inline-defaultCreated with Sketch.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 24,800
Per year
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
48 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Biology | Zoology | Animal Science
Area of study
Natural Science
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 24,800
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Animal Behaviour, BSc

Introduction

Combine Biology and Psychology to measure and understand the behaviour of wild animals, the behaviour and welfare of companion, domestic, and captive exotic animals, and explore links between behaviour and applications such as conservation.


Study Information

At a Glance

  • Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
  • Degree Qualification: BSc
  • Duration: 48 months
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Start Month: September
  • Location of Study: Aberdeen
  • UCAS Code: C349
  • Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

What You'll Study

Each year you take a selection of compulsory courses and optional courses that can be chosen from those on offer across the institution. The first two years lay a foundation for the more specialised third and fourth years.


Year 1

  • Compulsory Courses:
    • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
    • Frontiers in Biological Sciences (BI1009)
    • Diversity of Life 1 (BI1012)
    • Introductory Psychology I: Concepts and Theory (PS1009)
    • Ecology and Environmental Science (BI1511)
    • Diversity of Life 2 (BI1512)
    • Introductory Psychology II: Concepts and Theory (PS1509)
    • The Cell (SM1501)
  • Optional Courses: Plus select 15 credit points from Term1 courses of choice

Year 2

  • Compulsory Courses:
    • Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST) (BI2018)
    • Ecology (BI2020)
    • Introduction to Genetics (BI2023)
    • Comparative Physiology 1 (BI2524)
    • Introductory Psychology I: Concepts and Theory (PS1009)
    • Introductory Psychology II: Concepts and Theory (PS1509)
  • Optional Courses: Plus select 45 credit points from courses of choice

Year 3

  • Compulsory Courses:
    • Statistical Analysis of Biological Data (BI3010)
    • Animal Management and Welfare (ZO3309)
    • Behavioural Biology (BI3505)
    • Gateway to Honours Project (BI3511)
    • Practical Skills in Animal Behaviour (ZO3813)
    • Animal Evolution and Biodiversity (ZO3515)
  • Optional Courses: Plus select 45 credit points from courses of choice

Year 4

  • Compulsory Courses:
    • SBS Honours Project (BI4016)
    • Behavioural Ecology and Conservation (ZO4543)
  • Optional Courses: Plus 60 credits from courses of choice, at least 30 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences (i.e. BI, EK, EV, FY, PL, or ZO courses) at level 4

How You'll Study

  • Combine practice and theory: Typically, one third of your class time is practical and many courses include full-day practical classes and field visits.
  • Research experience: You are actively involved in scientific research throughout your degree.
  • Engaging and inspiring teaching: Our teaching methods are diverse, innovative and based on research on how students learn.

Learning Methods

  • Field Trips
  • Group Projects
  • Lab Work
  • Lectures
  • Research
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

  • Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course
  • Practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course
  • Written examinations at the end of each course

Why Study Animal Behaviour?

  • Unique programme combining the fields of biology and psychology
  • Teaching from researchers in biology and psychology gives access to the cutting edge of both subject areas
  • Get to grips with methods for observing and measuring behaviour in our state-of-the-art Science Teaching Hub and through field trips to nature reserves to observe the behaviour of wild animals such as seals in their natural habitat

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

  • SQA Highers: AABB (or better) for 2024 entry, BBBB (or better) for 2025 entry
  • A LEVELS: BBB (or better) for 2024 entry, BBC (or better) for 2025 entry
  • International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
  • PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

  • Tuition Fees: £9,535 for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland students, £24,800 for EU/International students
  • Scholarships and Funding: Various scholarships available, including the Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Careers

  • Employment Opportunities: Animal sciences in zoological, veterinary, and commercial areas; pharmaceuticals and applied medicine; conservation and natural resource management; and education and research
  • Industry Links: Strong local, national and international links to industry, government bodies, charities and other research institutions

Accreditation

  • Royal Society of Biology: Accredited programme, graduates receive one year of free membership

Facilities

  • Research facilities: Animal holding facilities, greenhouses, fresh and salt-water aquaria, an insectarium, molecular and analytical laboratories, and a state of the art genomics lab
  • Lighthouse Field Station: Research and teaching facility situated on the Cromarty Firth
  • Science Teaching Hub: State-of-the-art facility providing students with a digitally focussed environment including advanced analytical tools, research-grade equipment and flexible laboratory spaces

Program Outline


Outline:


Year 1:

  • Students take a total of 8 courses, 7 compulsory and 1 elective.
  • Compulsory Courses:
  • Frontiers in Biological Sciences (BI1009)
  • Diversity of Life 1 (BI1012)
  • Introductory Psychology I: Concepts and Theory (PS1009)
  • Ecology and Environmental Science (BI1511)
  • Diversity of Life 2 (BI1512)
  • Introductory Psychology II: Concepts and Theory (PS1509)
  • The Cell (SM1501)
  • Elective Course: Students can choose any course offered by the university.

Year 2:

  • Students take 6 compulsory courses and 2 electives.
  • Compulsory Courses:
  • Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST) (BI2018)
  • Ecology (BI2020)
  • Introduction to Genetics (BI2023)
  • Comparative Physiology 1 (BI2524)
  • Elective Courses: Students can choose any course offered by the university.

Year 3:

  • Students take a total of 8 courses, 6 compulsory and 2 electives.
  • Compulsory Courses:
  • Statistical Analysis of Biological Data (BI3010)
  • Animal Management and Welfare (ZO3309)
  • Behavioural Biology (BI3505)
  • Gateway to Honours Project (BI3511)
  • Practical Skills in Animal Behaviour (ZO3813)
  • Elective Courses: Students can choose any course offered by the university.

Year 4:

  • This is the Honours year where students undertake a research project, write an essay, and complete advanced courses.
  • Compulsory Courses:
  • SBS Honours Project (BI4016)
  • Behavioural Ecology and Conservation (ZO4543)
  • Elective Courses: Students can choose any course offered by the university, with at least 30 credits from School of Biological Sciences courses.

Assessment:

  • The program utilizes a combination of three assessment methods:
  • Coursework assignments like essays and reports
  • Practical assessments evaluating skills and competencies
  • Written examinations at the end of each course
  • The specific mix of these methods varies by subject area, year of study, and individual courses.
  • Honours projects are primarily assessed through a written dissertation.

Teaching:

  • The program employs diverse, innovative teaching methods informed by research on how students learn.
  • Methods include problem-based learning, creative presentations, peer and self-assessment, public poster presentations, wiki writing and editing, grant proposal writing, science writing for publication, and multimedia portfolio creation.
  • Students also engage in scientific research throughout the degree, culminating in an independent research project in the fourth year.

Careers:

  • Graduates with a degree in Animal Behaviour find employment opportunities in diverse sectors, including:
  • Pharmaceuticals and applied medicine
  • Conservation and natural resource management
  • Education and research
  • Marketing, social media, and business
  • This degree can also serve as a pre-medical program for international students interested in medicine, veterinary science, or dentistry.

Other:

  • The program emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of Animal Behaviour, combining knowledge from biology and psychology to understand animal behaviour from various angles, including evolution, development, mechanisms, and adaptive significance.
  • Students benefit from direct contact with diverse animal species through collaborations with the Edinburgh Zoo.
  • Research opportunities abound through summer research assistantships, project work, and the compulsory final-year research project.
  • The program fosters strong local, national, and international links with industry, government bodies, charities, and research institutions, providing students with valuable exposure to policy-makers, professionals, and experts.

Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year


RUK

£9,250


EU / International students

£24,800


Home Students

£1,820


Additional Fees

In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.

SHOW MORE
About University
PhD
Masters
Bachelors
Diploma
Courses

University of Aberdeen


Overview:

The University of Aberdeen is a renowned institution of higher learning located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It boasts a rich history, having been established in 1495, making it one of the oldest universities in the UK. The university is known for its commitment to research and teaching, offering a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.


Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services to support students in their academic journey. These include:

    Academic Support:

    Access to libraries, study resources, and academic advisors.

    Student Life:

    Opportunities for extracurricular activities, clubs, societies, and sports.

    Accommodation:

    On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

    Career Services:

    Guidance and support for career planning and job hunting.

    Financial Aid:

    Scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance programs.

    International Student Support:

    Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Aberdeen can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including:

    Sports:

    Participation in various sports teams and leagues.

    Societies and Clubs:

    Joining student-led clubs and societies based on interests.

    Events and Activities:

    Attending social events, concerts, and cultural performances.

    Student Union:

    Engaging with the student union for representation and advocacy.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Academic Excellence:

    The university is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research.

    Global Reputation:

    It holds a strong international reputation, attracting students from around the world.

    Beautiful Campus:

    The university is situated on a picturesque campus with historic buildings and modern facilities.

    Vibrant City:

    Aberdeen offers a lively city environment with a rich cultural scene.

    Strong Research Focus:

    The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.

Academic Programs:

The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

    Undergraduate Degrees:

    Bachelor's degrees in various disciplines, including Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Law.

    Postgraduate Taught Degrees:

    Master's degrees and postgraduate diplomas in specialized fields.

    Postgraduate Research Degrees:

    PhD programs and research opportunities in various research areas.

    Online Learning:

    Flexible online programs for students who prefer distance learning.

Other:

The university is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area. It is also a member of the Russell Group, a group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK.

    Student Life and Campus Experience:

    While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.

    Key Reasons to Study There:

    The context mentions some advantages, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Total programs
653
Average ranking globally
#341
Average ranking in the country
#32
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:


SQA Highers (2024 Entry):

  • Standard: AABB* (good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects required)
  • Minimum: BBB* (good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers normally required)
  • Adjusted: BB* (guaranteed conditional offer for those meeting widening access criteria; good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers required)

SQA Highers (2025 Entry):

  • Standard: BBBB* (good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects required)
  • Minimum: BBB* (good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers normally required)
  • Adjusted: BB* (guaranteed conditional offer for those meeting widening access criteria; good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers required)

A Levels (2024 Entry):

  • Standard: BBB*
  • Minimum: BBC*
  • Adjusted: CCC*

A Levels (2025 Entry):

  • Standard: BBC*
  • Minimum: BCC*
  • Adjusted: CCC*

International Baccalaureate:

  • 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.

Irish Leaving Certificate:

  • 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.

Entry from College:

  • Additional qualifications may be required for specific courses within the degree.

Language Proficiency Requirements:


IELTS Academic:

  • Overall score of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each individual component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

TOEFL iBT:

  • Overall score of 78 with no less than 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.

PTE Academic:

  • Overall score of 59 with no less than 59 in each individual component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

  • Overall score of 169 with no less than 162 in each individual component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

Please note:

  • Students who do not meet the English language requirements may be eligible for English language preparation courses offered by the University of Aberdeen.
  • Additional language proficiency requirements may be required for specific courses within the degree.
Location
Video
How can I help you today?