BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Conservation Science (with Foundation Year)

What you will study

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

Applicants to the Foundation Year of the Animal Science degree will follow modules designed to provide broad-based underpinning knowledge, experience and understanding of scientific methods and laboratory processes to support degree level study.

The Foundation year is taught at our Wrexham campus, with Level 4 (year 2) studies moving to our Northop campus.

MODULES

• The Skills You Need - This module ensures that you develop key academic, personal and professional skills required for successful study at a higher education level. The module focuses on developing the necessary practical, intellectual and communication skills which ensure a successful transition to Level 4 and progression through Honours degree programmes and prepares you for subsequent employment and/or further study

• Contextual Studies - The module aims to introduce the students to a broad variety of contemporary issues to stimulate discussion, debate, and engagement. It will enable the students to engage with a variety of topic areas with follow-on research activity and reflective practice amongst subject groups.
• Science and the Environment - Science and the Environment explores not only the ways the environment affects chemical and biological processes but also the impact that “science” can have on the environment. Students will reflect upon historical aspects such as CFCs and the ozone hole but also contemplate future challenges for scientists in protecting the environment.
• Laboratory and Field Skills in Biology (Biosciences) -  Gain a thorough training in laboratory skills which includes coverage of experimental methods, health and safety, writing risk assessments, use of laboratory equipment including microscopes. Students also explore concepts of ecology and fieldwork, including identification of plants and animals in the wild, using techniques for surveying habitats and developing personal field skills.
• Introduction to Experimental Design and Mathematical Analysis (Biosciences) - Essential scientific and mathematical skills, including consideration of ethics in science and the philosophy underpinning the experimental method. Students are encouraged to develop and apply skills through analysis and debate and to develop knowledge and experience of experimental design, data collection, analysis, probability and introductory statistics.
• Introduction to Science - This will provide students with the fundamental background knowledge required for their full degree study in the relative areas.  It will encourage students to develop their own abilities in science, introduce a basic bank of knowledge in main scientific areas, develop skills and ability to apply science concepts to problem-solving and enable students to gain an understanding of how science and technology influence and are influenced by contemporary society.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)

In the second year, you are introduced to the concepts of biology, animal behaviour and welfare that you will use throughout the rest of your course. Laboratory skills are essential to science and you will receive a foundation in these. You will develop animal husbandry skills and knowledge.  You will also undertake a period of work experience so that you become familiar with the animal sector and develop the practical skills necessary for the workplace.

MODULES

• Biological Concepts: This module aims to develop students’ understanding of the key principles of animal biology, biological pathogens, laboratory skills and anatomical structure and function. The origins and classification of life will be covered together with cell and tissue structure and function. The main organs and systems of the animals’ body will also be introduced.

• Husbandry: This module aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of animal husbandry and provides the opportunity to gain practical experience with a wide range of animal species. Lectures, practical sessions and visits to local animal establishments will enable students to consolidate their practical experiences with appropriate husbandry theories. Use will be made of case study materials and guest speakers.
• Ethology and Anthrozoology: This module enables students to investigate the biological basis of natural behaviour, and evaluate the relationship between natural behaviour and captive animal welfare.  Students will carry out a practical study of a captive animal and discuss the link between animal welfare and the captive environment. Students will also examine a range of human and animal interrelationships and the costs and benefits associated with these interactions.
• Ethics and Welfare: This module aims to investigate contemporary issues within animal welfare and to introduce students to a range of relevant ethical issues. A variety of contemporary welfare issues will be critiqued during the module.  Students will have the opportunity to deliver their own workshops and seminars.
• Academic and Personal Development: This module aims to familiarise learners with the higher education culture, to build on key skills (logical, mathematical and critical) necessary for successful study in higher education.
• Professional Practice: A range of career opportunities and associated challenges with gaining employment within the animal sector will be studied in this module. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and competencies within a workplace setting of their choice.

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

In the third year, you will build upon knowledge gained in your second year and develop your understanding of a variety of topics in more detail. You will learn about nutrition, physiology, conservation, and population biology. You will also learn research skills and report writing within research methodologies.

MODULES

• Research Methodologies: This module will enable you to understand the role of relevant research within the field of equine studies. In addition, it will provide you with sufficient capability to plan a research project in your field of study, to define the research parameters, assess appropriate methodologies, and present your findings. You will learn how to examine and assess the appropriateness of different research methodologies to various research briefs and become aware of ethical and political issues in social research.

• Nutrition and Feeding Practice: This module will enable you to analyse the structure, role and value to the body of nutritional components of animal feed.  You will learn how to critically analyse the composition of animal feed and the role of different feeds within the animal diet. You will also be taught how to calculate feed rations for animals of varying ages and for different levels of ‘work’.
• Anatomy and Physiology: This module aims to equip students with a working knowledge of topographical and skeletal anatomy and to enable them to identify anatomical landmarks. You will learn to  relate anatomical structure to function  and  further develop your practical laboratory skills.
• Learning and Training: In this module, you will develop a working knowledge of the principles of learning theory as applied to animals. You will link animal learning to training practices and will write and implement your own plan to train an animal to complete a task.  You will also evaluate traditional and contemporary training methods and associated equipment.
• Survey Skills for Conservation: The Survey Skills for Conservation module will equip students with the skills necessary to carry out a range of surveys for animal species. Students will identify and survey a range of animal species, and analyse and interpret the data collected. The development of these skills will be achieved through practical fieldwork, such as during visits to nature reserves and local woodlands.
• Population Biology and Genetics: In this module, you will learn the importance of population biology within evolution and the survival of organisms.  You will also develop a critical understanding of the genetic and mathematical principles of population biology.

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)

The final year provides students with the opportunity to complete their own unique piece of research, thus enabling them to focus on a topic of choice. Conservation, stress and welfare are concentrated on, together with methods of behaviour modification. Career development is also a central theme, and final year students are expected to complete additional professional development activities alongside their degree to enhance their chances of employment.

MODULES

• Conservation Policy: This module will enable you to explore the ecology of a range of animal species native to the UK and understand the need for, and methods of, conservation of these species including Environmental Impact Assessment.
• Research Project: This module gives you the opportunity to carry out your own research on a topic which particularly interests you. In doing this project you will review literature pertinent to the chosen area of research,  evaluate relevant research design and develop a suitable method for data collection and analysis, analyse and interpret data collected and finally write up and discuss your findings in relation to the existing knowledge.
• Stress and Animal Welfare: The module enables students to explore how animal stress can be managed in a range of environments and situations. It also aims to provide students with an understanding of the physiological and behavioural adaptations of animals resulting from modern use and husbandry.
• Animal Behaviour Modification: The module aims to develop students’ awareness of the need for a systematic approach to understanding the aetiology of behavioural problems seen in animals.  It will extend their understanding of how to analyse behavioural problems in animals and appreciate the limitations of relevant diagnostic techniques.
• Research Skills and Professional Development: The module equips students with the skills to critically evaluate research design as applicable to animal science, to select and justify appropriate methods for data collection and analysis, and to critically reflect on personal development over the duration of the programme of study, linking scholarship and practice through reflection on specific professional development activities.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

UCAS Code: ASFY

48-72 UCAS Tariff points at GCE A Level or equivalent. Appropriate AS Level and Level 3 Key Skills qualifications will also be taken into account. At least four GCSEs at grade C/4 (including English and Maths).

An animal background is required.  This may be achieved through work experience in the animal sector, and/or from an informal means such as breeding or keeping animals for leisure purposes.

The entry requirements are for general guidance. Alternative qualifications and experience are considered. All applications are considered on their individual merits.

Teaching & Assessment

Modules are assessed in a wide variety of ways. This includes academic essays, research posters, presentations, seminar discussions, exams, portfolios, reflective practice and practical assessment. The balance between the different forms of assessment is determined by the different aims and learning outcomes of the modules.

Teaching and learning

Module delivery is achieved through a combination of theoretical lectures, seminar discussions, guest lectures, educational visits, and practical work. Between lectures, students are expected to read around their subjects making use of the detailed reading lists published in Module Guides.

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Our Careers and Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Career opportunities in the animal care industry are wide-ranging. You could be working in:

• Animal welfare organisations
• Conservation
• Zoos and wildlife parks
• Veterinary practices
• Animal feed companies
• Veterinary or pharmaceutical companies

Further study opportunities are also available, such as progression to postgraduate level research and teaching qualifications.

Students moving into employment could expect to progress to careers within the animal industry such as Welfare Centre managers, zookeepers or careers allied to the industry, for example, research and consultancy work. 

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

Wrexham University’s tuition fees for 2023/24 for a full-time undergraduate degree course are £9000 per year.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. 

Programme specification

View the full programme specification here.

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our accommodation pages to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.

International

If you are applying as an European / International Student, and live outside of the UK, you should make your application through our online application system, Centurus.

For information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section.