Life Sciences

Animals in the Anthropocene

Module code: C1201L6
Level 6
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework, Computer based exam

Humans have had huge impacts on the natural world and animals have had to respond to these environmental changes. On this module, you’ll investigate the ways in which animals have reacted to anthropogenic environmental change. Across a range of cutting edge case-studies, you’ll investigate:

• rapid adaptation
• changes in population distribution 
• flexibility in behaviour.

You’ll study:

• the science behind our understanding of animals’ responses to anthropogenic change
• the implications for ongoing understanding and mitigation of human wildlife conflict.

You’ll directly builds on the theoretical considerations of animal ecology, evolution and behaviour you’ve previously learned about. It will also be a  complement to project and field-trip work in the development of professional skills.

Module learning outcomes

• Critically evaluate evidence and concepts in modern research on the impacts of human activity on animals over multiple timescales.
• Research and summarise up-to-date scientific literature.
• Critically evaluate the implications of modern animal research for animal welfare, conservation, ethics and human wildlife conflict mitigation.
• Understand and show competence with modern scientific analysis methods, as are used in academic and non-academic research environments.