This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of, and appreciation for, how animals adapt to the varied environments in which they live, in response to the problems of life associated with each unique environment. This includes how and why the animals have evolved the way they did in terms of their morphology, physiology and behaviour while considering the ecology of each habitat type. While the majority of the module looks back at animal evolution, part of it looks forward too by broaching the topics of anthropogenic environments and what animals need to do to continue surviving in the Anthropocene.

Behavioural Ecology builds on theory and practical skills introduced at level 4. In this module, you will develop your understanding of how evolutionary theory enables us to explain and predict animals' behaviour as a product of selective pressures in their natural environment. Practical sessions will enable you to practice behavioural observation and measurement skills. You will be supported to develop a full proposal for a study investigating an area of your choice throughout the module.

In this module you will learn about human impacts on the natural world, examining the challenges these create and the sustainable and technological solutions used to address them. Key topics include the impact of invasive species, wildlife persecution, and biodiversity loss, with laboratory practicals that allow you to investigate wildlife crime through DNA analysis. You will also cover broader environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, urbanisation, water scarcity, food security, and emerging diseases, while highlighting strategies like environmental impact assessments and technological innovations. You will engage in real-world assessments, including a research paper and a communication piece, to deepen your understanding of the anthropogenic impacts on our planet and the technological solutions required for a more sustainable future.

This module aims to build on knowledge of taxonomy, ecology and conservation biology in level 4 to provide a detailed exploration of conservation problems for vertebrate taxa. The module will build on your knowledge of vertebrate taxa and help you to understand the most pertinent threats to the long-term survival of a range of species within these groups. You will explore applied conservation problems and become familiar with a range of approaches to conservation. This module aims to provide an introduction to cutting edge conservation research and allow you to build your experience and expertise in subjects and methods used by conservation professionals.

Invertebrates represent the majority of animal diversity, comprising about 95% of all known animal species. Invertebrates play crucial roles in various ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, predators, and prey. Understanding their ecological interactions is essential for appreciating the complexity of ecosystems and the interconnectedness of different species. This module offers you a deeper understanding of the biology, diversity, and ecological significance of invertebrates. It builds on foundational knowledge from earlier courses and prepares you for more specialized studies in zoology, ecology, environmental science, conservation or related fields.

In this module, you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice and build essential skills for your future career by gaining invaluable real-world experience through a structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5 or 7 weeks as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. a local employer from the private, public, or charitable sector). You will develop practical, analytical, and professional skills relevant to your subject, while also enhancing transferable skills that are vital in any graduate-level role. Therefore this module will enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

Through hands-on experiences, you will critically reflect on your personal and professional growth, using these insights to shape your career path and identify areas for continued development. You'll take ownership of your learning, ensuring that you can effectively articulate your employability skills in a professional context, and be well-prepared for the workplace. This module empowers you to explore new environments, apply your knowledge, and discover how your academic training translates into real-world impact, boosting your confidence and work readiness.

It is your responsibility to organise the placement as part of this module although you will be provided with support from university staff.

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

• Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc.)
• Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 4, 5 or 7 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement
• Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.
• All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.

The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

In this module, you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice and build essential skills for your future career by gaining invaluable real-world experience through a range of experiential activities (e.g., volunteering, workplace engagement, research projects, field trip (where available and dependent on course), or through a combination of activities). You will develop practical, analytical, and professional skills relevant to your subject, while also enhancing transferable skills that are vital in any graduate-level role. 

Through hands-on experiences, you will critically reflect on your personal and professional growth, using these insights to shape your career path and identify areas for continued development. You'll take ownership of your learning, ensuring that you can effectively articulate your employability skills in a professional context, and be well-prepared for the workplace. This module empowers you to explore new environments, apply your knowledge, and discover how your academic training translates into real-world impact, boosting your confidence and work readiness. 

It is your responsibility to organise any experience undertaken outside of the university as part of this module although you will be provided with support from university staff.

All activities within this module must be university-level; this means:  

• Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc.)  
• Meeting the professional expectations of the experiential activities you undertake 
• Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as an experiential activity provider, if the role aligns with your career development and provides you with high skilled work commensurate with level 5 study. 

Or you can choose ONE of the following:

• University Placement Year Optional
• Subject Placement Year Optional
• International University Placement Year Optional