Wildlife Conservation, BSc (Hons)
Starting dates and places
Description
You will acquire the skills to identify, monitor and manage wild animals and their habitats, enabling you to pursue career opportunities within wildlife parks, zoos, rescue centres, environmental agencies and charities, both in the UK and overseas. Opportunities include a residential field trip and placement year.This degree aims to produce flexible graduates with a range of transferable skills who can work in the diverse field of wildlife conservation in the UK and overseas. The course combines the scientific principles of animal function and behaviour with conservation biology. You will acquire the transferable skills to:
- identify
- monitor
- manage wild animals and their habitats.
Frequently asked questions
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This degree aims to produce flexible graduates with a range of transferable skills who can work in the diverse field of wildlife conservation in the UK and overseas. The course combines the scientific principles of animal function and behaviour with conservation biology. You will acquire the transferable skills to:
- identify
- monitor
- manage wild animals and their habitats.
- Conservation organisations often use research undertaken by students in the final year.
- You will be taught at Brackenhurst campus, which is the ideal environment for studying environmental sciences. We have 200 hectares of farmland, woodland and wetland estate with a diverse range of habitats and wildlife species.
- You will take part in a residential field course in the UK or
overseas during Year Two. This will enable you to study wildlife in
a range of habitats. Our previous students have surveyed:
- small mammals
- wild boar
- optimal foraging studies on greater flamingos.
- We are opening a brand new 1,000 square metre, £2.5 million pound campus library in Autumn 2013.
- You will have the opportunity to undertake a placement year in industry.
- Book your place on an open day.
- Check out our Flickr photostream!
- Find out more about our facilities, rural study location and animal unit.
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?Brackenhurst Estate is the ideal location to study wildlife. With a strong emphasis on project-based learning, you can be involved in research into:
- local
- national
- international animal populations.
Year One
Modules
Anatomy and Physiology
This module will give you a broad understanding of animal structure
and function across a wide range of species, which will serve as a
helpful foundation for many second and third year modules.
Animal Behaviour
This module looks at patterns of animal behaviour in both the wild
and captivity. Topics covered include:
- learning
- sexual behaviour
- communication
- aggression
- social structure
- resource
- natural acquisition and behaviour in captive environments.
Biodiversity Conservation
This module is an exploration of the biological diversity on earth
focusing on the abundance and distribution of species. You will
investigate the theories pertaining to:
- evolution
- causes of extinction
- the conservation of species.
Ecology: Terrestrial and Water
You will study the interaction of biotic (living) and abiotic
(non-living) factors in relation to the distribution of populations
and communities within ecosystems.
Personal Development Skills
You will develop the transferable skills necessary to:
- write reports
- manage meetings
- work in a team
- manage your career development.
Wildlife Surveying
This module involves on and off-site surveying sessions. You will
learn a range of common survey techniques typically used by
ecological / environmental consultants.
Year Two
Modules
Wildlife Health, Genetics and Breeding
You will learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention
of pathogenic diseases. This module will also introduce you to
the:
- field of reproductive physiology
- principles of inheritance
- application of these principles in breeding programmes.
Applied Habitat Management
This module is delivered as a series of site-based habitat and
species evaluations on and off-campus. These include:
- surveys and assessments
- data analysis
- discussion workshops
- seminars and lectures.
Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology
This module explores the way in which animals behave in relation to
their environment and covers topics such as:
- the selfish gene
- optimal foraging
- game theory
- sexual selection.
Environmental Monitoring and GIS
This module provides an understanding of the methods and processes
involved in monitoring of air and water quality and ecotoxicology.
You will use the mapping and spatial analytical techniques applied
in geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing.
Experimental Design and Analysis
This module will prepare you for your final-year research
dissertation. You will develop an understanding of:
- research methodology
- hypothesis testing
- statistical analysis
- data presentation.
Wildlife Law and Policy
This module will introduce you to the broad range of legal and
policy issues that affect those engaged in protecting the
environment and wildlife conservation.
Final year
Modules
Adaptive Physiology
This module investigates the:
- physiological challenges presented by different environments
- nature of the adaptations that enable animals to overcome them.
Advanced Ecology
You will explore the communities and ecosystems of:
- terrestrial
- freshwater
- marine environments and the impacts of humans on them.
Dissertation
You will develop expertise in an area of personal interest. You
will achieve this through carrying out independent research, under
supervision, in an area of environmental conservation and
countryside management. Previous studies include the:
- behaviour of translocated ospreys
- impact of countryside stewardship on farmland birds
- influence of visitors on captive orangutans.
Wildlife Management
You will learn about the population ecology of free-ranging
vertebrates. This will give you the information you need to
evaluate practicals such as harvesting and control.
Electives
You will be given the opportunity to select modules from the
following list:
- African Ecosystems
- Global Agriculture
- Environmental Impact Assessment and Management
- Environmental Politics, Issues and Ethics.
You will have 13 hours of scheduled contact time per week, of which approximately one hour will be practical work.
How will I be assessed?You will be assessed using a variety of methods including the following.
Coursework 50%
- Coursework exercise – 17%
- Portfolio – 33%
Exams - 50%
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 be given 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.
- We will supply you with laboratory equipment, coats and safety equipment, where required.
- You will not have to pay a tuition fee for you Year Abroad / Sandwich year when it is part of your course.
- Your tuition fees cover any additional administration fees for International Exchange.
- You will be given two tickets to the Graduation Ceremony (any additional tickets will incur a fee).
You will need to budget for the following:
- 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
- graduation social events
- additional field trip or field work costs where not borne by the School.
Are you an international student?
Find out more about the entry requirements, fees and accommodation.
The pass rate 2011 graduates was 86%.
View the full course specificationPlease note that course specifications may be subject to change
We have invested over £20 million in our facilities at Brackenhurst campus in the last eight years.
Our beautiful 200 hectare estate acts as an outdoor classroom for fieldwork and research.
You can take look at the facilities available on campus. These include the:
- Animal Unit
- Environment Centre
- laboratories.
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