BSc (Hons) Environmental Science modules
Molecular Ecology
Year 1 core modules
- Biodiversity and Evolution
- Biological Methods
- Cell Biology and Microbiology
- Earth Sciences
- Energy Systems
- Professional Skills
- Scientific Method and Quantitative Principles
Year 2 core modules
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Geotechnology and Materials
- Molecular Ecology
- Pollution Analysis & Monitoring
- Quality Management
- Renewable Energy
- Research Methods for Sciences
- Science Research Proposal
Year 3 optional module
Final-year core modules
- Ecological Sustainability
- Employment Skills
- Environmental Crime Investigation
- Environmental Resource Management
- Science Research Project
- Sustainability Project
Modules offered may vary.
Small groups of students will be challenged to analyse real world problems relating to molecular ecology. Students will have the opportunity to apply cutting edge molecular ecology tools to study the physiology and ecology of micro-organisms to study the diversity and roles played by microbes in natural environments.
Central to this module will be the use of team work for problem-based and (monitored/facilitated) self-directed learning. To provide the appropriate context for employability skills training for life and environmental sciences students, the different problems will be introduced by employers, industrial partners and practitioners in environmental management.
The module will explore two different ecosystems to demonstrate how the complexity, diversity and abundance of interacting microbial populations support their robustness and functionality. It will be underpinned by the combination of culture-based and molecular techniques to understand and potentially exploit these communities. To facilitate a relevant and accelerated development of employability skills, practical issues such as health, safety, the environment and ethics facing the professional in the workplace will also be considered.