BSc top-up in Animal Biology and Conservation
LEAD ORGANISATION
ADDITIONAL ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED
PROJECT SUMMARY
The provision developed was a BSc (Hons) in Animal Biology and Conservation, developed and delivered by Oxford Brookes University. This project aimed to develop a specialist progression route for students completing Level 4/5 provision in animal management subjects. The project grew out of discussions held between Progress South Central and Oxford Brookes University regarding progression routes in the region, which identified a need for a bespoke progression route for Foundation degree students studying animal management subjects. Consequently, a programme of support was agreed that would lead to the development of a top-up year for these Fd students and a resulting BSc programme that was distinct from others in the area. The programme has now been successfully validated and marketing of the new provision is underway.
The development of this Honours top-up was based on a recognition by Oxford Brookes University of the need for a specialist top-up route for the Foundation degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare offered by one of their associate colleges, Abingdon & Witney College, and one that would be more attractive to students than the existing BSc (Hons) Biology. Research into the existing relevant BSc provision in the region suggested that the creation of a top-up route in Animal Biology and Conservation should offer a distinct top-up year for students interested in applying their knowledge and practical skills to wildlife conservation. The new provision would also respond to the increasing recent emphasis on monitoring and managing faunal biodiversity, through legislation including the Habitat and Species Directive. The new top-up route was also intended, in conjunction with the Foundation degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, to address the skills gap of people qualified to handle endangered species.
Telephone interviews were undertaken with employers to identify desired potential subject areas for the top-up year. The interviews also revealed generally low levels of understanding of Foundation degrees among employers and a tendency to want to employ BSc students with volunteer experience, or even Masters students, rather than Foundation degree students. However, the project team were able to suggest that students taking the Foundation degree followed by a top-up to BSc had the potential to be better prepared for work than students coming straight from a three year BSc, as the FdSc/top-up route would involve professional experience that 'regular' BSc students have traditionally had to gain through voluntary work. The two features of the FdSc/top-up route that were most liked by employers were the inclusion of training in survey and licensing skills and the inclusion of a large molecular component. A clear market was identified for students with knowledge and experience in animal care and handling within wildlife conservation.
IMPACT
The new BSc went through the validation process in November 2009 and its first year of delivery will be the academic year 2010-11. As at May 2010, six applications had been received from Foundation degree students studying at Abingdon & Witney College.