Animal Behaviour BSc (Hons)

Level 3 (foundation year)

• Foundation in Optometry, Medical and Life Sciences

  This module will provide students with the necessary skills to begin studying at level 4 in courses related to Optometry, Medical Science and Life Sciences. Students will be introduced to the core skills necessary to succeed in higher education, including thinking critically, researching and referencing appropriately, demonstrating appropriate numeracy and ICT skills, and communicating effectively verbally and in writing. In addition to these fundamental study skills, Students will be given an introduction to the various scientific disciplines underpinning the life sciences. Fundamental mathematical skills will be covered in order to support students’ other subjects and give them confidence in manipulating data. Students will be introduced to molecular and cellular biology, and how these fields are applied to real-world investigations. Students will also study the biology of micro and macro organisms, with reference to both human and animal structures. Students will be introduced to the core concepts of chemistry, with a particular focus on organic chemistry, and will also be given a grounding in the core principles of physics, applied to living organisms. The module is made up of the following eight constituent elements: Interactive Learning Skills and Communication (ILSC); Information Communication Technology (ICT); Critical Thinking; Maths for Scientists; Cellular Biology; Biology – Physiology; Chemistry; Physics for Life Sciences.

Year one, core modules

• Origins of Life

  The origin of life on earth is one of the great mysteries of our age. It is of special interest to biologists, as it addresses the fundamental question of where we (and all other living things) came from. This module will begin with a philosophical exploration of the meaning of life and the role of science in exploring life (i.e. biology). We will discuss different interpretations of life through time, across cultures, and through academic disciplines and consider some basic background in history of science and philosophy of science. The module will give students an introduction to geological time, the origins of the planet Earth and changing environmental conditions (e.g. climates). It will then ask questions such as: When did life originate? Where did life originate? How did life originate? We explore the methods that modern biologists use for asking questions about the origins of life, and the different hypotheses about how life may have evolved from simple organic molecules (and whether life originated on Earth, or whether it may have been ‘seeded’ from elsewhere). We will discuss the major transitions in evolution, including the origins of replication, cell membranes, metabolic processes, multicellularity, sexual reproduction, the colonization of land and the emergence of plants, invertebrates and vertebrates (including the K/T boundary and the Cambrian explosion).

• Introduction to Wildlife and Conservation

  This module provides an introduction to wildlife taxonomy, conservation, distribution and ecology, with a focus on vertebrates found in Britain. For each major taxonomic group (birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles) and for selected individual species, key conservation and management issues are addressed. You will also consider historical changes in the distribution and abundance of wildlife, and learn to assess the problems and challenges posed by both re-introductions and by the release/introduction of non-native species. By taking this module you will acquire basic skills and knowledge relevant to a range of careers in ecology, conservation and wildlife biology.

• Introduction to Animal Behaviour

  In this module the philosophy and multidisciplinary origins of the scientific study of behaviour are reviewed. The ethically sound use of the scientific study of animal behaviour in pure and applied disciplines will be considered, especially in the context of the assessment of animal welfare. Differences in the emphases between the fields of psychology and animal behaviour are discussed, with particular reference to the learning process, and the synthesis of these fields is presented using a framework of proximate (developmental and mechanistic) and ultimate (functional and phylogenetic) explanations. Fundamental processes influencing animal behaviour will be considered, including the relative contributions of evolutionary processes, gene expression and environment in the elucidation of behaviour, and how the structures and processes of the nervous system underpin the biological bases of behaviour.

• Biomeasurement

  This module introduces the use of statistics and computing software in the biosciences. Although we focus on biological applications, the quantitative and IT skills you will gain will be of benefit in a number of graduate employment roles. You will be shown how to use information in the form of data to answer questions about biological systems, and learn a range of visual data presentation and statistical techniques. We will also show you how to choose the most appropriate technique for a range of data types and circumstances, perform and interpret numerical and graphical analyses correctly, and communicate the results clearly and transparently.

• Ecology

  You will be provided with a broad introduction to animal and plant ecology and facilitate the study of ecological modules at higher levels. You will be introduced to ecological terminology, the scope of ecology and the potential role of ecological science in providing guidance on the sustainable use of the biosphere.

• Animal Form and Function

  The ways in which animals cope with the demands of everyday life, from feeding, moving and respiring to sensing the outside world and each other are as diverse as the animals themselves. This module will examine the variety of ways in which an animal's form and physiology are adaptations to the many tasks it faces to survive.

• Introduction to Marine Biology

  This module introduces you to the range of marine environments and marine life within the biosphere - and the factors which generate this variety. It provides the basis for studying other 'marine' modules later in the course. You'll cover aspects of the biology, ecology and environmental physiology of selected marine organisms around the UK shores and beyond. A range of marine habitats will be illustrated through the use of video (Blue Planet) while marine biodiversity will be covered 'practically' by a visit to a marine aquarium. The module will also involve a full day (weekend) field trip to a coast in East Anglia to study plant and animal life at the interface of land and sea. This field trip will require a certain amount of walking over rough terrain.

• Evolution and Biodiversity

  This will introduce you to the major principles of evolutionary theory and highlight the major transitions that have occurred in the diversification of life. This module will begin by focussing on the early events in evolution, including the origin of life, the symbiotic creation of the eukaryotic cell, and the advent of multicellularity. It will go on to investigate the challenges and opportunities that multicellular life forms had to face, and the processes that led to diversification in some groups, with an emphasis on the theories and mechanics of speciation.

Year two, core modules

• Biological Bases of Behaviour

  In this module you will examine the 'machinery of behaviour', covering the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the nervous system and relevant components of the endocrine system. We will also investigate mechanisms associated with motivation and emotion and how these are thought to be mediated by the brain and endocrine systems. An important topic for any student of behaviour is the relationship between thinking, consciousness, learning and memory and how these relate to the physical 'machinery' of the brain. We will review the localised behavioural functions of the brain using the 'split brain' (the difference between the right and left hemisphere) as an explanatory model. We will also discuss the evolution of the nervous system and brain.

• Evolution of Behaviour

  You will receive a detailed overview of the study of animal behaviour. The application of hypothesis testing to questions about behaviour is reviewed and used as a basis for illustrating recent advances in the scientific understanding of animal behaviour.

• Animal Learning and Training

  In this module you will explore the theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches related to the understanding of human and animal cognition. You will gain insight into the biological and mental processes that underpin behaviour and appreciate how natural selection has shaped the perceptual abilities of animals and their species-typical behaviour. You will explore the range of behavioural modification techniques in detail and learn how to justify the selection of appropriate techniques to address commonly encountered behavioural problems in a range of species.

• Biological Research Skills

  This module prepares you for being able to conduct independent research and is particularly relevant to preparing you to undertake your final year research project. Knowledge and skills needed to ask and answer biological questions in a scientifically valid, ethical and safe way will be introduced through lectures and consolidated through hands-on workshops. The quantitative, communication, critical thinking and IT skills gained from this module are applicable to a wide range of graduate employment opportunities.

• Practical Skills for Animal Behaviour

  This module provides an introduction to student-directed research and increases your skills base through a range of practical technique-led themes. The themes include Behavioural Recording Techniques, Behavioural Physiology, and Behavioural Testing. The module will also teach you key research skills and analytical techniques and tools directly relevant to the scientific jobs market.

Year two, optional modules

• Animal Health and Nutrition

  This module will introduce you to the study of animal health and nutrition with particular emphasis on the relationship between health, disease, nutrition and welfare in domesticated animals. You will examine the essential components of food and learn how they contribute to a balanced diet in domesticated animals. We will discuss comparative digestive anatomy and physiology, as well as the impact of appropriate and inappropriate nutrition on animal health and welfare. You will examine the agents of significant animal diseases including epizootics and zoonoses, and the transmission, management and prevention of disease. We will discuss the use of veterinary intervention, drugs and feed supplements and the impact of these measures on welfare. We will also consider the ethical implications of their deployment in problems of animal disease.

• Invertebrate Biology

  Invertebrates account for over 99 % of all animal species. It is estimated that the total number of animal species on Earth may exceed 30 million although only around 1 million have been named. In this module we introduce the diverse world of invertebrates focussing on aspects of their classification, structure and function, ecology and behaviour.

• Vertebrate Biology

  Vertebrates account for less than 1% of known species of animal life. Yet vertebrates (including humans) are some of the most successful and widely adapted animals on Earth. Vertebrates inhabit almost all corners of our planet, except the deepest parts of the oceans, close to the poles and on top of the highest mountain peaks. Vertebrate species may be terrestrial, arboreal or marine; they burrow, swim, run, climb, fly or glide. They include the so called "charismatic megafauna" such as tigers, eagles, elephants and pandas, as well as top predators such as sharks and crocodiles. You will study how these animals came to occupy their current dominant position among animal life on Earth.

• Parasitology

  Parasitism is the most prevalent lifestyle among organisms. It is estimated that at least every plant and animal possesses at least one parasite. You will explore the unique relationship between a parasite and its host from a number of perspectives.

• Principles of Genetics and Evolution

  Genetics unifies the biological sciences. Through an integration of concepts at the population, organismal, cellular and DNA levels, you will develop an understanding of the core principles of genetics and their applications and an understanding of the relationship between genetic variation and evolution. You will study the structure and nature of genes and genomes and then consider the rules of inheritance from an individual basis and how do they translate into the organisation of the gene-pool of a population and species. You will also be introduced to some of the genetic techniques used to answer behavioural, ecological and evolutionary questions. Your understanding of genetic processes will be developed through a variety of problems, case studies and laboratory sessions.

Year three, core modules

• Behavioural Ecology

  Behavioural Ecology has been an established discipline within the natural sciences since at least the late 1970s. It brings together the theoretical understanding of evolution and ecology with the observational practices of early ethologists. In this module we will explore this across four major themes: communication; finding resources and avoiding being eaten; living with others of the same species and producing the next generation.

• Cognition, Evolution and Behaviour

  This module will give you the skills to identify and then develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of topics at the forefront of the study of Animal Behaviour or Animal Welfare. It will improve your time management, team work, self evaluation, communication and critical evaluation skills, applicable to a wide range of graduate employment opportunities. You will work in groups to research and then communicate to fellow students (and lecturers) topics at the cutting edge of research and debate in Animal Behaviour, Animal Welfare or related sub-disciplines (e.g. Behavioural Ecology, Socioecology).

• Applied Ethology and Animal Welfare

  This module addresses applied aspects of the science of animal behaviour and shows how behavioural theory and research can be applied to a wide range of practical problems, from pest control to captive breeding and the management of wild populations. We will cover the application of behavioural research to vertebrate and invertebrate husbandry, and the history, philosophy and development of the relatively recent science of animal welfare. You will consider the variety of ethical approaches to the use of animals by humans for varying purposes and the controversial issue of how to assess animal welfare through behavioural and physiological indicators. We will also introduce you to the specialist techniques that support these assessments.

• Undergraduate Major Project

  You will create in a substantial piece of individual research and/or product development work, focused on a topic of your choice. You could choose your topic from a variety of sources including research groups, previous/current work experience, your current employer, a suggestion from your tutor or a topic you are specifically interested in. You will identify problems and issues, conduct literature reviews, evaluate information, investigate and adopt suitable development methodologies, determine solutions, develop hardware, software and/or media artifacts as appropriate, process data, critically appraise and present your finding using a variety of media. Regular meetings with your project supervisor will ensure your project is closely monitored and steered in the right direction.

Work placement (optional placement year)

Year three, optional modules

• Advanced Approaches in Animal Management

  Historically animal behaviour has been under emphasised in strategies designed to protect (1) human and non-human animal health and; (2) conserve and manage populations. This module addresses this by exploring the interfaces between animal behaviour, disease processes and management strategies. You will explore the integration of animal behaviour with established and emerging approaches to identifying, monitoring and controlling non-human animal based problems. This will utilise techniques including geographical information systems, veterinary epidemiology and population ecology modelling.

• Mammalogy

  Although relatively few in number, the 4,600 or so known species of extant mammal are of considerable economic and cultural importance. As a vertebrate Class, the mammals are important to us as a food source (most domesticated animals are mammals); as companion animals; in medical and other scientific research; for transport and as pests and vectors of disease. This module is about the biology of the mammals and considers mammalian taxonomy, morphology, physiology, ecology, distribution, evolution and behaviour. A key theme of Mammalogy is the analysis of underlying similarities and differences between mammalian taxa, based on an understanding of mammalian evolution and adaptive radiation. Practical skills you are expected to acquire during this module include the ability to identify all extant Orders of mammals worldwide, on the basis of distribution and morphology and in particular the anatomy of skulls and teeth. You will develop your understanding of mammalogy through lectures, videos, active learning sessions and laboratory-based practical classes.

• Human Behaviour Change for Animal Welfare

  The relationships between humans and animals are complex. The actions of humans towards animals in domestic, captive and natural contexts can influence profoundly the behaviour and welfare of animals. Understanding how to effectively influence human-animal relationships in a positive way through negotiation and counselling is therefore an essential skill set for most animal-based careers. This module will synthesise your knowledge of animal behaviour and welfare with aspects of human psychology as it relates to the human-animal relationship.

• Zoos and Zoo Animal Management

  In this module we will address the question 'What are zoos for?' and consider the current and historical role of zoos under the broad headings of recreation, education, conservation and research. Starting with an overview of the history and philosophy of wild animal collections, we'll move on to consider the various roles of zoos in modern society. Zoos today face both biological (e.g. captive breeding) and non-biological (e.g. finance and public relations) problems relating to the management of collections of wild animals in captivity. We will consider zoo management problems from a number of perspectives, ranging from the welfare of the animals themselves to the perceptions of the general public when visiting zoos. We'll also present the complexity of political, ethical and legal aspects of keeping wild animals in captivity. The module has a compulsory field course. Please see the 'Additional costs' in the 'Fees and funding' section for more information.

• Tropical Ecology and Management

  Take part in a field course in tropical ecology, biodiversity and conservation and discover the complex habitats and ecosystems within the tropics, with particular reference to East Africa. Your field course activities will be a mix of group field work on specific aspects of tropical ecology and visits to one or more locations to observe and record and interpret various aspects of tropical fauna, flora and habitats. Through your experience of the country where the field course takes place, you will discover a range of anthropogenic influences and pressures on tropical habitats, such as effects of population growth, tourism and economic development, and how these relate to conservation. There is a compulsory two week field trip to Uganda with this module. Please see the 'Additional costs' in the 'Fees and funding' section for more information.

• Animal Communication

  This module examines the processes by which animals communicate, i.e. provide information to other individuals, and how they can incorporate this information into their decision making. We will discuss different communicative modalities, such as olfactory, tactile, visual, and acoustic signals. We will address fundamental questions in animal communications, for example how do these signals evolve, how are they produced and which functions do they serve? The module will cover the physical and biological bases of signal production and perception. We will discuss animal communication as a rapidly growing field of research and how an understanding of animal communication can inform many aspects of animal behaviour, such as emotional expression, learning and sexual behaviour. We will explore cognitive underpinnings of animal communication. You are exposed to tools and skills that will allow you to conduct research in this area yourself - through lectures, practical demonstrations and exercises. We will consider similarities and differences between animal and human communications and evaluate theories of language evolution.

• Population Ecology and Wildlife Management

  You will focus on the first principles of population ecology, and the ways this body of theory is applied practically in wildlife management. An important focus is the demography and dynamics of natural populations of both plants and animals.

• Practical Marine Biology

  Practical Marine Biology comprises a series of lectures and practical workshops and a compulsory, residential field course at a UK marine biology field station. The field course provides you with advanced skills relevant to marine science including species identification, interpreting oceanographic data and experimental design. The field-work includes: surveying and collecting samples from varied shore environments to explain the distribution of fauna and flora; collecting samples from offshore environments, from a research vessel; and a short project based on any feasible aspect of marine animal or plant ecology, behaviour, physiology or systematics, using available material. The module has a compulsory field course. Please see the 'Additional costs' in the 'Fees and funding' section for more information.

• Wildlife Conservation

  Advance your skills in conservation and critically evaluate the science underlying conservation biology as well as exploring the multi-dimensional issues faced by working wildlife biologists. You’ll examine current conservation problems including socio-political dimensions, and explore the ways in which conservationists set out to find solutions.