BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation course preparation

Suggested reading

You’ll be given lots of information about which textbooks to read and introduced to the University Library, as well as the many ebooks we have for you to access, when you begin your studies in September.

In the meantime, there are a couple of popular science books you might like to read, if you can, before starting your degree. We don’t recommend rushing out to buy texts before you arrive. But if you can pick some up second hand, borrow from a library or access online, our Head of Biology suggests:

• The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World. Stephen L. Brusatte
• The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History. Elizabeth Kolbert
• The Diversity of Life. Edward O. Wilson

Materials you might need

You’ll get to take part in a lot of fieldwork on the course. At all times of year and in all conditions. When embarking upon a career in ecology and conservation, we expect you to have the following personal gear:

• Walking boots
• Full waterproofs (jacket, trousers)
• Backpack
• Water bottle and flask
• Hat and gloves
• Sun hat and sunscreen

Useful websites

Did you know you can hang out with scientists online via The Natural History Museum?

You can also use the BBC and Guardian websites to follow science (especially conservation) stories in the press. Focus on the scientific principles rather than the human element as you read.

For some great articles and insights, the NewScientist.com is highly recommended.

Other useful websites include:

• Trello.com to create an online To Do List
• To research future careers in Bioscience, visit the prospects website 

Things to do now

Here are a couple of ideas for you to try some Bioscience related fun:

• Try some home experiments. STEM Learning has some good ideas
• Discover a new and exciting topic with a TED talk
• Start a journal. Get practicing for writing a lab book.