Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation (Top Up)

The BSc (Hons) Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation top up programme at Hopwood Hall offers an internal progression route for students studying the level 5 Foundation Degree in Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation, as well as those applying externally with Higher National Diplomas and Foundation Degrees in related subjects.

The structure of the programme has been designed to enhance the knowledge and understanding of theoretical principles and develop the students cognitive, professional, practical and transferable skills. The combination of modules at level 6 have been designed to integrate learning from level 4 and 5 and develop critical thinking, synthesis and autonomy in independent thought and creative experimental design and analysis. The course structure equips graduates with a range of skills underpinned by fundamental theories and concepts in zoo science and conservation and applies these to industry and research contexts.

Complementing the module delivery and assessment are access to excellent facilities at Hopwood Hall College to support their learning and progression into the workplace or higher-level studies and research. The Wardle building contains 5 classrooms,1 IT teaching room, 4 science laboratories which includes an Anatomage (3D Interactive anatomy platform) table, 1 preparation laboratory and 6 livestock sections housing exotic animals such as bats, invertebrates, exotic reptile room, aquatic and amphibian room, bird room plus 2 outside aviaries, small mammal room and veterinary nursing room with an animal treatment area. There is also a specialist equine teaching room containing the equestrian eventing simulator.

The collection is designed around conservation principles and a range of species that are IUCN red listed as Vulnerable or above are house at the college such as Bali Starlings, Keeled Box Turtle, Golden Mantella, Straw Coloured Fruit Bats and Savu Island Python. Many livestock species are also on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust list such as Berkshire Pigs, White Faced Woodland Sheep and Marsh daisy Chickens.

The HE students also have access to HE specific work areas in the Ashworth building. These include HE specific classrooms, IT facilities, a seminar room which can be booked out by students and social spaces including a kitchen area.

Students will be assessed in a variety of ways to enable them to develop and refine the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed in future workplaces in a rapidly developing field. Assessment methods include assignments, scientific reports, research posters, presentations, taught sessions, exams and reflective journals. This will also allow individual learning needs to be met.

Assessment schedules are designed to provide formative assessment opportunities to allow students to receive interim feedback to enhance their performance, in preparation for summative assessments.