Biodiversity
Undergraduate
BSc (Hons)
Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology with Studies in the USA with Professional Experience
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Attendance
Full-time
With placement
Course
Four year
Next enrolment
September 2024
In a nutshell
This course combines with the hugely popular Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology programme to offer students taking that course the chance to undertake the second year of their studies in the USA. Partnering with Otterbein University in Ohio, you will study equivalent modules in the USA that will form your second year degree mark.
This course focuses on wildlife conservation both in zoos and in the wild which is ideal if you wish to pursue a career involving wildlife, working in either of those environments. The School, and its USA partner, have close links with local zoos and aquariums to provide you with a wide range of experiences throughout your course.
By choosing the professional experience pathway, you'll complete a year-long industrial placement between years two and three. This is a great opportunity to apply what you've learnt so far, and develop additional workplace skills to complement your academic studies.
One of the key features of this course is our strong emphasis on field trips – these include day trips as well as national and overseas residential trips with the majority of these trips being free.
In the 2020 NSS survey, wildlife courses received 100% overall satisfaction [based on University of Salford analysis of unpublished NSS 2020 data].
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
You will:
- Acquire the practical skills used in wildlife conservation and zoos
- Have the opportunity to go on a variety of field trips, including to the tropics
- Combine knowledge of theory with practical skills
- Have the opportunity to undertake international study in the USA
Placement
options available
International
students accepted
All about the course
This course offers those interested in experiencing what it is like to study in the American university education system, a year of study with our USA university partner.
The programme of study you’ll take will involve: one year at Salford (first year), where you will study a range of topics across several modules covering both theory and practice across the biological and environmental sciences. In the the second year you will undertake a year of study at Otterbein University, USA.
You'll then take an industry placement year, where you'll gain hands-on experience, enhance your skills and make those early career connections. Although you’ll be responsible for securing your placement, our tutors will support you all the way, from helping you to apply, to providing a support structure whilst you are on placement.
In the final year in Salford, which includes a dissertation on a wildlife, conservation or zoo biology topic of your choice in addition to specialist modules in areas of interest to you.
Year one
Life arose on Earth at least 3.5 billion years ago. Today, Earth hosts an extraordinary diversity of organisms, with recent study estimating that there are between 2 and 20 million eukaryote species alive today (the vast majority of which have still not been identified and described by scientists). However, this is a small fraction of all the species that have ever lived, >99.9% of which are extinct. This module will give you an overview of this remarkable biodiversity, focusing on the major groups, their characteristics, their diversity, and their evolutionary relationships.
Genes to Ecosystems
In the first trimester, this module provides a systems-led approach to understand basic concepts of genetics. In the second trimester, this approach is extended to understand basic concepts of ecosystems.
Introduction to Zoo Biology
This module provides an integrative approach to understand basic concepts of zoo biology. It is largely lecture-based, and also includes day trips to local zoos.
Field Biology
This module will introduce students to field techniques required for ecological surveys of land and aquatic habitats. Learning will be delivered by lectures, non-residential fieldwork, computer and practical classes. The module will develop students to identification and taxonomy skills, and introduce GIS and its uses within fieldwork.
Global Distribution Wildlife
The module provides you an overview of the world’s major biomes. You learn about the importance of biogeography and the principal factors that drive the distribution of species and communities and how wildlife adapts to these factors.
Study Skills
In this module you will learn by observation, investigation, comparison and engagement and will develop practical learning and presentation methods which can be applied generically during year one and beyond. You will also gain an appreciation of Personal Development Planning and effective data handling, calculation and numerical skills.
Year two
Otterbein University
This course includes the option to spend your second year studying with our partner Otterbein University in the USA.
In year 2 at Otterbein University you will study a range of core and optional modules. Throughout the year you will be supported by a tutor based in Salford whom you will have had as your first year tutor and also by a local tutor at Otterbein.
Core modules:
Conservation Biology
Math (Statistics 1)
Animal Behavior
Zoo Enrichment and Animal Training
Zoo Management & Conservation Engagement
Optional modules - you can choose 2 from the following:
Genetics
Ecology
Marine Science
Evolution
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Placement year
Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology Placement Year
You will undertake a year in industry as part of this course, in between your second and third year of studies. The placement year allows you to experience wildlife conservation themes in practice, working with one of our key industrial partners or another organisation of your choosing.
Year three
Zoo Organisation and Regulation
Learn about the structure and function of the zoo community at a national, European and international level - its legal regulation and its role in wildlife conservation.
Zoo and Exhibit Design
On this module you will integrate knowledge from previous zoo biology modules into a practical application. You will gain an understanding of how zoos achieve their stated aims from an economic, practical and scientific view-point and the strategies they use to advance their stated goals.
Practical Ecology and Conservation
This module aims to equip you with the basic knowledge and skills needed for ecological consultancy. It is designed to promote employability and apply academic qualifications to a growing sector that seeks to provide expertise on ecological and environmental issues to industry, governmental agencies and other organisations. You will be given an overview of consultancy and the ecology of survey methods used for protected species and habitats. The main assessment will involve you proposing surveys for a client wanting to build on a specified site, in addition to carrying out surveys in practical sessions.
Choose one option from
Final Year Project and Professional Skills
This dissertation module allows you to develop independent, experimental, investigative and analytical research skills as you conduct a substantial research project based around a specific aspect/topic in your relevant bioscience discipline area.
Final Year Project with Science Communication and Professional Skills
This dissertation module allows you to develop independent research skills, including data analysis, while conducting research on a topic in an area relevant to your programme of study. You will learn about science communication and the variety of methods in which science can be disseminated and communicated, and then put these methods into practice. You will also develop your professional skills, with a focus on employability.
Plus two options from
Animal Cognition and Social Complexity
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.
Applied Freshwater Biology
This module aims to enable you to gain a knowledge and critical understanding of the biology and ecology of freshwater systems relevant to the water industry and related organisations which regulate and control pollution of the aquatic environment.
It also provides you with the necessary skills and techniques to undertake biological and chemical evaluation of water quality ecology, fish population and condition to apply these in novel situations to generate data for interpretation. In particular, you will be provided with the necessary laboratory skills to test water quality to the standards of the Water Framework Directive UK.
Tropical Ecology and Conservation
This module is based round a 2-week field trip to a tropical biology field station. Students will learn concepts in, and approaches to, tropical ecology and conservation and biodiversity in tropical ecosystems. The module involves an independent research project in the field that will be written up as a scientific report.
Environmental Geographical Information Systems
The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge and understanding of the factors controlling the design and implementation of GIS solutions to map, monitor and model terrestrial environments. You will also examine the major issues and impacts of GIS evolution and diffusion on society.
Veterinary and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
This module looks at the maintenance and transmission of infectious diseases of veterinary or zoonotic interest. Particular interest is focused on the role of wildlife species in the ecology and epidemiology of infectious diseases. The role of arthropod-vectors in transmitting infections, and how this influences the ecology of such infections, is also studied.
Habitat Conservation and Restoration
The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of conservation science at the habitat level, including the restoration of ecosystems which underwent human-induced deterioration in the past.
University Wide Language
Courses are available in: Arabic, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
Mitigating Climate Change (Wildlife)
This module will help you develop a detailed understanding of the scientific principles underlying how changing climate has an effect on the natural world, urban environments and society. This knowledge will enable you to appreciate the implications of climate change on biodiversity, ecosystems and society, whilst identifying what adaptations can be made to mitigate climate change.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a rapidly changing world, our multi-disciplinary courses will shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and conservationists. Shaped by industry and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the skills to become unstoppable in your career.
facilities
You will experience a modern learning environment, enriched with accessible lecture theatres and AV-equipped classrooms, computing suites and multimedia libraries, with access to industry journals, databases, and simulation software.
As a wildlife conservation student, you will have access to our state-of-the-art, integrated teaching laboratory known as the Bodmer Lab. The Bodmer Lab is a specialist, purpose-built facility and ensures our students benefit from the latest technologies to support their learning and remain on the cutting edge of innovation and discovery.
What about after uni?
You have many opportunities to work in voluntary and government conservation organisations operating at local, national and international levels. Opportunities also exist for you to work in environmental consultancies, environmental education and in zoos. Previous students have gained employment in zoos, country parks, animal sanctuaries and environmental consultancies.
Furthermore, graduates have undertaken research for a PhD including studying orangutans in Borneo, large animals in Tanzania and various projects in urban ecology.
Zoos play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity and many species are now bred in captivity as part of national, regional and international breeding programmes. The EC Zoos Directive requires zoos and aquariums in the European Union to have a conservation role. As a result, it is likely that zoos across Europe will increase their breeding, scientific and education activities in the future, and with this degree you could be the person they are looking for.
FURTHER STUDY
MSc Wildlife Documentary Production
Career Links
As a result of our close links to industry, you will have the opportunity to go on several field trips which may include visits to Chester Zoo, South Lakes Wild Animal Park, Knowsley Safari Park, Blackpool Zoo, Twycross Zoo, Dudley Zoo and Martin Mere (Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust). In addition, staff from some of these institutions contribute lectures to the course bringing more real world examples to your learning.
Students have undertaken work placements in a wide range of countries including South Africa, Madagascar, Spain, Greece and the USA, working with a very wide range of animals from donkeys and wolves to seals and turtles. Zoo biology students have undertaken placements in zoos in the USA, Canada and the UK. You will arrange your placement with our support.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
You will have a genuine broad interest in wildlife and conservation, enjoy working outdoors in all weathers, as well as collecting and analyzing data. We expect you to be interested in biology and the environment. We welcome applications from mature students who may not have academic qualifications in relevant subjects, but have experience in zoos or conservation organisations.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0, with no element below 5.5, is proof of this.
Please note: The entry criteria below are related to entry onto this course in the 2021/22 academic year.
Standard entry requirements
GCSE
English language and mathematics at grade C or 4 or above
UCAS tariff points
104 - 112 UCAS points
A level
104 - 112 UCAS points
BTEC National Diploma
DMM
Diploma in Foundation Studies
104 - 112 UCAS points, Merit/Distinction
Scottish Highers
104 - 112 UCAS points from Higher Level
Irish Leaving Certificate
104 - 112 UCAS points from Higher Level
European Baccalaureate
Pass in Diploma of at least 60% including at least one science subject
International Baccalaureate
30 points
Alternative entry requirements
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
Please note that you should discuss the possibility of being considered for the scheme with the Admissions Tutor before making an application. Please contact the Environment and Life Sciences school office to speak with the Admissions Tutor for this course: +44(0)161 295 4656
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2024/25 | £9,250.00per year |
| Full-time international | 2024/25 | £12,960.00per year |
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,250.00per year |
| Full-time international | 2025/26 | £15,600.00per year |
Additional costs
All field trips are funded by the university but you may need to consider additional costs such as food and spending money.
International field trips that are part of core modules are also funded by the university but you will need to pay towards international field trips that are part of optional modules (although these are subsidised by the university) and you will be made aware of these costs before selecting the module. For the trip to the tropics (as part of the optional Tropical Ecology and Conservation module) there is a fee of about £600 and students need to pay for their own flights and visa.
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships 2021/22
Students on this course have previously benefitted from a scholarship to support their study and living costs. Visit the scholarships page for more information about available scholarships.
To celebrate Salford's expertise and industry links, high achieving international students may be eligible for an International Excellence Scholarship worth up to £3,500. Visit the international scholarships page for more information.