BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation with Sandwich placement

Behavioural ecology aims to interpret animal behaviour within its evolutionary framework. This module examines the relationships between behaviour, ecology and evolution. The factors that affect foraging behaviour, reproductive behaviour and social interactions in animals will be explored.

This module will explore in greater depth the science of scarcity and diversity and the successful management of wildlife populations and metapopulations for conservation.

The module will focus on species-specific and group-specific surveys and behavioural techniques. It builds on the basic skills learned in 4AB011 and provides the opportunity to explore key techniques in greater depth.

This module develops the planning and analytical skills needed in order to successfully plan and design research activities. The module will deal with issues such as: Planning for research activity and project work, Literature reviews, sampling methodologies – random sampling, bias etc. Statistical analysis of data, Ethical issues for research activity, Qualitative techniques – dealing with people – getting views from public and professionals and the use of specialist IT such as Geographical Information Systems for analysing wildlife data.

The concept of evolution is central to the understanding of biology. We present the development of the theory of evolution from Darwin, through its subsequent refinements due to other scientific developments, to the modern synthetic theory. The principles of the scientific method are presented and illustrated with evolutionary examples. The origin of life, the evolution of humans, the extinction of species and the impact of evolutionary theory on society at large are discussed We will introduce developmental biology with a focus on explaining how experimental investigation has led to our understanding of embryological development in different animal species.

This module provides an exciting opportunity to study abroad, from one week to a whole semester. You might study the conservation of tigers in Indian ecosystems, track wolves in the Carpathian mountains, assist in a project to reduce pollution in an Alpine lake, or attend classes in an American University. An international exchange or fieldcourse gives you invaluable skills for future job applications, tremendous educational life experiences and above all is fun! We have long-standing links with a wide range of overseas institutions, or you can arrange your own placement. The study period may be within or outside of normal term times. This module credits you for level 5 approved study taken abroad. It can also be used to give credit to incoming exchange students from overseas institutions who study at the University of Wolverhampton for a short period of time. You should normally have completed level 4 of an approved Biological Sciences course prior to undertaking this international studies module.

This module investigates the diverse class of vertebrates classified as Mammals, which includes the most highly advanced organisms on Earth. Mammals, which include humans, are found in almost every biome on Earth, having adapted behaviourally, anatomically and physiologically to a wide range of climates and habitats. The module examines the common features that make this such a successful group, while emphasising the diversity of the taxa alive today. The module also explores mammal evolution and adaptation. Despite the success of the group as a whole, many mammals are currently endangered or threatened as a result of anthropogenic activities such as habitat loss, climate change, hunting and environmental pollution. Current approaches to mammal study and mammal conservation are investigated.

By undertaking this module you will gain work based experience on a day release basis in an industrial or scientific organisation. During Semester 1, you will be supported in your attempts to find a placement which, if successful, you will undertake during Semester 2. Throughout the placement you will be supervised by both an industrial supervisor and an academic supervisor. Assessment will take the form of an industrial supervisor's assessment/report and the student's written report.

Using a mix of theoretical and practical approaches drawn from different wildlife and conservation contexts you will use a problem-solving approach to explore ways in which you can approach contemporary conservation problems. You are particularly expected to draw on the particular insights gained from the topics of animal behaviour, ethology and behavioural ecology and apply these to real-world problems encountered in conservation biology and wildlife management.

The module takes an in-depth look at the issues surrounding the conservation of aquatic vertebrates, ranging from fish through to cetaceans and pinnepeds. Both saline and freshwater environments will be examined. The module will focus on biodiversity issues, causes of population decline and methods to assess and conserve aquatic populations.

The Honours Project module will give you the opportunity to undertake an extended, problem-focused, original investigation related to your overall programme of study and is a requirement for the award of Honours. The Project will provide you with a choice based on your interests, modules studied previously, staff expertise and physical resources within the School. The project must be approved for safety, ethics, cost, feasibility and relevance to your degree programme before you carry out any practical work. The project module will test your ability to develop successfully (a) the formulation of a Project design and specification, (b) an assessment of hazards, risk assessment and required safety procedures, (c) ethical considerations, where appropriate, (d) a survey of published literature and other source materials, (e) the execution of the Project objectives, (f) an independent programme of fieldwork, laboratory or other practical study, (g) progress presentation(s) on key stages and (h) the preparation of a written Dissertation and/or other suitable and equivalent submission of the Project outcomes. Students would normally register and gain approval for their chosen project title towards the end of Level 5 study. Students normally undertake practical work during the semester 1 & early semester 2 of the final year of study. Anyone with special needs affecting their study or ability to participate in the module must inform the University support services and module leader / supervisor at the earliest opportunity.

This module provides an exciting opportunity to study abroad, from one week to a whole semester. You might study the conservation of tigers in Indian ecosystems, track wolves in the Carpathian mountains, assist in a project to reduce pollution in an Alpine lake, or attend classes in an American University. An international exchange or fieldcourse gives you invaluable skills for future job applications, tremendous educational life experiences and above all is fun! We have long-standing links with a wide range of overseas institutions, or you can arrange your own placement. The study period may be within or outside of normal term times. This module credits you for level 6 approved study taken abroad. It can also be used to give credit to incoming exchange students from overseas institutions who study at the University of Wolverhampton for a short period of time. You should normally have completed level 5 of an approved Biological Sciences course prior to undertaking this international studies module.

This module investigates the lives of the disparate reptiles and amphibians, focusing on their diversity, evolution, adaptations (anatomically, physiologically and behaviorally), ecology, breeding, communication and conservation. The complex physiological requirements of both reptiles and amphibians means that they are at a high risk of extinction due to small environmental changes and disease infection. Amphibians are the most threatened group of terrestrial vertebrates, followed by reptiles and as such understanding their threats and how we can combat them is time sensitive and of critical importance for their survival. This module is designed to develop students’ knowledge and understanding towards the biology and conservation of reptiles and amphibians, building on from previous modules at levels 4 and 5.

This module gives you an opportunity to undertake a detailed investigation into one of the 'hot topics' of research in animal behaviour and wildlife conservation. Keynote lectures will be provided that discuss the frontiers of research in key areas. You will then be expected to research a relevant topic by accessing the primary literature and to synthesise this information into a coherent discussion of the topic. By its very nature the content will vary from year to year, dependent on current research effort in this field.