BSc (Hons) Zoo Animal Management and Conservation

The importance of global cooperation in conservation efforts is absolute. In this module you will investigate and evaluate a large range of organisations and projects that are currently working on the conservation of endangered species worldwide. You will critically examine the philosophical aspects of conservation as well as current scientific approaches in the field. You will gain a full and comprehensive understanding of the complexities of conservation on a local, regional and International level and be able to articulate and expand upon many of the more subtle and controversial methodologies and ethics to be found within the sector.

The Honours Project module will give you the opportunity to undertake an extended, problem-focused, original investigation related to your overall programme of study and is a requirement for the award of Honours. The Project will provide you with a choice based on your interests, modules studied previously, staff expertise and physical resources within the School. The project must be approved for safety, ethics, cost, feasibility and relevance to your degree programme before you carry out any practical work. The project module will test your ability to develop successfully (a) the formulation of a Project design and specification, (b) an assessment of hazards, risk assessment and required safety procedures, (c) ethical considerations, where appropriate, (d) a survey of published literature and other source materials, (e) the execution of the Project objectives, (f) an independent programme of fieldwork, laboratory or other practical study, (g) progress presentation(s) on key stages and (h) the preparation of a written Dissertation and/or other suitable and equivalent submission of the Project outcomes. Students normally undertake practical work during the semester 1 & early semester 2 of the final year of study. Anyone with special needs affecting their study or ability to participate in the module must inform the University support services and module leader / supervisor at the earliest opportunity.

This module will give you the opportunity to investigate the historical role of training in animal management and understand a range of learning theories relevant to training animals in a variety of industry situations. You will build a portfolio of experience assessing the aptitude of animals to training situations, critically evaluating and reflecting on a range of training practices and observations. In additional, you will investigate the importance of environmental enrichment in zoos and its impact on animal welfare. You will develop a full understanding of the role of training and enrichment in modern husbandry.

This module aims to submerge you in the zoo experience; evaluating the impact of learning, and effect of animal related education. You will explore human learning theory and application to zoo experiences, appraise the education value of practical activities and critique animal pathways to core national curriculum. You will gain an understanding of how zoos develop learning programmes; offer new ways to go 'beyond the classroom', connect zoo visitors with wildlife, inspire curiosity and help to develop life-long values and positive attitudes toward the natural world.