Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation (Top-up)

UCAS code: AZAC

Here's what Plumpton College says about its Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation (Top-up) course.

If you are looking to top-up your degree to help you on your career journey working in animal conservation, then this is the ideal course for you.

Our immersive top-up degree emphasises applied learning, critical thinking, and effective communication techniques, equipping you with the skills you will need to be successful working in a wide variety of roles in the animal conservation sector. On this degree, you will learn about the latest scientific techniques and technological advancements in the field of animal conservation, with a focus on how these approaches are being used to ensure the long-term protection of animal species in captivity and the wild. Embarking on this course will enable you to critically explore the historical, current and emerging threats to wild animals and natural ecosystems, with an emphasis on the key issues impacting global biodiversity. You will also gain applied understanding of the practical solutions currently being employed by conservationists to prevent extinction, from the importance of captive breeding programmes in zoos to the effectiveness of satellite monitoring of animal species in the wild.

Why study at Plumpton?

• Advance your technical skills in animal husbandry and knowledge of captive conservation approaches, working with over 100 species at Plumpton’s Animal Education Centre

• Equip yourself with an applied understanding of global conservation issues and develop a critical understanding of the tools and solutions being used to tackle these challenges.

• Study in the heart of the South Downs National Park, with access to a range of protected habitats on Plumpton College’s 800-hectare estate.

• Develop your industry awareness and professional network, through participating in a range of immersive field trips and visits to zoological collections.

This top-up degree is validated by the University of Greenwich. You will study a range of modules over the duration of the course (1 year full time or 2 years part time) including -

Animal Ecophysiology and Climate Change (15 credits) - This module aims to provide student with a critical understanding of the key implications of climate change for a range of living organisms, through consideration of past, present and future trends.

Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence (15 credits) - Human-wildlife conflict is a globally significant issue, with a range of social, economic and environmental implications for people and humans. You will gain a critical understanding of HWC through analysing evidence from a range of different global case studies.

Public Engagement, Education and Communication (15 credits) - A critical skills for graduates working in zoological and conservation-based roles is the ability to effectively interact and communicate with stakeholders and the public. This module focuses on the issues and barriers which prevent effective public engagement and education and aims to find sustainable solutions to engage the public for the advancement of conservation of species.

Reintroduction and Rewilding Science (15 credits) - This module which explores the reasons for reintroducing species back into the wild, with a focus on their use within rewilding projects and as a conservation management tool.

Research Project (30 credits) - Immerse yourself in a honours level research project.

Advanced Animal Husbandry and Management (15 credits) - assessed via a husbandry and management plan and practical assessments.

Advances in Zoo Science and Conservation (15 credits) - assessed through a case-study evaluation and report.

A diverse range of summative assessment methods are integrated into the programme, which includes written reports, essays, case studies, presentations (oral and poster), projects, practical assessments and a portfolio. Assessments have been designed to be industry-relevant, and reflective of real-world scenarios and working practices. Assessment are also designed to be flexible in terms of the case studies or examples covered, enabling you to explore your own personal and professional interests via your studies.