UCAS Institution Code: C78

Course Code: OV47

 The BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology and Conservation is a full-time three year course designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work within the field of conservation. Modules cover a range of subjects from anatomy and physiology to behaviour and population/habitat management, with details listed below.

 There is an emphasis on practical application using both national and international examples, and utilising field specialists within the institute and externally as guest speakers to discuss current issues and research in zoological conservation.

Year 1 will usually consist of the following 10 credit and 20 credit HE level 4 modules:

Fundamentals of Biology (20 Credits)

This module provides students with an understanding of the key scientific concepts and practical skills which underpin the study of zoological conservation. Delivered in an exciting range of lectures and practical sessions; topics covered range from basic molecular biology & chemistry to whole animal systems. Students develop skills in microscopy, colorimetry, and chemical analysis amongst others and learn how to carry out a rigorous scientific investigation.

Health and Welfare of Animals (20 Credits)

Students learn how to provide appropriate care to maintain animals in good health and to detect signs of ill health when it occurs. A mixture of practical and theoretical sessions provides skills in handling and caring for a variety of animals, from animal first aid and restraint techniques to basic parasitology and the evaluation of housing. The module is delivered as a mixture of lectures, workshops and specialist practical sessions.

Animals and Their Environment (20 credits)

This module is designed to give the student a basic understanding of how animals interact with their environment, utilising basic behaviour techniques to observe animals in their environment. The module will be delivered through a programme of lectures and visits that introduces students to ecological principles, including population dynamics and interrelationships. Students will use the information gained through animal and field observation to further understand habitat utilisation and quality.

Field Survey Techniques (20 Credits)

In one of our most popular modules, students learn techniques for studying and monitoring wildlife and habitats in the field; along with the vital supplementary skills in data handling, analysis and presentation. Practical work ranges from habitat mapping to mammal tracking and small mammal surveys.

Diversity, Classification and Evolution (20 Credits)

This module explores the incredible variety of life on Earth and investigates the process of evolution. The information enables students to become familiar with the characteristics and classification of animals and provides a foundation for a more detailed study of the biology of specific groups.

Key Professional Skills (20 Credits)

The aim of this module is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop themselves in terms of their personal and employability skills. The module will be taught in a series of blocks covering ICT, website design and social media as well as more subject specific blocks relating to current techniques and equipment being used in practice.

Year 2 will usually consist of the following 20 credit HE level 5 modules:

Core:

Vertebrate Zoology and Conservation (20 credits)

Specifically looking at terrestrial vertebrates this module will further look at the anatomy and physiology of various animal examples and inter-relate all body systems. The module will go on to relate the anatomy and physiology to the life history and reproductive strategies of these animals, and adaptations to particular environments.

Global Conservation Issues (20 credits)

This module explores the relationship between human societies and the natural environment, focussing on the consequences of anthropogenic activity on biodiversity. Students will explore the mechanisms being developed to mitigate the negative consequences of human activity on the natural world, and understand the policies and legislation put in place to support this.

Population Genetics and Community Ecology (20 credits)

Continuing from the introduction to ecology and zoology modules in the first year this module will analyse the interactions between population dynamics and ecosystem functioning, employing current software to predict population changes. Factors affecting population size and viability will also be investigated and related to genetic diversity and its importance to practical conservation strategies.

 Zoological Conservation in Practice (20 credits)

Students will be encouraged to conduct a number of work experience hours in a relevant work placement or as a part of a particular local/national census or survey, this allows direct contact with conservation in action and will build on practical skills developed in the course. This module will also look at role of various organisations in conservation, the importance of legislation, and utilise current research for examples of good practice.

 Research Methods and GIS for Zoology (20 credits)

This module equips students with the skills required to complete independent research for an honours project through a program of lectures and seminars on research design, methodologies, literature reviews, referencing, “writing-up”, data analysis and critical thought processes. The module will also look at specific techniques and tools used for research in zoology and conservation, in particular Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and its application.

Optional – Choose one 20 credit module from the following four modules:

Primate Behavioural Ecology and Conservation. (20 Credits)

Our nearest cousins, the primates display fascinating and complex behaviour giving us insights into the development of our own behaviour and society. Through this module students explore some of the fundamentals of behaviour as applied to primates, including how they learn and behave in natural and captive situations. Part of the assessment of this module has students exploring the effects of captivity on behaviour and how these can be mitigated with enrichment schemes.  Newquay Zoo has an extensive collection of primates providing a wonderful opportunity to develop practical skills in observing and analysing their behaviour, and using this knowledge to inform conservation strategies.

Advanced Ecology and Survey techniques (20 Credits)

This module looks at the physiology and ecology of vertebrates and invertebrates in relation to appropriate survey techniques. The module aims to illustrate threats to species both in the UK and worldwide, and the methods of species and habitat protection.

Marine Vertebrate Biology and Conservation (20 Credits)

This module takes an applied approach to exploring the biology and conservation of this vast range of species. Marine vertebrates inhabit a world which is alien to our own, operating under a different set of physical conditions and this makes finding out even the most fundamental information about them extremely challenging. As a result researchers have been using ground-breaking technology to study these elusive animals. Students learn about these techniques as we explore the functional biology and behavior of a range of marine vertebrate species. Many marine vertebrate species are facing increasing conservation pressure, so it is also important that students develop their knowledge of population biology and conservation action plans. Newquay’s coastal location provides excellent opportunities to study at least one species – the Grey seal Halichoerus grypus in the wild.

Year 3 will usually consist of the following HE level 6 modules:

Core:

Applications of Zoology (20 Credits)

This module enables students to study and develop ideas related to selected zoological themes relevant to the workplace or research situation.  The student will explore these themes through the literature, seminars and tutorials developing his/her own research skills.

Conservation Genetics (20 credits)

This module aims to equip the learner with the most up to date molecular techniques being used in genetics for conserving and protecting species. This will look at genome sequencing of animals, the importance of maintaining genetic diversity within a captive and wild population, and the implication of this in management of small populations of possibly threatened species

Honours Project (40 Credits)

This module allows students to explore in detail a research topic of their choice.  The module encompasses a substantial independent research study element, which includes a literature review, experimental design, data collection, analysis and interpretation and communication of the research findings through presentations and reports.

Conservation Project Management (20 credits)

This module aims to equip students with the necessary skills to finance and manage a conservation project. It will look at overall project management including time management, creating and working to a budget, potential sources of funding and the process of applying for funds. The module will also cover on the ground organisation of data collection, collation and generating of reports and communications for public engagement and community outreach as well as for the funding bodies and scientific community.

Optional – Choose one 20 credit module from the following three modules:

Monitoring Marine Ecosystems (20 credits)

This module will investigate the use of ecological models to monitor aspects of marine ecosystems, and discuss other methods used to monitor marine animals and ecosystems.

Within this module students will also build on the survey methods developed in year 1 and 2 looking at methods of assessing population dynamics and habitat quality using specific named examples and current research.

Zoology and Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (20 Credits)

This module focuses on recent advances in the biology, ecology and conservation of animal life within freshwater and marine environments, and addresses how conservation measures can ensure marine life and the marine environment can be utilised in a sustainable way.

Wildlife Conservation (20 Credits)

This module allows students to examine the application of science to the practice of wildlife management and the impact of environmental law and policy on the biological outcomes for threatened species and ecosystems.  The module has a strong emphasis on field-based experience.