Animal Biology MBiol (Integrated Masters)

Course content What will you study?

Here is an overview of current modules available on this course. Regular updates may mean that exact module titles may differ.

Year 1

Mandatory

• Animal Diversity
• Cell Biology
• Comparative Animal Physiology
• Introduction to Ecology

Optional

• Introduction to Human Biology and Disease
• Introduction to Biological Chemistry
• Basis of Biological Surveying
• Human Origins

Year 2

Mandatory

• Project and Career development
• Molecular Geneticsand Conservation

Optional

• Animal Behaviour
• Work Experience
• Microbiology
• Infectious Agents and Allergens
• Animal Senses and Survival
• Comparative Animal Digestionand Nutrition
• Invertebrate Biology
• Ecology of Fresh Waters
• Field Techniques and Identification skills.

Year 3

Mandatory

• Independent Study Project
• Behavioural Ecology
• Physiological Ecology

Optional

• Mammalian Reproduction
• Work Experience
• Animal Movement
• Biological Indicators for Crime Reporting
• Genomics and Bioinformatics
• Animal Welfare and Ethics
• Extension Module
• Parasitology
• Research Methods and Research Project
• Residential Ecology Field Trip
• Zoo-based Conservation

Year 4

Mandatory

• Research Methods
• Applied and Commercial Research
• Integrated Masters Thesis/Project in Biology

In the first year the modules allow you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the key elements of animal biology. In Years 2 and 3 the subjects become more specialised and our modular scheme allows you to focus on the aspects of animal life which you find most interesting, ranging from animal behaviour to eco-physiology. A strong practical emphasis runs throughout the course, complementing a traditional approach to learning and giving you the chance to develop the practical skills which could be of great value in later employment.

In your third year you will undertake an Independent Study on a subject of your choice, having been well prepared for this by a Project and Career Development module in Year 2. Past studies have included topics such as a comparison of two methods of DNA extractions from faeces of the Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla spp.gorilla), the effect of raptors on roosting behaviour of waders, and the distribution and abundance of snakes in degraded forests in Madagascar.

Year 4 modules are common to a range of Biological Science Integrated masters courses but each subject specialisation will be achieved by students varying their selection of topics from within menus of material within each module. For example, an Animal Biology student will undertake an appropriate research project which will differ from the choices available to a Biochemist. Although there will be generic material, the individual skills delivered within the Applied and Commercial Research and Research Methods modules will also be tailored to deliver the individual needs of each Integrated Masters course.

Applied and Commercial Research is a unique aspect of our Integrated Masters programme compared with other institutions. It will offer students valuable insights into applied and commercial rather than just pure research. Most of this module will take advantage of current commercial and applied research expertise in our Charles Darwin Laboratories including the .