Our Animal Science subject area is top in the UK for overall satisfaction and learning community in the 2019 National Student Survey and our BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation Science is one of the courses in the subject area (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS 2019 data). This broad-cased programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to enter a variety of professions within the animal sector.
Students will:
- develop their knowledge in the core themes of animal behaviour, welfare and conservation.
- design and implement their own research project, enabling them to specialise in an area of their choice.
- enjoy personal and professional development to maximise employability within the industry.
- have access to a rare breeds farm, animal unit, equestrian facility and woodland at our Northop campus.
- enjoy off-site visits to animal charities, wildlife centres and other industry related venues.
YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)
In the first year you are introduced to the concepts of biology, animal behaviour and welfare that you will use throughout the rest of your course. Laboratory skills are essential to science and you will receive a foundation in these. You will develop animal husbandry skills and knowledge. You will also undertake a period of work experience so that you become familiar with the animal sector and develop practical skills necessary for the workplace.
MODULES
Biological Concepts: This module aims to developstudents’ understanding of the key principles of animal biology, biological pathogens, laboratory skills and anatomical structure and function. The origins and classification of life will be covered together with cell and tissue structure and function. The main organs and systems of the animals’ body will also be introduced.
Ethology and Anthrozoology: This module enables students to investigate the biological basis of natural behaviour, and evaluate the relationship between natural behaviour and captive animal welfare. Students will carry out a practical study of a captive animal and discuss the link between animal welfare and the captive environment. Students will also examine a range of human and animal interrelationships and the costs and benefits associated with these interactions.
Ethics and Welfare: This module aims to investigate contemporary issues within animal welfare and to introduce students to a range of relevant ethical issues. A variety of contemporary welfare issues will be critiqued during the module. Students will have the opportunity to deliver their own workshops and seminars.
Academic and Personal Development: This module aims to familiarise learners with the higher education culture, to build on key skills (logical, mathematical and critical) necessary for successful study in higher education.
Professional Practice: A range of career opportunities and associated challenges with gaining employment within animal sector will be studied in this module. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and competencies within a workplace setting of their choice.
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)
In the second year you will build upon knowledge gained in your first year and develop your understanding of a variety of topics in more detail. You will learn about nutrition, physiology, conservation, and population biology. You will also learn research skills and report writing within research methodologies.
MODULES
Research Methodologies: This module will enable you to understand the role of relevant research within the field of equine studies. In addition it will provide you with sufficient capability to plan a research project in your field of study, to define the research parameters, assess appropriate methodologies, and present your findings. You will learn how to examine and assess the appropriateness of different research methodologies to various research briefs and become aware of ethical and political issues in social research.
Anatomy and Physiology: This module aims to equip students with a working knowledge of topographical and skeletal anatomy and to enable them to identify anatomical landmarks. You will learn to relate anatomical structure to function and further develop your practical laboratory skills
Learning and Training: In this module you will develop a working knowledge of the principles of learning theory as applied to animals. You will link animal learning to training practices and will write and implement your own plan to train an animal to complete a task. You will also evaluate traditional and contemporary training methods and associated equipment.
Survey Skills for Conservation: The Survey Skills for Conservation module will equip students with the skills necessary to carry out a range of surveys for animal species. Students will identify and survey a range of animal species, and analyse and interpret data collected. The development of these skills will be achieved through practical field work, such as during visits to nature reserves and local woodlands.
Population Biology and Genetics: In this module you will learn the importance of population biology within evolution and the survival of organisms. You will also develop a critical understanding of the genetic and mathematical principles of population biology.
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)
The final year provides students with the opportunity to complete their own unique piece of research, thus enabling them to focus on a topic of choice. Conservation, stress and welfare are concentrated on in this final year, together with methods of behaviour modification. Career development is also a central theme, and third years are expected to complete additional professional development activities alongside their degree to enhance their chances of employment.
MODULES
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