All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.
The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.
Core and compulsory modules are fundamental to achieving the learning outcomes for your course and must be studied.
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Skills for Biologists
This module introduces key general learning skills and essential practical skills required for a degree in the biological sciences. Develop the research, communication, data analysis, presentation, laboratory and field skills ready to succeed in your chosen subject.
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Diversity of Life
This module introduces you to the diversity of life and the fascinating adaptations that enable organisms to inhabit nearly all conceivable ecological niches. Practical workshops will give you first-hand experience in studying living and preserved plants and animals, and you’ll learn basic microbiological techniques.
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Cells and Organelles
Explore the fascinating inner workings of cells, giving you a foundation in areas such as cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry. Consider topics such as cancer biology, how cells respond to hormones, and how proteins are regulated. Learn how to use equipment in research laboratories and design, carry out and write up your own experiment.
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Ecology and Evolution
This modules introduces you to the evolutionary and ecological processes you need in order to understand biology. You’ll cover topics such as global and ecosystem ecology, energy and nutrient cycles, population and community ecology, behavioural ecology, and evolutionary biology.
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Principles of Genetics
Explore core genetic concepts leading to an understanding of how genetics underlies the biological and molecular traits observed in organisms. You will cover gene and chromosome structure, DNA replication, mechanisms of transcription and translation, genetic inheritance, genetic variation, and the principles behind techniques used to analyse the genome.
Optional modules let you tailor the course to your interests. Please note, the availability of optional modules can vary each trimester. And some modules may require prior study (taking an earlier module, for example).
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Science Communication
Communicating science effectively is a skill you will need during your degree and beyond. This module allows you to learn theory and practise communicating a topic related to your degree, in a range of ways for a range of audiences.
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Dive Training
Do you want to learn to dive? In this module you can train to PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and develop specialist diving skills including: underwater navigation, deep diving, photography, and underwater naturalist.
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Chemistry of Life
The basis of all life is? Yes, a chemical. Join this module to understand the building blocks of biomolecules and their reactivity. Investigate biological examples that help to understand organisms' physiology, ecology, health and evolution.
All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.
The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.
Core and compulsory modules are fundamental to achieving the learning outcomes for your course and must be studied.
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Professional and Research Skills for Biologists
Develop key experimental design and data analysis skills necessary for your degree. You’ll learn how to identify and evidence your skills and experience to help you secure employment in the future.
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Animal Form and Function
The module provides an integrated view of animal biology by showing how ecology shapes morphology, physiology and behaviour in different animals and across different environments, including marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Optional modules let you tailor the course to your interests. Please note, the availability of optional modules can vary each trimester. And some modules may require prior study (taking an earlier module, for example).
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Evolutionary Biology
Explore the development of modern ideas in evolutionary biology, and their importance for understanding a variety of fundamental biological processes. You’ll study a range of different topics, including genetic techniques in evolution, phylogenetics, population process and natural selection in the wild.
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Fish Ecology
Develop a detailed understanding of fisheries science covering taxonomy, distribution, growth, mortality, population dynamics, feeding, reproduction, parasites and predation. The module is under-pinned by theoretical and practical exercises, allowing you to understand key fisheries assessment methods used globally.
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Behavioural Ecology
Develop your understanding of why wild animals behave the way they do. You’ll study the proximate and ultimate causes of behaviour, and the interactions between animals and their environment.
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Conservation Biology
In this module, you will begin by studying patterns of biodiversity and the characteristics of different ecosystems, and go on to explore patterns of biogeography. You’ll examine current threats to biodiversity and the characteristics, such as life-history, ecology and distribution that make some species more vulnerable than others.
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Aquatic Zoology
Explore the major taxonomic groups in the marine environment, focussing on taxonomy, diagnostic characteristics and funky features. You’ll carry out practical observations of fish, squid, crustaceans, annelids and nematodes, and improve your skills in taxonomy and identification.
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Geographical Information Systems
The ability to visualise data and present it in the form of a map is an essential skill for many ecological job roles. This module is a practical course designed to develop your understanding of the principles and processes behind GIS, the nature and use of spatial data and the application of GIS in the ecological and environmental science sector. You’ll be given training in industry-standard software and carry out an independent project relevant to your degree course.
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Genetic Analysis
Takes a problem-based approach to understanding modern molecular genetics and genomics of eukaryotes. You will become accustomed to modern methods of laboratory investigation, genetic data analysis and debate-current discoveries.
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Intertidal Systems
Here we look at the temporal and spatial factors affecting composition and productivity of intertidal systems, and the sustainability of intertidal resources. Develop your field sampling and laboratory identification skills and apply them in an intertidal monitoring context.
All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.
The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.
Your final year includes residential field studies, an optional placement in industry, and a research project which you can complete as a member of one of the faculty's research groups or at Hull's award-winning submarium, The Deep.
Core and compulsory modules are fundamental to achieving the learning outcomes for your course and must be studied.
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Sensory Physiology of Animals
Discover the fascinating world of animal communication to learn how sensory systems control behaviour, and how this is applied to and affected by human activity, including climate change.
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Freshwater Fisheries and Conservation
Develop an understanding of the status and importance of freshwater fisheries worldwide. You will learn how humans impact on freshwater fisheries, rehabilitation processes, conservation methods and legislative instruments all used to protect and develop fisheries.
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Biology in Education
This exciting module enables you to conduct original research in a subject of your choosing within the broad area of Educational studies. You will plan, implement and report with guidance from a supervisor and through guided group tutorials.
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Field Studies
Explore somewhere new and learn new field-based skills on one of our residential field trips (a financial contribution is required). Destinations vary but recent students have selected from a dive-based trip in Malaysia, an exploration of the Atlantic rainforest in Brazil, Mediterranean ecology in Mallorca and UK ecology at Malham Tarn.
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Independent Research Project
You will have the unique opportunity to work on your own lab-based project alongside researchers. You'll have direct input into experimental design and will analyse your data before writing it up in a dissertation. For many students, this is the highlight of their degree, as it's a chance to show off their skills in a real-world environment.
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Concepts in Ecology
Should we focus conservation of species based on their importance or their vulnerability? How much is a coral reef worth and is it more valuable than a mangrove? Why can’t we just stop things from going extinct? These kinds of questions are the foundation of this module. You'll consider how theoretical ecological concepts impact applied ecological processes such as conservation.
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Insect Biology
Insects are among the most numerous, diverse and awesome creatures on the planet. An Aladdin's cave, bursting with weirdness, colour and intrigue. They are also among the most important animals - vital to ecosystems we depend on, but also wreaking terrible destruction. In a mix of lectures, workshops, practicals and fieldtrips, you will discover this amazing, crazy little world we’re lucky enough to study.
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Wildlife Management
Study a range of key topics associated with the management of wildlife populations. You’ll explore topics such as sustainable harvesting, human-wildlife conflicts, wildlife disease, population management and decision making through case-studies such as tiger habitat conservation and the management of upland forests and roe deer populations.
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Sex and Social Behaviour
Evolutionary biology and behavioural ecology are taken to the next level in this module. You'll develop a deeper understanding of fascinating topics such as the evolution of sex, cryptic female choice, sperm competition, sexual conflict, parental care, brood parasitism, co-operative breeding and much more.
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Extinction
Investigate and discuss questions on prehistoric, historical and contemporary extinctions, from genetic, evolutionary, ecological, paleoecological, geographical and geological perspectives.
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Practical Conservation
Work in partnership with local environmentally orientated organisations to help further their objectives. You'll learn about the day-to-day practicalities of species and habitat management, population surveys, public engagement and promoting sustainable use of environmental resources.
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Structured Research Project
Undertake a collaborative research project, working with a team of other students to investigate research questions relevant to your degree. Projects have included DNA barcoding of biodiversity, sensory physiology and animal responses to ocean acidification, and pollution monitoring of the Humber Estuary.