BSc (Hons) Animal & Conservation Biology

Undergraduate, Full-time

Animal & Conservation Biology BSc (Hons)



Prepare for a career in wildlife conservation by exploring how animals adapt to their environment and interact with each other

Overview

Animal & Conservation Biology introduces the diversity of animals, their form and function. You'll study how animals have evolved and adapted to different environments in terms of their ecology, behaviour and physiology.

You'll learn how this knowledge can be put to use to guide conservation and understand the impacts of pollution and climate change on animals. Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside is rich in biodiversity and you'll visit local sites of scientific interest, gaining valuable fieldwork experience, as well as going on residential trips, including to the Algarve.

You'll leave equipped with a range of skills for a career in animal conservation or management, including species identification, field surveying techniques and collection and analysis of biological data, or you could continue on to postgraduate study.

It is important to note that our Biology Suite content is currently under review. Should you require any further information or clarification please do not hesitate to contact Eva Malone, Programme Leader on e.malone@napier.ac.uk with 'Biology Suite Content Enquiry' as the subject. Thank you and please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

MSc Wildlife Biology and Conservation field trip to Hermitage of Braid

Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as part-time)

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

CC11

Placement:

Yes

Study Abroad:

Yes


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Course details

You'll discover how studies in animal behaviour, ecology, physiology and evolution help us to understand animals in their natural environment. You'll explore the main environmental threats faced by animals, how to assess their habitats and appreciate the many ways to enact effective conservation.

You'll get hands-on fieldwork experience, including residential field trips to the Isle of Cumbrae and the Algarve. Your learning is also supported by internationally recognised research and you'll get the opportunity to conduct your own research project, benefitting from the knowledge of our diverse staff and links with external organisations.

You'll develop a range of specialist skills relevant to future career paths such as:

  • species identification
  • field surveys in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments
  • collection and analysis of behavioural data
  • laboratory-based investigations

The applied nature of this course develops skills that enhance your employability, including team working, problem solving, research, communication and IT. You'll also acquire specialist analytical and numerical skills, be able to collect a range of biological data and communicate scientific information effectively.

Local industry links help you with gaining work-related experience and project opportunities, which will enhance your ability to compete for jobs after graduation.

The emphasis on research also equips you with the knowledge and skills to continue on to postgraduate study, including possible PhD study within Edinburgh Napier University.

  • calendar How you’ll be taught

    You will learn through a variety of different methods, including lectures, tutorials, field studies and laboratory classes. Most of our staff are members of the Higher Education Academy and have received formal training in teaching undergraduate students.
  • note and pen Assessments

    A variety of assessment methods are used, including examination, assignments and practical assessments. These are balanced across the Programme to provide a challenging assessment experience, which allows you to do your best.
  • study abroad Study abroad

    Erasmus Programme opportunities - We have links with Roskilde University, in Denmark, where students can study in English.

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Foundation in Science
  • Life on Earth
  • Comparative anatomy and physiology
  • Scientific enquiry
  • Introductory Microbiology
  • Cell biology

Year 2

  • Genes and Inheritance
  • Ecology and Sustainability
  • Practical Skills in Biodiversity and Ecology
  • Physiology, Adaptation and Disease
  • Animal Behaviour
  • Option module

Year 3

  • Research Methods
  • Habitat Assessment and GIS
  • Ecology Field Studies
  • Conservation Biology
  • Terrestrial Field Ecology
  • Option module

Year 4

  • Professional Practice
  • Advances in Animal Behaviour
  • Current Topics in Ecology
  • Project

ACCREDITED BY

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information on this is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements indicate the minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Advanced entry

Advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3 is possible for students with suitable qualifications.

Minimum year 1

SQA Higher

Typical Entry Requirement

BBBB including Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Psychology at Grade B.

National 5 C in English, Maths, Biology and Chemistry.

Adjusted Offer Entry Requirement

BBCC including Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Psychology at Grade B.

National 5 C in English, Maths, Biology and Chemistry.

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet specific widening participation criteria as outlined in our contextual admissions policy. Find out more about our entry requirements and admissions policies.

A Level

BCC including Biology or Human Biology or Chemistry or Physics.

GCSE Grade C/4 English, Maths, Biology and Chemistry also required.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Pre-2017 Grading System

B1, B1, B3, B3 at Higher Level including a Science.

C2 at Ordinary Level in English, Maths, Biology and Chemistry also required.

New Grading System

Grades H2, H2, H3, H3 at Higher Level including a Science.

Grade O4 at Ordinary Level in English, Maths, Biology and Chemistry also required.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.

GCSE Grade C/4 English, Maths, Biology and Chemistry or DA Science also required.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 including a Science at minimum grade 5.

4 points in SL English, Maths, Biology and Chemistry.

European Baccalaureate

70% with Grade 7 in three subjects including Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Psychology.

Grade 6 in English, Maths, Biology and Chemistry.

Minimum Year 2

HNC

Pass in a related subject with B in the graded unit.

Minimum Year 3

HND

Pass in a related subject with Grades BB at SCQF Level 8 in the graded units.

English language requirements

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

International students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that non-EU international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BN Nursing/MN Nursing (Adult, Child, Mental Health or Learning Disability)
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery

Admissions policies

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2018/19 2019/20
Scotland/EU £1,820 £1,820
England Wales and Northern Ireland (RUK) £9,000 £9,250
Overseas £12,350 £12,845
RUK Students starting in 2018/19 will be invoiced the 2018/19 fee for 3 years of their 4 years of study. Students starting in 2019/20 will be invoiced the 2019/20 fee for 3 years of their 4 years of study.


Frequently Asked Questions about Fees
Information of Bursaries and Scholarships

Careers

Two students photographing wildlife on the cliffs at St Abbs

Career opportunities include:

  • Species conservation and habitat protection
  • Ecology and environmental management
  • Field surveying
  • Environmental charities
  • Consultancies and government agencies

Student holding a water sample on Wildlife Biology and Conservation field trip