Our Animal Science subject area is top in the UK for overall satisfaction and learning community (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS data 2019) and our BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation with foundation year course is one of the courses in the subject area. This broad-cased programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to enter a variety of professions within the animal sector.
Whether you are looking to forge a career in the animal industry or simply gain a greater understanding of this fascinating subject, this course will help to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills required.
You will be introduced to life in the animal sector and the current issues and debates surrounding animals and welfare, as well as study and learn with tutors who are specialists in their field and actively involved in areas such as conservation, animal behaviour, animal husbandry and welfare.
There are work placements too in a range of animal sector settings across the UK and the world including at zoos, wildlife centres, animal training facilities and conservation organisations.
YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)
The foundation year will introduce you to a range of scientific concepts and methods which underpin biological sciences. You’ll gain a thorough training in laboratory skills and will develop your analytical and mathematical skills. Students will be encouraged to develop their own abilities in science, with a basic bank of knowledge across the main scientific areas. **The Foundation year is taught at our Wrexham campus, with Level 4 (year 2) studies moving to our Northop campus.
MODULES
- Science and the Environment
- Laboratory and Field Skills in Biology (Biosciences)
- Introduction to Experimental Design and Mathematical Analysis (Biosciences)
- Introduction to Science
- The Skills You Need
- Contextual Studies
Year 2 (Level 4)
In the first year you are introduced to the concepts of biology, animal behaviour and welfare that you will use throughout the rest of your course. Laboratory skills are essential to science and you will receive a foundation in these. You will develop animal husbandry skills and knowledge. You will also undertake a period of work experience so that you become familiar with the animal sector and develop practical skills necessary for the workplace.
MODULES
- Biological Concepts: This module aims to develop students’ understanding of the key principles of animal biology, biological pathogens, laboratory skills and anatomical structure and function. The origins and classification of life will be covered together with cell and tissue structure and function. The main organs and systems of the animals’ body will also be introduced.
- Husbandry: This module aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of animal husbandry and provides the opportunity to gain practical experience with a wide range of animal species. Lectures, practical sessions and visits to local animal establishments will enable students to consolidate their practical experiences with appropriate husbandry theories. Use will be made of case study materials and guest speakers.
- Ethology and Anthrozoology: This module enables students to investigate the biological basis of natural behaviour, and evaluate the relationship between natural behaviour and captive animal welfare. Students will carry out a practical study of a captive animal and discuss the link between animal welfare and the captive environment. Students will also examine a range of human and animal interrelationships and the costs and benefits associated with these interactions.
- Ethics and Welfare: This module aims to investigate contemporary issues within animal welfare and to introduce students to a range of relevant ethical issues. A variety of contemporary welfare issues will be critiqued during the module. Students will have the opportunity to deliver their own workshops and seminars.
- Academic and Personal Development: This module aims to familiarise learners with higher education culture, to build on key skills (logical, mathematical and critical) necessary for successful study in higher education.
- Professional Practice: A range of career opportunities and associated challenges with gaining employment within animal sector will be studied in this module. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and competencies within a workplace setting of their choice.
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)
In the second year you will build upon knowledge gained in your first year and develop your understanding of a variety of topics in more detail. You will learn about anatomy and physiology, survey skills for conservation, learning and training. You will also learn research skills and report writing within research methodologies. In addition the Applied Practice module will allow you to gain further hands on experience in the workplace.
MODULES
- Research Methodologies: This module will enable you to understand the role of relevant research within the field of animal studies. In addition it will provide you with sufficient capability to plan a research project in your field of study, to define the research parameters, assess appropriate methodologies, and present your findings. You will learn how to examine and assess the appropriateness of different research methodologies to various research briefs and become aware of ethical and political issues in social research.
- Applied practice: This module will enable you to gain further work based learning and act as a consultant researching and critically assessing issues within the organisation in conjunction with an employer. You will have the opportunity to make recommendations for development based on the experience you have gained.
- Anatomy and Physiology: This module aims to equip students with a working knowledge of topographical and skeletal anatomy and to enable them to identify anatomical landmarks. You will learn to relate anatomical structure to function and further develop your practical laboratory skills
- Learning and Training: In this module you will develop a working knowledge of the principles of learning theory as applied to animals. You will link animal learning to training practices and will write and implement your own plan to train an animal to complete a task. You will also evaluate traditional and contemporary training methods and associated equipment.
- Survey Skills for Conservation: The Survey Skills for Conservation module will equip students with the skills necessary to carry out a range of surveys for animal species. Students will identify and survey a range of animal species, and analyse and interpret data collected. The development of these skills will be achieved through practical field work, such as during visits to nature reserves and local woodlands.