This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.
University Centre Reaseheath has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
If you are interested in learning about the diversity of animal life on the planet, gaining practical skills in animal husbandry and understanding the impact that humans are having on wild animals, this is the course for you. It is more important now than ever to understand animals in the context of their place in ecosystems, so this course combines more traditional animal studies with more hands-on field work and animal care. You will study all aspects of animal biology, from behaviour and ecology to physiology and welfare. You will be able to apply this knowledge in a variety of practical situations: animal husbandry, labs and field work. There is also a focus on wild animal health which explores diseases in animals from a global scale to the animals in rescue and rehabilitation centres. Our teaching staff can bring their wealth of experience from working in zoos, ecological consultancy and conservation expeditions to the lecture theatre. Their first-hand knowledge will give you an insight into the type of careers you could pursue, and the opportunity to explore your interests in more depth. As part of the course, you will carry our practical activities and research in the on-campus zoo which houses over 1,000 animals and 125 species including ring-tailed lemurs, porcupines, raccoon dogs, otters, tapir, capybaras, owls, hawks, bearded dragons, kingsnakes, dart frogs, marine fish and much more. You will also have the opportunity to engage in overseas field courses to a range of localities including Southern Africa, South America and Europe. A core component of the course is the completion of an undergraduate dissertation, enabling you to research an area of zoological study that interests you and to develop a wide range of transferable skills. From this course, you could progress into further research, such as a MSc or PhD programme, or move into industry. The skills you would gain would enable you to pursue a career as a zoologist, conservation researcher, animal technician, science writer, or wildlife rehabilitator. You could work in governmental organisations or NGOs such as the RSPB or Wildlife Trusts, or become learning or research officers for zoos or wildlife parks.
Modules
Year 1 Scientific Data and Analysis Evolution and Adaptation Introduction to Behaviour Comparative Anatomy and Physiology Conservation Biology and Biodiversity Animal Husbandry and Handling · Year 2 Experiential Learning Research Methods Behavioural Ecology Ecophysiology Entomology Zoo Animal Welfare * Wildlife Health and Rehabilitation* Year 3 Dissertation Wild Animal Health and Epidemiology Animal Cognition Anthrozoology* Applied Issues in Wildlife Conservation* Biology and Conservation of Birds* Biology & Conservation of Herpetofauna* Biology and Conservation of Mammals*
- Optional modules
Assessment method
We design a wide range of assessments that will help you to develop industry standard skills and knowledge. In your first year, the assessments consist of a combination of timed online assessments, of multiple-choice questions and short essays, practical assessments and presentations and written coursework. This written coursework can be in the form of reports, essays or posters, depending on the module. For Husbandry and Handling, there are assessed practical sessions, reflections and talks. For Scientific Data Analysis, there are quizzes based on the application of statistical software. In your second year, there will be some variation, depending on the optional modules chosen, but there will again be a combination of timed online assessments and written coursework. This coursework may take the form of essays or case studies, or be based on laboratory practical sessions. For Experiential Learning, you may be creating a reflective blog, while for Research Methods, you will be writing a proposal and using statistical software to analyse data. In your third year, the dissertation is assessed through a written proposal and scientific article which represents the research carried out by the student. Other assessments include a species management plan for the Biology and Conservation modules, and a seminar for Anthrozoology. The balance of assessment by examination and assessment by coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows: Year 1 40% coursework 35% online timed assessments 15% practical assessments Year 2 70% coursework 15% online timed assessments 15% practical assessments Year 3 65% coursework 20% timed online assessments 15% practical assessments
How to apply
25Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- BAZ1
- Institution code:
- R14
- Campus name:
- University Centre Reaseheath
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 points
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Access to HE Diploma
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD
Mature students (aged 21+) will be considered on an individual basis on their prior knowledge and experience. This may be assessed by interview, completion of coursework/essay or other methods. There may be a requirement for a formal qualification to be completed first e.g. Access to HE course.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £11800 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Additional costs may include the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in order to undertake practical activities on the zoo, farm and other facilities. These should include at least one pair of overalls (preferably blue/green) and a pair of steel toe-capped work boots/wellington boots. Additionally, students may wish to purchase other suitable outdoor wear in preparation for bad weather (i.e. waterproof/ windproof coat). A white lab coat and safety glasses may be required for laboratory sessions. The above items can be purchased either independently or through the college online shop. Please note that the purchasing of the above equipment should be undertaken in advance of enrolment onto the programme, as practical sessions may be facilitated from the start of the programme.
Students will be offered the chance to engage in both domestic and overseas learning opportunities with which to enhance their classroom-based learning experience. Here, students will have the option to undertake overseas study in Year 2 as part of an experiential field course. These may include opportunities to study zoological collections in Europe, but also undertaking conservation field courses in such locations as Southern Africa, South America and the UK.
The main emphasis placed on these field courses is the development of professional, industry relevant skills and the application of students’ knowledge in a novel, stimulating, yet challenging environment. Costs associated with the field courses range from £500 – £1,000 (UK & Europe), and between £2,200 – £2,800 (South America & Southern Africa). Please note that precise pricing of all field courses is subject to change, pending availability and recruitment.
Students may also wish to purchase their own personal copies of recommended set-texts to assist them with their studies. A full list of recommended texts is made available prior to enrolment, however, our campus library boasts sufficient stocks of all major texts to support student learning, frequently in e-book format, and the purchasing of texts is therefore not enforced.
Provider information
University Centre Reaseheath
Reaseheath
Nantwich
CW5 6DF