Animal Behaviour MSc

Program Overview

The MSc Animal Behaviour at the University of Exeter, situated within the Psychology department, offers a unique blend of animal behaviour research, data analysis, and communication skills. Through a substantial research apprenticeship, students delve into the mechanisms of animal behaviour and develop expertise for diverse career paths in research, education, and conservation. The program features collaborations with the Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour and external research partners, providing ample opportunities for hands-on research experience.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MSc Animal Behaviour at Exeter is uniquely situated within the Psychology department, offering a specialized focus on animal decision-making processes and welfare, informed by extensive research on human behavior.

Objectives:

• Delve into the mechanisms underlying animal behavior: Gain a deep understanding of the biological and psychological factors influencing animal behavior.
• Develop sought-after skills: Receive comprehensive training in neuroscience, statistics, and data science, equipping you with valuable skills for today's job market.
• Contribute to cutting-edge research: Participate in a substantial research project, honing skills in research question formulation, experimental design, data analysis, and research communication.
• Accelerate your career: Acquire the expertise needed to pursue diverse career paths in research, education, science communication, animal management, and conservation.

Outline:

Course Content:

• Varied Research Methods: Gain insights into conducting animal behavior research in diverse settings, including field, laboratory, zoos, and other human-managed environments.
• Taught Component: Participate in lectures, research talks, and discussions with experts.
• Statistical Data Analysis: Enhance your knowledge of statistical data analysis and engage in research skill training sessions.
• Effective Communication: Develop skills in communicating research findings effectively through writing for the public, including magazine articles and press releases.
• Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience through an environmentally friendly one-week residential field course during the Easter break.

Structure:

• Research Apprenticeship: A central component of the course, the apprenticeship involves a research project that allows you to delve deeper into an area of interest.
• Collaboration with Researchers: Work alongside experienced researchers in the Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour (CRAB), both in laboratories and outdoors.
• External Research Partners: Opportunity to undertake the apprenticeship under the supervision of researchers at various institutions in the UK and abroad.

Course Schedule:

• Taught classes: Take place in the first two terms of the year, typically four days a week.
• Research Placement: The fifth day is dedicated to preparatory work on your research placement.

Assessment:

• Diverse Assessment Methods: The course utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including written coursework, in-class presentations, group projects, quizzes, and written examinations.
• Focus on Selective Topics: Students can focus on specific topics of interest within the taught subject area.
• Research Apprenticeship: Requires a research project to be written up as a dissertation or research paper, often published in scientific journals.

Teaching:

• Innovative Teaching Facilities: The program utilizes online learning platforms, 24/7 computer pools, audio-visual suites, and specialized equipment.
• Expert Faculty: The staff are internationally recognized for their academic excellence, high-quality research, and applied output.
• Individual Interactions: The program fosters individual interactions between students and staff throughout the program.

Careers:

• Employer-Valued Skills: The MSc Animal Behaviour course develops skills highly valued by employers, including statistical data analysis, research skills, and communication skills.
• Career Paths: Graduates are well-prepared for roles in research, education, science communication, animal management, and conservation.
• Recent Graduate Examples: Recent graduates have secured positions as Canine Training and Behaviour Assistants, Lemur Trust Wildlife and Technology Trainees, Rehoming and Welfare Assistants, Research Assistants, and Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners.
• External Research Partners: The program has a network of external research partners, including the African Elephant Research Unit, Bristol Zoo, Budongo Conservation Field Station, Living Coasts, National Wildlife Research Center, Natural England, Phana Macaque Sanctuary, University of West Indies, Whitley Wildlife Trust, and Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.
• Research Project Examples: Previous research projects have focused on topics such as social behavior, animal welfare and enrichment, zoo research, animal cognition, navigation, sensory ecology, behavioral and evolutionary ecology, and ecotoxicology.
• Animal Subjects: Research projects have involved a variety of animals, including fish, mammals, birds, and invertebrates.
• Research Locations: Research projects have taken place in diverse locations, including Streatham Campus, Knysna Elephant Park, Bristol Zoo, Budongo Forest, Torquay Zoo & Aquarium, National Wildlife Research Center, Dartmoor, Phana, Trinidad, Newquay & Paignton Zoos, Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Kerala, Algarve, Veracruz, and Cayo Santiago.