About the Courses
Are you passionate about understanding animal behaviour and applying this knowledge to improve welfare? Do you want to explore the evolution of behaviour in a variety of species? Applying an understanding of animal needs and health, you consider the many aspects of animal welfare, including an examination of the legal and ethical frameworks that safeguard welfare. You also undertake practical work, conducting behavioural and welfare assessment studies, gaining the skills sought by employers.
In the 2020 National Student Survey, 100% felt that the staff made the subject interesting; 100% found the course intellectually stimulating; 96% of students felt staff on this course were good at explaining things; and 91% were satisfied with the quality of the course.*
Are you passionate about understanding animal behaviour and applying this knowledge to improve welfare? Do you want to explore the evolution of behaviour in a variety of species? Applying an understanding of animal needs and health, you consider the many aspects of animal welfare, including an examination of the legal and ethical frameworks that safeguard welfare. You also undertake practical work, conducting behavioural and welfare assessment studies, gaining the skills sought by employers.
In the 2020 National Student Survey, 100% felt that the staff made the subject interesting; 100% found the course intellectually stimulating; 96% of students felt staff on this course were good at explaining things; and 91% were satisfied with the quality of the course.*
Modules
Year 1
In your first year, you will learn the core skills and fundamental science required to be able to study animal behaviour and welfare, since it is critical when working in these fields to have a strong understanding of the underlying science. You will study evolution, behaviour, physiology, microbiology and ecology, whilst developing your skills in experimental design and interpretation. You will understand the importance of statistical analyses in behavioural studies and will be able to perform fundamental data analyses. You will gain these skills and through a mix of lectures, tutorials and laboratory practicals. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a residential field trip (most recently we went to Slapton Ley in South Devon) or an alternative, where you will study the ecology and behaviour of organisms in various settings.
Year 2
In your second year, you will understand the factors that influence how and when animals interact with one another and with their environment. You will develop a deeper understanding of animal physiology and metabolism, and how it can be applied to promote health, reproduction and growth in a range of animal species. You will develop your understanding of experimental design and data analysis, building on material covered in your first year. You will be able to interpret studies published in the scientific literature and will be able to compare and contrast your data with those of other studies. You will have the opportunity to undertake a residential field trip or an alternative, where you will study welfare and behaviour of animals in zoos, allowing you to study a range of exotics in a captive settings, as well as being able to compare different philosophies and practices in animal husbandry, and their impacts on welfare and behaviour. Most recently, the residential field trip was to the Netherlands.