StudyQA — Bachelor: Animal Behaviour — Liverpool John Moores University

Description Contents Requirements Funding

Studying the BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour at Liverpool John Moores University will give you an opportunity to learn from experts in animal behaviour and complete work-related learning with a variety of animal-related organisations, such as zoos, wildlife parks and rescue centres. The course will also prepare you for continuing your studies on an MSc programme.

Regular visits to local zoos and wildlife parks to observe the behaviour of captive animals
Study the behaviour of wild animals, with opportunities for overseas fieldwork
Choice of work-related learning and/or a year-long sandwich placement
Specialist lectures from visiting animal behaviour experts
Staff at the forefront of modern research, with particular expertise in primates and birds
International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme

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.

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

Level 4

Fundamentals of Scientific Research
Practical Skills for Animal Behaviour
Animal Behaviour
Evolution and Inheritance
Ecology
Animal Physiology

Level 5

Brain, Hormones and Behaviour
Animals in Motion
Animal Communication
Behavioural Ecology
Animal Field Skills (includes residential fieldwork overseas – travel and accommodation costs covered by LJMU)
Research Skills and Employability

Sandwich degree:

Year-long placement

Level 6

Independent Research Project
Advances in Animal Behaviour

The following options are typically offered:

Animal Learning and Cognition
Primate Social Systems
Companion Animal Behaviour
Animal Welfare
International Expedition (includes residential fieldwork overseas – student contribution required)
Work-based Learning (includes a placement)

Requirements

Successful completion of a first year of Bachelor degree/Bakalvr from a recognised institution or a Diploma of Completed Specialised Secondary Education (basic level) will be considered.
Make sure you add as much detail as possible – including grades and results. Without enough information universities might struggle to make a decision.
The application fee is £13 if you’re applying to just one course, or £24 for multiple courses
All academic transcripts
Copies of degree/diploma certificates or work reference (if employed)
One academic reference
An English Language test score (IELTS) 6.0
Your personal statement
Copy of your valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months left before expiration)