Modules

Please find below information on both compulsory and optional modules.

Compulsory modules

VECM300 Introduction to Research in Veterinary Conservation Medicine

Level	3
Credit level	30
Semester	1
Exam:coursework weighting	0:100
Aims	The aim of this module is to provide the students with the research skills necessary to be able to plan, design and execute a research project in veterinary conservation medicine or a related field.
Learning outcomes	Critically appraise essential concepts and research methods for a veterinary conservation medicine project. Identify and then develop competency in key skills required for planning and conducting a research project in veterinary conservation medicine. Identify ethical issues relating to research in veterinary conservation medicine. Critically review literature relevant to a chosen veterinary conservation medicine research project. Design a research project by summarising key relevant prior research, formulating objectives and hypotheses, evaluating the use of appropriate research methodologies, and identifying resources that are required.

VECM301 Concepts in Veterinary Conservation Medicine

Level

Credit level

Semester

Exam:coursework weighting

60:40

Aims

To equip students with the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to apply ecological and veterinary concepts to conservation problems.

To provide the knowledge and skills necessary for working as part of a multidisciplinary team, to develop plans for dealing with real-life conservation problems.

Learning outcomes

Critically evaulate ecological and evolutionary concepts as applied to conservation biology.

Critically evaluate the scientific and (equally importantly) other literature relevant to conservation issues

Critically appraise current issues and problems in conservation biology.

Critically appraise the ethical issues arising in conservation medicine, especially in relation to human and animal welfare.

LIFE326 Conservation Biology

Level

Credit level

Semester

Exam:coursework weighting

70:30

Aims

To develop in students the ability to explore current thinking and research in conservation biology.

To develop in students knowledge and understanding about patterns of biodiversity and to enable them to critically evaluate the evidence supporting alternative explanations for the extinctions or demise of many animal and some plant species.

To develop in students knowledge and deep understanding in conservation biology, and ability to apply, critically evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve complex problems.

Learning outcomes

To construct justified arguments for the value of conserving biodiversity

To evaluate the human activities that affect biodiversity and describe how they act individually and in combination to affect individuals, populations and ecosystems

To evaluate, using case studies, the pros and cons of a wide range of conservation interventions, from international legal instruments to local habitat management

To analyse where conservation questions can be answered with scientific evidence, and where socio-economic and other types of information are more important

VECM302 Applications in Veterinary Conservation Medicine

Level

Credit level

Semester

Exam:coursework weighting

60:40

Aims

To provide an overview of the application of ecological and veterinary concepts and issues to conservation.

To develop critical understanding of the scientific, economic and ethical issues underlying conservation and appreciate how these issues may be applied to veterinary conservation medicine.

Learning outcomes

Critically evaluate concepts of disease and threat to endangered species and apply this to conservation biology.

Critically evaluate the scientific and other literature relevant to conservation issues.

Critically appraise current issues of veterinary importance in conservation, zoo biology and veterinary conservation medicine.

Critically appraise the ethical issues arising in conservation medicine, especially in relation to human and other animal welfare.

Critically evaluate and discuss the relationship between human, livestock and wildlife and ecological health in the frame of OneHealth approach.

VECM305 Research Project

Level	3
Credit level	30
Semester	2
Exam:coursework weighting	0:100
Aims	To provide students with an insight into veterinary research and how it can impact on conservation medicine. To provide students with an opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the practical, organisational, intellectual, communication and attitudinal skills associated with research in the biosciences.
Learning outcomes	Generate a piece of scientific research in the field of conservation medicine, in a responsible, safe and ethical correct manner. Critically evaluate data, information, literature and observations related to a conservation medicine research project, and devise valid deductions. Apply the principles of hypothesis testing and research design in a coherent research strategy. Appreciate the limitations and challenges of research in veterinary conservation medicine by critical appraisal of alternative approaches. Appropriately communicate research findings (both orally and in writing) to supervisor, research staff and peers and defend scientific conclusions to questioning.

Optional modules

VECM303 Zoo animal management and welfare study

Level

Credit level

Semester

Exam:coursework weighting

0:100

Aims

To enable students to practically apply their knowledge of conservation science.

To develop in students an understanding and knowledge of animal behaviour and its relevance to the successful captive management, breeding and welfare of zoo animals.

To prepare students to be able to develop plans for dealing with real-life conservation problems, as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Learning outcomes

Evaluate behavioural and welfare considerations of a wild species in captivity, informed by critical awareness of current issues in conservation medicine.

Gather and analyse scientifically relevant data on behaviour and welfare of zoo animals.

Interpret and translate scientific data into recommendations for improving the husbandry and welfare of zoo animals.

Systematically and creatively deal with complex welfare problems, and communicate these clearly with both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

VECM304 Conservation Medicine Placement

Level

Credit level

Semester

Exam:coursework weighting

0:100

Aims

To enable students to practically apply their knowledge of conservation science in a professional context.

To enhance the employability of students in conservation-related professions through relevant work experience.

To promote critical assessment of practical experience, informed by the scientific knowledge, as a lifelong learning skill.

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate the use of conservation-related skills and knowledge in a relevant work environment.

Demonstrate a critical awareness of general issues at the forefront of conservation science of relevance to the placement.

Critically appraise specific conservation and welfare issues pertaining to the placement.

Produce recommendations to improve practice in a conservation-related work environment.