BSc (Hons) Wildlife and Practical Conservation

Part-time study available
International students can apply
Work placement opportunity

This course focuses on general conservation, the physical environment and landscape, but also provides the opportunity to study the ecology and behaviour of animals in the wild.

Course Structure

In year 1 you will study a range of topics in six modules covering both theory and practice across the biological and environmental sciences.

In the second year the course offers specialist modules in wildlife and environmental areas.

Year 3 includes a dissertation on a wildlife, conservation or zoo biology topic of your choice. Recent topics have ranged from the ecology and behaviour of sugar gliders and the social structure of chimpanzees in zoos, to the legal problems associated with proposals to introduce wolves into Scotland.

If you are studying part-time you select two to four modules from each year of study, completing the rest of the modules for the year in the following year. This leads to a maximum six-year duration for a part-time degree. If studying part-time you do not have the placement option.

Year 1

Biodiversity (20 credits)

This module focuses on the origins and diversity of living organisms (including humans), the environmental processes and their role in the generation of biodiversity.

Genetics and Ecology (20 credits)

The aim of this module is develop an understanding of basic genetics, gene manipulation, evolution and population genetics and how these disciplines are relevant to wildlife and practical conservation. You will look at genetics and the inheritance of genetic traits and diseases in humans and animals.

Introduction to Zoo Biology (20 credits)

This module introduces you to the historical development and evolution of zoos, the basic anatomy and physiology of vertebrates, the principles of zoo enclosure design and the methods of handling and identifying individual animals.

Field Biology and Biological Identification (20 credits)

This module introduces identification and measurement of organisms in the field, looking at common British species of animals and plants and awareness of their likely distribution, the production of identification drawings and the use of a range of ecological sampling equipment and methods.

Earth Surface Processes (20 credits)

This module provides a broad introduction to the physical processes that take place within the geosphere and biosphere focusing on those that are linked to the nature of landforms, global ecosystem processes and environmental change. The module will provide a sound understanding of the inter-relationships between physical environmental processes and human activity including natural hazards, climate change and biodiversity.

Study Skills (20 credits)

In this module you will learn by observation, investigation, comparison and engagement and develop practical learning and presentation methods which can be applied generically during year 1 and beyond. You will also gain an appreciation of Personal Development Planning and effective data handling, calculation and numerical skills.

Year 2

Wildlife Ecology and Behaviour (20 credits)

This module focuses on the principles of wildlife ecology and animal behaviour with particular reference to mammal and bird species. It also introduces scientific methods in the study of ecology and behaviour.

Species Conservation (10 credits)

This module will introduce you to the modern concepts of conservation biology at the level of species and populations, the existing tensions between theory and practice in species conservation planning, and an overview of the interdisciplinary toolbox used by conservation biologists (for example IT packages and DNA fingerprints).

You will also be given the chance to design an appropriate conservation programme for a species or population, including the projection of future survival under varying scenarios.

Landscape Change (20 credits)

This module will introduce you to the concepts of landscape change and demonstrate how natural and human factors have influenced landscape. You will discuss landscape change at a range of spatial and temporal scales.

Mapping Changing Environments (20 credits)

This module will introduce you to the theory and practice of acquiring environmental data using global positioning systems, aerial photography and remote sensing.

Terrestrial and Freshwater Habitats (20 credits)

This module aims to provide scientific information on the ecology of selected terrestrial and freshwater habitats; study the environmental factors influencing adaptations of organisms to land and aquatic habitats; and help you appreciate the interaction between biotic and abiotic components of lakes and rivers.

Wildlife Study and Research Skills (10 credits)

The aim of this module is to show you how to learn by observation, investigation, comparison and engagement and to develop your practical learning and presentation methods which can be applied generically during the rest of the course and beyond.

Marine Biology (20 credits)

This module provides awareness of the biology and ecology of marine environments as well as providing you with the opportunity to undertake field work and encouraging you to adopt an investigative approach to ecological studies. Includes a one-week field trip to Pembrokeshire.

Primate Behaviour and Conservation (20 credits)

This module aims to provide you with knowledge of the structure and evolution of primate societies. You will look at the Primate Order, its distribution and the conservation priorities for primate species. You will gain an understanding of the ecological and demographic processes that underlie different types of social systems and an insight into the way in which evolutionary, ecological, genetic and physiological analyses can facilitate this understanding.

Parasite and Vector Biology (20 credits)

This module looks at selected examples of pests and parasites and their impact on human health and human society. It gives an understanding of the life-cycles, basic systematics, transmission, pathology and control of the examples chosen.

Year 3

Wildlife and Nature Conservation Law (10 credits)

This module focuses on the UK, European and international nature conservation law and the statutory and non-statutory organisations concerned with the protection of the natural environment.

Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing 1 (10 credits)

This module will provide an insight into, and conceptual knowledge of, contemporary techniques for environmental appraisal applicable to private, public and voluntary sector enterprises. You will learn about sustainable development, and the implications for environmental policy and management and environmental impact assessment in the British planning system and the broader European context.

Plus choose four from:

Terrestrial Ecology (20 credits)

Study the consequence of human actions on the environment from prehistoric times to the present day, the appropriate ecological principles involved in plant-animal interactions and in the autecology of selected dominant species.

Environmental Remote Sensing (20 credits)

This module will develop your understanding of the principles of remote sensing and the issues associated with applying remote sensing data to solve real-world problems. You will be exposed to a range of remotely sensed data and develop a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of methodologies that employ such data.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop your comprehension of the factors controlling the design and implementation of GIS solutions to map, monitor and model terrestrial environments. You will also be encouraged to examine the major issues and impacts of GIS evolution and diffusion on society.

Applied Hydrobiology (20 credits)

The module focuses on biology relevant to the water industry and organisations which regulate and control the aquatic environment, for example the Environment Agency. The major themes are biology associated with water resources and water pollution. The module will be enhanced by field studies and external visits.

Animal Cognition and Social Complexity (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of the cognitive abilities and limitations of nonhuman animals, with a particular focus on nonhuman primates. The course also develops your understanding of the cognitive challenges associated with living in complex social groups.

Epidemiology and Ecology of Infectious Diseases (20 credits)

This module explores the ecology and transmission of human and animal infectious diseases and their management.

BSc (Hons) Wildlife and Practical Conservation

Course Structure

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Part-time structure

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