Course summary
The FdSc Animal Science and Welfare is a land based course that delivers the scientific and management principles required for working with and managing domestic, captive and wild animals. Students are likely to encounter a wide range of animal species depending on their chosen career and therefore will require a diverse range of skills and knowledge to enable them to apply this in industry.
Course aims
The programme provides students with opportunities to develop their skills with companion animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits and horses as well as exotic species such as iguanas, budgerigars, guinea pigs, tropical fish, ferrets and farm livestock such as horses, pigs, sheep, goats and alpacas. Students will also attend a work placement where further opportunities can be sought, for example working in an animal sanctuary or wildlife hospital or zoo students will experience wild animals such as hedgehogs, badgers, deer and birds of prey. The animal care industry is diverse and the opportunities offered by the foundation degrees reflect this diversity.
Core skills
Transferable academic and employability skills are delivered in three specialist units delivered throughout the programme.
Module Framework
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Year 1
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Module
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Year 2
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Module
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Semester 1
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Core Biology
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Semester 1
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Animal Welfare
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Animal Husbandry OR Diversity and Evolution
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Animal Behaviour OR Animal Nursing and Rehabilitation
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Academic and Professional Development
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Managing in an Organisation
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Semester 2
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Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
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Semester 2
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Animal Nutrition
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Animal Health
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Genetics and Breeding OR Biochemistry and Microbiology
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Academic and Professional Development
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Research Methods
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First year modules
Module Title: Core Biology
This is a fundamental science unit that links with other first year units including comparative anatomy & physiology, diversity & evolution, animal health and will provide a foundation for progression to units such as animal behaviour, animal nutrition, genetics & breeding and biochemistry & microbiology in the second year. The content is diverse covering a range of biological concepts, knowledge and skills necessary for employment in animal science and wildlife management & conservation. Content includes cell tissue biology, basic genetics and essential practical and laboratory skills for biologists. This module will allow students to design and investigate scientific experiments and to introduce students to scientific literature.
Module Title: Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
The emphasis is on the structure and function of animals from the cytological to the organism level. Students will compare anatomy and physiology of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and invertebrates. There will also be emphasis on environmental physiology and adaptations. This unit is designed to build on the knowledge gained from core biology to enable students to explore the structure and function of body tissues, organs and systems. The unit also explores the physiological and biochemical principles of organ and systemic function and homeostasis in animals.
Module Title: Animal Health
The maintenance of good animal health is a prime welfare consideration. An ability to understand the causes of illness and disease will enable the implementation of appropriate preventative health care and appropriate management techniques. This unit is fundamental to animal science, welfare and management disciplines. This unit links with core biology, comparative anatomy and physiology, animal husbandry, animal welfare, animal nutrition and animal nursing and rehabilitation. Key topic areas include the biology of pathogens, environmental, physiological and genetic causes of illness, diagnostic techniques and current management strategies for disease prevention.
Optional Module Title: Animal Diversity and Evolution
This science based module delivers a fundamental knowledge of taxonomy and the animal kingdom and the processes of evolution that led to the major animal groups for students working in research in animal science or conservation. Students of these disciplines are likely to encounter a wide range of animal taxonomic groups in their work. Skills and knowledge gained in this unit will be useful prerequisites for students in the animal science and wildlife conservation disciplines where they will develop basic laboratory and identification skills.
Optional Module Title: Animal Husbandry
Practical husbandry skills such as handling and restraint and health care are essential in all fields within the animal care industry, particularly for students with no previous experience of working with animals. Students working in zoos, safari parks, aquaria, bird sanctuaries, farms and farm parks, veterinary practices, pet stores, wildlife rescue centres and kennels & catteries must demonstrate the ability to carry out basic and routine husbandry techniques. This unit also includes the underpinning principles and the practical application of health programmes and feeding techniques for a range of animals.
Second year modules
Module Title: Animal Welfare
Attitudes to animal welfare are constantly changing and as a reflection of this the legislation relating to animal welfare is reviewed and updated regularly. All animal owners and anyone working with animals in all fields of the industry have a responsibility for maintaining and upholding high standards of animal welfare. This unit will enhance knowledge and awareness of animal welfare and give the students the opportunity to investigate and debate current animal welfare issues. The impact of ethics and morality on animal law will be investigated, as well as the roles of animal welfare organisations.
Module Title: Animal Nutrition
This is a fundamental unit for all students in Animal Science and Welfare. Animal nutrition is an advancing science particularly in the pet industry. There is also a need for continued research and development in this field for farm and zoo animals. This unit explores essential nutrients in the diet of animals, dietary requirements at different life stages, comparative nutrition and feeding systems, feed analysis and evaluation. This unit builds on principles taught in Animal Health and Animal Husbandry and links with Animal Nursing and Animal Welfare in the second year.
Optional Module Title: Animal Behaviour
This unit explores the scientific principles of animal behaviour and is essential for students in Animal Welfare. The study of animal behaviour influences the management and care of domestic and captive animals. All animal owners and keepers have a responsibility for the health and welfare of the animals in their care. The expression of natural behaviours is one of the Five Freedoms that is required to maintain good animal welfare. Knowledge of the study of animal behaviour, both psychological and ethological approaches, is essential for an accurate assessment of welfare as the actions and reactions of an animal are a reliable indicator of its psychological state. Animal Behaviour links with Animal Welfare, as well as Animal Health, Genetics & Breeding and Animal Nutrition.
Optional Module Title: Animal Nursing and Rehabilitation
This unit is designed for students with a career interest in animal nursing or wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. The unit is designed to be an introduction to nursing and rehabilitation techniques employed for domestic, captive and wild animals. Correct use of animal nursing and rehabilitation techniques are essential to ensure good standards of welfare and patient recovery. Students will develop pertinent practical skills and knowledge for work in a veterinary practice, rescue centre or animal sanctuary. This unit links well with Animal Welfare, Animal Health, Animal Nutrition, Biochemistry & Microbiology.
Optional Module Title: Genetics and Breeding
Effective animal breeding programmes and appropriate care and management of breeding animals are key elements in the success of farm animal production, captive breeding and reintroduction programmes. This unit builds on scientific principles in genetics from Core Biology and Diversity & Evolution and develops students' application of the fundamentals by exploring the genetic management of small animal populations. The unit also covers reproductive biology that is essential for effective management of breeding stock and application of advanced reproductive technologies. Management strategies are also covered with emphasis on the care and management of breeding animals and young and breeding problems.
Optional Module Title: Biochemistry and Microbiology
Biochemistry is considered central to all areas of biological or life sciences. The aim is to provide an understanding of every aspect of structure and function of animals at molecular level. Biochemistry has particular importance to those learners who wish to extend their knowledge in areas of animal nutrition, genetics and breeding, animal health, veterinary nursing and diagnostic techniques. Microbiology provides specific knowledge of pathogenic and non pathogenic organisms. It also focuses on importance of identifying particular micro-organisms and justified use of antibiotics in veterinary therapy. Knowledge of this subject makes the basis for understanding the role of pathogens in causing infectious diseases and their treatment.
Teaching, learning, assessment
This course is taught through a combination of formal lectures, tutorials, active student learning, practical sessions, and visits to sites of interest in the region and through expert guest speakers. Students will be provided with the opportunity to expand and enhance their study and IT skills through a programme of core modules, and skills gained during study of these modules can be applied in subject specific modules. Taught over two days (full-time) or one day (part-time) the course allows students ample time to undertake volunteer work or gain paid employment with a relevant employer.
Students will be assessed through the use of scientific reports, presentations, practical assessment and examinations. Underpinning the course modules are the compulsory 200 hours per year of work-based experience through either direct employment with a relevant organisation or through volunteer programmes.
Timetabling
The full-time course is delivered in two semesters, each of 12 weeks duration. Each week requires attendance for two days, but a substantial amount of individual study outside this period will be necessary. Part-time students study half of the programme's modules each year. The specific modules to be studied are potentially negotiable within the constraints of the timetable
Work placements
A unique and vital part of the course is the accretion of 200 hours per year of work-based or volunteer work with a relevant employer or volunteer organisation. This forms an invaluable part of the course offering the student an opportunity to put into practice class based theory and to extend their knowledge and understanding of the subject. This also provides an opportunity to make contacts with potential employers and gain relevant experience that can only enhance the employability of the student.
Tutorial and study support
Students will be offered a combination of pastoral one-to-one tutorials and subject specific tutorials that may be individual or group sessions as part of their programme of study.
All students are entitled to two 20 minute individual tutorials per semester with either the Course Leader or the HE Support Tutor. Such tutorials are designed to support individual student needs during which students identify and review their own targets and develop action plans for successful achievement of goals. Individual tutorials will address a students' academic progress or any factors affecting progress as well as career and key skills development.
Group tutorials are designed to support small or large groups of students with a common set of objectives for achievement of goals. These may involve support with achievement of assessment e.g. delivering oral presentations, writing essays or reports, presentation of portfolio work or career development e.g. interview preparation.
Subject specific tutorials form part of the module taught hours and are designed to help students successfully complete assessments and achieve module learning outcomes.
The role of the HE Support Tutor at UCS Otley involves providing pastoral support to enable all students to complete their programme of study to the best of their ability. Students with disabilities or learning difficulties will be invited to attend one-to-one tutorials with the Course Leader and HE Support Tutor to discuss how their needs can be met. Students at UCS Otley will also be able to access the Learner Services Team based at Otley College campus for advice on careers, student finance, transport and student welfare. The student services team at UCS Ipswich will also be able to support students with advice regarding student accommodation as well as offer study skills workshops.
Opportunities on completion of the course
Graduates are able to progress onto an appropriate BSc (Hons) which enables students to top-up their Foundation degree to an Honours degree. Alternatively students may wish to progress onto the BA (Hons) Professional Studies programme delivered by UCS. Guidance on progression from the foundation degree to other courses and into industry is provided by the UCS Careers Office and is embedded in the work based learning modules.
These programmes will prepare students for the professional world of animal science and welfare. Students may find employment in veterinary practice, welfare charities, animal sanctuaries and rescue centres, pet retail stores, zoos and other animal collections, research centres, local government and education.