Animal Management, Ecology and Conservation

This programme explores the interconnectedness between animals and their environment through theoretical and practical competencies, related to both research and industry settings. It is a broad-based programme that investigates the diverse relationships between captive or wild animal situations in relation to a range of habitat management and conservation strategies. Being able to develop ecosystems to increase biodiversity and design environments to enrich an animal’s wellbeing are key skills at a national and international level. Ecological techniques relevant to monitoring species and their habitats are also undertaken.

The programme is delivered by teaching staff with a wide range of industry and research experience at University Centre Somerset’s Cannington campus. There are a range of facilities available to further support academic studies, such as an extensive animal collection, conservation area and access to local environments such as Steart Marshes, the first WWT working wetland.

As part of your degree, you will be required to undertake work experience in the first year in an industry-related business. In addition, a variety of optional visits to external organisations aid the development of existing skill sets.

Modules may include: • Management of Captive Animals • Animal Health Diagnostics • Enclosure and Enrichment Design • Evolution and Adaptation • Field and Behavioural Monitoring Techniques • Introduction to Ecological Principles and Habitats • Ecological Monitoring and Habitat Management • Animal Behavioural Management.

Teaching and Assessment The modules are assessed through a combination of coursework and Time Constrained Essays. Coursework could include written/practical reports, case studies, essays, oral presentations, posters or a project (Level 5) and dissertation (Level 6) both of which allow independent research in a topic of interest, developed with staff on the programme.

Career Progression Successful completion of this degree could help learners gain employment within an animal establishment, zoological collection, wildlife organisation, conservation body or ecological consultancy. In addition, upon successful completion of the BSc (Hons), progression to a Masters Degree or PhD could be an option. Graduates could progress to an MSc in Animal Behaviour, or Wildlife/ Zoo Conservation or Ecology.