BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Conservation Science

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This broad-based program in Animal Behaviour, Welfare, and Conservation Science equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate diverse roles in the animal sector. It covers biological concepts, animal husbandry, ethics, conservation, and advanced research methodologies. Students benefit from hands-on practical work, guest lectures, and industry collaborations, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities and further study pathways in the animal care industry.

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Degree Overview:

This broad-based course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to enter a variety of professions within the animal sector. You will:

• Develop and advance your 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 veterinary clinical suite, bespoke training area and Cruft’s standard agility course
• Enjoy off-site visits to animal charities, wildlife centres and other industry related venues

Outline:

Year 1 (Level 4)

• Modules:
• Biological Concepts: Develops students' understanding of key principles of animal biology, biological pathogens, laboratory skills, and anatomical structure and function.
• Husbandry: Develops knowledge and understanding of animal husbandry and provides practical experience with a wide range of animal species.
• Ethology and Anthrozoology: Investigates the biological basis of natural behaviour and evaluates the relationship between natural behaviour and captive animal welfare.
• Ethics and Welfare: Investigates contemporary issues within animal welfare and introduces students to relevant ethical issues.
• Academic and Personal Development: Familiarizes learners with the higher education culture and builds on key skills necessary for successful study.
• Professional Practice: Studies career opportunities and challenges within the animal sector, providing opportunities to develop skills and competencies in a workplace setting.

Year 2 (Level 5)

• Modules:
• Research Methodologies: Enables students to understand the role of relevant research and plan a research project.
• Nutrition and Feeding Practice: Analyzes the structure, role, and value of nutritional components of animal feed.
• Anatomy and Physiology: Equips students with a working knowledge of topographical and skeletal anatomy, relating anatomical structure to function.
• Learning and Training: Develops a working knowledge of the principles of learning theory as applied to animals, linking animal learning to training practices.
• Survey Skills for Conservation: Equips students with the skills to carry out surveys for animal species, including identifying, surveying, analyzing, and interpreting data.

Year 3 (Level 6)

• Modules:
• Conservation Policy: Explores the ecology of animal species native to the UK, understanding the need for and methods of conservation.
• Research Project: Allows students to conduct independent research on a topic of choice, including reviewing literature, evaluating research design, and analyzing and interpreting data.
• Stress and Animal Welfare: Explores how animal stress can be managed in various environments, understanding the physiological and behavioral adaptations resulting from modern use and husbandry.
• Animal Behaviour Modification: Develops awareness of the need for a systematic approach to understanding the aetiology of behavioural problems seen in animals.
• Research Skills and Professional Development: Equips students with the skills to critically evaluate research design, select and justify appropriate data collection methods, and reflect on personal development over the course.

Assessment:

Modules are assessed in a variety of ways, including:

• Academic essays
• Research posters
• Presentations
• Seminar discussions
• Exams
• Portfolios
• Reflective practice
• Practical assessment
The balance between different assessment methods is determined by the aims and learning outcomes of each module.

Teaching:

• Module delivery is achieved through a combination of theoretical lectures, seminar discussions, guest lectures, educational visits, and practical work.
• Students are expected to read around their subjects, utilizing reading lists provided in Module Guides.
• Wrexham University offers workshops and support sessions in areas like academic writing, effective note-taking, and preparing for assignments.
• Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors for support.
• The University's Inclusion Services provide guidance and support to students who require reasonable adjustments.

Careers:

Career opportunities in the animal care industry are wide-ranging. Graduates could work in:

• Animal welfare organisations
• Conservation
• Zoos and wildlife parks
• Veterinary practices
• Animal feed companies
• Veterinary or pharmaceutical companies
Further study opportunities are available, such as progression to postgraduate level research and teaching qualifications. Students moving into employment could expect to progress to careers within the animal industry such as, Welfare Centre managers, zoo keepers or careers allied to the industry, for example research and consultancy work.

Other:

• Urban and rural study environments - split your study time between the Northop campus set in the stunning North Wales countryside and our Wrexham campus, on the edge of the largest town in North East Wales
• Excellent links with industry
• Opportunities to carry out your own research project in a specialism of your choice within variety of settings
• Industry-active staff with specialist academic and practical skills, and experience of working with a range of domestic, and wild animals
• Join our zoological society and enjoy a range of events, activities and trips throughout the year
• Progression from the BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation Science includes employment or postgraduate study.