Mbio Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Lincoln, United Kingdom
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2024
TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
The scientific study of animal behaviour and welfare furthers our understanding of why animals behave in the way that they do, and helps us learn how best to respond to the challenges that animals face when living in captive and wild environments.
This degree employs a multi-disciplinary, research-driven approach to the study of animal behaviour and welfare. The course aims to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand animal behaviour and welfare, working, for example, with insects, reptiles, birds and mammals.
This MBio programme includes an additional research-intensive final year, which can lead to further research and employment opportunities. It is informed by academics who are considered to be at the forefront of their respective fields in welfare assessment, animal management, evolutionary biology, and animal cognition. This includes leading experts Professor Daniel Mills, who specialises in clinical animal behaviour; Professor Anna Wilkinson, who specialises in animal cognition; and Professor Oliver Burman, who specialises in assessment of animal welfare.
Students can participate in a residential field trip in the UK, enabling them to study animals in their natural habitats and develop their academic and professional skills in the field. For UK based field trips, the University will cover costs of transport, accommodation, and meals at the field site.
There is also an overseas field trip available in the third year as part of the optional 'Overseas Field Course' module.
"This information was correct at the time of publishing (July 2023)"
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the University of Lincoln website for more information.
Curriculum
How You Study
In the first year, students can develop a solid foundation in animal anatomy and physiology, cell biology, genetics, captive animal management, and animal behaviour. These themes are developed further in the second year through the study of specialist subjects dealing with animal behaviour, health, and disease.
In the third year, core modules focus on pure and applied aspects of animal behaviour and welfare. Students also undertake a supervised, independent research project.
During the final year, students participate in an MBio research project. The project provides the opportunity to contribute to high-impact research across a variety of research areas. Final year modules also focus on developing research skills further with workshops in research techniques. These combine demonstrations with hands-on work in-lab or in-field. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their ability to communicate scientific knowledge effectively, in different contexts, different formats and to different recipients.
First Year
- Animal Management (Core)
- Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Animals (Core)
- Ecology (Core)
- Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Core)
- Introduction to Life Sciences (Core)
- Research Methods for the Life Sciences (Core)
Second Year
- Animal Behaviour (Core)
- Animal Health and Disease (Core)
- Animal Protection (Core)
- Conservation Biology (Core)
- Data Skills for the Life Sciences (Core)
- Evolution (Option)†
- Immunology (Option)†
- Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology (Option)†
- Managing Ecosystems (Option)†
- Reproduction and Development (Option)†
- SLS Study Abroad (Option)†
- UK Field Course (Option)†
Third Year
- Animal Cognition and Welfare (Core)
- Applied Animal Behaviour (Core)
- Life Sciences Research Project (Core)
- Behavioural Ecology (Option)†
- Control of Animal Disease (Option)†
- Overseas Field Course (Option)†
- Plant and Animal Interactions (Option)†
- Practical Skills in Conservation (Option)†
- Veterinary Parasitology (Option)†
Master's Level
- Professional and Research Skills in the Life and Environmental Sciences (Core)
- MBio Research project (Core)
- MBio Research techniques (Core)
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
How You Are Assessed
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.
Program Outcome
How You Study
In the first year, students can develop a solid foundation in animal anatomy and physiology, cell biology, genetics, captive animal management, and animal behaviour. These themes are developed further in the second year through the study of specialist subjects dealing with animal behaviour, health, and disease.
In the third year, core modules focus on pure and applied aspects of animal behaviour and welfare. Students also undertake a supervised, independent research project.
During the final year, students participate in an MBio research project. The project provides the opportunity to contribute to high-impact research across a variety of research areas. Final year modules also focus on developing research skills further with workshops in research techniques. These combine demonstrations with hands-on work in-lab or in-field. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their ability to communicate scientific knowledge effectively, in different contexts, different formats and to different recipients.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Graduates have gone on to work in both practical and research roles that involve the management, welfare, training, and conservation of companion, farm, and wild animals.