Anglia Ruskin University

Course overview

The first year of this extended degree provides you with a broad-ranging science course in preparation for more specialist study.

The Animal Behaviour and Welfare degree offers the opportunity to study these closely related fields in an exciting and dynamic environment, and to learn from teaching staff who are at the forefront of research in this rapidly advancing field.

Although based on our Animal Behaviour degree, this course also contains important elements concerning animal welfare and animal health, and considers how these issues affect both wild and domesticated animals.

The animal behaviour element deals with a fundamental aspect of the modern life sciences: how animals adapt their behaviour in order best to survive. An understanding of natural animal behaviour is also important in ensuring high welfare standards for farm and zoo animals.

Theoretical aspects will be covered in formal lectures and seminars while practical exercises will enable you to test these ideas by designing experiments, or by detailed field observations. The opportunity to take part in self-funded field trips to a range of locations will give you the chance to try out these skills in 'real life' situations.

When you graduate you will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the major concepts, principles and theories associated with animal behaviour and animal welfare
• display an awareness of the major developments within this field
• undertake field invesigations in a responsible, safe and ethical manner

This course presents an opportunity to study within an exciting and dynamic learning environment, close to the leading edge of this rapidly advancing field. It is also about providing you with a range of skills that are likely to be valued by potential employers in a variety of sectors.

This extended four year option is available to meet the needs of people who wish to study for an Animal Behaviour and Welfare degree but do not have the appropriate educational background. During the first year or science foundation year you will have the opportunity to study modules in a range of key areas of biology, chemistry, mathematics and principles underlying scientific investigation as well as specialist areas that relate to your future study programme. Entry qualifications are necessarily very flexible, ranging from a single A Level, relevant experience or previous employment history.

The science foundation year will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to begin studying at degree level, but more than that, it will also introduce you to university life and help you to enjoy the experience of learning within this stimulating and exciting environment. Successful completion of modules earns either 15 or 30 credits towards the total of 120 credits required for progression onto the three year undergraduate degree programme.

Module guide

Assessment

Modules are assessed in a variety of ways. Most are a mix of written work, computer-based exercises and written examinations. Additional methods of assessment may include spoken presentations, posters, portfolios and workbooks. Generally, written examinations have a higher weighting in Year 3, but all modules include a coursework component.

Facilities

As well as good teaching facilities, our department is fortunate to be located in Cambridge. The city provides a wealth of opportunities for attending lectures and visiting museums and libraries. Cambridge is increasingly becoming a world centre for the theory and practice of wildlife conservation, with prestigious organisations like Fauna and Flora International, Birdlife International and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre being based in the city. The Cambridge Natural History Society (established 1857) holds its meeting at Anglia Ruskin. We are corporate members of The Cambridge Conservation Forum and the Tropical Biology Association. If you are interested in captive animal behaviour, you can benefit from the animal facilities available at College of West Anglia at Milton in Cambridge.

Special features

Our Animal and Environmental Biology Programme. which hosts this course, lays a special emphasis on the importance of fieldwork. You are given the opportunity to attend a range of day trips (funded by the department) as well as a wide range of residential field courses in the UK and abroad (cost covered by students). Highlights of the optional trips available include Rum National Nature Reserve in Scotland, the Farne Islands in Northumberland, the Red Sea to learn to dive and to survey the biodiversity of its stunning coral reefs and a safari field course in Africa. For students interested in zoo animal welfare there is a study tour of four state-of-the-art Dutch zoos.

Work placements

There is no formal work placement as part of the course. Nevertheless, the flexibility of the course allows you to take a break of a year to undertake a work placement, if you choose to do this.

Associated careers

Our course provides excellent general training as a scientist, enabling you to work in the field or in the laboratory for a wide range of organisations. Potential employers include: government agencies, environmental consultancies, wildlife conservation organisations, and educational and research establishments. Our course may also lead on to further postgraduate study and a research career.

Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.