The BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation top-up programme follows on from our FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation. It provides a balanced package of skills and knowledge, tailored for those wishing to enter an animal care sector profession.

Students will:

• study in a subject area rated *1st in the UK for overall satisfaction and learning community, (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS 2019 data)
• develop and advance their existing knowledge in the core themes of animal welfare, behaviour and conservation.
• design and implement a research study of their choice.
• gain personal and professional development to maximise employability within the industry.
• have access to a rare breeds farm, animal unit, equestrian facility and woodland on our Northop campus.
• enjoy off site visits to animal charities, wildlife centres and other industry related venues.

Students who have completed HND, FdSc or Dip HE in a related subject at other institutions can also join the course.

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 6)

Conservation Policy: This module will enable you to explore the ecology of a range of animal species native to the UK and understand the need for, and methods of, conservation of these species including Environmental Impact Assessment.

Applied Research Skills and Professional Development: This module will enable you to review relevant literature to present a research proposal that forms an appropriate and ethically sound basis for a research project. It will teach you methods of data collection and statistical analysis to interpret those data.

Research Project: This module gives you the opportunity to carry out your own research in a topic which particularly interests you. In doing this project you will review literature pertinent to the chosen area of research,  evaluate relevant research design and develop a suitable method for data collection and analysis, analyse and interpret data collected and finally write up and discuss your findings in relation to the existing knowledge.

Advanced Animal Welfare: The module enables students to explore how stress can be managed in a range of environments and situations. It also aims provide students with an understanding of the physiological and behavioural adaptations of animals resulting from modern use and husbandry.

Animal Behaviour Modification: The module aims to develop students’ awareness of the need for a systematic approach to understanding the aetiology of behavioural problems seen in animals. It will extend their understanding of how to analyse behavioural problems in animals and appreciate the limitations of relevant diagnostic techniques.

Applied Research Skills and Professional Development: The module equips students with the skills to critically evaluate research design as applicable to animal science and welfare management, to select and justify appropriate methods for data collection and analysis, and to critically reflect on personal development over the duration of the programme of study, linking scholarship and practice through reflection on specific professional development activities.