Animal Behaviour: Applications for Conservation

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Accessibility statement

MSc

Intermediate award(s): PG Cert, PG Dip

Part-Time

Course overview

This course has a focus on new cutting-edge methods used within the study of animal behaviour - innovative approaches to the study of animals in the interest of their conservation. It is suitable for a range of candidates, including working professionals interested in updating technical skills. There has been a revolution in the kind of things we can learn about free-ranging animals using DNA technologies, or state-of-the-art radio-tracking equipment. With a better understanding will emerge important insights that help understand patterns of vulnerability, and help in the formulation of novel approaches to conservation. This course enables you to specialise in particular methods and focus on particular animal species, including marine species.

During this course you will develop:

an understanding of animal behaviour and how this is applied in finding solutions to conservation problems
a confidence to employ laboratory and field methods, showing originality in your application to solve problems in novel situations
an understanding of experimental design as applied to lab and field studies of animals and confidence in the use of statistics
an understanding of the ethical dilemmas surrounding study of captive and wild animals, and work with others to formulate solutions in the interest of animal welfare
the transferable skills necessary for employment, including initiative, personal responsibility, leadership.

Module guide

Core modules

Technology and Techniques in the Study of Animal Behaviour

This module is designed to provide you with an appreciation of the diversity of methods available for the study of animal behaviour. New methods available for understanding animal behaviour can provide important insights that aid in understanding vulnerability and help in the formulation of novel approaches to conservation.
Behavioural Ecology and Conservation

This module considers how behavioural decisions affect the survival of species in an increasingly human-altered landscape, and how understanding behaviour can be critical to conservation initiatives.
Research Methods

This module (delivered by distance learning) will help you to develop your research skills and prepare you for your Masters dissertation.
Research Project

Here, you will be required to undertake a significant research project and to present the results in a thesis prepared to the highest scientific professional standards.

Optional modules

Practical Applications of DNA Based Technologies (15 credits)

This is a laboratory-based module which will introduce you to various DNA technologies that have become pivotal in assessing the conservation status of endangered species.
Study Tour: Understanding Biodiversity and Sustainability (15 credits)

Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the issues central to wildlife conservation on a residential field trip to Borneo. you will integrate an understanding of the natural world and ecological processes with current conservation problems, including socio-political and ethical dimensions in a practical context.
GIS Tools for Biodiversity Mapping and Conservation (30 credits)

In this module you will look at how and why species distributions change over time and applies skills in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to map and analyse such changes.
Ecotourism and Nature Tourism (15 credits)

This module is delivered by our Ashcroft International Business School and examines the potentials and problems of ecotourism and nature based tourism through case studies and analysis of definitions and its philosophy.
Sustainable Tourism Management (15 credits)

In this module, also delivered by our Ashcroft International Business School, you will explore changes in the tourist industry, and in particular look at how conventional mass tourism has attracted criticism in recent years and is considered by some to be on the wane in favour of more niche-based tourism.
Wildlife Conservation (15 credits)

This module in conservation provides an awareness of the multi-disciplinary nature of conservation and the socio-political dimensions of conservation problems and solutions.
Biogeography (15 credits)

This module describes the spatial distribution of living things and how these have been affected by global change. You will become conversant with cluster analysis, principal components analysis, cladistics, track analysis and area cladograms.
Special Topics in Animal Behaviour (15 credits)

This module expands knowledge and understanding of topics at the forefront of the study of animal behaviour. It is a student led and aims to advance your proficiencies in the area of time management, team work, self evaluation, communication and critical evaluation which are applicable to a wide range of employment opportunities.
Population Ecology and Wildlife Management (15 credits)

This module has a focus on the first principles of population ecology, and the ways this body of theory is applied practically in wildlife management. An important focus is the demography and dynamics of natural populations.

Assessment

Assessment is diverse to reflect the scope and aims of the course. You can expect to be assessed by a combination of assignments, case studies, group work and presentations.

Special features

Flexible delivery
The flexible delivery of this course through a mix of face-to-face and distance learning permits comprehensive instruction in laboratory and field skills, and flexibility in the acquisition of other academic skills via our virtual learning environment (VLE). This part-time course is designed for maximum flexibility. The course can accommodate research projects requiring more time, or in which data collection must occur at a given time of year. You have the option to exit the course with alternative awards (Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate) which permits the study of specialist modules but does not require completion of the research project.

Masters research
You are required to conduct research and will have the opportunity to work with experienced staff in the development of your independent research project. Cambridge represents a centre of activity for conservation and you may have the opportunity, through the Cambridge Conservation Forum, to work with NGOs and other conservation bodies.

Associated careers

Graduates from this course may find employment in the following areas:

working as a conservation biologist for an NGO or government body
working as a scientist or curator in a zoo
working in the area of education
working in industry (ecotourism, environmental consultancy).

Entry Requirements:

Applicants should possess or expect to possess a first or upper second class Honours Degree, based in a science related degree. Applicants with a lower second class Honours Degree but with relevant experience will also be considered; other applicants without standard qualifications but with extensive relevant practical experience may also be considered. Prospective students with non-standard entry qualifications are advised to discuss their personal position with the course tutor.

International students

Applications from international students are welcomed for this course, however students studying on a Tier 4 visa will not be able to study the following module as it is delivered by distance or blended learning: