"The one process now going on that will take millions of years to correct is the loss of genetic and species diversity by the destruction of natural habitats. This is the folly our descendants are least likely to forgive us." E. O. Wilson, The Biophilia Hypothesis
Since Edward Wilson's observations in 1984, we have realised that at current rates biodiversity loss, we are living in the time of the greatest extinction crisis since dinosaurs disappeared 65 million years ago. These extinctions are irreversible, but they also pose a serious threat to our health and wellbeing. Humankind is behind the problem; scientists need to find the solutions.
Students following this pathway examine the diversity of living organisms on earth and their interrelationships with the environment. Key themes include plant and animal diversity and evolution, behaviour, ecological theory and applications, population ecology, ecosystem services, sustainable agriculture, and conservation biology.
Many of these subjects are covered in biological modules but can be supplemented with environmental, geographical and marine modules. Students can explore the principles of ecology and their application in environmental management for the protection and management of biodiversity, and sustainable development.
Year 1
Core Programme Modules (on all pathways)
Environmental Science: Concepts and Communication
Environmental Science: Research and Applications (field/practical module)
Compulsory pathway modules
Introduction to marine ecology
Environmental Field Techniques and Applications
Year 2
Core Programme Modules (on all pathways)
Environmental Impact Assessment
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Environmental Scientists
Environment and Sustainability
Compulsory pathway module
Pure and applied population ecology
Optional modules
Quaternary Environmental Change
Coastal & Estuarine Oceanography I
Remote sensing for earth observation
Concepts and Methods for Environmental Management
Phytoplankton and primary production
Global climate change: science, impacts and policy
Coastal and estuarine oceanography 2
Plant development and functions
Introduction to Energy and the Environment
Business skills for employability
Management of risk and uncertainty
Coastal Landscapes and Human Interactions
Year 3
Core Programme Modules (on all pathways)
Environmental Law and Management
Advanced Quantitative Methods (MEnvSci only)
Environmental Field Studies (MEnvSci Only)
Optional modules
Zooplankton ecology and processes
Global change biology: from molecules to ecosystem services
Topics in ecology and evolution
Sustainable resource management
Environmental and Engineering Geology
Complex social-ecological systems: Past, present and future
Year 4 (MEnvSci only)
Core Programme Modules (on all pathways)
Work Based Learning (work placement)
Optional modules
Biogeochemical cycles in the earth system
Energy resources and engineering
Microfossils, environments and time
Water & Wastewater Engineering
What's related
The wide range of activities and modules as well as my dissertation stood me in great standing to get my first job with the RSPB on Ramsey Island.
Southampton committed some funds towards a PhD and helped me raise some additional resources with external partners such as Marwell Wildlife and The Nature Conservancy (USA).