FdSc Welfare of Animals (Health Care Management) (FT)

FdSc Welfare of Animals (Health Care Management)

• Key Information
• Course Content
• Additional Information
• How to Apply

Course Description:

The Foundation Degree in the Welfare of Animals is designed to enable students to achieve a vocational Higher Education qualification. There are considerable opportunities within the animal industries where the welfare of animals is a significant issue. Increasing public awareness of animal welfare is driving the development of employment prospects and careers. Opportunities are available in animal training, zoos (and the care of endangered species), the retail animal trade, the care of companion animals, the regulatory authorities and animal welfare charities.

COURSE CONTENT:

Year 1

Animal Health

This module introduces students to the principles of animal health and draws links between health and animal welfare. The module also encompasses an introduction to pharmacology associated with maintenance of optimal animal health.

Animal Science

This module aims to develop a broad understanding of the biological principles which underpin animal production and performance.

Animal Health Care Management

This will develop an understanding of animal healthcare encompassing preventative care, applied animal nursing skills, patient management and pharmacology. The module will also introduce the principles of rehabilitation.

Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare

This module will help students to appreciate animal behaviour patterns and understand an animal's welfare requirements.

Breeding and Care of Non-mammalian Species

Allows students to develop an awareness of the care and welfare of non-mammalian species commonly found within industry.

Work Skills Development

This module provides students with first-hand experience where students will use their industry environment to develop practical and technical skills. Students will record and reflect on their own personal development during the module.

Year 2

Animal Welfare Studies

The aim of this module is to develop a broad understanding of the principles which underlie animal welfare and to develop an interest in current applied research in animal welfare.

Animal Welfare Legislation (half module)

The module will enable the student to develop an understanding of current legislation and its application.

Wildlife Rehabilitation (half module)

This module examines the different approaches that could be adopted in rehabilitating animals that are found in need of help and the strategies necessary to return them to the wild.

Client Interface Skills (half module)

The aims of this module relate to the development of successful communication skills in order to deal confidently and establish good relationships with animal owners / carers to ensure that health and welfare needs of animals are suitably met.

Principles of Animal First Aid (half module)

The aims of this module are to equip the student with the confidence and knowledge to administer appropriate first aid to an animal casualty or give an owner first aid advice.

Applied Diagnostic Techniques

This module enables students to develop the necessary laboratory competence to correctly analyse a range of samples applying clinical findings to medical conditions and diseases.

Work Project

This module applies the practical, technical and personal skills developed in the Work Skills Development module. It will utilise a structured work environment for students to identify a suitable project, develop and manage the project and report on the outcomes. Students will be encouraged to use the work project to develop professional working relationships and identify their chosen career options.

Mammalian Nutrition and Breeding

The main aim of this module is to develop a broad understanding of the biological and biochemical principles which underlie animal nutrition and breeding.

Course Documents:

Student Handbook (2015 Entry)

Programme Specification and Handbook (2016 Entry)

Myerscough College Policies and Procedures

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments including examinations, essays, debates, assignments, technical reports, group and individual presentations, individual study projects and industry based case studies.

Links with Professional Body:

Students will be encouraged to form links with local and national animal organisations.

Extra Costs:

Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include:

Black Warehouse Coat - £15

Laboratory Coat - £20

Waterproofs and Boots - £50

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:

Binoculars - £30

Field Study Trip to Shamwari (South Africa) - £3,000

Learning Environment:

Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. This course makes use of the extensive on-site research facilities and the College animal units and farms. Students will also have access to Myerscough's virtual learning environment.

Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments.

Other Opportunities:

Students are encouraged to consider undertaking additional industry relevant experience. There is a field trip to Africa which is available (at a cost) to students from this programme.

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.

What do students think about this course?

Results from the National Student Survey 2012:

· 90% of students said that staff were enthusiastic about what they were teaching

· 73% of students believed the course improved their career prospects

· 83% of students were satisfied with the learning resources

Students also said in this survey:

“The teaching in general is really good and there have been a lot of really good trips, which have helped to clarify coursework” and “Staff and support staff are always sympathetic and understanding of an individual's needs. Staff always keep students in the educational loop. The staff help to promote essential life skills. Course structure/requirements are clearly defined”.

Work Experience:

Work experience will be based in the first year on the College’s animal collections and will be assessed in the Work Skills Development module. In the second year the Work Project module in Year 2 will be mainly carried out at local animal organisations. There is no formal industrial placement on this course.

What are our graduates doing now?

Katie Liles graduated from this route, went on to top-up on to the BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare and then embarked on further education to complete a Veterinary Nursing qualification and has been doing very well in Practice.

Helen Murphy took the course as a mature student with the background of having run a local pet store and is now an Animal Technician on our Animal Academy here at Myerscough with a particular specialism in reptiles and amphibians.

What international opportunities are available?

Students are fully supported and encouraged to undertake work experience abroad in the summer between years one and two and/or on completion of their FdSc. Graduates will have the opportunity to apply for travel scholarships. Students are also encouraged to attend the African study tour which takes place in June each year.

Progression:

Upon successful completion of the FdSc programme at Merit Level, students may apply to progress onto the bridging programme in order to top-up onto the final year of the BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare. This involves Merit Level completion of a Research Methods module.

Careers:

Graduates will be in a position to apply for posts in the animal and related industries.

Examples of possible careers include:

Animal Collections and Sanctuary Work eg Rehabilitation Centres, Animal Charities, Farm Parks, Aquaria, Pet Shops and Animal Trainin

Training Assistance Dogs

Zoological Keeping, Education and Research

Laboratory Technician

Local Authority/DEFRA/HM Customs Animal Welfare Officers

Applications for all full-time undergraduate courses are made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). To apply, visit their website www.ucas.com/apply. The first UCAS deadline for receipt of applications is 15 January, for the following September.

Applications received after the first UCAS deadline will be considered by us for most courses. If you are applying after the 15 January, or if your pre-entry qualifications are different to those stated, you are advised to contact Course Enquiries on 01995 642211 for further advice. Myerscough College - general contact details Address: Myerscough College, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston
Lancashire PR3 0RY
Telephone:01995 642222 Email: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk Individual Learning Requirements Prospective students who have a learning difficulty or disability that may affect their studies should inform the College as soon as possible so that reasonable adjustments can be initiated, as appropriate. Where necessary students will be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments. If students wish to apply for a Disabled Student Allowance they need to seek advice from Student Finance England (or equivalent) which funds this provision for Higher Education Students. Please note that DSA funding is not available on all courses.

Please note that the information provided in this fact sheet was accurate at the date of publication. However, courses are continually being modified and information is therefore subject to change.