This course has a focus on new cutting-edge methods used within the study of animal behaviour - innovative approaches to the study of animals in the interest of their conservation. It is suitable for a range of candidates, including working professionals interested in updating technical skills. There has been a revolution in the kind of things we can learn about free-ranging animals using DNA technologies, or state-of-the-art radio-tracking equipment. With a better understanding will emerge important insights that help understand patterns of vulnerability, and help in the formulation of novel approaches to conservation. This course enables you to specialise in particular methods and focus on particular animal species, including marine species.
During this course you will develop:
- an understanding of animal behaviour and how this is applied in finding solutions to conservation problems
- a confidence to employ laboratory and field methods, showing originality in your application to solve problems in novel situations
- an understanding of experimental design as applied to lab and field studies of animals and confidence in the use of statistics
- an understanding of the ethical dilemmas surrounding study of captive and wild animals, and work with others to formulate solutions in the interest of animal welfare
- the transferable skills necessary for employment, including initiative, personal responsibility, leadership.
Students will have the option to explore the issues central to wildlife conservation on a residential field trip to Borneo.
