Course modules
Year 1
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
The module aims to enable the students to describe the natural anatomical and physiological mechanisms that control behaviour, reproduction and defence against disease and impact on an animal’s welfare.
Introduction to Behavioural Ecology
This module examines the adaptive value of behaviour to enhance survival by exploiting resources, avoiding predators and maximising reproductive success. This module aims to explore the idea that behaviours are part of strategies to maximise reproductive success. The costs and benefits of alternative strategies to predict optimal strategies will be evaluated.
Practical Animal and Professional Skills
This module aims to develop student academic, cognitive, professional, industry, digital and transferable skills in order to help the transition from further to higher education and from dependent to independent learning. These skills will be developed in the subject specific context in conjunction with other modules and will underpin subsequent years of study. Through personal development, the module also aims to aid future graduate employability potential and will provide the foundation for further development through study on the ‘Field Research and Analysis’ module at Level 5 and ‘Research Project’ at Level 6.
Introduction to Ecology
This module aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of ecology. Students will become familiar with the range of biomes found on Earth and gain an understanding of the relationships between biotic and abiotic factors. Furthermore, they will also be introduced to a range of ecological methods and data analysis in field and laboratory settings. They will be encouraged to discuss and debate the impact of human interactions on the exploitation, modification and conservation of habitats.
Biodiversity and Evolution (Double Module)
This module aims to give students an introduction to the diverse nature of the living world through a consideration of the systems of classification of organisms and evolutionary theories. Students will study a range of plants, animals, fungi, protists and bacteria examining their similarities and differences and their evolutionary relationships. Throughout the module students will trace the patterns of morphological changes in the major groups of organisms in relation to evolutionary trends.
Year 2
Wildlife Legislation and policy
Wildlife protection and the sustainable management of our natural heritage have become increasingly regarded as key policy aims for Government. However, the legal framework for wildlife management is complicated, frequently contradictory and criticised as overly prescriptive. Consequently, the law can actually create barriers to effective wildlife management, including the efficient implementation and enforcement of Government policy. This module will explore this vital and fascinating subject and equip students with the learning tools to help shape future wildlife policy and legislation.
Field Research and Analysis
The module examines experimental design and the validity of the findings. Students will explore how to design experiments so that the data collected can be assessed for accuracy and reliability. The appropriateness of a range of investigational methods will be explored together with suitable data analysis techniques. The module will enable students to develop a scientific approach to problem solving, which can act as a firm foundation for appraising research throughout their careers. They will gain an understanding of appropriate and inappropriate experimental design and this will enable a critical evaluation of investigational methodology and so enable the student to both conduct, and evaluate the quality of, investigations in their area of study.
Species Biology
This module will provide students with a general understanding of the biology of different living taxa, together with an introduction to major biological theories. The module will introduce the main themes and theories of biology, and examine the different evidence for evolution and natural selection. Students will examine the biology of the major groups of organisms. The module will also give students an overview of how organisms adapt to their environment and evidence of this having occurred.
Genetics and Evolution
The module will explore evolutionary theories and mechanisms of inheritance in the context of Mendelian inheritance patterns, cytogenetics and molecular genetics. Interspecies, intra-species and environmental interactions will be discussed in relation to the evolution of an ecosystem. Students will develop an appreciation of the application of the above theories to species conservation.
Animal Population Dynamics
The module will explore animal population dynamics building on knowledge and understanding from previous modules. Population dynamics will be discussed in the context of interspecies, intra-species and environmental interactions. Students will develop an appreciation of the complexity of establishing models for the assessment of animal population dynamics. Strategies will be explored to develop understanding of the necessity yet implausibility of generalisation in relation to successful planning and prediction of animal population dynamics.
Global Wildlife Conservation
This module aims to develop knowledge of global conservation initiatives and techniques to monitor and conserve wild species. The module will encourage the development of a critical understanding of the impact of conservation threats for endangered species and how these threats are controlled or minimised. Appreciation of anthropogenic threats and the practicality of implementing conservation strategies will be considered allowing for the development of critical thinking. This module will introduce national and international conservation conventions and legislation including the protection and harvesting of legal and illegal trade on endangered species and the implications for in situ conservation programmes.
Year 3
Research Project (Double module)
The aims of this double-weighted module is to equip students with the ability to understand and define clearly a problem to be solved and extract relevant material from a literature survey. Also to develop the ability to design and undertake an original investigation and to further develop the ability to present, analyse and interpret results. Students should also develop the ability to present a coherent, critical account of the work and how it relates to that of others; develop management skills; achieve a measure of independence and integrate the different aspects of the course and will be provided with e an opportunity to develop a programme of supervised independent research leading to the presentation of a substantial written Project.
Frontiers in Zoology
This module aims to examine and address zoological research developments and to understand recent theoretical progression within the field of zoology. The module will address modern day frontiers in zoology including advancing adaptive behaviour in response to adverse environments and anthropogenic factors including human-animal inference. Through the critical evaluation of zoological research, this module will investigate methods to observe behavioural adaptations including social behaviour for a range of taxa whilst developing skills for effective implementation of a range of research methods.
Applied Ecology
This module aims to provide students with a working knowledge of how ecological principles can be applied to help mitigate some of the ecological problems caused by changes in land use and urban development in the UK.. This will be shown through examples drawn from industries which manage and exploit the natural world, promoting production and profit often at the detriment of the environment. Topical case study material will, where appropriate, draw upon anthropogenic activities influencing ecosystems.
Field Work
This module provides an opportunity for students to engage in field-based activities and research relevant to their degree programme. It aims to: • Permit detailed field-based investigation of course themes in one or more chosen locations; • Extend theoretical and practical knowledge through fieldwork; • Provide experience of devising, conducting and reporting on small-scale field investigation • To develop higher level field skills in observation, experimental design and data analysis and presentation.
Advances in Behavioural Ecology
This module aims to develop and build on previously established concepts of behavioural ecology to expand on all key concepts, theories and hypothetical models used to examine the adaptive value of species behaviour. Students will be required to understand species and subspecies level taxonomic classification and subsequent adaptations and systems used to enhance species survival by resource exploitation and methods to maximise reproductive success. This module aims to explore specific complex behavioural strategies to maximise survival including hypothetical optimality models, social behaviour and communication and patterns of migration. Species-specific case studies will be used to critically assess the effectiveness of relevant behavioural strategies used to maximise survival and reproductive fitness with a cost and benefit analysis considered. The module will encourage independent study and the further development of critical interpretation and manipulation of key study findings. Current online resources will be used to examine various life history strategies of species residing within a fluctuating environment and of current population trends. Upon completion of the modules students should be able to discuss species characteristics of closely related and diverged taxa from converged taxa with reference to the different animal classes and orders.
Entry requirements & additional information
- Entry requirements
- Learning and assessment
- Progression
- Careers
- Professional accreditations
- Learning support
- Special requirements
Entry requirements
5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)
Plus 104 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:
- 3 A Levels (A2) at C or above
- BTEC/C&G Level 3
- 4 Scottish Highers at C or above
- 4 Irish Highers at C or above
- International Baccalaureate at 24 points
- Access to HE Diploma in a relevant discipline
AS Levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.
All offers may be subject to successful interview.
Learning and assessment
Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and workshops. Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.
Students will complete a variety of assessments including examinations and tests, practical assessments, essays, presentations, reports and group work.
There is no formal professional accreditation for this course. All students are encouraged to pursue membership of the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) and British Society of Animal Science (BSAS).
Progression
On successful completion of the course, students may apply for our MSc Animal Science programme here at University Centre Myerscough or other postgraduate study programmes such as MSc, M Phil, PhD or PGCE.
Careers
Graduates will be in a position to apply for posts in the animal and related industries with examples of possible careers including:
- Zoologist
- Countryside Ranger
- Ecologist
- Environmental consultant
- Field trials officer
- Nature conservation officer
- Research scientist
- Science writer
- Zoo/Aquarium Manager
Professional accreditations
There is no formal professional accreditation for this course. All students are encouraged to pursue membership of the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) and British Society of Animal Science (BSAS).
Learning support
You can contact the College Inclusive Learning team or UCLan Student Services (or let one of the course team know that you have a disability or an issue related to your disability). With your agreement information will be passed on to the relevant service
Special requirements
Laboratory coats are required for practical laboratory sessions. Waterproof clothing for field and outdoor visits. A black warehouse coat is essential for working on the Animal Centre and can be purchased from the on-line Myerscough Shop.
Costs that are mandatory for the course:
Additional costs for items that are essential for the course:
- Black Warehouse Coat - £15
- Laboratory Coat - £12
- Waterproofs and boots £50
- Scheduled trips will be included in the L6 Fieldwork module and will be student funded, fees will vary from approximately £100-£3000 depending on the trip selected.
Costs that are optional for the course:
Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:
- Field Study trip to South Africa £3,500
- Binoculars £30
Latest news, Animal studies
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Unforgettable South Africa experiences for animal studies students
- Published
- Thursday 29 August
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Animal studies tutor to attempt famous gruelling fell challenge for local hospice
- Published
- Monday 13 May
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Degree students present research at national conference
- Published
- Friday 10 May
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Myerscough continues to evolve ‘Hedgehog Friendly Campus’ status
- Published
- Thursday 9 May
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Degree students share their research projects at Graduate Showcase
- Published
- Friday 26 April
Research
University Centre Myerscough is proud of its commitment to original research. We believe that our teaching and learning, particularly at higher education level, should be underpinned by strong scholarly activities; the pinnacle of which is the Centre's pioneering research programme.
University Centre Myerscough has more than 30 lecturing staff actively engaged in research projects, often working alongside teams of undergraduate and postgraduate students. Relevant research helps to maintain the University Centre Myerscough's position at the forefront of the industries it serves, whilst also adding value and diversity to our curriculum content and styles of teaching.
We host a popular annual research conference (open to students) to highlight our work. Much of this work is undertaken in collaboration with other Higher Education Institutions including the University of Central Lancashire, Lancaster University, The University of Manchester, Anglia Ruskin University and The University of Liverpool.
Our recent Research publications include the following: UCM Research Publications