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  • Biodiversity and Conservation (BSc / Diploma of Higher Education / Certificate of Higher Education)
  • 2012/2013 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • All modules have coursework assessment, including in-class tests, practical reports, essays, problem-solving and data analysis worksheets, oral communication and poster presentations,internet surveys and role play. Some modules in Years 3 and 4 also have an unseen written examination.

  • Attendance
      • Two evenings a week.
      • October–July.
      • Weekend and residential field courses throughout the year.
  • Duration
      • BSc: four years part-time.
      • Diploma of Higher Education: three years part-time.
      • Certificate of Higher Education: two years part-time.
  • Entry requirements
      • Over 21: strong interest in biodiversity and conservation. Previous work experience or personal experience in the study of natural habitats.
      • Under 21: normal university entry requirements (A-level or equivalent in biology or other science subject).
      • The science access programme Certificate of Higher Education in Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine provides a direct route into Year 1 of the BSc. 
      • The Foundation Degree in Science gives direct access to Year 3 of the BSc.
      • We are committed to making the biological sciences accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds and with diverse career aspirations.
  • Fees and funding
  • Location
      • Central London.
  • Teaching

    • Lectures, laboratory practicals, field courses and seminars. There is a one-week residential course in field biology in July/August at the end of Year 1 and another  in July/August at the end of Years 2 or 3. There are three other field-based modules held in London, consisting of three linked weekends.

      We provide a range of teaching approaches and learning experiences that will enable you to become a confident and autonomous learner.

Biodiversity and Conservation (BSc / Diploma of Higher Education / Certificate of Higher Education) - 2012/2013 entry


  • Overview

    • This programme helps you to develop an understanding of natural history. The diversity of living organisms is an overarching theme, and this diversity is placed within an ecological and evolutionary context. We consider the interplay between institutional, legislative and political factors with respect to issues of ecology and conservation. The degree provides a firm foundation in biological sciences as a preparation for employment or further training. The teaching is informed by the research interests of the academic staff, which cover key areas across the biological sciences, including botany, microbiology and zoology.

  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?
      • Helps you develop an understanding of natural history in a structured way.
      • Provides a firm foundation in biological sciences as a preparation for employment or further training.
      • Opportunity to take part in field classes to put your skills into practice.
  • Course structure

    • You will take three modules (90 credits) each year. Modules in Years 1 and 2 provide a general grounding in skills and a basic knowledge of biology and ecology. In Years 3 and 4, advanced modules provide more specialisation.

      Year 1

      • Field Biology
      • From Molecules to Ecosystems
      • Practical Skills for the Biosciences.

      Year 2

      • Ecological Communities
      • Genetics and Molecular Biology
      • Introduction to Microbes and Plants.

      Years 3 and 4

      • Advanced Topics in Biodiversity(2012 start)
      • Conservation: People, Policy and Practice (runs every year)
      • Environmental Biology(2013 start)
      • Evolutionary Biology (2012 start)
      • Research Methods and Statistics (runs every year).

      In the final year of the BSc, you must undertake a Biology Literature Project (30 credits) and additional modules to the value of 60 credits. For eligible students, one of these may include a Biology Experimental Project(30 credits)

  • Study resources
  • Further study opportunities
  • Careers information

    • Graduates go on to careers in countryside management, conservation, environmental education, tourism, planning and policy-making. Visit our list of biology careers websites to find out more.

  • Further details

    • Learning objectives

      On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

      • use your powers of observation, analysis and imagination to make decisions in the light of uncertainty
      • feel comfortable integrating information from fieldwork, experimental and theoretical investigations and have practised both quantitative and qualitative approaches to acquiring and interpreting data, recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles
      • respond to a variety of information sources (textual, numerical, verbal, graphical)
      • communicate appropriately with a variety of audiences (written, verbal, graphical)
      • demonstrate understanding of the issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty
      • prepare, process and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages
      • plan, conduct and report investigations, including the use of secondary data
      • undertake investigations in the field and laboratory in a safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, rights of access, health and safety regulations and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders.
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