and Financial Support(International students)

You may be eligible for an International UndergraduateMerit Scholarship (IUMS) or an International FamilyDiscount (IFD).

Apply

Before you apply you will need to check the entryrequirements for your chosen degree. We accept a widerange of qualifications offered for entry to our degrees. Wewelcome applications from international students.

Applying to Newcastle Universitythrough UCASTo apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle you mustuse the online application system managed by theUniversities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

UCAS codes for Newcastle University

• institution name - NEWC• institution code - N21

UCAS buzzwordAsk your teacher or adviser from your school or college forthe UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when youregister on the Apply system. This makes it clear whichschool or college you are applying from.

All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU andinternational establishments are registered with UCAS.

If you are applying independently, or are applying from aschool or college which is not registered to manageapplications, you will still use the Apply system. You will notneed a buzzword.

Making your applicationOn the UCAS website you can also find out more about:

• application deadlines and other important dates• offers and tracking your application

Application decisions and enquiriesFind out more about our admissions process and who tocontact if you need help with your application.

Picturesque Newcastle Quayside at night.