Why study Biology or Ecology?
Satisfied students
Our students love our friendly atmosphere: 100% of our students studying biology and ecology programmes said they were satisfied with their course in the 2013 National Students Survey. Biological Sciences at Lancaster was ranked 8th in the UK in the Times/Sunday Times University Guide 2014.
Are biological sciences or ecology for me?
Have you studied biology at school or college? Are you interested in the big questions about life on earth from how it all began to the development of treatments to prevent disease or how humans impact on the planet? Then our range of programmes from Ecology and Conservation through Environmental Biology and Biological Sciences to Biomedical and Life Sciences could have the content you are looking for.
Studying Biological Sciences at Lancaster University provides a thorough grounding in the principles of biology including cellular and molecular biology, physiology, and the biology of whole organisms including training in the key techniques associated with modern biological research.
Ecology focuses particularly on the interaction between different species on the planet and how these environmental and biotic interactions influence the way that ecosystems function, whereas conservation helps find solutions to the most pressing challenges to maintaining biological diversity. We were one of the first universities in the world to offer a degree in Ecology.
Choice and flexibility
These courses are run jointly between the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences (BLS) and the Lancaster Environment Centre. This provides students the opportunity to link key challenges such as maintaining biodiversity, to human use of the environment and human health. We offer one of the widest choices of study options anywhere in the UK. This flexibility means it’s easy to move between programmes if you find your passions lie in a particular discipline.
Everyone gets hands on experience
Field and laboratory work are central to our approach. For many students the field trips are the highlight of their study. They are an opportunity to experience firsthand what you are learning academically and to get to know staff and your fellow students better. Overseas field courses go to Spain, Scotland and the Brazilian Amazon. Laboratory work provides experience of up to date techniques that will equip you with the skills required of a well-qualified practising scientist.
All our students undertake a dissertation project, under the guidance of an active researcher. These could be in our high quality laboratories using state of the art instrumentation, or field based attached to ongoing research projects in the UK, or overseas.
Students on specific degree schemes study abroad for a year in North America or Australasia while others may choose to spend time in other European countries via the Erasmus scheme.
Good job prospects
Most students get the opportunity to apply for a work placement or internship, sometimes paid. Unusually, we have our own Enterprise and Business Partnership team, matching students with relevant businesses and organisations. With more than 20 environmental businesses and key government researchers based on site, you get the chance to make connections for your future career.
Contact details
For Biological Sciences: Tel: +44 (0)1524 593265, or email bioladmit@lancaster.ac.uk
For Ecology and Conservation: Tel: +44 (0)1524 510460 or email lec.ug@lancaster.ac.uk