BSc (Hons) Animal Conservation Science (With Integrated Foundation Year)

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Animal Conservation Science program at the University of Cumbria combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience in animal conservation. It equips students with skills in species monitoring, research methods, and conservation management, preparing them for careers in wildlife conservation, environmental consulting, and related fields. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, including fieldwork, internships, and research opportunities, and is taught within a national park, providing access to diverse habitats and wildlife.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This is a BSc (Hons) Animal Conservation Science (With Integrated Foundation Year) program offered by the University of Cumbria. It is designed for individuals passionate about animal conservation and dedicated to protecting animals and their habitats. The program emphasizes a practical approach, combining theoretical learning with hands-on experience.

Objectives:

• Provide a strong foundation in scientific, intellectual, and investigative skills.
• Equip students with knowledge and understanding of biodiversity, animal behavior, ecology, and conservation practices.
• Develop practical skills in species monitoring, research methods, data analysis, and conservation management.
• Foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for successful careers in animal conservation.
• Offer opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and research to enhance practical experience and employability.

Outline:

Year One:

• Essential University Skills 1: Develops academic and professional skills for effective learning and progression.
• Essential Biology: Provides fundamental principles of biology essential for further study in animal conservation.
• Scientific Investigation: Explores the protocols associated with scientific investigation.
• Essential University Skills 2: Expands learning in research, writing, and reflective learning; includes skills in presenting research and reflecting on personal development.
• Environmental Sciences: Introduces field-based skills related to natural sciences, encompassing human ecology, toxicology, public health, epidemiology, and parasitology.
• Dynamic Earth: Focuses on applied aspects of geology, geomorphology, climatology, hydrology, and soils, with opportunities for laboratory and field classes.

Year Two:

• Conservation Skills and Practice: Develops core scientific and practical skills needed for successful conservation work.
• Introduction to Conservation Biology: Provides a foundation in conservation, including its history, organizations involved, legislation, policies, international agreements, and strategies.
• Biodiversity I: Introduces the range of biodiversity on the planet, covering lectures and field/laboratory sessions for practical experience and identification skills.
• Biodiversity II: Extends identification skills using both field guides and microscopes to observe detailed characteristics required for scientific keys.
• Introduction to Ecology: Offers a comprehensive understanding of ecology and ecological processes, including the study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
• Animal Biology: Provides a solid understanding of the cellular basis of animal physiology, including fundamental genetics and neurobiology, drawing on examples from both invertebrate and vertebrate animals.

Year Three:

• Biodiversity Monitoring: Builds upon identification and field skills from Year One, putting knowledge and experience with biological monitoring techniques into practice.
• Evolution and Biogeography: Explores the mechanisms that drive evolution, covering the history of the Earth, major extinction and diversification events, and the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors on plant and animal distributions.
• Conservation Genetics: Introduces the importance of genetic diversity in conservation, providing students with a fundamental knowledge of genetics and its application to ecological and conservation issues.
• Research Methods and Data Analysis: Introduces the scientific method, research design, data collection techniques, and analytical skills required for an undergraduate dissertation project.
• Animal Behaviour: Explores the science of animal behavior and its applications to animal welfare and conservation.
• Geographic Information Systems (Optional): Provides an understanding of GIS theory and application relevant to the field of study and potential future employment.
• Valuing the Environment (Optional): Explores concepts associated with valuing the environment, including natural capital, nature's contribution to people, and ecosystem services.
• Environmental Change Biology (Optional): Examines the impact of natural and anthropogenic change on biodiversity and biological communities, focusing on climate-induced changes and other broad aspects of environmental change.

Year Four:

• Dissertation: Undertaken as an independent year-long research project, students conduct in-depth research on a chosen topic related to animal conservation science and conservation biology.
• Behavioural Ecology: Introduces an evolutionary approach to understanding animal behavior, exploring different types of behavior and the advantages they provide in terms of individual fitness.
• Applied Field Studies: Provides hands-on experience in collecting, analyzing, and reporting scientific data, developing higher-level analytical skills.
• Wildlife Management: Applies knowledge of wildlife and conservation to real-life situations, providing in-depth knowledge of wildlife management techniques, emphasizing planning, administration, and funding for effective management of habitats, populations, and species.
• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing (Optional): Provides skills and knowledge for planning and implementing projects using GIS and remote sensing to solve issues in conservation and natural resources management.
• Contemporary Issues in Conservation (Optional): Considers shifting ecological, political, social, and economic contexts and drivers for conservation, promoting a critical approach to conservation practice through an understanding of contemporary issues.
• Conservation Strategies (Optional): Integrates socio-ecological and economic perspectives to applied conservation strategies, developing theoretical and practical conservation themes with a focus on strategies that promote biological diversity and sustainability.

Assessment:

Assessment methods may include:

• Unseen examinations
• Open-book examinations and practical tests
• Laboratory and field reports
• Computer-based assessments (statistical analysis)
• Problem-solving exercises
• Critical analysis of case studies and field work problems
• Oral, audio-visual, and poster presentations
• Production of scientific papers
• Research plans
• Dissertations
• Peer and self-assessment
• Group work

Teaching:

• The program is delivered at the Lake District Campus, Ambleside, through lectures, seminars, directed reading, and independent study.
• Theoretical learning is supplemented by a wide range of field practicals and laboratory work to provide practical experience.
• Teaching is facilitated by expert practitioner staff.
• The learning environment is well-equipped, flexible, and stimulating.

Careers:

The program provides a solid foundation for a range of careers in animal conservation and related fields, including:

• Wildlife conservation officer
• Environmental consultant
• Research scientist
• Ecologist
• Park ranger
• Education and outreach officer
• Policy analyst
• Wildlife rehabilitator
• Zookeeper
• Conservation manager

Other:

• The degree is taught within a national park, providing easy access to charismatic wildlife and diverse habitats.
• Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in species reintroduction as part of their degree.
• The University of Cumbria has strong links with wildlife conservation organizations in the UK and abroad, offering work placements, volunteering opportunities, and job prospects.

Note:

The context provided does not offer information on specific career outcomes or statistics.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• UK: £9,250 per year
• International: £13,575 per year