BSc (Hons) Animal Science

This module introduces you to the core academic skills required for successful undergraduate study, with particular emphasis on developing competence in their scholarly practice. It provides a structured framework through which you can engage with key academic conventions including critical thinking, analytical writing, and effective communication. The module encourages you to recognise the value of research and evidence-based reasoning within your disciplinary context. You will also begin cultivating a reflective and developmental approach to learning that will underpin your academic progression throughout the entirety of your degree study and future professional practice.  

By the end of the module, you will be able to apply a range of academic techniques to support your written and verbal communication, including the accurate use of the Harvard Referencing System, ethical use of artificial intelligence software and the critical evaluation of academic literature. You will also be supported in developing reflective skills to assess your own academic performance and identify areas for growth. While the module’s structure is broadly applicable across disciplines, you will be encouraged to tailor your work to reflect the specific expectations and conventions of their programme specialism, ensuring a meaningful approach to their academic work. 

Assessment:

Animal bodies are complex, specialised systems that are adapted to ensure survival. A correctly functioning organ system is crucial in the provision of positive welfare, and for an individual to successfully reproduce.  

 In this module, the anatomical systems found in eukaryotic species will be explored, with analysis of how these features are designed to enable these species to thrive. Delivery of this unit will begin with looking at how specialised tissues provide building blocks for larger systems before moving on to explore the key organs found in eukaryotes. The unique structures and how these differ between species will be reviewed, discussing reasons for these adaptations.  

 An understanding of anatomy is the foundation of many areas of biological study, providing context for subjects like conservation, disease, and animal welfare. It also enables professionals to understand what a dysfunctional organ system looks like and how this can be remedied.

This specialist module will appeal to students who work or have an interest in animal collections or zoological and conservation societies. Employees in the Animal and Zoology sector may typically be involved in the care,  handling, and husbandry of a variety of different species, in a potentially wide range of different situations e.g. zoos, aquaria, rehabilitation, rescue, pet shops, breeders, livestock etc. This module aims to develop key skills required in this field, enhancing the employability of graduates.   

Animal care, handling and husbandry is governed by legislation and guidelines in the United Kingdom which aims to promote the welfare of vertebrate/cephalopod species. You will investigate these and review your impact on common husbandry procedures. 

This module provides a foundation in cellular and molecular biology. You will explore the structure and function of cells, the classification of living organisms, and the physiological processes that sustain plant and animal life. Emphasis is placed on homeostatic mechanisms that enable organisms to adapt and survive in dynamic environments. The module also introduces the principles of heredity, including cell division and the laws of inheritance, alongside an examination of evolutionary processes such as natural selection, genetic drift, and speciation.   

 In addition to theoretical knowledge, this module aims to develop observational and practical skills through hands-on activities and laboratory work. These practical sessions are designed to enhance your understanding of fundamental biological processes and introductory scientific techniques, equipping you with essential skills for further study and research in the biological sciences. 

This module is designed to develop your understanding of the immune system in a variety of species and how it mediates a response to destroy pathogens.  You will examine the organs and cells involved in the defence of the body and explore immunodeficiencies and immunosuppression. You will explore the range of common pathogens that affect species such as farm animals, companion animals, small animals,  equines, and exotic species.   

You will identify and appraise environmental factors affecting health and the immune response and explore how risks to animal health may be controlled in a real-life establishment. 

This specialist module will appeal to students who work or have an interest in animal collections or zoological and conservation societies. You may be working in zoos, safari parks, aquaria, bird sanctuaries, and other exotic animal collections and wish to enhance your knowledge and skill set.     

 In this module, emphasis is placed on your study of current zoo husbandry techniques, modern enclosure design, good management to promote high welfare standards, and skills that are required by keepers to be effective members of the zoo community.  

 In undertaking this module, you will examine the management of health, welfare, and nutrition for a range of zoo species. The scope of the studies will also encompass key topics such as handling, welfare, behaviour, training, record keeping, enclosure design, legislation, and the global community in a zoo context. The module aims to provide the knowledge you would require for work in the zoo industry, specifically managing captive species.   

This module develops your ability to evaluate quantitative, qualitative, and mixed‑methods research. It enables informed comparison of methodological approaches within biological and industry‑relevant contexts. Through critical appraisal of published studies, you will build the skills needed to assess methodological validity, reliability, data collection, and data management. You will also learn to apply appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics, with emphasis on accurate interpretation and effective communication of results.   

You will learn to produce a formal research proposal by developing research questions, aims, objectives, and hypotheses. You will complete a structured literature review that identifies knowledge gaps and supports a clear research rationale. You will design a methodological approach that includes a justified sampling strategy and suitable data collection methods. You will also select appropriate data analysis techniques and demonstrate awareness of ethical responsibilities. Together, these skills will enable you to evaluate biological research and plan scientifically robust investigations. 

The relationships between animals and humans are long standing, complex and continually evolving. The nature of our use and involvement with animals reveals much about the nature of human values and society itself. Domestication, production livestock, wildlife utilisation, working animals, sport use and pet keeping feature in societies throughout the world. Attitudes to animals vary widely, therefore an open mind, appreciation and tolerance of these differences is required. This module develops your knowledge of the historic and changing modern roles of animals in human society. It is designed to encourage you to analyse and appreciate the factors that influence human attitudes towards animals and the status of, and roles animals play in different human societies and cultures.  

Exploration of the influences of mythological, religious, cultural and fictional representations are likely to raise many fascinating concepts and precipitate lively discussion. You will have the opportunity to examine the issues that arise from integration and evaluate the provision of society with respect to these issues. Costs and benefits of animal - human relationships will be identified. Human perceptions may not have any factual basis and preconceptions and prejudices of individuals or societies may be difficult to challenge effectively. Controversial issues and different stakeholder opinions will be discussed. The views of a range of modern philosophers will be researched. The subject is intrinsically linked with animal welfare, ethics and legislation, therefore there may be the potential to integrate delivery and assessment with other modules.  

Understanding and improving animal breeding is a critical aspect of industry, particularly as animal welfare continues to gain prominence in society. Successful breeding requires a thorough knowledge of genetics, heredity, and the effective management of both breeding animals and young stock. These principles apply across all sectors, including companion animals, production livestock, zoological collections, and conservation of wild populations.  

This module is designed to develop your understanding of the processes and considerations involved in implementing effective breeding programmes. It examines the mechanics of reproduction alongside ethical and welfare implications, factors influencing breeders and stock, reproductive strategies, and technological advancements in animal reproduction. You will explore how genetics and heredity shape breeding programmes and bloodlines, while addressing the ethical and legislative frameworks, including animal welfare law. The module also considers the impact of emerging technologies on reproductive potential and the management of breeding and young stock to optimise health, welfare, and production outcomes. 

Animal Dietary Management equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles underpinning optimal nutrition for a diverse range of species. The module begins by exploring the fundamentals of animal nutrition, including the roles of macronutrients and micronutrients in maintaining health and supporting physiological processes. You will learn how to formulate balanced diets tailored to species-specific requirements and apply these insights to feeding strategies that enhance welfare and performance. Ethical considerations and the implications of incorrect feeding practices are integrated throughout, ensuring a responsible approach to dietary management.  

 Building on this theoretical foundation, the module develops practical competencies in feed evaluation, energy calculations, ration formulation, and the creation of effective feeding plans. You will investigate the characteristics of feed ingredients and additives, assess factors such as palatability, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards, and apply these principles across a variety of contexts. Key topics include feeding strategies for different life stages and physiological states, analysis of feed ingredients and examination of specific feeding requirements across a range of species.  

Animal welfare is a high priority for anyone working with animals, and a thorough understanding of the factors that influence welfare and an ability to recognise indicators in animals is essential. The module explores both positive and negative welfare states and examines how physical, behavioural and emotional factors impact on quality of life. Welfare frameworks such as the Five Welfare Needs and Five Freedoms are debated. This module introduces a number of scientific methods for the assessment of animal welfare and the value of physiological responses and changes in behaviour as indicators of overall welfare are explored.    

A range of welfare assessment methods are applied to a research project which involves gathering, analysing and presenting data. This develops research skills which are required in an Honours degree and may prepare for study at higher levels in this developing field. Animal Welfare Science is a rapidly emerging area of research and is increasingly informing and influencing legislation and policy worldwide. The knowledge and skills obtained from this module will also enhance the quality of work in many different animal industries.   

 This module also evaluates the influence of genetics and environment on normal and abnormal behavioural development. It will develop an appreciation of the natural behavioural patterns of animals and how they are of key relevance when determining an animal’s captive requirements. This module will present the scientific basis for the modification of animal behaviour as a way of improving animal welfare. 

Nutrition is a broad discipline, encompassing elements of biochemistry, physiology, endocrinology, immunology, microbiology, and pathology. Throughout this module you will revise the major principles of nutrition of both domestic and wild species, taking a comparative approach, recognising that there are considerable differences in nutrient digestion, metabolism, anatomy and physiology and daily energetic requirements.  An advanced understanding of the range of nutritional needs of animals is a key factor for professional working within a Land based setting.   

The focus of the module will be on mammalian (wild, farm, equine, companion and small animal species) and avian (wild, exotic and domestic) species exploring differences in food selection, acquisition and digestive strategies. The nutritional needs of case study species will cover a broad range of topics including digestive physiology and metabolic disorders. You will revisit and consolidate your Level 5 learning from the Animal Dietary Management module, applying this knowledge to more complex nutritional scenarios across selected species.  

During this module, there will be an exploration of the methods currently used to communicate scientific information to various stakeholders in the community. In doing so, you will identify the most effective methods of conveying innovative ideas and implementing them in society. This unit will also provide opportunities to build teamwork and leadership skills for future application in future job roles.  

Several different scientific communication methods will be examined to identify your strengths and weaknesses, both in theory and in practice. This will include social media, publishing scientific literature, policy briefings, conferences, popular media platforms, podcasts, exhibitions, and more.  

 Throughout the sessions, you will get the opportunity to practice some of these techniques and attend a conference to make your own judgements on the effectiveness of these methods in conveying new scientific information. There will be various opportunities for you to link these practices with industry-specific subjects and current scientific affairs within a field of interest. This module will work in conjunction with the careers team to help build skills in professional development.  

 Through the production of a portfolio containing work completed throughout this module and a reflective account of any activities that you have participated in, you should by the end be able to identify the most effective communication methods for different stakeholders and make recommendations to improve current practice in the scientific community. You should also have a firm understanding of the opportunities you have to take these skills into various scientific sectors.