This module provides the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills needed for your future career. You will develop a broader awareness of the bigger picture of where your degree fits within the life sciences and the professional environment. Key themes include stakeholder engagement, ethical decision-making, and sustainability. You will build communication skills through group work, presentations, and pitching ideas to diverse audiences. Seminars and collaborative projects will help you apply entrepreneurial thinking and develop your leadership abilities. By integrating sustainability principles with commercial awareness and policy insight, this module enhances your employability and prepares you to drive meaningful change in your chosen field. You will have the opportunity to gain an additional qualification in Carbon Literacy within this module.

This module explores a wide range of conservation theories and techniques, focusing on their practical application in the management of wild animal populations. You will examine how your existing knowledge of genetics, ecology, and animal behaviour can inform and enhance conservation strategies. Through a combination of key case studies and hands-on activities, you will gain practical experience in genetic analysis, including techniques used to investigate population structure. The module also introduces new perspectives in conservation genetics, wildlife forensics, animal behaviour, and management, encouraging you to critically evaluate their relevance and applicability to real-world conservation challenges.

This module considers the strategies and challenges involved in managing oceans within the context of the Anthropocene, a time marked by significant human influence on marine environments. You will explore key principles of sustainable ocean management, with a focus on balancing ecological health with economic needs. You will cover topics such as marine resource management, conservation techniques, and climate adaptation strategies, alongside emerging solutions that promote resilient and sustainable oceans. You will also gain insight into marine consultancy practices, learning to analyse complex marine issues, provide actionable recommendations, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Practical sessions together with field activities will enable you to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios bridging the gap between scientific understanding and policy making.

In this module, you will engage in the research of a selected topic relevant to your course. You will have the opportunity to delve deeply into a subject of your choice, utilising primary and secondary sources to inform your work. You will consider the ethics and health and safety aspects of conducting your project, and apply your prior training in experimental design and analysis. Throughout the process, you will develop your critical thinking and analytical skills, whilst conducting this independent research with the support of a lecturer. The dissertation represents a substantial piece of scholarly work that demonstrates your understanding and application of scientific concepts relevant to your course. Additionally, you will refine your skills in academic writing and effective communication of complex ideas. Overall, the dissertation represents the culmination of your education, preparing you to become a biological scientist.

Dive into the vibrant and dynamic world of tropical marine ecosystems! This module takes you on an in-depth exploration of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows—three of the most diverse and ecologically important habitats on the planet. You will explore the intricate relationships that sustain these ecosystems, from the microscopic symbionts powering coral reefs to the vast networks of life that connect the land and sea. We’ll investigate the global significance of these habitats, the mounting threats they face from human activities and climate change, and cutting-edge conservation strategies aimed at securing their future.