Animal Biology, BSc (Hons)

This course will give you a sound knowledge and understanding of animal biology, and the ability to apply this knowledge to the rapidly expanding animal industry. You will study topics like anatomy and physiology, behaviour, ecology, welfare, breeding and nutrition. Core scientific study is supported by hands-on animal handling in our specialist unit.

This course will give you:

• a sound knowledge and understanding of animal biology
• the ability to apply this knowledge to the rapidly expanding animal industry.

Lectures cover the major scientific principles including:

• anatomy and physiology
• behaviour
• ecology
• nutrition.

You will learn how to apply these principles to a range of contexts. Aspects of welfare, breeding, conservation and management will also be covered. The course combines the study of wild animal populations with that of captive animals, both domestic and exotic.

Why choose this course?

• You will have access to our modern animal unit on campus which houses over 200 animals.
• A brand new 1,000 square metre, £2.5 million pound campus library is due to open in Autumn 2013.
• You will have the opportunity to complete research or a work placement abroad.

Want to know more?

• Book your place on an open day.
• Check out our Flickr photostream!
• Find out more about our Animal Unit.

How many places are available?

There are approximately 30 places available on this course.

When does the course start?

Please see the academic calendar for term dates.

Where will I study?

The Brackenhurst campus has a number of specialist units for:

• animal
• equine
• farm studies.

You will have access to an animal unit housing over 200 animals and representing over 60 different species. The campus also provides a range of semi-natural and constructed habitats for you to use.

What will I study?

Modules

Year One

• Anatomy and Physiology: Gain a broad understanding of animal structure and function across a range of species.
• Animal Management: Learn how to successfully manage animal collections and develop your practical handling skills across a range of species.
• Animal Welfare and Behaviour: Look at patterns of behaviour and the reasons why animals behave as they do, both in the wild and in captivity. This module encompasses the application of behavioural science to welfare.
• Ecology and Biodiversity: Explore the diversity of life on Earth and the relationships between animals and their environments.
• Principles of Animal Science: Understand key biological and chemical principles of relevance to animal science. You will also develop a range of practical laboratory skills necessary to underpin your future studies.

Year Two

• Animal Health and Disease: Learn about the principles of animal health and disease. The module covers a range of pathogenic organisms and looks at a variety of common diseases; their symptoms, treatment and prevention.
• Animal Reproduction and Breeding: Examine reproductive physiology, the principles of inheritance and the application of these principles in animal breeding programmes.
• Biological Basis of Behaviour: Explore the way in which animals behave in relation to their environment.
• Contemporary Issues in Animal Science: Develop your awareness of the ethical issues involved in Animal Science.
  This module promotes an awareness of alternative values and beliefs across a range of cultures and societies.
• Research Skills: Explore the principles of scientific investigation in relation to Animal Science. Topics covered include experimental design, data generation and collection, and data analysis, with teaching supported in the laboratories and Animal Unit.
• Nutritional Biochemistry: Discover the principles of nutrient metabolism, reviewing the importance of enzymes.

Year Three

• Adaptive Physiology: Study the physiological challenges presented by different environments and the adaptations that enable animals to overcome them.
• Anthrozoology: Explore all facets of the human-animal interaction including animal assisted interventions, the role of animals in society and the human-animal bond.
• Applied Animal Nutrition: Study how nutrition impacts upon health and production in a variety of settings, including zoo animal collections, farm animal production and companion animal welfare.
• Dissertation: Write an independent research project. This will provide you with the opportunity to look in depth at a subject of personal interest within the field of Animal Science.
• Animal Genetics: Cover the principles and techniques of molecular genetics and considers how that knowledge is applied to animal selection and breeding. This module includes the development of your practical laboratory skills.

Contact hours

You will have 13 hours of scheduled contact time per week, of which approximately two and a half hours will be practical work.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed using a variety of methods including the following.

Coursework 67%

• Assignments – 17%
• Portfolio - 50%

Exams 33%

What do the course fees cover?

The annual fee for your undergraduate degree course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition.

• You will have a pre-paid printing allowance of £20 (which currently equates to up to 400 sides of A4 black and white printing) for use in NTU Print Shops.
• You will be given laboratory equipment, including coats and safety equipment, where required.
• You will not have to pay the tuition fee for the Year Abroad/Sandwich year, when this is part of the course.
• Your fees cover any additional administration fees for International Exchange.
• We will provide you with two tickets to the Graduation Ceremony (any additional tickets will incur a fee).

What is not included in the fee?

You will need to budget for:

• general printing of coursework in addition to the printing allowance
• books and texts
• accommodation and travel costs
• travel and accommodation costs involved in year abroad, sandwich year or any placements you take
• your graduation social events
• additional field trip or field work costs where not borne by the School.

Language classes are available via the University Language Programme at a very reasonable additional fee, alongside your chosen course. These are not included in your course fees.

Are you an international student?

Find out more about our entry requirements, fees and accommodation.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

Brackenhurst campus is ideal for the study of Animal Biology. You will find all the facilities you need from the fantastic animal unit to the outdoor classroom, which you will be able to use throughout your course.

Take a look at our photographs and watch videos of our students talking about Brackenhurst campus.