BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour Science

Working at London Zoo, University of Lincoln Animal Behaviour Science graduate Evelyn had the opportunity to travel to Antarctica to assist on a conservation research project, based at the Zoological Society of London. She collected feather samples to track the migration of populations of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins. Evelyn has also completed an ANC in the Management of Zoo Animals.

Level One

Introduction to Animal Behaviour

Animals exhibit a huge variety of behaviours, from the simple movements of a sea slug to the higher mental capacities of primates. Given this bewildering diversity, it can be difficult to know where and how to begin to understand animal behaviour.

This unit introduces the notion that behaviour can be studied using a variety of approaches and that the approach adopted depends on what you want to understand about the observed behaviour.

Animal Physiology

Physiology is the study of the biological mechanisms and systems required by animals in order to function successfully in their environment. A familiarity with these systems is essential for students to be able to understand and interpret aspects of physical performance, environmental and social responses and other complex behaviour patterns.

Comparative Anatomy

This unit is concerned with developing an understanding of the basic principles of anatomy across taxa. It aims to demonstrate how animals are both different, yet often share similar anatomical features.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is central to all areas of biological sciences. Its aim is to provide an understanding of the structure and function of organisms at a molecular level.

Ecology and Biodiversity

This unit describes how biodiversity is defined and studied. Students will learn about the variety of life on Planet Earth with reference to taxonomy and systematics of animals, plants and micro-organisms. This unit introduces methods for measuring species abundance and diversity, and discuss the impact that humans are having on biodiversity.

Evolution, Genetics and Domestication

The diversity of living things arose by evolutionary processes. Natural selection is the best known factor, but other factors are equally or more important in specific cases. Domestication and the emergence of breeds of animals is an example where human selection has led to extreme forms, for example the dachshund and the St. Bernard which both evolved from the wolf. Genetics is central to biological evolution, and thus the structure, function and inheritance of the genetic code are introduced.

Cell Biology and Immunology

Cells form the basic building blocks of all living organisms from the simplest unicellular animals to the largest mammals. This unit starts with the cell, describing its structure and physiology with an emphasis on the role of the cell membrane in maintaining cell homeostasis and regulating cell function. Immunology introduces the key features of the body’s disease defence systems.

Research Skills and Biometrics

There are a number of basic skills that are essential for all scientists to possess in order to carry out a programme of research, either as a practical experimenter or critically assessing the literature of a particular topic. These skills include both practical laboratory and field skills and the ability to interpret and present findings in a scientific manner. This unit equips the student with the necessary skills to follow a science degree.

Level Two

Animal Behaviour and Ethology

The two traditional approaches to the study of animal behaviour, (ethology versus psychology) have sometimes come into academic conflict and so it is important to appreciate the principles underpinning each. Ethological questions about animal behaviour tend to focus around its mechanism, development, function and/or evolution, while psychological questions have focussed on the common rules governing the working of the mind. This unit examines the ethological and psychological concepts underlying the study of animal behaviour and their application for the study of captive and wild animals and their environments.

Ecology

Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms. Within this framework the role of competition (between members of the same and different species) and predation on the distribution and abundance of animal populations will be evaluated. Part of this unit is taught on a residential field trip.

Animal Learning and Training

Animal training depends not only on the application of learning theory, but also on intra-specific communication skills. This unit develops both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for the planning, execution and evaluation of animal training programmes, through a series of lectures, demonstrations and practicals using the Universitys specialist animal facilities. Students will also learn the latest results from the Universitys ongoing international research programme into the science of animal training.

Metabolism

Metabolism describes the collection of reactions that take place in an organism to convert fuel (food) into the energy needed to power everything that individual does. Specific proteins in the body control the chemical reactions of metabolism, and each chemical reaction is coordinated with other body functions. This unit describes the interactions of the multitude of reactions taking place and how metabolic disorders occur.

Nutritional Science

Nutrition plays a fundamental role in maintaining the health and welfare of animals. This unit concentrates on the function, digestion and metabolism of the key nutrients, as well as factors which influence food intake. Laboratory skills are developed alongside lectures and tutorials.

Applied Statistics

Science relies on sound experimental design and correct analysis of data. This unit emphasises the importance of good, sound experimental design and the principle of probability in analysing the results of experiments. Students are introduced to the principles of experimental design, sample size accuracy and precision of measurements. The appropriate use of a range of statistical tests is discussed. This is a core unit that prepares students for the research project carried out in year three.

Animal Protection and Legislation (Option - choose two)

Our treatment of animals is restricted in many different circumstances by law, and a number of pieces of legislation exist to regulate and police the welfare of both domesticated and wild species. This unit explores the background and history of legislation relating to animals; the political, legal and social pressures involved in making law; and examines the difficulties inherent in identifying and assigning responsibility for the mistreatment of animals.

Conservation of Biodiversity (Option - choose two)

Enshrined by international treaties, the conservation of biodiversity is central to conservation biology because the emphasis is on whole habitats and ecosystems rather than on individual species. Various technological approaches are described to focus attention on the problems faced by conservationists attempting to save critical species. Genetic diversity is not limited to natural populations and so the conservation of domestic livestock and plants is also considered within the framework of this unit that involves guest lecture and field trips.

Reproduction and Breeding (Option - choose two)

Reproduction is one of the fundamental processes that define living organisms, involving events at the biochemical, cellular, organism and population levels. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines including genetics, physiology, endocrinology, neurobiology and behaviour.

Level Three

Animal Welfare Science

Animal welfare issues are often enveloped by emotional and/or political interpretations of the available evidence and it is important to be able to distinguish between scientific evidence and personal opinion. Common misunderstandings and popular misconceptions, which hinder the objective assessment and improvement of welfare, are examined so that students are able to develop their own defendable stance on these often emotive issues. This unit will cover the historical development of the field, the use of behavioural and physiological measures to assess well-being and/or psychological state, and modern approaches to evaluating an animal’s conscious experience of its environment.

Behavioural Ecology

Behavioural ecology is a meeting point of behaviour, ecology and evolution. Animals must act out their behaviours on the ecological stage, whilst natural (and sexual) selection selects those best able to survive, reproduce and pass on their successful genes to future generations. This unit examines this adaptionist paradigm in great detail and asks just how far such a paradigm goes in explaining animal and human behaviour.

Project and Dissertation (double unit)

This unit is based upon individual, supervised student activity that provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a particular topic and to demonstrate original and critical thought. A wide range of subject expertise exists within the department, which gives students a varied choice of areas to study.

Animal Cognition

This Unit is currently being revised. Contact us for further details.

Problem Behaviour Management

Behaviour problems are the most common reason for an owner to rehome or euthanize a pet. Managing these problems involves a combination of history taking and evaluation skills as well as the ability to apply appropriate solutions. This unit equips the student with the necessary skills to investigate and evaluate the most common behaviour problems affecting companion animals and implement effective treatment programmes for their resolution. This unit is delivered through a series of lectures, seminars and practicals, including live relay sessions from the Universitys Animal Behaviour Clinic and access to its digital case archive.

Ecology Survey and Census

Biodiversity is crucial to maintaining life on Earth and lies at the heart of the science of conservation biology. Inter-relationships of the major groups of animals, plants and microbes are described. Measuring animal and plant populations form a core of the study of biodiversity and Riseholme Campus provides a natural laboratory for practical studies undertaken during the unit.

Selection and Breeding (Option - choose one)

All breeding programmes involve elements of selection to maximise livestock production traits, to improve athletic performance, or for endangered species to conserve genetic diversity. There are many different approaches to assessing an individual’s breeding value and deciding which specific animals should be paired with each other. The strengths and weaknesses of different methods for selecting breeding stock are evaluated.

Animal Management Systems (Option - choose one)

This unit covers the design of animal-friendly housing, animal enrichment, and the practical assessment of animal welfare. It will include the contributions of animal scientists, welfare organisations, legislators, the animal industries and consumers to the design and running of captive animal environments. There will be a focus on the animal’s biological requirements in captivity and the implementation of good husbandry practice within farm, laboratory, zoo and companion animals.

Our lecturing staff comprises internationally renowned researchers who deliver teaching according to their subject expertise. Staff contribute to government advisory bodies, offer industrial consultancy, publish in international journals and contribute to academic books. Our teaching is consistently rated as excellent by independent student satisfaction surveys. Our Professor in Rare Breed Diversity and Conservation champions the application of genetics to livestock development and conservation.

The department hosts the only Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons approved Behaviour Speciality Clinic, run under the direction of one of only two current RCVS recognised specialists in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine. This supports our internationally recognised research in companion and farm animal behaviour and welfare, behavioural consultancy and problem behaviour management.

We have a diverse range of animal species located at Riseholme Campus. We have domesticated Lincoln Red Cattle, pedigree Welsh Lleyn Sheep, a Cleveland Bay stud and familiar small mammal species including cats, dogs, mice, rats and exotics such as chinchillas, marmosets, reptiles, insects, spiders, molluscs and tropical and temperate fish.

Riseholme has large, modern equine facilities, which include a high speed treadmill, 2 outdoor and 1 indoor arena (newly resurfaced), an indoor demonstration area, a weighbridge, up to 28 school horses and 20 DIY boxes, and a BHS Stage 3 level cross country course. We also operate a Cleveland Bay stud, including broodmares, young stock and stallions which runs in close association with the Cleveland Bay Horse Society.

Our analytical facilities include tissue culture, DNA extraction and amplification, high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry. Such equipment all supports the departmental strategy of interdisciplinary research that links molecular, organismal, population and community level research.

We have an entomology lab at Riseholme Campus; a purpose built walk-in insectary which houses various populations of insects that support both teaching and research at the University of Lincoln. The ‘Beetle Lab’ houses a dedicated image analysis workstation which allows microscopic morpho-metric measurements of insect features to be made.

Students studying at the Riseholme Park campus can have all the benefits of a convenient rural campus and the advantages of city living. Just 3 miles north of Lincoln city centre, Riseholme Park is a beautiful parkland campus that offers a peaceful, natural environment in which to study animal behaviour science.

The Riseholme Park Estate comprises a total of 200 hectares of broadleaf woodland, mixed farmland, cattle farm, lake and landscaped gardens. This diversity of habitats supports a great variety of animal and plant life, including rare species of dragonfly and butterfly and over 60 species of birds and wild mammals. These natural resources provide a backdrop to the programmes delivered at Riseholme and are an invaluable resource for teaching and research in Animal Behaviour Science.

The standard entry requirement is 280 UCAS points of which 80 points or equivalent are derived from Biology, Psychology or a related science subject.

Students on an Edexcel National Diploma or related course (eg. Animal Care or Animal Science) will require a Merit Profile overall with Merits or Distinctions in related science units.

Mature students, those with non-conventional educational backgrounds, and those with good non-science qualifications with an interest in animal behaviour and welfare are strongly advised to apply, and will be considered following interview.

The Department has an exceptional record in placing students in graduate and animal-based careers and provides opportunities to progress to post-graduate qualifications in animal behaviour, welfare and conservation.

2012 Entry	UK/EU	International
Full-time	£9000	£12033
Part-time	£75 per credit point	£100 per credit point
Placement (optional)	Exempt	Exempt
Assessment Only	£38 per credit point	£50 per credit point

For further information and funding your studey please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding