Animal Behaviour and Welfare BSc
(Hons)
Programme Information
This degree programme will provide you with the knowledge, practical abilities and intellectual skills needed to understand current scientific thinking, develop new ideas and evaluate current processes and practices in both animal behaviour and animal welfare science. You will develop the ability to measure the behaviour and assess the welfare of animals. The curriculum is underpinned by research and will encourage you to reflect on behavioural theories and the principles behind animal behaviour and welfare practice. There are a number of topic streams running through the programme including, companion animal behaviour and welfare, equine behaviour and welfare, exotic animal behaviour and welfare and behavioural ecology which allow you to tailor your degree around your own areas of interest.
We encourage students to not only attend academic conferences but to present their dissertation research at them. The college (in conjunction with two other colleges) hold an annual Student Animal Welfare Conference where students can present your research. We also regularly present student research at the Universities Federation of Animal Welfare Conference and the Student Mammal Society Conference. Preparing for, and participating in conferences, will provide you with essential practice in conference preparation and presentation and will allow you to network with employers and other academics working in your field.
Practical work, visits and field trips
Work in the laboratory and the field will provide you with experience in the application of the theories learned in lectures. Visits to external organisations (including Sequani, Slimbridge, Bucklebury Farm, Guide Dogs Training Facility, Birmingham Sealife Centre and Bristol Zoo) will allow you to appreciate how these theories are applied in commercial organisations. There are also two optional residential field trips available as part of the programme. A field course module to South Africa runs in the second year of the programme. This will give you an opportunity to explore African ecology and ethology. Activities will include animal tracking, day and night game drives, a visit to Pillansberg National Park and individual student projects. In the third year of the course there is a three day field trip to Marwell Wildlife Park that is part of the Management of Animal Collections module. This trip will enable you to identify and evaluate the environmental and behavioural needs of a range of non-domestic animal species and provide the opportunity to investigate the necessary criteria for the reintroduction of animals into the wild. Much of the teaching for this module is delivered by full-time zoo staff, including the vet and a stud book keeper.
Complementary studies and work experience
There are a number of complementary studies courses available on site that you can undertake alongside your studies at a reduced cost. These include first aid, health and safety, animal nursing and dog grooming and will not only enhance your skills and knowledge but improve your employability. While gaining work experience is not a compulsory component of your programme it is essential that you do so during your degree and we do ensure that the majority of students have at least one day a week free of lectures so that they can engage in relevant work experience in organisations such as Bristol Zoo, Slimbridge, Vale Wildlife Rescue, Blue Cross, R.S.P.C.A. and Prinknash bird and deer park. Work experience will not only provide you with skills that are valued by employers, it will prepare you for working in an animal related field and volunteer work in an organisation will often provide you with a paid position at the end of your degree. The knowledge and experience you will obtain during your degree in combination with complimentary studies and work experience that you undertake will provide you with an excellent range of knowledge and experience that will ensure that you have all of the skills that employers look for in a graduate candidate.
Careers
These programmes will equip you with the knowledge and skills which are required by organisations such as animal charities, welfare organisations, education establishments and government bodies. Possible careers include animal health and welfare officers, laboratory and field research technicians, zoo education officers, researchers and in education. Further study can lead to accreditation as an animal behaviour therapist or specialist in the fields of behaviour, welfare or conservation.
For further information about possible careers options visit UWEs employability page.
Areas of study
Students have a range of compulsory modules and optional modules to choose from
Level 1:
- Animal Behaviour
- Introduction to Animal Welfare
- Companion Animal Behaviour
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Veterinary Science
- Evolution and Biodiversity
- Principles of Ecology
Level 2:
- Behavioural Measurement
- Field Course
- Companion Animal Behaviour and Training
- Statistics and Research Methods
- Ethics and Welfare
- Animal Welfare Assessment
- Applied Veterinary Science
- Laboratory Animal Management
- Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology
- Behavioural Interactions
- Introduction to Equine Behaviour
Level 3:
- Management of Animal Collections
- Pet Behaviour Counselling
- Anthrozoology
- Animal Psychology
- Animal Trade and Welfare
- Life at the Limits
- Dissertation
- Independent Study
- Equine Behaviour and Psychology
Programme overview
UCAS code
BSc (Hons) – D329 A
Programme length
BSc (Hons) – three years full-time
Part-time option
Yes
Work experience opportunity
There is not expectation to complete work experience as part of this programme
Other programmes you may be interested in
Entry requirements
| | BSc (Hons) |
| GCSE |
Five GCSEs at Grade C or above to include English, Mathematics and Science |
| Tariff points range |
240 |
| A level subjects/grades |
Two A2s to include a biological science |
| National Diploma subjects/grades |
MMM in a science subject |
| Access |
Yes |
| International Baccalaureate |
IB Points 24 |
View the UCAS tariff points system
* One Level 3 qualification in science or equivalent (eg A2) (if an applicant does not have this, then the student must have a level 2 qualification in Science (eg GCSE at C or above) and undertake Principles of Animal Biology during semester one.
Key Contact
Dr Mary Farrell BSc (Hons) -Programme Leader BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare
If you have any questions about this programme please email - Mary.Farrell@Hartpury.ac.uk
For the next opportunity to visit the college and find out more about the Animal and Land Programmes visit the HE Careers Events page
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