Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BSc (Hons) Evolutionary Biology with Study Abroad
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Evolutionary Biology with Study Abroad | Programme code | UFS4ECCECCCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Cornwall Campus |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
The BSc (Hons) Evolutionary Biology draws from fields that include genetics, animal behaviour and evolutionary ecology, and examines evolution from many perspectives - from the smallest building blocks of life to entire ecosystems. As a fast growing area of study, it is led by some of the UK’s foremost internationally-recognised, research active staff in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on the Penryn Campus. The Centre hosts a large and thriving group of scientists who work at the cutting edge of research on evolutionarily informed organismal biology and run research projects across the globe, from Uganda to Australia. The programme utilises expertise in the Centre to provide you with the skills, concepts and experience to understand all aspects of modern evolutionary biology. The programme encourages an interdisciplinary approach and you will be exposed to a wide range of theoretical and practical techniques used to study evolutionary biology.
Studying abroad offers you a fantastic opportunity to expand your educational and cultural experiences. Moreover, research indicates that 64% of employers consider an international experience important for recruitment and report that graduates with an international background are given greater responsibility more frequently. 92% of employers involved in a study conducted in 2014* indicated that they look for skills such as openness to and curiosity about new challenges, problem-solving and decision-making skills, confidence, and tolerance towards other personal values and behaviours. The study revealed that studying abroad had a positive impact on the development of these skills and concluded that the employability and competences of students greatly benefit from mobility.
When participating in field courses, you will be required to cover any visa costs and, if necessary, purchase anti-malarial medication and relevant immunisations. You will also need to provide your own specialist personal equipment appropriate to the field course destination, eg. walking boots, rucksack, mosquito net, sleeping bag, binoculars. You may incur additional costs dependent upon the specific demands of the research project chosen. Details of specialist equipment, vaccinations and visas that you must supply at your own expense are provided on the Exeter Learning Environment.
*European Commission (2014) The Erasmus Impact Study, Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2014
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The degree programme aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of key aspects of modern evolutionary biology:
- the evolutionary origin and history of phenotypic traits throughout the tree of life;
- how Darwinian selection shapes biodiversity;
- how genes and the environment interact to shape the development and expression of phenotypic traits;
- how Darwinian selection, along with trait expression and inheritance, interact to influence ongoing evolution in a changing world.
The main aim of our programme is to show how these different approaches are complementary and together lead to a fuller understanding of evolution: the fundamental organisational principle of modern biology. Teaching is delivered by leading researchers who provide a thorough grounding in the core concepts and principles of evolutionary biology, and give lectures and seminars on cutting-edge topics in which they are actively engaged in research.
We use a combination of traditional teaching methods such as lectures, seminars, and tutorials, together with innovative teaching and learning methods such as video-conferencing, web-casting, blogging and online discussion forums. Together these create a stimulating and effective learning environment. Similarly, our assessment ranges from more conventional examinations and essays to writing research reports and proposals, talks and poster presentations. We have standard assessment criteria for coursework essays, exams, oral presentations, posters, dissertations and lab reports. A strength of the programme is the emphasis on field courses and the opportunity to ‘learn by doing’ - to carry out independent research projects on animals in the wild and learn principles of scientific enquiry which can be applied to tackle a range of evolutionary, ecological and practical problems in evolutionary biology.
The Study Abroad option will provide you with the opportunity to study some aspects of Biosciences in a university abroad and to give you an insight into the culture of the host country.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in the first, second and final stages as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
If you have mobility or health disabilities that prevent you from undertaking intensive fieldwork, reasonable adjustments and/or alternative assessment can be considered in agreement with the Director of Education.
You are also permitted to take the 5-credit module LES3910 Professional Development Experience in any year. Registration on this module is subject to a competitive application process. If taken, this module will not count towards progression or award calculation.
Stage 1
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO1434 | Ecology and Conservation | 30 | No |
| BIO1435 | Animal Diversity | 30 | No |
| BIO1436 | Evolution and Genetics | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
30 credits of optional modules or you may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme, as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO1437 | Life Processes | 30 | No |
Stage 2
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules
a It is compulsory to take a field course in the second year and you will be allocated based on degree and/or preference. If you are unable to go on a field course, you will be required to take BIO2450 Biosciences Penryn Virtual Field Course instead. BIO2450 is only available if you are not going on the field course.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO2414 | Evolutionary Ecology | 15 | No |
| BIO2426 | Analysis of Biological Data | 15 | No |
| BIO2444 | Scotland Field Course [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| BIO2450 | Biosciences Penryn Virtual Field Course [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| BIO2458 | Scillies St Agnes Field Course [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| BIO2459 | Scillies St Mary's Field Course [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| BIO2463 | Behavioural Ecology | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECC S2 BSc-MSci EB Opt 2024-5 | |||
| BIO2407 | Population and Community Ecology | 15 | No |
| BIO2423 | Wildlife Disease | 15 | No |
| BIO2425 | Introduction to Ecological Consultancy | 15 | No |
| BIO2461 | Conservation Science | 30 | No |
| BIO2462 | Biology and Ecology of Marine Vertebrates | 30 | No |
| BIO2465 | Wildlife Exploitation | 15 | No |
| BIO2467 | Adaptations to Life on Earth | 15 | No |
| BIO2466 | GIS for Wildlife Mapping | 15 | No |
Stage 3
120 credits of compulsory modules.
For your year abroad you will agree a suite of modules in your host institution with the College Study Abroad Coordinator. Details of individual modules that may be taken whilst abroad can be found by accessing the partner institution’s website via http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studyabroad/outbound/research/where/.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO3137 | One Year Study Abroad | 120 | Yes |
Stage 4
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules.
c It is compulsory to take a field course in the final year and you will be allocated based on degree and/or preference. If you do not attend a residential field course, you will be required to take BIO3440 Global Research Skills virtual field-course plus either BIO3407 Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology or another 15 credit module.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO3136 | Research Project | 40 | Yes |
| LES3001 | Preparing to Graduate | 5 | No |
| ECC SF BSc-MSci EB Field Trip modules 2024-5 [See note c above] | |||
| BIO3144 | Ecology, Behaviour, and Conservation in Wild Places: The forests and oceans of Yukon and Alaska | 30 | No |
| BIO3423 | Azores Field Course | 30 | No |
| BIO3429 | Northern Spain Field Course | 30 | No |
| BIO3430 | Tropical Biodiversity and Conservation: Costa Rica Field Course | 30 | No |
| BIO3439 | Alpine Ecology Field Course | 30 | No |
| BIO34XX | Pyrenees Field Trip | 30 | No |
| BIO3440 | Global Research Skills Virtual Field Course [See note c above] | 15 | No |
| BIO3407 | Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology [See note c above] | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECC SF BSc-MSci EB Opt 2024-5 | |||
| BIO3135 | Human Behavioural Ecology | 15 | No |
| BIO3400 | Living in Groups | 15 | No |
| BIO3407 | Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology | 15 | No |
| BIO3409 | Symbiosis in Marine Systems | 15 | No |
| BIO3410 | Sensory Ecology | 15 | No |
| BIO3411 | Science in Society | 15 | No |
| BIO3413 | Animal Life Histories | 15 | No |
| BIO3415 | Ecological Responses to Climate Change | 15 | No |
| BIO3420 | Evolutionary Biology of Health and Disease | 15 | No |
| BIO3421 | Animal Migration | 15 | No |
| BIO3422 | Animal Cognition | 15 | No |
| BIO3426 | Primate Biology and Conservation | 15 | No |
| BIO3428 | The Complexity of Human Societies | 15 | No |
| BIO3434 | Major Transitions in Evolutionary History | 15 | No |
| BIO3440 | Global Research Skills Virtual Field Course | 15 | No |
| BIO3443 | The Genome: Applications, Evolution and Ecology | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Describe basic ecology, evolutionary biology and animal behaviour, and aspects of organismal and molecular biology that are relevant to the study of evolutionary biology. | Teaching and learning activities are designed to encourage a progressive acquisition of subject knowledge and skills by moving from study methods that have a greater degree of support and assistance towards more independent learning. Teaching and learning activities include: lectures, laboratory classes, research project or dissertation, and a residential field course. Students undertake a range of modules combining explicit subject-based learning to general training in scientific reasoning, critical thinking and transferable skills. In the study abroad year, the teaching and learning activities will be those used by the host university. | ILO1 – First and second year modules provide a broad and solid foundation in relevant biological subject areas and are assessed via examinations, short lab reports, assessed discussion, tutorial, and multiple choice tests. ILO2 – Lab skills and experience are assessed through laboratory reports and practical tests. Field skills and experience are assessed through in situ discussion groups, individual and group oral presentations, short research projects, formal poster displays, and post-field trip examinations. ILO3 – Assessment via essay assignments and review papers, laboratory reports and examinations, and oral presentations. ILO4 – Assessment via laboratory and field assignments, and an independent research project or dissertation. In the study abroad year, the assessment methods will be those used by the host university. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. Demonstrate a broadly based knowledge and understanding of the science of evolution, with detailed knowledge of essential facts and theory | Explicitly introduced as a concept in first year Key Skills module, and expanded through subject-based learning in second year modules core to the Evolutionary Biology Degree. Explored in field trips including specialised training in practical study of evolutionary biology. Further explored in final year research projects. In the study abroad year, the teaching and learning activities will be those used by the host university. | ILO5 – Explicitly through module-based assessment in all years. Assessment of performance in modules takes place through essay examinations, short answer and multiple-choice tests; practical work and reports; quantitative problems; project report or dissertation; oral presentations; and assessed contribution to group work. ILO6 – First year is explicitly broad and covers the key skills necessary for any biological discipline, as well as the fundamental principles governing evolution, behaviour and ecology. ILO7 – Assessment will be through essay and review assignments. Students are made aware of the marking criteria for all major pieces of work and receive detailed feedback on their performance. ILO8 – Practical classes in second and final years and field courses will emphasise the development of independent research skills and the writing-up of lab and fieldwork in the form of scientific reports, using published papers as a model. In the study abroad year, the assessment methods will be those used by the host university. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
9. Communicate ideas effectively and professionally by written, oral and visual means | Personal transferable employment skills and knowledge are embedded in all modules. All first and second modules are strongly focused towards developing applied skills for use in the dissertation and in real life situations. Practical skills are taught during directed practical exercises in first and second years, through the field courses in second and final years, and developed during independent and collaborative research projects in the final year. In the study abroad year, the teaching and learning activities will be those used by the host university. | ILO9 – Laboratory and field reports, independent research project dissertation, oral presentations, and essay examination. Students will be encouraged to take modules in their study abroad host institution that will develop their critical and analytical skills. Study abroad trains the student to think differently about presenting ideas to a different audience in the host country. ILO10 – Independent research project in the final year and short field projects during field trips in second and final years and throughout the final year. ILO11 – Laboratory write-ups, field reports, independent research dissertation; paper discussion groups. ILO12 – Module-specific training in relevant IT skills, University provision for personal development in IT and other transferable skills. ILO13 – Discussion seminars, practical classes, field course assessed discussions, class debates. ILO14 – Field and practical class group tasks, field course assessment of individual interaction and teamwork. In the study abroad year, the assessment methods will be those used by the host university. |
7. Programme Regulations
Programme-specific Progression Rules
To progress to Stage 2 you must achieve an average mark of at least 60% in Stage 1, otherwise you will be required to transfer to the three year programme. This is to ensure that only those students who are likely to succeed in their Year Abroad are selected.
The Year Abroad counts as a single 120 credit module and is not condonable; you must pass this module to graduate with the degree title of BSc Evolutionary Biology with Study Abroad. If you fail the Year Abroad module your degree title will be commuted to BSc Evolutionary Biology. You will be assessed by your host university during your academic year abroad with their grades converted back to Exeter grades to contribute towards your degree classification. The rules governing failure and referral will be determined by the host institution.
Classification
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
You will be located in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC) (Penryn Campus), where close working relationships are fostered. You can expect reasonable access to all teaching staff through appointments and will in addition receive formative feedback from various discussion groups/in-lecture exercises throughout the delivery of each module and therefore receive essentially continuous feedback during the taught component of the programme. Project supervisors provide academic and tutorial support once you move on to the research component of the programme. In addition, the Programme Director will offer you a meeting each term with an academic who provides guidance and feedback on assessment performance. Your progress will be monitored and you can receive up-to-date records of the assessment, achievements and progress at any stage.
The Faculty complies with the University’s Code of Practice on Study and Work Experience Abroad. The name of the member of staff acting as the programme’s co-ordinator for study abroad is made known to you before you leave Exeter, and this person is responsible for liaison and oversight of your progress during the year abroad. Contact will be maintained with you during your year abroad by regular email communication.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
10. Admissions Criteria
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Evolutionary Biology with Study Abroad
19. UCAS Code
C183
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Biosciences
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 04/06/2024 |
Date of last revision | 25/07/2024 |
|---|
