March 2012: Our news release explains the phased move of this course from Newton Rigg to Ambleside. This contains information for prospective applicants and current students.
Why study with us?
Growing threats to the global environment have resulted in an increasing loss of biodiversity and elevated rates of extinction. Changes in public perceptions and legislation have led to an increase in the demand for professionals with the knowledge and skills to manage the conservation of species and ecosystems.
Our campus is ideally placed, with easy access to Cumbria’s extensive natural habitats, biodiversity and internationally important coastal sites. You will learn actively, often on location, undertaking real-world assignments that build skills that employers want. You will be taught by staff who are actively involved in what they teach, in classes where you are a valued member of the group. Our location, experience, people and connections work together to provide excellent opportunities to study conservation biology.
Where will this course take place?
If you enrol with us in September 2012, you will have the opportunity to spend time at both our Penrith and Ambleside campuses. Each campus offers individual and distinctive advantages, providing easy access to the English Lake District with its unique geography. These exceptional locations in effect become your classroom.
From September 2014, all Conservation Biology students will be based in Ambleside.
Course Summary
This degree examines the theory and practice of conservation biology by studying ecology, threats to biodiversity, landscape ecology, GIS, wildlife management and conservation policy.
The first year builds knowledge of the world’s biodiversity (including animal and plant identification skills), ecology and the principles and practice of conservation lectures and field sessions. In second year you learn professional-standard survey and research techniques which you put into practice during a fieldwork module, currently delivered in either West Africa or India. You are also introduced to studies of landscape ecology, GIS and conservation policy and a range of optional modules, including aquatic conservation, conservation genetics, and wildlife and recreation management, are available.
Between the 2nd and 3rd taught years there is the option of a year-long academic/vocational placement (students must maintain an Upper Second Class Honours profile to take an academic placement). Students on the 3 year degree may opt for a shorter placement in second year.
In the third taught year you undertake a year-long research project; in addition, you choose from a range of specialist modules linking the theory and practice of animal conservation science. These include conservation and society, conservation strategies, GIS and remote sensing, and genetic applications in conservation.
Case Studies
When asked about this course, our students said...
“The staff are really approachable and always willing to help”
“The field trip to The Gambia was a highlight of the three years”;
“The mix of theory and practical skills have really given me confidence in my new job”.
The external examiner said, “This programme continues to be exciting and innovative. The team set high standards for their students, which is reflected in their enthusiasm and the quality of work they produce. The students are able to undertake research programmes abroad. This enhances their learning experience.”
Resources and facilities
The National School of Forestry at the Penrith campus of the University of Cumbria provides an exceptional range of facilities for both students and researchers. The campus encompasses over a hundred hectares of Cumbrian countryside, and has been recognised as an incredibly diverse and ecologically rich environment.
We are privileged to offer direct access to a wide range of habitats and forest types on-campus, including; mixed broadleaf woodland, coniferous woodland, willow plantations, a young oak orchard, wetland, arable farmland and pastureland, and associated hedgerows, shelterbelts, ways, and brooks.
In addition to this variety, we also have a large (and growing!) arboretum, a tropical plant house, temperate and research glass houses, and gardens, all on site. We also have excellent new laboratory facilities. This outstanding set of resources enables many classes and field visits to be conducted just outside the lecture rooms, providing an enhanced learning environment where learning is combined with cutting-edge research.