BSc (Hons) - Animal Conservation Science

Year one

In your first year, you'll build a comprehensive understanding of the world's biodiversity, honing essential skills in identifying both animal and plant species. Through engaging lectures and hands-on field sessions, you'll explore the core principles and practices of ecology and conservation.

By the end of this year, you’ll be able to systematically acquire and apply knowledge, establishing a robust foundation in conservation science. You'll adeptly use a range of subject-specific, cognitive, and transferable skills to tackle real-world conservation challenges. Additionally, you’ll learn to evaluate different approaches for solving well-defined problems and effectively communicate your findings in a clear and structured manner. Throughout the year, you’ll integrate personal and workplace experiences with academic research from books, journals, and field data. This first year sets the stage for your journey in conservation, providing essential skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact on global biodiversity.

• Conservation Skills and Practice
  This module will develop your core scientific and practical skills as a conservationist. You'll engage in hands-on activities that will prepare you for the challenges and complexities of contemporary conservation work. Through a series of practical sessions, you'll learn essential skills such as the scientific method, species identification, habitat assessment design, and the use of conservation tools and technology. These skills will not only support your undergraduate studies but also enhance your employability in the conservation sector.
• Introduction to Conservation Biology
  Gain a comprehensive grounding in the field of conservation biology. You'll explore the origins and development of the discipline, understand the roles of key organisations, and become familiar with important legislation, policies, and international agreements. This module also covers the strategies and practices that are vital for effective conservation work, providing you with a solid foundation for your future studies and career.
  
• Biodiversity 1
  Explore the range of biodiversity on our planet through lectures and practical sessions. This module offers a thorough introduction to biodiversity, teaching you to identify major taxonomic groups using both field- and laboratory-based techniques. You'll engage in hands-on activities such as field trips to local habitats, and lab work focusing on the morphological characteristics of different species. You'll learn to use field guides and other tools to recognise different species and understand their roles in ecosystems. This module focuses on the diversity of fungi, plants and lower animals. When possible, you'll collect samples from the local environment, enhancing your practical skills and deepening your understanding of biodiversity.
• Biodiversity 2
  Build on your knowledge and identification skills gained in Biodiversity 1. Lectures will cover the taxonomy and diversity of the major groups of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Practical laboratory session will focus on more detailed identification techniques using more complex identification keys. You will also study distinguishing anatomical features using microscopes to examine specimen closely. When appropriate you'll collect samples from the local environment, enhancing your practical skills and deepening your understanding of biodiversity.
• Introduction to Ecology
  Explore the interactions between organisms and their environments in this foundational module. You'll study the principles of ecology, including population dynamics, community interactions, and ecosystem processes. This module provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, equipping you with the tools needed to manage and work with different ecosystems effectively. This will enable you to recognise how ecology underpins many of the other topics you will study and to adopt a holistic approach when considering ecological issues.
• Animal Biology
  Gain a solid understanding of the cellular basis of animal physiology in this module. You'll explore fundamental genetics and neurobiology, with examples drawn from both invertebrates and vertebrates. This knowledge will form the basis for more advanced studies in animal biology and conservation, helping you understand the physiological mechanisms that underlie animal behaviour and adaptation.
  

Year two

In your second year, you will advance your expertise through both practical and theoretical learning experiences. You will develop professional-standard survey and research techniques, putting them into practice during a fieldwork module. This year will deepen your understanding of key concepts in conservation, focusing on advanced research methods and the application of genetic knowledge to real-world ecological issues. You will gain valuable skills in data analysis, animal behaviour, and the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), all crucial for effective conservation practice.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore critical environmental topics, including how to value the environment and understand the impacts of environmental changes. By the end of this year, you will be proficient in applying and evaluating complex concepts, and effectively communicating your findings. You will also be well-prepared to take on responsibilities for your own learning

• Biodiversity Monitoring
  Put your first-year identification and field skills into practice with this module on biodiversity monitoring. You'll develop the theory and practical application of biological survey design and monitoring schemes. This module will teach you how to design effective monitoring programs, collect and analyse data, and use this information to inform conservation strategies.
• Evolution and Biogeography
  Understand the mechanisms driving evolution and the distribution of species. You'll study the history of the Earth, including major extinction and diversification events, and explore how natural and anthropogenic factors influence the distribution of plants and animals. This module provides a deep understanding of the processes that shape biodiversity and the challenges of conserving it in a changing world.
• Conservation Genetics
  This module focuses on the genetic aspects of biodiversity and conservation. You'll learn about genetic diversity, population genetics, gene flow, genetic drift and the importance of maintaining genetic variation within species and populations. Laboratory sessions will provide you with knowledge and experience in essential techniques such as DNA extraction and quantification, PCR analysis, DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. By applying this knowledge to ecological and conservation issues, you'll understand how genetics can inform conservation strategies and help preserve biodiversity.
• Research Methods and Data Analysis
  Develop essential skills for scientific research in this module. You'll learn more about the scientific method, research design, data collection, and analytical techniques. These skills are crucial for conducting your dissertation project and will prepare you for a career in scientific research and conservation.
  
• Animal Behaviour
  Understanding animal behaviour is fundamental to managing species in captivity and the wild. This module introduces you to the science of animal behaviour, exploring concepts such as behavioural ecology, ethology, and the application of behaviour studies to conservation and animal welfare. You'll learn how to observe, record, and analyse animal behaviour, gaining insights that can be applied to various conservation scenarios.
• Geographic Information Systems (Optional)
  Develop a sound understanding of GIS theory and its applications in conservation. This module will teach you how to use GIS software to collect, analyse, and interpret spatial data. You'll learn how GIS can be used to map habitats, monitor species distributions, and plan conservation strategies, providing you with valuable skills for a career in conservation and natural resource management.
• Valuing the Environment (Optional)
  Explore the concepts associated with environmental valuation, including natural capital, ecosystem services, and nature's contribution to people. This module will critically evaluate different frameworks for valuing the environment, helping you understand the economic, social, and ecological importance of conservation efforts.
• Environmental Change Biology (Optional)
  Examine the impacts of natural and human-induced environmental changes on biodiversity and ecosystems. This module will consider broad aspects of environmental change (e.g. impacts of habitat degradation, natural resource use, pollution events) as well as climate change. Evidence of past environmental change will provide context for current day issues and a template for examining the biological implications of future environmental change. You'll learn about the challenges of managing ecosystems in the face of environmental change and explore strategies for mitigating these impacts.

Year three

In your final year, you will undertake a comprehensive, year-long research project, allowing you to explore a topic of your choice in depth. This project will be central to your academic experience, enhancing your research skills and offering practical insights into your chosen area of study.

You will also receive advanced training in behavioural ecology and wildlife management, providing you with critical knowledge and skills for effective conservation. Additionally, you will select from a number of specialist modules that connect theoretical concepts with practical applications, covering key areas such as conservation strategies, contemporary issues in conservation, and advanced GIS and remote sensing technologies.

By the end of this year, you will be well-prepared to integrate complex conservation theories and practices, positioning yourself to make meaningful contributions to the field.

• Dissertation
  Conduct an independent, in-depth research project on a topic related to animal conservation science. This module provides an opportunity to develop your research skills, including project design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. You'll gain valuable experience in managing a research project from start to finish, preparing you for a career in conservation research or further academic study.
• Behavioural Ecology
  Use an evolutionary approach to understand why animals behave in certain ways. This module explores various types of animal behaviour and seeks to explain the evolutionary advantages of these behaviours in terms of individual fitness. You'll study concepts such as foraging behaviour, mating systems, and social structures, gaining insights that can inform conservation and wildlife management strategies.
• Applied Field Studies
  Gain practical experience in collecting and analysing scientific data through this hands-on module. You'll conduct field studies, develop hypotheses, collect data, and prepare scientific reports. This module enhances your analytical skills and provides real-world experience in ecological research and conservation practice.
• Wildlife Management
  Apply your knowledge of wildlife and conservation to real-life situations. This module covers wildlife management techniques, emphasising the importance of planning, administration, and funding. You'll learn about habitat management, population control, and species reintroduction, preparing you for a career in wildlife management and conservation.
• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing (Optional)
  Develop advanced skills in GIS and remote sensing for conservation and natural resource management. This module will teach you how to plan and implement GIS projects, analyse spatial data, and use remote sensing technology to monitor environmental changes. These skills are highly valuable in conservation planning and management. You need to pass L5 GIS to select this option.
• Contemporary Issues in Conservation (Optional)
  Explore the shifting ecological, political, social, and economic contexts of conservation. This module will help you develop a critical approach to conservation practice, considering contemporary issues such as climate change, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. You'll learn to design and implement effective conservation strategies in a complex and dynamic world.
• Conservation Strategies (Optional)
  Learn about the integration of socio-ecological and economic perspectives in applied conservation strategies. This module focuses on promoting biodiversity and sustainability through practical conservation themes. You'll study case studies and develop theoretical and practical knowledge that can be applied to real-world conservation challenges.