Bachelor of Science in Animal Behaviour and Psychology (BSc Hons)

Program Overview

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This Animal Behaviour and Psychology BSc (Hons) program offers a comprehensive study of animal behaviour, encompassing a wide range of species. It provides a strong foundation in the biological sciences, fosters an understanding of animal behaviour applications, and prepares students for careers in animal behaviour and related fields, including psychology. The program emphasizes practical experience through collaborations and offers opportunities for work-based learning, experiential learning, and study abroad.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This program, Animal Behaviour and Psychology BSc (Hons), offers a comprehensive and rigorous scientific approach to the study of animal behaviour. It encompasses a wide range of species, including those less emphasized elsewhere, such as amphibians and invertebrates.

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Objectives:

• The program aims to provide a strong foundation in the biological sciences, with a focus on the rigorous study of animal behaviour.
• It embraces a broad taxonomic range of species, including those often neglected in other programs.
• The program fosters an understanding of the application of animal behaviour knowledge in diverse settings, such as conservation breeding for endangered species, best practice pet welfare, and farm animal management.
• It provides students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in animal behaviour or related fields.
• The degree structure allows students to specialize in areas of psychology, including those relevant to a professional career in psychology.
• Students will develop a broad range of employability skills, including literacy, numeracy, critical appraisal, data handling, communication, and logical problem-solving skills.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Introduction to Animal Behaviour (Major Compulsory)
• Global Biodiversity (Major Compulsory)
• Genetics and Evolution (Major Optional)
• Data Handling and Project Design (Major Optional)
• Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Animals (Major Optional)
• Module Descriptions:
• Introduction to Animal Behaviour:
This module provides a broad introduction to the study of animal behaviour, covering topics such as foraging behaviour, reproduction and mate choice, parental behaviour, learning and development, social behaviour, and communication.
• Global Biodiversity: This module explores the diversity of life on Earth, including threats to biodiversity, and potential solutions to these problems.
• Genetics and Evolution: This module provides an understanding of the basic principles and concepts in classical and modern genetics, as well as the evidence supporting modern evolutionary theory.
• Data Handling and Project Design: This module introduces students to quantitative methods used in science, including statistical operations, project design, and data analysis.
• Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Animals: This module provides a grounding in the principles of animal anatomy and physiology across a range of taxa, covering major body systems and their physiological control.

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Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Behavioural Ecology (Major Compulsory)
• Optional Modules:
• Research Methods (Major Optional)
• Experiential Learning (Major Optional)
• Adaptations to the Environment (Major Optional)
• Marine Animal Behaviour (Major Optional)
• Experiential Overseas Learning (Major Optional)
• Year abroad study exchange (Major Optional)
• Enhancing your Employability through Work Based Learning (Major Optional)
• Module Descriptions:
• Behavioural Ecology:
This module focuses on evolutionary and ecological theory in relation to animal behaviour, particularly in the wild.
• Research Methods: This module builds upon knowledge gained in Year 1, providing students with the skills required to critically analyse primary research papers and conduct good scientific research.
• Experiential Learning: This module allows students to gain work-based or experiential learning experience through placements or other opportunities.
• Adaptations to the Environment: This module examines how animals have evolved to adapt to aquatic and terrestrial environments.
• Marine Animal Behaviour: This module explores the behaviour of marine animals, covering topics such as habitat and niche selection, migration, social living, foraging strategies, and conservation issues.
• Experiential Overseas Learning: This module provides students with the opportunity to engage in experiential learning activities overseas.
• Year abroad study exchange: This module allows students to study abroad for a year at a partner university.
• Enhancing your Employability through Work Based Learning: This module aims to enhance students' employability prospects through a University-approved work placement.

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Year 3:

• Core Modules:
• Dissertation (Major Compulsory)
• Optional Modules:
• Animal Behaviour and Conservation (Major Optional)
• Physiology and Behaviour (Major Optional)
• Animal Cognition (Major Optional)
• Applied Conservation Genetics (Major Optional)
• Managing Marine Environmental Impacts (Major Optional)
• Behavioural & Evolutionary Ecology (Major Optional)
• Parasitology (Major Optional)
• Module Descriptions:
• Dissertation:
This module allows students to engage in extensive independent research under the supervision of a tutor.
• Animal Behaviour and Conservation: This module explores the emerging field at the interface between animal behaviour and conservation biology.
• Physiology and Behaviour: This module examines the interaction between physiology and animal behaviour.
• Animal Cognition: This module discusses key areas in the field of animal cognition, including the evolution of intelligence, individual learning, spatial cognition, tool use, and social learning.
• Applied Conservation Genetics: This module explores the principles of conservation genetics, including genetic variation in natural populations, the consequences of low genetic variation, and conservation strategies.
• Managing Marine Environmental Impacts: This module investigates major issues concerning the survival of marine biodiversity and explores strategies for mitigating threats.
• Behavioural & Evolutionary Ecology: This module explores the interactions of individuals with their biotic and abiotic environments.
• Parasitology: This module examines the host-parasite relationship, including parasite life cycles, host defence mechanisms, and parasite ecology.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary by module and may include coursework, examinations, presentations, field trip reports, posters, and case studies.
• Coursework tasks typically involve essays, lab reports, and research projects.
• Examinations may consist of multi-choice questions and essay-style questions.

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Teaching:

• Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, and field trips.
• The program incorporates practical experience through collaboration with Reaseheath College and Chester Zoo.
• Students may be entitled to free membership of The Association of British and Irish Wild Animal Keepers (ABWAK).
• The Department of Psychology is housed in two linked buildings, equipped with lecture theatres, experimental rooms, and computing suites.
• There is an emphasis on real-world applications and learning through practical activity.

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Careers:

• Graduates from this program may pursue careers in various fields, including:
• Animal behaviour research
• Wildlife management and conservation
• Zoo management and conservation breeding
• Pet care and animal welfare
• Farm animal management
• Animal-assisted therapy
• Psychology-related fields, such as forensic psychology, health psychology, and educational psychology
• The University offers an award-winning Careers and Employability service to support students in their career planning.
• This service provides resources, advice, guidance, and opportunities for students to develop their employability skills.

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Other:

• The program provides students with the opportunity to undertake a Work Based Learning module, involving a work placement of at least 150 hours.
• Students may also participate in an Experiential Learning module, applying their knowledge to real-life scenarios and projects.
• The Experiential Overseas Learning module offers opportunities for short-term placements around the world.
• Students may choose to study abroad for a full academic year at a partner university.
• The program offers dedicated resources and IT services, including a comprehensive library, multimedia rooms, and study spaces.
• Exton Park, where the program is located, boasts various support services, fitness facilities, and accommodation options.
• The University provides a range of bursaries and scholarships to support students' financial needs.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Home Students

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study. The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals. Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

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International/EU Students

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950. This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study. For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section. Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.