Course modules
Year 1
Academic and Vocational Skills
This module provides students with first-hand experience using a relevant work environment to develop academic, practical and technical skills. Students will be encouraged to record and reflect on their own personal development during the module. The module is fundamental to the ethos of foundation degrees in providing engagement in a work environment and will provide the foundation for further development through study on the ‘Industry Project’ module at Level 5.
Animal Health and Nutrition (1.5 module)
The module will discuss the aetiology of diseases and associated characteristics and develop plans for animal health enhancement and disease control strategies and introduce the concept of pharmacological control. This module also aims to explore the biological and biochemical principles which underpin animal nutrition and further develop scientific knowledge as a basis for the continuing acquisition of information. The module will develop a critical interest in current applied research in animal health and nutrition and how this may be applied to practical animal management and production with due consideration to commercial, health, environmental and welfare factors.
Introduction to Animal Behaviour
This module aims to develop an appreciation of the natural behavioural patterns of animals and how they are of key relevance when determining an animal’s captive requirements. This module will explore the factors that can influence animal behaviour and examine how these may be adapted, so that the animal can meet the needs of various roles including companion or working animals. The module will outline the biological principles of animal behaviour and develop an appreciation of current animal behaviour and welfare issues. Current applied research will be used to develop scientific knowledge in animal behaviour and will allow students to apply this knowledge to the diverse roles of animals in society and the role of the animal caretaker in forming behavioural responses in the animal.
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
The module aims to enable the students to describe the natural anatomical and physiological mechanisms that control behaviour, reproduction and defence against disease and impact on an animal’s welfare.
Year 2
Animal Health Care Management (1.5 module Option)
The module aims to develop a knowledge and understanding of animal healthcare encompassing preventative care and the application of nursing skills in the management of injury or disease to include the administration of pharmacological preparations across a range of species. The module will provide an appreciation of the principles and practice of rehabilitation. An additional aim is to provide the student with the appropriate knowledge to recognise common injuries requiring immediate attention across a range of species and to develop the practical skills in order to be able to perform first aid upon an animal casualty or where necessary to support and instruct an animal owner / carer in the administration of animal first aid.
Ecology and Identification of Native Species (1.5 module Option)
The module aims to equip students with the skills needed to identify plants and animals found in the UK and give students an understanding of the purpose and scope of plant and animal taxonomy. In addition, students will study the ecology of a range of plants and animal species and some of the methods used to survey for them.
Management of Captive Animals (1.5 module Option)
To develop and encourage awareness of species commonly found in captivity and to determine their environmental requirements. Also to promote high standards of welfare for captive species and broaden technical knowledge in relation to basic anatomy, physiology, husbandry and housing of a range of taxa.
Entry requirements & additional information
- Entry requirements
- Learning and assessment
- Progression
- Careers
- Professional accreditations
- Special requirements
Entry requirements
5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)
Plus 48 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:
· 2 A-levels (A2), at least one at C or above
· BTEC/C&G Level 3
· 2 Scottish Highers at C or above
· 3 Irish Highers at C or above
· International Baccalaureate at 24 points
· NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline
AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent. All offers may be subject to successful interview
Learning and assessment
Learning Environment:
Learning activities on the course are in the main, via the online learning platform and these may involve live or recorded lectures and tutorials. This course also makes use of the on-site animal resources. During the study weekends there will be lectures with possible demonstrations from outside organisations and tutorials.
Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.
Assessment:
Students will complete a variety of assessments including examinations and tests, practical assessments, essays, presentations, reports and group work.
Additional Information:
The course may involve visits or lectures delivered by external speakers who will outline the work/research interests of the various organisations they represent. This provides excellent opportunity to find out about both the technical issues and developments being discussed and the employment and career opportunities available in the various fields.
Individual modules can be selected and registered on for personal CPD purposes. These do not normally carry individual awards but a Certificate of Achievement can be given.
What work experience can I get?
There is no formal work placement on this course. The Academic and Vocational Skills module may utilise both on and off site working environments to provide the opportunity for students to develop real practical and technical skills and help prepare them for employment in their chosen subject area, however it is the students responsibility to locate a place in industry in order to facilitate this module.
Progression
On successful completion of the course providing the Research Methods option has been successfully completed, students may apply for the final year of the BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare course.
Careers
What careers can you follow?
The course is designed with the intention that its graduates will be able to function effectively within the canine industry from a fundamental scientific base. Examples of possible careers include:
Rescue Centre work
Kennel Assistants
Animal Insurance Advisors
Animal Collections and Sanctuary work
Animal Technician
Professional accreditations
All students are encouraged to pursue membership of the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) and British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) as well as pursuing scholarships and travel awards with other professional animal organisations. Students will also be encouraged to form links with local and national animal organisations such as the RSPCA, Blackpool Zoo and Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Special requirements
Laboratory coats are required for laboratory practical sessions. Waterproof clothing for field and outdoor visits
Extra Costs:
Additional costs for items that are essential for the course:
· Black Warehouse Coat - £15
· Laboratory Coat - £12
· Waterproofs and boots £50
Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:
· Field Study trip to Shamwari Game Reserve (S. Africa) £3,500
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