Biological Sciences (Ecology)

Biological sciences explores the study of living organisms, covering everything from the interactions of animals in their environment to how genes are expressed.

Ecology helps us understand how living things behave in the real world: where they are found, their abundance and how they interact both with one another and with their physical environment. We need to understand the whole picture, including:

• competitors

• plants they eat

• commensal organisms

• parasites

Ecology is not just studied in labs. It involves getting out there into the field to understand complex ecosystems. This makes it essential for solving real-world environmental problems. Ecologists bring together ideas from across biological and environmental sciences to simplify complex issues and identify key factors for further study.

Now is an exciting time for ecology. New techniques, like DNA barcoding, are revealing the true diversity of life, offering more insights than ever before. We need fresh theories that incorporate these discoveries and challenge our understanding of how the biological world works.

We also face pressing real-world issues that need solutions, many of them caused by humans, such as:

• How will climate change affect ecosystems, and what can we do to lessen its impact?

• How does international trade contribute to disease outbreaks in various species, and how can we prevent or mitigate these outbreaks?

• How does using natural resources for humans affect other species on Earth?

Ecology at Edinburgh

At Edinburgh, our Ecology degree programme offers a solid foundation in theory and hands-on field skills, and an introduction to the wide range of approaches that can be taken to address ecological questions. We challenge you with the big questions being addressed by ecology and explore our current approaches to these questions.

We expect major advances in the next decade that will deepen our understanding of biological complexity and help develop effective, science-based solutions for urgent environmental issues.

Flexibility within biological sciences

We offer a flexible learning experience. With 12 different biological sciences subject areas, you can tailor your programme to your preferred career path. Regardless of your initial application choice, you will have the opportunity to explore aspects of each of our programmes in the early years and can choose to specialise in whichever one interests you.

Our skills-based curriculum will equip you with data analysis, programming and problem-solving skills, as well as teaching you effective communication and independent thinking. This will prepare you to be a part of the next generation of scientific thinkers who apply their skills in various contexts.

Programme benefits

• Study on a flexible programme. Explore different areas of biological sciences before specialising in the later years of your degree programme.

• You will learn in state-of-the-art laboratories, interactive computing studio facilities and collaborative lecture theatres, ensuring a dynamic and immersive study experience.

• Experience hands-on learning with fieldwork at local sites such as the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

• Gain key skills valued by employers such as communication, collaboration, problem solving and data analysis.

• Complete an independent research project in one of our academic research laboratories in your final year.