FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation (with foundation year)

Rural setting

Study at our rural Northop campus**

Access

to rare breeds farm, animal unit, equestrian facility and woodland

industry

links, visits and opportunities

UCAS code: 85D4

Year of entry: 2019 2020

UCAS Tariff: 48

Duration: 3YRS (FT)

Institution code: G53

Location: Wrexham/Northop

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Why choose this course?

Looking for a fulfilling and rewarding vocation? Then how about preparing for a job in the animal care industry, where you could find yourself working around the world with species ranging from apes to insects.

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.

You can also choose to study this course without a foundation year over two years FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation UCAS code:D300

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KEY COURSE FEATURES

Includes foundation year to prepare you for further years of study.
Develop high level knowledge of animal behaviour, husbandry, and training.
Urban and rural study environments - split your study time between the Northop campus set in stunning North Wales countryside and our Wrexham campus, on the edge of the largest town in North East Wales.
Excellent links with industry and opportunities to secure work placements which will enhance your career prospects. Gain experience in a range of practical situations from zoo work to training assistance dogs.
Industry-active staff with specialist academic and practical skills, and experience of working with a range of domestic, and wild animals.
Top up to a full BSc (Hons) degree in Animal Studies once you’ve completed the foundation degree (further one year of study needed).

WHAT WILL YOU STUDY?

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

Introduction to biosciences
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.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND APPLYING

FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation (three years including foundation year)

UCAS code: 85D4

Applications are welcomed from candidates who do not possess the standard qualifications but who can demonstrate their capacity to pursue the course successfully.

Entrance for these candidates is dependent on an assessment of past experience, a successful interview, references and diagnostic assessment to determine suitability for the course. Enthusiasm and commitment are essential.

If you have studied in another European country, please check the Entry Requirements for your qualification.

Part-time applicants should apply using this form.

International Students

If you are an international student please visit the countries page and select your country to see the relevant academic and English language entry requirements.

ASSESSMENT

The course comprises a range of modules that are assessed by theoretical and in some cases practical coursework. Types of assessment include, portfolios, posters, laboratory reports, essays, presentations, seminars, practical exams, written exams and reflective diaries.

Teaching and learning

Wrexham Glyndŵr University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

The Animal studies FdSc programme includes a variety of learning and teaching methods in the class, practical settings and sessions delivered within the workplace. These include:

Lectures and demonstrations
Seminars and workshops
Tutorials
Group and project work
Reflective reports
External speakers
Educational visits and study days
Tutor and students led sessions
Critical appraisal
Portfolio development
Work placements

CAREER PROSPECTS

The Careers & Zone at Glyndŵr University is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Career opportunities in the animal care industry are wide-ranging. You could be working in animal welfare organisations, conservation, zoos and wildlife parks, veterinary practices, animal feed companies and veterinary or pharmaceutical companies.

Further study opportunities are also available, such as progression to teaching qualifications or postgraduate level research.

FEES AND FUNDING

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

Wrexham Glyndŵr University’s tuition fees for 2019/20 for a full-time undergraduate degree course are £9000 per year.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the FAQs section of those pages.

Programme Specification

You can see the full programme specification here.

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then why not take a look at our accommodation section to get more information, including prices.

Those studying at our Mold Road campus have the choice of Wrexham Village or Snowdon Hall, while students at our Northop campus can stay at Corbishley Hall, our on-campus halls of residence.