Animal Biology (20 credit)

Code School Level Credits Semesters
BIOS1065 Biosciences 1 20 Full Year UK
Code
BIOS1065
School
Biosciences
Level
1
Credits
20
Semesters
Full Year UK

Summary

The module introduces both fundamental and applied aspects of animal biology. Fundamental aspects include animal evolution, diversity, ecology, development, behaviour, and ethical issues related to animal-human interactions. Applied aspects include animal handling, domestication and genetics of breeding in companion and livestock animals, and the sustainability of land and resource use, livestock systems and food production.

Target Students

Only available for students studying UG Animal Science OR MSci Animal Science OR UG Agriculture OR Agricultural and Livestock Science students. Also only available for Biosciences students.

Classes

Assessment

Assessed by end of designated period

Educational Aims

To understand the following: animal evolution, including Darwinian evolution, natural selection, and speciation; animal diversity, including classification of invertebrates and vertebrates; animal development, including fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation and organogenesis; animal behaviour, including the costs and benefits of innate and learned behaviour; animal ecology, including biodiversity, species-species interactions, and conservation; animal-human interactions, in relation to various relevant ethical issues; animal handling, including assessment of animal health and welfare; domestication and breeding of companion and livestock animals; animal genetics, including gene variants within animal populations; health and ethical considerations of selective breeding in companion and livestock animals; breeding programmes and technologies in livestock and other animals; sustainability of livestock animal production and use of land and resources; systems of production for livestock and other animals used as a food source.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to understand the following concepts in fundamental and applied animal biology:

- Animal evolution, diversity, and ecology

- Animal development, behaviour, and handling 

- Ethical issues related to animal-human interactions 

- Domestication, breeding, and genetics in companion and livestock animals 

- Sustainability and systems of animal production as a food source 

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 07/01/2025.