FdSc Practical Wildlife Management (with Foundation Year)

What you will study

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

The foundation year will introduce you to a range of scientific concepts and methods which underpin biological sciences.  You’ll gain thorough training in laboratory skills and will develop your analytical and mathematical skills. You will be encouraged to develop your own abilities in science, with a basic bank of knowledge across the main scientific areas.

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 method, 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)

MODULES

• Professional and Academic Development (Core): This module will equip you with a range of skills and attributes in preparation to work in your chosen sector whilst following professional codes of practice. You will also develop a range of skills required for academic studies, which will be used and extended throughout your programme of study.
• Professional Practice 1 (Core): Apply and integrate professional skills, knowledge and behaviours gained from the programme into a real-life workplace setting. This module further enables you to develop the Wrexham graduate attributes and to reflect upon the key employability skills required for the sector.
• Field Skills and Identification (Core): An introduction to the identification of a range of plants and animals in the field. You will learn about the anatomy of organisms and learn how to relate these anatomical features to identification keys. You will be shown a variety of techniques for finding, observing and tracking wildlife in the field where you will learn how to utilise their identification skills under field conditions.
• Introduction to Ecology (Core): The relationship between organisms and the environment around them. Key ecological definitions will be explained, and you will understand the variety of complex biotic and abiotic interactions that influence the abundance and distribution of organisms.
• Environmental Ethics (Core): An introduction to a range of socio-economic, farming and leisure activities that cause damage to the natural world. You will become familiar with the impact these activities have on human well-being, animal welfare and the environment.
• Introduction to Evolution (Core): The history of evolution, from the beginning of life on earth, through extinction events, to the rise of mammals and evidence of current evolutionary trends. You will examine the evidence for evolution along with details of the mechanisms by which life evolves. Concepts in this module will help you to understand the diversity of life on the planet.

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

MODULES

• Professional Practice 2 (Core): Build upon the professional skills, knowledge and behaviours gained from the programme and previous professional practice module at level 4. Deeper reflection will be undertaken through the Professional Behavioural Evaluation Assessment. You will focus on your career goals and the skills, attributes and professional behaviour needed to gain employment in your chosen area.
• Survey Skills for Conservation (Core): Develop your identification skills by engaging with practical ecological surveys in the field and online database searches. You will be involved in data collection, analysis, and interpretation and understand how to write an ecological report using current mapping software to display data.
• Environmental Policy and Law (Core): An introduction to the national and international environmental legislation and policy frameworks, summarising their purpose and giving examples of how they impact the work of practising ecologists and/or environmental managers. You will also be introduced to the work of both statutory and non-governmental conservation organisations, and their role in supporting legislation and carrying out practical work.
• Conservation Management (Core): Recognise a variety of habitats and understand their need for management due to damaging anthropogenic activities and, or changes over time. You will become familiar with a range of techniques used to create, maintain, enhance, and restore the conservation value of a variety of habitats.
• Climate change and Conservation (Core): The natural and anthropogenic changes in the climate and the science of current climate change. You will be able to identify how climate change will affect biomes, habitats, and species worldwide and learn how global efforts to combat climate change are being implemented.
• Consultancy and Professional Development (Core): An introduction to the work of an ecological consultant and their role in the development and the planning system. You will be introduced to the process of gaining planning permission, from the initial commissioning of work, through to long-term monitoring. You will investigate the role of the consultant in planning approval, mitigation design, development licence application, and acting as Clerk of Works during development.

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

Applications are welcomed from candidates who do not possess the standard qualifications but who can demonstrate their capacity to pursue the course successfully.

Entrance for these candidates is dependent on an assessment of past experience, a successful interview, references and diagnostic assessment to determine suitability for the course. Enthusiasm and commitment are essential.

Teaching & Assessment

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Exciting and inspirational guest speakers
• A range of online activities using our bespoke virtual learning environment
• Industry placements
• Practical sessions on our rural campus
• Educational visits
• A broad range of assessments including practicals, reports and podcasts
• Access to Wrexham facilities
• Outstanding student support
• Individual personal tutors

TEACHING AND LEARNING

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

• Ecologist
• Wildlife Reserve Warden/Ranger
• Countryside Ranger/Officer
• Nature Conservation Officer
• Biodiversity Officer
• Conservationist
• Ecological consultants
• Conservation field researchers
• Progression to further study

Our Careers & 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.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

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. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

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.