Foundation Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Foundation Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare- allow progression into supervisory/assistant managers roles within the animal industry or onto further study.
This two year programme provides a model of vocational higher education based on the close collaboration between employers and BCA.
Teaching will be organised in modules and delivery will be through various techniques, including:
Lectures
Self-directed Studies
Practical Work
Project Work
Programme Content
This programme is unique in the way that students are expected to complete a period of work placement during the first year, which can be paid or voluntary.
Modules will include:
Animal Behaviour
Aim of module - To provide the student with a good depth of knowledge of the behavioural adaptations that a range of species have made to survive through our evolution. Learners will be provided with a sound understanding of the evolving processes of ethology, including the historical basis of animal study and influential animal behaviourists to the more modern approach, including field work. Controls of behaviour will be explored alongside the significance of behaviour on individual success and species' survival. Learning theories will be discussed, with species examples used as illustration. Normal and abnormal behaviours will be explored in a range of animal species and the techniques available to manage abnormal behaviour patterns.
Animal Science
Aim of module - To provide students with an awareness of how animals are organised, how they move, obtain nutrition, metabolise, reproduce and remove wastes. This module can be contextualised to allow the individual to concentrate on the range of animals that he/she has a specialism in. This module will provide students with an introduction to mammalian anatomy and physiology and to emphasise its centrality to the scientific study of animals and the underpinning knowledge fundamental to further study. It creates a foundation to practice and consolidate safe laboratory skills.
Small Business Management in the Animal Industry
Aim of module - To prepare students for starting their own business. It will look at the development and expansion of such businesses and give the opportunity for the practice of small business skills. It will also enable students to understand the role of small business in a modern economy.
Animal Handling
Aim of module - To enable students to demonstrate safe, correct handling and restraint techniques in a range of species in accordance with recognised standards and to create a foundation to support further development. The purpose of the module is to equip students with a detailed understanding of animal collections and their specialist management considerations (financial, ecological and conservational). The focus of the module will be in both private and public collections, including zoos, rare breed farms and specialist centres (e.g. safari parks)
Animal Training and Learning
Aim of module - To enable students to utilise appropriate training techniques to facilitate the learning of animals. It will provide advice and guidance on training techniques for a range of different animals and situations, also including the ethical and moral considerations of different training techniques to facilitate animal learning.
Animal Health and Nutrition
Aim of module - To provide students with the necessary scientific and technical knowledge to be able to understand and demonstrate effective maintenance of optimum nutrition in a range of animals, including how rations are devised for animals, within a practical context. It will also aim to effectively draw on the students' knowledge of anatomy and physiology and to provide a detailed understanding of animal health, pathogenicity and prevention of disease. It also provides the technical skills required to effectively recognise, treat and manage a range of common diseases and illnesses affecting a range of animal species.
It will also equip students with a detailed understanding of breeding and genetics of a range of species, identifies and examines the basic principles of genetics and considers the important factors in breeding stock
selection.
Animal Welfare
Aim of module - The student will be able to have a sound basic knowledge of global aspects of animal welfare, understanding the welfare issues concerning commercial production of livestock and the legislation involved. The student will develop an awareness of the importance and diversity of the UK animal industry by examining the historical context of the industry and assessing the current welfare themes and issues, as well as examining the size and structure of major organisations. The module is designed to encourage learners to analyse and appreciate the factors that influence human attitudes towards animals and the status and roles animals play in different human societies and cultures.
Primary Research Project with Statistics
Aim of module - To consolidate and develop specific animal knowledge by undertaking a research project to be written up as a report. It will require a review of current literature and secondary research along with primary research data analysis and interpretation and a conclusion draw from the project's findings. The module will also include a section on statistics and data analysis methods to support the process of collating the primary research carried out for the project
Transferable Skills
In following this programme, learners will develop a number of transferable skills such as:
Communication (written and oral)
Information Handling
Numeracy
Problem Solving
Team Working
Use of Information Technology (IT)
Entry Requirements
Entrants are required to have:
1 A Level pass or 2 AS Level passes in relevant subjects, plus GCSE Grades C or above to include English, Maths and Science
Or National Diploma pass in a relevant subject.
We welcome applications from mature students and overseas students who may not hold standard qualifications.
Progression
This programme will provide learners with the knowledge, skills and understanding to progress in their chosen career. Successful completion of the programme may enable access to further qualifications such as an honours degree.