On this module you will be supported in the design and and undertaking of an original research project. You will develop skills in research design, project management and the application of specialist research techniques relevant to your subject area. The research project subject will be agreed with an appropriate supervisor and the research project Module Leader.  The agreed research project will be carried out and assessed within this module.

This module provides you with an introduction to graduate-level approaches to biodiversity data analysis, and introduces two important software platforms for statistical exploration, simulation and spatial data analysis. The first section of this module uses the widely used “R” platform to teach data exploration and statistical analyses. The second section introduces geographic information systems (GIS) and their use in the analysis of spatially-explicit biological data, including raster and vector data.

In this module you will advance your understanding of the impact that human knowledge, experience and behaviour have on the welfare of the animals that humans interact with. You will explore how different stakeholder groups view the same animal groups and expand your knowledge of welfare threats faced by key animal groups. You will over the course develop communication and argument skills in the field of animal welfare.

Expected topics to be covered include:

Welfare assessment advances and their practical applications from the perspectives of various stakeholders

Legal aspects and public perceptions of various animal groups and their welfare needs and status

Human-animal relationships and their impact on various groups of animals

Critical discussions on definitions of welfare and well-being

Current global threats to animal welfare including disease transmission.

This module will provide you with an introduction to cutting-edge genetic and genomic techniques that are used to inform conservation actions. During the course, learners will be introduced, both theoretically and practically, to the genetic approaches that are currently implemented to inform conservation management actions for species in the wild. You will explore the importance of genetic processes to species survival and how genetic techniques can be used as a tool to answered questions of conservation concern.