BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation

This module explores how life evolves and how selection shapes the traits and behaviour of animals. After introducing concepts key to understanding evolutionary theory, we will explore how selection influences behaviour, using case studies to illustrate functional explanations for the evolution of cooperation, altruism, mating strategies, and parental investment. In the later part of the module, our focus shifts to the genetic foundations of evolution. You'll learn how variation arises through novel DNA mutation, how traits are passed on, and how populations change over time. We'll also explore how researchers use tools like phylogenetics and evolutionary developmental biology to study evolutionary relationships and understand how small genetic changes can lead to major evolutionary transitions. You’ll take part in hands-on workshops, including sessions covering DNA structure, mutation, population genetics, and the construction phylogenetic trees. Additional workshops will help you develop your scientific communication skills, both written and oral, in preparation for your assessments.

This module builds on the foundational skills and reflective practices introduced in the Level 4 'Succeeding at University' module, supporting students to deepen their professional identity and career readiness. It is designed to support learners in developing the knowledge, skills, and reflective practices essential for continuous professional growth in a dynamic and evolving workplace. Through a mix of practical experience and professional development sessions, this module will enable learners to explore essential themes such as personal effectiveness, leadership, communication, ethical practice, and lifelong learning. Drawing directly from work experience and/or professional settings in, learners will reflect on their real-world experiences to deepen their understanding of what it means to grow and succeed in animal behaviour and wildlife conservation. Students may draw on case studies or sector examples to connect theory to practice. Learners will engage in self-assessment, goal setting, and action planning to identify their strengths and areas for development. The module emphasizes reflective practice as a tool for professional learning and encourages learners to critically evaluate their experiences and performance in real-world contexts.

You will explore how captivity in its various forms influences animal behaviour. You will also explore how different approaches can be adopted to manipulate and manage behaviour in zoo-based animals, with the implications this then has for welfare and conservation. You will also cover the changing relationship between animals and visitors in zoos, as well as animal welfare, ethical issues, research work and human-animal interactions in zoo environments. You will gain an overview of the key drivers of zoo-based conservation, why we need conservation and how it operates. This will be looked at from a global perspective and examine topics such as monitoring and welfare of captive animals (including zoo, farm and lab animals), the specifics of zoo-based conservation and the link between in-situ and ex-situ conservation, including captive conservation breeding programmes and the reintroduction of captive-born animals.

This module is geared towards supporting students through the design and completion of their independent Honours Research Project. It provides you with the opportunity to take ownership of a piece of research that interests you, work independently under the guidance of a supervisor, and communicate findings to an academic audience. You will develop core skills in research design, data analysis, and academic communication, alongside important graduate attributes such as organisation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Many projects are carried out in collaboration with industrial partners (e.g., zoos, safari parks, sanctuaries, and conservation NGOs) and with active University research groups. These experiences strengthen practical and professional skills, provide exposure to real-world conservation and research environments, and can help build relationships with potential future employers Throughout the module, you will take part in workshops covering research planning, statistical analysis, data presentation, and reflective practice. Some sessions will use a flipped learning approach, where you review materials on CANVAS before attending interactive, discussion-based classes. Practical work for the honours project (data collection) can be completed during the summer before Level 6 starts and/or in Semester 1 of level 6. Before starting any practical work, projects must be formally approved and receive ethical approval where required. At the end of semester 2 (level 6) you will submit your research in the form of a scientific report and present your findings as an academic poster, in the style of a poster that would be suitable for presentation at a scientific conference. This module is designed to help you develop the independence, confidence, and professional skills and knowledge needed for future academic or career success

Biological invasions are one of the most significant conservation challenges facing ecosystems today. This module explores how and why species become invasive, the impacts they have on biodiversity and society, and the tools available to predict, assess, and manage them. Using real case studies from the UK and beyond, you will examine the ecological, environmental, and human factors that drive invasions and shape management decisions. You will develop practical skills used by professionals working in conservation, ecological consultancy, environmental management, and biosecurity. Throughout the module, you will be introduced to current approaches for assessing invasion risk, identifying introduction pathways, evaluating management options, and communicating evidence to different stakeholders. Workshops and field activities provide opportunities to apply these approaches to real-world scenarios and emerging issues. By the end of the module, you will be able to critically evaluate biological invasions, use contemporary assessment frameworks, and develop evidence-based recommendations suited to the UK context and wider global challenges. This module equips you with the knowledge and applied skills needed for careers related to invasion biology.

This module provides an overview of vertebrate diversity (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) with a focus on taxa directly related to the research expertise of the module team. It introduces the evolutionary relationships, classification, and key biological features of these groups. These will be examined within the context of their behaviour and conservation. The module includes a focus on vertebrate natural history, including life cycles, behaviour, feeding strategies, reproduction, and ecological roles. Building on concepts from across levels 4 and 5, students will develop a holistic view of the major threats facing vertebrate populations, such as habitat loss, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation. Core conservation principles and management approaches are evaluated, including species monitoring, habitat protection, and conservation planning. The module provides a foundation for understanding vertebrate biology and the challenges associated with conserving vertebrate biodiversity.