Modules

This module will equip you with the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills essential for success in a wide range of careers within the life sciences, and sustainability sectors. Key themes include sustainability and Carbon Literacy, stakeholder engagement, and ethical decision-making. You will develop competencies in communication, including group work, peer-to-peer presentations, and pitching ideas to diverse audiences. Through seminars and collaborative group work, you will apply entrepreneurial thinking and leadership skills to develop a Communication Piece for your assessment. This module provides you with the tools to understand and apply sustainability principles alongside commercial awareness and policy considerations, enhancing your graduate employability and preparing you to navigate complex professional environments while driving meaningful change in your chosen field.

In this module you will cover a broad range of conservation theories and techniques and how they can be used and applied to conservation management of wild animals. This module enables you to consider what your existing knowledge of genetics, ecology and animal behaviour can bring to animal conservation. The module will include key case studies along with a strong practical component giving you the chance to try out skills in genetic analysis to study the population structure of a species. You will also demonstrate learning of new perspectives in conservation genetics, wildlife forensics, animal behaviour and management and reflect on their applicability to conservation efforts.

This module explores key aspects of animal behaviour modification across various settings, including homes, kennels, catteries, equestrian centres, rehoming facilities, and zoos. It examines the influence of genetics, early life experiences, human-animal interactions, and lifestyle on the development of behaviour problems. You will evaluate methods for assessing behavioural issues, along with their limitations, and explore a range of solutions such as training and therapeutic interventions.

This module investigates the latest advances in animal behaviour research in terms of technologies, methodologies, theory and discoveries. From using AI tracking software and gene expression technologies to discover previously unknown behaviour, you will explore how cutting-edge technologies and methodologies are leading to exciting new discoveries. You will investigate how classical animal behaviour theories have been challenged and changed as science becomes more inclusive, opening up to broader societal spheres bringing novel ideas from an increasingly diverse research community, and you will critically evaluate current theories. You will also explore new research which is revealing how behavioural plasticity and urban evolution are enabling animals to behaviourally adapt to an ever-changing world.

In this module, you will engage in the research of a selected topic relevant to your course. You will have the opportunity to delve deeply into a subject of your choice, utilising primary and secondary sources to inform your work. You will consider the ethics and health and safety aspects of conducting your project, and apply your prior training in experimental design and analysis. Throughout the process, you will develop your critical thinking and analytical skills, whilst conducting this independent research with the support of a lecturer. The dissertation represents a substantial piece of scholarly work that demonstrates your understanding and application of scientific concepts relevant to your course. Additionally, you will refine your skills in academic writing and effective communication of complex ideas. Overall, the dissertation represents the culmination of your education, preparing you to become a biological scientist.