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.
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.
What You Need to Know
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. To help you choose the course thats right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.
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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.
There are two residential field trips in the UK, enabling students 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 your third year as part of the optional 'Overseas Field Course' module.