BSc (Hons) Animal & Conservation Biology

You'll discover how studies in animal behaviour, ecology, physiology and evolution help us to understand animals in their natural environment. You'll explore the main environmental threats faced by animals, how to assess their habitats and appreciate the many ways to enact effective conservation.

You'll get hands-on fieldwork experience, including residential field trips to the Isle of Cumbrae and the Algarve. Your learning is also supported by internationally recognised research and you'll get the opportunity to conduct your own research project, benefitting from the knowledge of our diverse staff and links with external organisations.

You'll develop a range of specialist skills relevant to future career paths such as:

• species identification
• field surveys in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments
• collection and analysis of behavioural data
• laboratory-based investigations

 

The applied nature of this course develops skills that enhance your employability, including team working, problem solving, research, communication and IT. You'll also acquire specialist analytical and numerical skills, be able to collect a range of biological data and communicate scientific information effectively.

Local industry links help you with gaining work-related experience and project opportunities, which will enhance your ability to compete for jobs after graduation.

 

The emphasis on research also equips you with the knowledge and skills to continue on to postgraduate study, including possible PhD study within Edinburgh Napier University.

Popular modules

Year 1

• Foundation in Science
• Life on Earth
• Comparative anatomy and physiology
• Scientific enquiry
• Introductory Microbiology
• Cell biology

 

Year 2

• Genes and Inheritance
• Ecology and Sustainability
• Practical Skills in Biodiversity and Ecology
• Physiology, Adaptation and Disease
• Animal Behaviour
• Option module

 

Year 3

• Research Methods
• Habitat Assessment and GIS
• Ecology Field Studies
• Conservation Biology
• Terrestrial Field Ecology
• Option module

 

Year 4

• Professional Practice
• Advances in Animal Behaviour
• Current Topics in Ecology
• Project
   

Undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees 

IELTS (Academic)
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5

TOEFL Internet Based Test
80 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing

Pearson’s Test of Academic English
56 overall with a minimum of 51 in each component

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE))
169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each component

Cambridge B2 First (formerly Cambridge English First (FCE))
169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each component

Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English Advanced (CAE))
169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each component

Trinity Integrated Skills Test (ISE)
ISEII, ISEIII, ISEIV with a pass in each component

LanguageCert English language qualification
B2 Communicator Test with overall 39 or above, and 25 or above in all skills

Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study. Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by mainland EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2022 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here. For EU students who commenced their studies prior to 1 August 2022 or hold pre or settled status in the UK, fees will remain the same as Scottish Students.    
If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.                  

 
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2022 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. 

Career opportunities include:

• Species conservation and habitat protection
• Ecology and environmental management
• Field surveying
• Environmental charities
• Consultancies and government agencies