BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation with Foundation Year

This module provides you with an overview of key concepts in cell biology and physiology, including the chemical basis of the biosciences. Throughout the module you will gain an understanding of the basic concepts of cell biology and chemistry for the natural sciences, as well as the basic concepts of physiology and homeostasis, with reference to specific physiological processes and examples of module content in nature.

This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of evolution, behaviour, and anatomy, and explores how anatomical structures and behaviours contribute to survival and reproduction.

This module provides you with a broad overview of the diverse range of disciplines comprising ecology and environmental science including an understanding of adaptations of organisms to their environments, community ecology, the earth’s natural systems. You will study the global environment and characterisation of the Earth’s main biomes.

This module provides a multi-disciplinary approach to learning about the past, present, and future environmental conditions that shape the natural world, including human life.

Students will first explore Earth’s ancient environments, the development of life and become acquainted with the concept of evolution.

The bulk of the module will focus on contemporary issues and challenges. It will cover various impacts on ecosystems and students will examine the concept of sustainability. They will get an overview of current technological tools advancing scientific investigations across various disciplines, including the use of DNA in modern science. Current challenges for both human and animal populations will be explored, with emphasis on potential solutions and management scenarios

Finally, students will reflect on the potential scientific challenges that may arise as the world changes.

This module provides you with an introduction to the key practical skills required for careers in Wildlife Conservation. You will develop knowledge on various identification and surveying techniques for animal and plant taxonomic groups. You will also develop skills in current techniques such as Geographical Information systems.

This module explains fundamental principles in evolution from a genetics/genomics perspective in order to explain the diversity of life, and how interactions between genes and environment result in different phenotypes. The fundamental principles of genetics and evolutionary biology will be taught with specific examples relevant to each programme cohort, and emphasis on the applications of genetics within the scientific disciplines of each programme cohort.

In this module you will be introduced to the diversity of animal behaviour. You will 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.

This module covers 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 will be incorporated from different types of ecosystems reflecting their geographic distributions. Part of this will be achieved through field visits to a range of habitats.

This module will introduce physiological processes and the concepts of homeostasis in a variety of organisms. It will also introduce major biochemical processes in living organisms.

This module 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 in both academic and career contexts.

This module covers all aspects of handling and analysing scientific data and the development of employability/graduate skills. It also provides opportunities for students to co-create questions and datasets for analysis in class. You will consider the fundamentals of analysing and interpreting scientific data using examples relevant to all biosciences. Additionally, it will allow you to prepare a better career plan in science, as well as becoming self-aware of your employability skills.

In this module you will examine different standardised methods used for ecological censuses and surveys in the UK. Field experience is provided, and different sampling techniques are dealt with in depth during lectures and during fieldwork, with the aim of explaining the quantitative framework on which they are based in addition to providing practical experience of their execution in the field. You will also learn how to digitise spatial data and produce maps using GIS which you will then use to analyse spatial data on habitat and vegetation features.

This module is an advanced course in general ecology and wildlife management and seeks to draw linkages between populations, communities and biogeochemical cycles. This is placed within the context of applied wildlife and ecosystem management by using a mix of case studies, workshops, and fieldtrips.

This module introduces you to conservation practice and management through largely field based activities on sites of conservation protection or importance. The module is developed to work alongside conservation practice organisation. You will gain knowledge on development and implementation of conservation management plans, protected area designation and other conservation practices such as habitat restoration and agri-environment schemes.

This module enables you to examine 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. Particular emphasis is placed on the design and interpretation of a behavioural time budget study on zoo animals.

This module introduces students to the diversity, ecology and adaptations of aquatic organisms within a range of marine and freshwater environments. The physical, chemical, and biological processes that structure marine and freshwater ecosystems will be explored alongside human threats.

Local habitats are studied through fieldwork and laboratory sessions whilst global examples may be incorporated within lectures and workshops to illustrate biodiversity, productivity, and ecosystem dynamics

This module enables you to examine different methods used for animal censuses and surveys, including varied sampling approaches.

This module aims to provide applied knowledge and skills in many areas of animal health and disease that are directly relevant to popular careers in the sector of wildlife conservation. The module covers aspects of bioveterinary science, behaviour, welfare, physiology, disease processes, zoonoses, and animal rescue and rehabilitation.

The aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. All placements need to be assessed and approved prior to commencement in line with the LJMU Placement Learning Code of Practice. The Code of Practice requires students to conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner during the placement - failure to do so may lead to the placement being terminated prematurely. Placements are normally for one calendar year on a full-time basis. Split placements of a shorter duration may be permissible. There is an expectation that a minimum of 1200 hours will be spent in the workplace.

The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the University Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.

The aim is to provide students with a semester of study at an approved overseas partner that will replace one semester of their LJMU programme at level 5. This is a semester of full-time study at an approved higher education institution which will replace one semester of level 5 study at LJMU. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be an appropriate substitute for the modules being replaced. Assuming successful completion of this semester, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the University Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the semester abroad.

The research project will be in any area appropriate to your programme of study on a topic of your choice. The module provides an opportunity for you to independently develop and demonstrate project planning, time-management and organisational inter-personal skills, along with scientific and practical working methods in a research or applied context.

This module enables you to examine a diverse range of important contemporary research topics linked to conservation biology

This module enables you to examine a diverse range of important contemporary research topics linked to ecology. These will be placed in a broader context by examining conflicting issues and ideas arising from ecological considerations.

This module provides an introduction to biological issues in ecosystems during a residential field trip abroad. You will critically evaluate biological issues in selected habitats and design and carry out field-based studies to investigate biological questions.

This module provides you with an understanding of the role of ex situ conservation in maintaining global biodiversity and the methods used in maintaining ex situ collections of animals and plants.

This module will advance students’ expertise in marine biology. The module provides an in-depth assessment of major aspects of marine biology with a key focus on how ocean resources can be sustainably used whilst minimising harmful impacts on the environment. Critical appraisal of different methods of exploitation, the impacts of large-scale drivers such as climate change, and potential solutions, including conservation and mitigation strategies are incorporated throughout the module. 

This module engages students in a critical overview of current topics in primatology, that relate to the evolution, ecology and behaviour of primate species, using a mixture of lectures and seminars, along with fieldwork, practical and workshop activities.

This module explores the relationship between human culture and environmental conservation through the natural heritage concept. Integrated conservation schemes and projects are investigated to find out the extent to which sustainable use of natural resources at local and regional levels and community involvement in conservation programmes can help to better achieve long-term environmental conservation goals.

The aim of this module is to provide you with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained in previous lecture-based modules to a new geographical setting, by carrying out detailed data-collection. You will critically evaluate the importance of field-based observations and analyses within the context of the wider literature and develop a wide range of transferable skills in measurement technique, research design, effective communication and group work.

This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge and applied practical skills to a work-related project.

This module provides relevant, stimulating and career-orientated experiential learning to encourage you to develop transferable skills relevant to the work environment and to foster initiative and independence of thought.