Animal Behaviour (with integrated year in industry) BSc (Hons)

How and why do animals behave as they do? Animal behaviourists use rigorous, scientific methods to answer such questions. The scientific study of animal behaviour provides amazing insights into the ways in which animals survive and reproduce within their dynamic environment is essential for the successful conservation and management of rare and endangered species; and is key to improving the welfare of captive and domestic animals. This variant of our Animal Behaviour scheme includes an integrated year in industry between the second and fourth years of study. A year of work experience will greatly enhance your employment prospects, and provide a head start to your career in Animal Behaviour!

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four-year degree scheme.

Your first year will provide a broad grounding in biology, and training in the skills needed to succeed in your studies. Subject areas will include:

• The evolution and diversity of life

• Animal physiology

• Diagnosis and control of animal diseases

• Wildlife forensics

• Study and communication skills, and many others.

In your second year you will undertake specialist modules in animal behaviour, and gain essential scientific skills. Subject areas will include:

• Ethology, the scientific study of animal behaviour

• Modern zoo science

• Veterinary health

• Quantitative and qualitative procedures for data analysis

• Good research design and planning

In your third year you will undertake your work experience in an industry that is relevant to the field of Animal Behaviour.

In your final year, subject areas will include:

• The behaviour and welfare of domesticated animals

• The physiological mechanisms behind animal behaviour

• A compulsory dissertation research project

• Optional modules chosen from a selection including wildlife conservation, advanced topics in animal behaviour, and a residential animal behaviour field course.

What professions do our students go into?

Many of our students go on to postgraduate study at Masters or PhD level, aiming for careers in pure or applied science, or science communication. Others have gone on to careers as scientific animal technicians and medical laboratory assistants. During their studies, many of our students have volunteered for conservation projects such as the Pine Martin Recovery Project and Iberian Lynx captive breeding program, or for organisations such as the RSPB.

Your year in industry:

Make no mistake, you will develop confidence and gaining experience in the industry will stimulate your enthusiasm for the subject.