Course Summary

A key strength of our Animal Behaviour degree is that it is firmly rooted in the biological sciences and adopts a rigorous scientific approach to the study of the behaviour of animals. As well as exploring the behaviour of charismatic animals, we embrace a wide taxonomic range of species and have a good focus on some of the groups less emphasised elsewhere, such as amphibians and invertebrates. These groups have really interesting behaviour in their own right but are also a crucial part of temperate and tropical ecosystems. Whilst the emphasis is mainly on wild animals, you can study behaviour in more managed environments, e.g. determining best husbandry and conservation breeding for endangered animals in zoos; best practice pet welfare; farm animal management. Our staff bring great expertise from their research fields.

Our Biology degree offers a range of subjects and unique experiences due to close partnerships with organisations such as Chester Zoo and other leading institutes, industries and charities. We supplement classroom learning with opportunities for work placements or fieldwork. There are also opportunities to take part in exciting laboratory-based research. We undertake diverse research activities that ensure enthusiastic delivery of contemporary content. These include countering the illegal trade in endangered species using DNA-based techniques; improved understanding of disease processes; cancer biology; microbiology; animal behaviour; and conservation biology. We will encourage you to become a member of relevant professional societies, such as a member of the Royal Society of Biology, and participate at organised events.