Animal Behaviour

Animal behaviour is the study of behaviour patterns in animals (including humans), and of how the behaviour of individuals helps to determine the density and distribution of populations. Knowledge of animal behaviour is of increasing importance in areas such as evolutionary biology, conservation, and the efficient and humane management of farm animals.

Graduates in Animal Behaviour will be able to use both biological and psychological approaches to address issues in the fields of animal conservation, wildlife management, animal welfare and the fundamental study of behaviour. They will find employment in the behavioural sciences at local, national and international levels in the agricultural, conservation and animal management industries.

Degrees

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Science (Technology)

Animal Behaviour can also be taken as a second major or supporting subject within most degrees.

School subjects required

As well as biology, students may find mathematics or statistics useful.

Other subjects that may interest you

Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Psychology.

Career Opportunities

• Animal Welfare Officer
• Conservation Officer  
• Research Assistant  
• Science Writer  
• Technician
• Zoo Curator or Assistant  

Potential Employers

• Agricultural Research Industry
• Environmental Consultancy Firms
• Government Departments
• Local Body Authorities
• Universities and Polytechnics
• Zoos

Papers

BIOL102 The Biology of Organisms
An introduction to the structure and function of plants and animals and the principles of ecology. Topics include the diversity and function of protists, fungi, plants and animals, particularly nutrient procurement and processing, gaseous exchange, internal transport, regulation of body fluids, control mechanisms, reproduction and development.

PSYC103 General and Experimental Psychology
A study of the processes of learning, perception and cognition, the biological basis of behaviour, and the applied nature of psychological testing and clinical psychology. There is also a basic statistics component.

200 Level and Beyond
200 and 300 level papers cover a range of topics from Biological Sciences and Psychology including behaviour, perception, ecology, zoology, cognition and neuroscience, and research methods.