Ecology, Conservation, and Biosciences
Biology is the study of life, from the microscopic bacteria on our skin to the enormous blue whales inhabiting the oceans. As biologists, we ask questions about living organisms and how they interact with their environment. We try to understand the weird and wonderful things that we observe, and why these vary among different individuals and species. This strand will cover a wide range of specialisms within the biological science, providing a deeper understanding of what it would be like to study this subject at university.
| Day | Date | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wednesday | 29th January 2025 | 11.00 - 15.00 | Penryn Campus, Cornwall |
| 2 | Tuesday | 11th February 2025 | TBC | Streatham Campus, Exeter |
| 3 | Wednesday | 19th March 2025 | 11.00 - 15.00 | Penryn Campus, Cornwall |
| 4 | Wednesday | 16th April 2025 | TBC | Streatham Campus, Exeter |
| 5 | Tuesday | 20th May 2025 | TBC | Streatham Campus, Exeter |
| 6 | Wednesday | 11th June 2025 | 11.00 - 15.00 | Penryn Campus, Cornwall |
Activity locations
All subject activity sessions will take place on the University of Exeter, Streatham campus, and St Luke's campus.
Session One: Introductory Session
Date: January/February
Content:
- Introduction to programme, strand overview
- Condensed ‘What is University’ session & student life Q&A
- Campus/Lab tour
- Lab practical (‘Microplastics in the environment’ or ‘Tardigrade Hunting’ - TBC)
Location: Penryn
Lead: WPC, ESA’s, Sarah Hodge (academic)
Session Two: Streatham Campus Overview and Lab Tour
Date: February
Content:
- Lab tour to highlight differences in studying on different campuses
- Course talk/intro to Biosciences in Devon
Location: Streatham
Lead: Matt Winter (academic), Rob Beardmore (academic)
Session Three: Ecology and Conservation Practical
Date: March
Content:
- TBC
Location: Penryn
Lead: Sarah Hodge (academic)
Session Four: DNA Extraction Lab Session
Date: 11-3pm, Wed 16th April
Content:
- DNA Extraction Lab Session
Location: Streatham
Lead: Matt Winter (academic), Rob Beardmore (academic)
Session Five: Zebrafish Lab Session
Date: 11-3pm, Tues 20th May
Content:
- Zebrafish Lab Session
Location: Streatham
Lead: Matt Winter (academic), Rob Beardmore (academic)
Session Six: Experimental design and data collection
Date: June
Content:
- Principles of experimental design
- Individual research project planning
- Research project data collection
- Research project presentations
Location: Penryn
Lead: Sarah Hodge (academic)
This subject activity strand has contributions from the following degree programmes:
- BSc Biosciences
- BSc Medical Sciences
- BSc Neuroscience
Students must have achieved Grade C or 4 in English Language as well as grade B or 5 in Mathematics at GCSE level.
In order to be considered for this subject activity strand, students should also be studying at least one science* subject in their further education.
*Accepted science subjects: Biology/Human Biology; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Electronics; Economics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences (Double Award only), Marine Science; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Sport Science; Statistics.
In order to pass the programme, you must attend a minimum of 5 out of 6 subject activity sessions, as well as the Exeter Scholars Student Conference.
