BSc (Hons) Zoological Management and Conservation Bachelor's degree at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

This is a skills-based module which aims to support and enhance the development of subject-based, generic and practical key skills. It integrates many areas of study, such as the development of professional standards of academic writing and communication, biology, research and analytical skills. Students will acquire real-world knowledge and skills that reinforce the understanding of academic subjects. These will include subjects such as, practical animal husbandry, academic reading and referenc

Assessment: 50% Assignment 1,250 words or equivalent; 50% Portfolio 1,250 words or equivalent

This module will cover the biological principles that underpin the study of animal management and the fundamental processes of living organisms. Practical sessions will enable students to gain knowledge of animal physiology and an understanding of the reproductive and skeletal adaptations throughout the animal kingdom. The module will allow learners to develop knowledge of the key biological requirements that should be considered when managing captive animal populations.

Assessment: 60% Portfolio 3,000 words or equivalent; 40% Unseen, closed book exam 2 hours (2,000 words equivalent)

This module examines the key issues relating to the welfare, health and husbandry of captive animals; how animal health and welfare can be both psychological and physical. Through the use of lectures, discussion forums, critiques of welfare documentaries, welfare auditing workshops, guest speakers and visits to UK zoos students will learn about the husbandry practices commonly used in modern zoo animal management.

Assessment: 50% Presentation 10 mins + 5 mins Q&A (2,500 words equivalent); 50% Assignment 2,500 words or equivalent

This module will provide a framework for understanding and interpreting animal behaviour patterns across a range of species. Students will develop a detailed understanding of how behaviour develops throughout an animal's lifetime and the impact of that behaviour on their survival and reproductive success. Through practical activities concepts of animal behaviour study will be taught and practiced enabling students to successfully record and interpret behaviour.

Assessment: 100% Assignment 2,500 words or equivalent

This module will look at systematics and the theory of evolution as applied to the study of diversity within the animal kingdom. It will provide the underpinning knowledge and skills required to accurately and scientifically identify, name and classify a range of animal species. Practical skills in specimen collection and recording will also be learnt, as this practice plays a vital role for zoos that breed and manage animals for conservation programmes.

Assessment: 100% Portfolio 2,500 words or equivalent

Through the millions of visitors who visit them, zoos and aquariums can help people engage with the natural world and make use of that contact to achieve conservation goals. Conservation relies on the collaborations between zoos and aquariums and many partners both in and outside the conservation world. Through a series of lectures, workshops and site visits, students will examine the many different facets of a zoo and aquariums in the 21st century and the roles of those working in the industry.

Assessment: 100% Assignment 2,500 words or equivalent

Animal management is a wide and varied field of study, requiring an interdisciplinary approach. Throughout this module, students will further develop research skills through lectures, classroom workshops and practical sessions. Skills will include: effective literature and information searching, hypothesis generation, data collection and analysis and scientific writing. Knowledge of how to design, plan and undertake scientific investigations within zoos and aquariums will be gained via critical

Assessment: 80% Assignment 2,400 words or equivalent; 20% Presentation 3 mins + 5 mins Q&A (600 words or equivalent)

This module will consider the structure and function of nutrients and link them to diet provision within a captive animal setting. It will take into account health and disease, food presentation and the use of diet in enrichment. Areas to take into consideration when creating diet plans will be discussed and nutrition computer packages will be used where relevant. Students will be able to review a species set up and condition and develop an appropriate diet to meet its nutritional needs, includi

Assessment: 100% Open Book Exam 24 hours (3,500 words equivalent)

This module will apply knowledge gained in Level 4 to the practice of managing captive animal populations. Protocols used to manage animals during events such as introductions and mating will be devised and evaluated. Scenarios will be presented to ensure students can create management strategies that would be effective for a variety of populations at different zoos. Methods of creating mixed exhibits and managing environments for large social groups, for example, will be reviewed and assessed.

Assessment: 50% Assignment 3,000 words or equivalent; 50% Group presentation 40 minutes + 5 minutes Q&A (3,000 words or equivalent)

This module will look at how captive populations are managed and provide an introduction to genetics and inheritance for the purpose of animal selection and breeding. A large majority of captive animal organisations carry out specialised population management programmes for conservation and this module will utilise stud books and zoo records to identify procedures for selecting animals for breeding. The module will cover all aspects of managing breeding to ensure maintenance of health and psycho

Assessment: 100% Assignment 3,000 words or equivalent

Enclosure design will consider animal and human requirements, covering modern husbandry methods, health and safety, economics, sustainability and visitor experience. Environmental enrichment will be covered for a variety of taxonomic groups, considering their adaptations and the management of desirable and undesirable behaviours. The key steps of design, implementation and evaluation of enrichment will be considered, developing a critical view of current practices as well as proposing opportunit

Assessment: 50% Presentation 15 minutes + 5 mins Q&A (3,000 words equivalent); 50% Assignment 3,000 words or equivalent

This module includes at least 60 hours of work experience to help students develop key employability skills through workshops, practicals and work experience. Students will develop knowledge of researching, applying and obtaining work experience opportunities within the animal management industry. Transferable skills such as teamwork, presenting effectively and professionalism will be developed. Guest speakers and visits from external organisations will introduce students to the professional ski

Assessment: 50% Portfolio 1,500 words or equivalent; 50% Presentation 600 words + 10 mins Q&A (1500 words equivalent)

The module aims to allow students to develop and demonstrate practical communication skills, and understand how these skills should be applied in zoos and aquariums. Many communication channels are available, and there are varied reasons for using them: promotion, information dissemination, or behaviour change to encourage wildlife-friendly outcomes. Students will learn to critically analyse a variety of on-site communications (interpretation panels, talks, demonstrations etc.), marketing method

Assessment: 100% Coursework: individual, presentation

This module aims to develop your knowledge of the various ways in which organisations holding animal populations are involved in field conservation projects. It will examine current conservation issues and the efforts and impacts that such organisations can demonstrate in the conservation arena, including but not limited to: understanding conservation prioritisation, assessing reintroduction sites, integrating in situ and ex situ conservation measures, working with stakeholders and developing sp

Assessment: 50% Coursework: individual, presentation; 50% Coursework: Exam

Mammals as a group are very well represented in ex situ collections. Despite the challenges posed by unique features of this taxon's biology, behaviour and ecology, mammals are also by far the most translocated group of animals. In this module you will examine the process of conservation translocations, via reintroduction and restocking, for a variety of mammal species. You will focus on the biological characteristics of mammals, considering aspects of their behaviour and the, often complex, soc

Assessment: 100% Coursework

This module aims to provide students with an advanced understanding of the techniques and processes performed by ex situ bird collection staff that play a role in either in situ conservation programmes or rescue and rehabilitation activities. Focus will be given to the rearing and release methods for a range of bird species, and interaction with subject specialists will provide opportunities to assess and learn from both past and currently active projects. You will develop knowledge and understa