Applied Zoology and Conservation (inc. sandwich year)

“We have a moment where we can change our world and make it better. This is that moment…” Extinction: the facts.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) strives for global cooperation in support of biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits. You can be part of the next generation of graduates equipped with a detailed understanding of the natural world and our place within it, who will we be able to make progress towards the vision agreed by world governments for 2050, ‘Living in Harmony with Nature’.

The BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology and Conservation is a full-time three-year course has been designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to work within the field of conservation, but equally equips you with knowledge relevant to the environmental sustainability of all areas of society and business. With the increasing environmental challenges faced by society, there has never been a more relevant time to study zoology and conservation.

This programme has been specifically designed to ensure our graduates are equipped with the theoretical background and industry-specific skills needed to be successful in the conservation sector, as well as transferable skills relevant to professional success in a wider context. Students also complete a minimum of 100 hours of work experience to ensure they gain relevant on the job training and continue to develop their professional practice and skills.

The course is delivered at Newquay University Centre Cornwall which is ideally located for field-based observation, with terrestrial and marine sites including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) such as Trevose Head and Bedruthan Steps, Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) including Breney Common and Goss and Tregoss Moor (JNCC 2014), and newly designated Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ) including Newquay and the Gannel. We also provide opportunities to join international field trips to, for example, Honduras and Borneo, to gain field experience and network with academics and field staff from all over the world (additional fee applicable).

The BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology and Conservation is a full-time four-year programme with a placement year between Stages 2 and 3. It has been designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work within the field of conservation, but equally equips graduates with knowledge relevant to the environmental sustainability of all areas of society and business. With the increasing environmental challenges faced by society, there has never been a more relevant time to study zoology and conservation.

The placement year will take place between years 2 and 3, requiring a total of 26 weeks on placement with either a single or multiple relevant employers/organisations. During the placement year you will need to conduct an independent research project and will be supported in the lead up to the placement and throughout by a placement year supervisor. The research conducted as part of the placement year project cannot be used for the Honours Project in Year 3.

Progression
Graduates from this programme are well-equipped to go directly into employment in a range of organisations within the zoological and conservation sectors. For example, Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, Woodlands Trust, Natural England or the Environment Agency, international NGOs.

Types of roles may include: Communications/Education Officer, Wildlife or Development Officer, Community Engagement Officer, Wildlife or Reserve Warden, Project Officer or Manager, Advisor or Consultant Ecologist, Environment Officer, Research Technician, Field Researcher.

Example progression routes are illustrated below.

• PGCE or CertEd
• MSc Zoo Conservation Biology at University of Plymouth
• MSc Sustainable Environmental Management at University of Plymouth
• MSc Conservation & Biodiversity at the University of Exeter
• MSc Conservation Science & Policy at the University of Exeter

Course Modules

YEAR 1: - Introduction to Zoology (20 credits) - Diversity, Classification & Evolution (20 credits) - Hygiene, Health & Welfare of Captive Animals (20 credits) - Key Professional Skills (20 credits) - Fieldwork (20 credits) - Animals and their Environment (20 credits). YEAR 2: - Vertebrate Zoology (20 credits) - Population Genetics & Community Ecology (20 credits) - Biosecurity & Invasive Species (20 credits) - Zoological Conservation in Practice (20 credits) - Research Methods and GIS for Zoology (20 credits). YEAR 2 Optional Modules: - Behavioural Ecology (20 credits) - Primate Behaviour & Conservation (20 credits) - Marine Vertebrate Biology & Conservation (20 credits) - Advanced Ecology & Survey Techniques (20 credits). YEAR 3: - Placement Project. YEAR 4: - Honours Project (40 credits) - Conservation Project Management (20 credits) - Conservation Genetics (20 credits) - Applications of Zoology (20 credits). YEAR 4 Optional Modules: - Zoology & Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (20 credits) - Wildlife Conservation (20 credits) - Monitoring Marine Ecosystems (20 credits).

Assessments are varied and industry relevant to help students develop a wide range of transferrable skills, but include: reports, essays, projects, presentations, posters, podcasts and video presentations, tests and exams. In the final year, students undertake an Honours research project which allows them to specialise in an area of research of particular interest to them.