Graduate Diploma Ecology

Overview

This Graduate Diploma in Ecology combines a selection of Honours level modules specifically designed to give you a strong training in ecological and conservation theory and skills. While you’ll focus primarily in the areas of population and community ecology and conservation biology, the course is flexible to enable you to strengthen your knowledge in other areas of ecology too. Prepare to explore the functioning of aquatic, marine and terrestrial ecosystems; the importance of community structure, succession and population dynamics; the processes of predation, competition and other plant/animal interactions; population and biodiversity responses to natural environmental disturbance and human-induced stress; the current research agenda in ecology, evolution and conservation; and the potential contribution of integrating sustainable development with biodiversity conservation. Be inspired by the opportunity to experience first-hand a fascinating array of species, ecosystems and conservation issues, via field-course modules in Ireland, Swaziland and Peru where you will be guided by research and conservation experts. We’ve also specifically designed our Graduate Diploma to ensure you develop a wide range of transferable skills, which will apply to any career or further graduate study at MSc or PhD level. You will gain skills in communication, information technology, data mining and analysis, fieldwork, teamwork, critical writing, reasoning and time management. What’s more, you’ll be in the perfect place to study. We have very strong academic expertise in ecology, based around UEA’s Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (CEEC) – one of the largest groups of its kind in Europe with strong links to major institutions such as the RSPB, BTO, CEFAS and the Cambridge Conservation Initiative. So whatever scientific career you aspire to, this Diploma is the perfect preparation for further study or the world of work.

Course Structure

Study for the Diploma takes one year full-time or two years part-time, based at UEA. During the course you will complete 120 credits of study, with all modules accruing 20 credits each except for the optional Ecology Research Project module (40 credits). Your course kicks off with the optional two-week residential Field Ecology module held on the Dingle Peninsular, Ireland, before the start of the autumn semester (or between your first and second year of the two-year part-time variant). For September 2018 entry, the field course will run from 1-15 September. Once the Diploma begins you’ll take a combination of compulsory and optional modules, with the opportunity to take one free choice module in any field of study taught at the university. Most modules are scheduled to run for one semester only, either autumn (semester 1) or spring (semester 2). Your core modules include Biodiversity, Conservation and Human Society (semester 1), which focuses on the interactions between biodiversity and human societies, providing exposure to real-world conservation issues and the first-hand experience of practitioners, and gives insights to potential career pathways. In Population Ecology and Management (semester 1) you’ll explore the human dominated era we live in – recently designated ‘the Anthropocene’. You’ll look closely at how populations are regulated and managed, and learn about population properties and modelling. Community, Ecosystem and Macro-ecology (semester 2) introduces you to major concepts and analytical approaches in community ecology, macro-ecology and biogeography.

Disclaimer

Course details are subject to change. You should always confirm the details on the provider's website: http://www.uea.ac.uk

Visit the Graduate Diploma Ecology page on the University of East Anglia website for more details!