BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour Bachelor's degree at Liverpool John Moores University

Overview of key concepts in cell biology and physiology, including the chemical basis of the biosciences. Understanding of basic concepts of cell biology and chemistry for the natural sciences, as well as basic concepts of physiology and homeostasis.

Introduces students to fundamental principles of evolution, behaviour, and anatomy, and explores how anatomical structures and behaviours contribute to survival and reproduction.

Broad overview of the diverse range of disciplines comprising ecology and environmental science including adaptations of organisms to their environments, community ecology, and the Earth's natural systems. Study of the global environment and characterisation of the Earth's main biomes.

Multi-disciplinary approach to learning about past, present, and future environmental conditions that shape the natural world. Exploration of Earth's ancient environments, development of life, and evolution. Coverage of contemporary issues, impacts on ecosystems, sustainability, technological tools in scientific investigations, and current challenges for human and animal populations.

Development of theoretical, practical and analytical skills for the scientific study of animal behaviour. Learning how to sample behavioural data under controlled laboratory conditions, in the field and from videos. Understanding of how environmental circumstances influence behaviour, and critical skills in research design, behavioural data analysis and interpretation.

Explains fundamental principles in evolution from a genetics/genomics perspective to explain the diversity of life, and how interactions between genes and environment result in different phenotypes.

Introduction to the diversity of animal behaviour. Learn to describe the behaviour of a wide range of animal species in relation to reproduction, foraging and social behaviour and to identify common behaviours in selected species, explaining their purpose.

Key concepts within ecology and conservation including the abiotic environment; species, populations, communities, and ecosystems; human impacts on the environment; and various scientific applications of ecology. Case studies from different types of ecosystems reflecting their geographic distributions.

Introduction to physiological processes and the concepts of homeostasis in a variety of organisms. Introduction to major biochemical processes in living organisms.

Introduces the study of the diversity of organism form, function, and behaviour, by exploring how we investigate organisms through observation, data analysis, and modern research technologies, and how findings are evaluated and communicated to different audiences.

Covers all aspects of handling and analysing scientific data and the development of employability/graduate skills. Opportunities for students to co-create questions and datasets for analysis. Consideration of the fundamentals of analysing and interpreting scientific data using examples relevant to all biosciences. Preparation of career plan in science and self-awareness of employability skills.

Examination of how ecological and evolutionary factors affect the survival and reproductive behaviour of animals. The role of ecological and evolutionary selection pressures to maximise inclusive fitness in wild animals is stressed. Emphasis on the design and interpretation of a behavioural time budget study on zoo animals.

Background to the topic of animal communication, from its evolution and function, to its flexibility and adaptation to human dominated landscapes. The systems and modes of animal communication will be examined, along with the wide range of communication across the animal kingdom.

Overview of the function of the nervous and endocrine system, how it is interconnected, how it is influenced by the environment and how it affects animal behaviour. Practical training in up-to-date methods used in this field and how the achieved skills can be applied to own behavioural studies and studies on conservation and animal welfare.

Examination of different methods used for animal censuses and surveys, including varied sampling approaches.

Comprehensive background and understanding of animal locomotion and movement. Investigation of the process and mechanisms of motion from its physiological bases through whole animal mechanics, and group level migrations. Examination of the fundamental physiology and anatomy of movement.

Evaluation of the behaviour and welfare of companion animals. Focus mainly on dogs, specialising in the varied roles companion animals are faced with in modern society and the impacts these may have on their welfare.

Research project in any area appropriate to the programme of study on a topic of choice.