皇家獸醫(yī)學院

The BSc in Biological Sciences (Wildlife Health Science) is an undergraduate degree, the aim of which is to give you a thorough foundation in biosciences, with further specialisation into aspects of biology required by wild animal professionals.

The overall aim of this course is to produce graduates with high levels of understanding about animal health that are able to apply that to wildlife health situations. This degree is delivered together with the Zoological Society of London.

Course overview

In the first year, you will learn about normal animal physiology including all major body systems and biological processes. In the second year, you will explore disease processes, pathogen biology and an introduction to wild animal biology, as well as carrying out a short wild animal biology focused research project.

In the third year, in addition to two core wildlife related modules, you will be able to tailor the direction of your course, choosing from a programme of advanced study chosen from a range of optional modules. You will also carry out a longer wildlife health research project, supervised by a member of academic staff, during which you will continue to develop your practical, analytical and reasoning skills as well as communication, teamwork and professional development skills.

The compulsory third year modules will give you in-depth teaching about the health and welfare of wild animals, as well as providing experience in wildlife research. The projects in your second, and third years are relevant to wild animal biology and this focus aims to make sure that you are ‘work ready’ for a career in a wildlife setting, either in an academic role or in industry.

Assessment and feedback

You will be continuously assessed throughout your course, followed by final examinations. You will also be assessed on in-course work, such as completing tests, analysing data and samples, delivering presentations, and writing essays. A major part of your biological sciences courses is the undertaking of a research project.

The estimated breakdown of assessment for your final grade is:

• Written (coursework, which may include essays, presentations, journal clubs) - 20%
• Examination (practical, written) – 33%
• Projects (individual and group work, research) - 47%

Your Career

Our BSc Biological Sciences (WHS) gives our students groundings in both basic health sciences, and their application in the field of wildlife health. Career options are therefore reflective of these skills. We expect graduates from this course to be pursuing careers in wildlife management (government agencies in both developing and developed countries), wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife related research (universities, zoological collections) or zoo management. Some will continue to study towards a PhD.

Additionally, some of our graduates may choose to use their animal health science training and apply it to domestic animals – so many of the skills are transferable. There is also the opportunity to apply to our Graduate Accelerated BVetMed programme if you aspire to become a veterinary surgeon.