This course gives you the understanding to answer questions such as 'how and why does behaviour vary between individuals, groups and species' and 'how is behaviour shaped by the past (evolutionary history) and the present (the environment), and regulated by genes, physiology and neurobiology?'
Modules cover animal behaviour in a range of environments – from natural behaviour in the tropics and temperate habitats; terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems; through to the behaviour and welfare of domestic and captive animals.
Regular field work underpins the development of theoretical knowledge, giving students the practical skills to engage in the study of animal behaviour. Guided by the expertise of staff who run long-term field projects on endangered species, an important part of the programme is the training in observational methods. Students will have ample opportunities to try out their techniques on wild animals in the UK and abroad, as well as on captive animals in Chester Zoo, the Welsh Mountain Zoo, Blackpool Zoo, Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Snowdonia National Park, Blue Planet Aquarium and Knowsley Safari Park, which are all close by.
There is an international field trip during Level 5. Students can also take part in an international expedition to the tropics during Level 6 (currently to Costa Rica) to observe first-hand how animals behave in such habitats. You can also choose to study at a different university for one semester in our Study Abroad Programme.
On top of your academic studies, you will have the opportunity to undertake a short (4-6 week) work-based placement and/or a year's sandwich placement in the UK or abroad. Placements give you a chance to put your skills and knowledge into practice, as well as developing personal and subject-related skills and acquiring new skills to enhance your CV. They could even lead to employment with the same organisation or through the contacts you make.
The first year of the course is very similar to LJMU's Zoology programme and you can transfer onto this course if you complete Level 4
