Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Program Overview

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Animal Behaviour and Welfare, BSc

Introduction

Exciting opportunity for students with an HND in Animal Care to enter year 3 of Scotland’s only BSc programme in Animal Behaviour and Welfare.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: BSc
• Duration: 24 months or 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September
• Location of Study: Aberdeen
• UCAS Code: C345

Our BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare prepares students for graduate careers by providing an exciting opportunity to explore the science that underpins our understanding of animal behaviour and welfare.

We are the only University in Scotland to offer HND Animal Care students the opportunity to “top up” their qualifications with a BSc Honours degree. This additional qualification will enhance your employability and open up additional opportunities in terms of career options and further study.

Upon completion of the programme, you will have:

• Developed a thorough knowledge and understanding of core and critical concepts in animal behaviour and welfare.
• Become skilled in collecting, manipulating and analysing data that is relevant to research questions in animal behaviour and welfare.
• Learned how to plan, execute and present an independent piece of work.
• Developed the skills and confidence to construct a reasoned argument to support your position on ethical issues relevant to animal welfare.
• Practised communication of science with both peers and non-scientists.

Part-time Study

Part-time study options are available for this programme.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

What You'll Study

Year 3

• Students enter Year 3 of the programme and complete 120 course credits in Year 3 and 120 course credits in Year 4. This comprises four compulsory courses in Year 3 and three compulsory courses in Year 4. Students also complete three elective courses in each year from a selection of courses.

Compulsory Courses

Year 3 consists of the following courses:

• ZO3515 - Animal Evolution and Biodiversity
• ZO3813 - Practical Skills in Animal Behaviour
• Statistical Analysis of Biological Data (BI3010)
• Animal Management and Welfare (ZO3309)
• Behavioural Biology (BI3505)
• Gateway to Honours Project (BI3511)

Optional Courses

Plus select 45 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 4

Compulsory Courses

• SBS Honours Project (BI4016)
• Behavioural Ecology and Conservation (ZO4543)
• Topics in Animal Welfare (ZO4821)

Optional Courses

Plus 45 credits from courses of choice, at least 15 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

Our teaching methods are diverse and are based on research on how students learn. We use lectures, seminars, class discussions, group-based tasks, site visits, presentations from practitioners, and independent research to underpin assignments.

Field skills are taught and practiced in the field on day trip excursions, through supervised and independent practical work undertaken as part of your project.

You will learn to critically evaluate and interpret both scientific literature and real-world animal welfare scenarios through practical activities in class and self-study for assignments.

Data analysis and interpretation skills are learned in our compulsory courses and you will be encouraged to present information and your considered opinions, in essays, opinion pieces, scientific reports, oral presentations and group debates. Students gain high level competence with standard software.

Learning Methods

• Field Trips
• Field Work
• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by a combination of assessments methods which include:

• online tests
• oral and poster presentations
• production of video
• fieldwork notebooks
• grant proposal
• essay, thesis and project report
• written exam

Why Study Animal Behaviour and Welfare?

• You will benefit from a curriculum that builds on what you have learned in your HND studies and which offers practical and applied learning opportunities relevant to animal behaviour and welfare.
• You will have the opportunity to participate in visits to field sites including farms, wildlife parks and natural areas.
• Your learning will be enriched by the world-leading research activity undertaken by the academic staff at the School of Biological Sciences.
• You will develop a set of graduate attributes and transferable skills that prepare you for a variety of jobs in animal science and the biosciences.
• We are the only University in Scotland to offer HND Animal Care students advanced entry to year 3 of our BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

General Entry Requirements

• 2024 Entry
• 2025 Entry

2024 Entry

This programme is only available as direct entry into Year 3 for candidates holding a relevant HND qualification eg. HND in Animal Care or HND Applied Sciences (240 SCQF credit points).

Candidates are expected to have achieved an A in all Graded Units.

Curriculum to include: Ecology and Ecosystems (H39A 34) or University of Aberdeen online Introductory Ecology course and Statistics for Science (H8XT 33) or Aberdeen University Online Statistics Course (BI2021).

2025 Entry

This programme is only available as direct entry into Year 3 for candidates holding a relevant HND qualification eg. HND in Animal Care or HND Applied Sciences (240 SCQF credit points).

Candidates are expected to have achieved an A in all Graded Units.

Curriculum to include: Ecology and Ecosystems (H39A 34) or University of Aberdeen online Introductory Ecology course and Statistics for Science (H8XT 33) or Aberdeen University Online Statistics Course (BI2021).

English Language Requirements

To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

• 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

You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.

• EU / International students: £24,800
• Home Students: £1,820
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535

Scholarships and Funding

UK Scholarship

Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

Careers

Graduates in Animal Behaviour and Welfare will have a set of graduate attributes that prepare them for a variety of jobs in animal science and the biosciences including:

• animal sanctuaries
• zoos or wildlife parks
• relevant industry and conservation organisations
• education or research

Students who complete this programme at an appropriate level of achievement will also be able to continue with postgraduate study in a relevant discipline.

Our Experts

Programme Coordinators:

• Dr Lesley Lancaster
• Mrs Cath Dennis

Facilities

• Zoology Museum
• Research facilities
• Science Teaching Hub

Program Outline

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Animal Behaviour and Welfare, BSc

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Degree Overview:

The BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare program is designed for students who have completed an HND in Animal Care and wish to gain a deeper understanding of the science behind animal behaviour and welfare. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in animal science, the biosciences, and related fields.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with advanced knowledge and understanding of core concepts in animal behaviour and welfare.
• Develop practical skills in data analysis and research methods relevant to the field.
• Train students to conduct independent research and present their findings.
• Enhance students' communication skills to effectively discuss ethical and scientific issues related to animal welfare.
• Prepare students for graduate studies or careers in animal-related fields.

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Program Description:

The BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare program is a two-year program consisting of four semesters. Students enter the program in Year 3 and complete 120 credits in each year. The program includes a mix of lectures, seminars, practical work, field trips, and independent research.

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Year 3:

• Compulsory Courses:
• Animal Evolution and Biodiversity
• Practical Skills in Animal Behaviour
• Statistical Analysis of Biological Data
• Animal Management and Welfare
• Behavioural Biology
• Gateway to Honours Project
• Optional Courses:
• Students can choose 45 credits worth of courses from a variety of options.

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Year 4:

• Compulsory Courses:
• SBS Honours Project
• Behavioural Ecology and Conservation
• Topics in Animal Welfare
• Optional Courses:
• Students can choose 45 credits worth of courses, with at least 15 credits from courses offered by the School of Biological Sciences at Level 4.

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Outline:

The program is divided into two main parts: Year 3 and Year 4. Each year consists of compulsory and optional courses.

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Compulsory Courses:

• Year 3:
• Animal Evolution and Biodiversity:
This course explores the evolutionary history of animals and their adaptations to different environments.
• Practical Skills in Animal Behaviour: This course teaches students how to observe and analyze animal behaviour using various methods.
• Statistical Analysis of Biological Data: This course provides students with the skills to analyze biological data using statistical techniques.
• Animal Management and Welfare: This course examines the principles of animal husbandry and welfare in relation to captive animals.
• Behavioural Biology: This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of animal behaviour and their evolutionary basis.
• Gateway to Honours Project: This course prepares students for their Honours project by providing training in research skills and project planning.
• Year 4:
• SBS Honours Project:
This is an independent research project conducted by students under the supervision of a faculty member.
• Behavioural Ecology and Conservation: This course explores the application of behavioural ecology principles to conservation efforts.
• Topics in Animal Welfare: This course examines contemporary issues in animal welfare and the ethical considerations involved.

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Optional Courses:

Students can choose a variety of optional courses from a list provided by the program. These courses allow students to tailor their learning to their specific interests and career goals.

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Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Online tests: These tests assess students' understanding of key concepts covered in lectures and readings.
• Oral and poster presentations: Students present their research findings to their peers and faculty members.
• Production of video: Students create videos to communicate their research findings to a broader audience.
• Fieldwork notebooks: Students document their field observations and data collection in notebooks.
• Grant proposal: Students write a grant proposal to secure funding for their research project.
• Essay, thesis, and project report: Students write essays, a thesis, and a project report to demonstrate their understanding of the course material and their research findings.
• Written exam: Students take a written exam to assess their understanding of the course material.

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Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified faculty members from the School of Biological Sciences. The teaching methods used are diverse and based on research on how students learn. These methods include:

• Lectures: Lectures provide students with an overview of key concepts and topics.
• Seminars: Seminars offer students the opportunity to discuss course material in more detail and ask questions.
• Class discussions: Class discussions encourage students to think critically about the course material and engage with their peers.
• Group-based tasks: Group-based tasks allow students to develop teamwork skills and apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
• Site visits: Site visits provide students with firsthand experience of animal welfare issues and practices.
• Presentations from practitioners: Presentations from practitioners offer students insights into the different career paths available in the field.
• Independent research: Independent research allows students to explore their own interests and develop their research skills.

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Careers:

Graduates of the BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare program are equipped with a variety of skills and knowledge that make them well-prepared for careers in animal science, the biosciences, and related fields. Potential career paths include:

• Animal sanctuaries: Graduates can work in animal sanctuaries to care for animals and educate the public about animal welfare issues.
• Zoos or wildlife parks: Graduates can work in zoos or wildlife parks to care for animals, design educational programs, and conduct research.
• Relevant industry and conservation organizations: Graduates can work for organizations that promote animal welfare or conduct research on animal behaviour and conservation.
• Education or research: Graduates can pursue further studies in animal behaviour, welfare, or conservation and become educators or researchers.

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Other:

• The program is designed to build on students' knowledge and skills from their HND in Animal Care.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in visits to field sites, including farms, wildlife parks, and natural areas.
• The program is enriched by the world-leading research activity undertaken by the academic staff at the School of Biological Sciences.
• Graduates develop a set of graduate attributes and transferable skills that prepare them for a variety of jobs in animal science and the biosciences.

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EU / International students

£24,800

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Home Students

£1,820

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RUK

£9,250