BSc in Evolutionary Biology with Professional Placement

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BSc in Evolutionary Biology with Professional Placement at Exeter is perfect for students curious about how life evolves and adapts. You’ll explore biodiversity, genetics, and evolutionary processes while gaining real-world experience through an industry placement, making your learning both exciting and career-focused.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You’ll start with the foundations of evolutionary biology, genetics, and ecology. Modules like Introduction to Evolutionary Biology, Genetics and Genomics, and Ecology and the Environment give you the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to understand how organisms adapt and interact with their environments.

Year 2:
This year dives deeper into the science behind evolution and ecology. Courses such as Evolutionary Mechanisms, Population Genetics, and Functional Ecology focus on developing your analytical skills and preparing you to design and carry out independent research.

Year 3 (Professional Placement Year):
You’ll take what you’ve learned into the real world with a placement in a research lab, conservation organization, or relevant industry. This hands-on experience is a chance to apply your knowledge, gain professional skills, and make connections that will help your future career.

Year 4:
In your final year, you’ll tackle advanced topics like Advanced Evolutionary Theory, Conservation Genetics, and undertake a major Research Project in Evolutionary Biology. This gives you the opportunity to conduct independent research and contribute new insights to the field.

Focus Areas: Evolutionary processes, genetics, biodiversity, adaptation, conservation biology.

Learning Outcomes: Develop critical thinking in evolutionary science, master laboratory and field research techniques, and communicate scientific findings confidently.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is recognized by the Royal Society of Biology, meaning you’ll graduate with skills and knowledge that meet professional standards in the biological sciences.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Exeter consistently ranks among the UK’s top universities for biological sciences. With the professional placement year built into the program, you’ll graduate with real-world experience that makes you highly employable.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Exeter, learning about evolutionary biology goes far beyond lectures. The program gives you plenty of hands-on opportunities to develop practical skills, whether it’s in the lab, out in the field, or during a professional placement. You’ll get to work with advanced tools, collaborate with peers on real research projects, and see how your studies translate into real-world science:

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Professional Placement Year: Spend a year working in a research lab, conservation organization, or relevant industry. This placement lets you apply your learning in real-world settings, building skills and connections that boost your future career.
State-of-the-Art Laboratories: Work in the Geoffrey Pope Building, which houses over 4,800m² of lab space including advanced facilities for genetics, microscopy, and ecological research.
Research Institutes: Collaborate with the Centre for Ecology and Conservation in Cornwall, one of the UK’s leading institutes for evolutionary biology, ecology, and animal behaviour.
Fieldwork Opportunities: Take part in field courses across stunning locations like the Isles of Scilly, Snowdonia, and Oban, collecting data and gaining practical ecological experience.
Equipment Loans: Borrow essential field equipment like camera traps, bat detectors, thermal cameras, GoPros, and more to support your projects.
Collaborative Projects: Work in groups on projects that mirror real-world research, helping you develop teamwork and problem-solving skills crucial for a career in biology.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a BSc in Evolutionary Biology with Professional Placement from Exeter opens the door to a wide range of exciting careers. With a mix of academic knowledge and hands-on experience, you’ll be ready to take on roles in research, conservation, and environmental consultancy:

Potential Career Paths:
Ecologist, Conservation Biologist, Environmental Consultant, Wildlife Biologist

University Support and Opportunities:

Professional Placement Year: Gain real-world experience in research labs, conservation projects, or environmental organizations in the UK, EU, or USA, applying your learning in a practical setting.
Career Services: Access award-winning career support, including one-to-one advice, mentoring, CV workshops, and employability initiatives to help you secure the right role.
Industry Partnerships: Benefit from connections with organisations like the British Trust for Ornithology, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, and the Marine Conservation Society, offering placements, guest lectures, and project collaborations.
Graduate Outcomes: Around 89% of Exeter biosciences graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.

Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, there are plenty of ways to continue your studies and specialise:

Postgraduate programs in conservation biology, ecology, or evolutionary genetics allow you to deepen your expertise.
Exeter offers a wide range of biosciences postgraduate courses, helping you prepare for research, advanced careers, or academic roles.