FdSc Equine Science in Industry (FT)

FdSc Equine Science in Industry

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

Course Description:

This Foundation Degree, awarded by the University of Central Lancashire, has been designed for students wishing to undertake a Higher Education course with an industry focus. The course will allow students to understand and apply scientific principles to the management and development of the horse and the equine industry. The study of physiology and breeding is an essential part of understanding the working or performance horse. Students will be equipped with the underpinning knowledge and skills to enter careers within the breeding, welfare, behaviour and education industries amongst others. Students may apply to progress to an Honours Degree programme, subject to satisfactory achievement. to further enhance their scientific research skills. The Foundation Degree also has a highly industry emphasis and students will benefit from the opportunity to gain experiential learning within the workplace. This will equip students with the necessary professional and practical skills required for managerial roles within the horse industry.

COURSE CONTENT:

Year 1

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.

Yard Management and Development

The aim of this module is to give students the skills and knowledge required to manage and develop a busy equine yard for a variety of purposes and disciplines.

Youngstock Handling and Management

This module provides hands on experience with young horses in a variety of situations including training and competition.

Equine Biology

This module develops a broad understanding of the biological principles focusing on anatomy and physiology of the horse.

Equine Behaviour

This module aims to develop an understanding of equine behaviour and methods through which to measure and modify behaviour.

Equine Rehabilitation

The practical application of new and existing therapy technologies provided in this module will enable students to develop short and long term rehabilitation plans.

Year 2

Breeding and Stud Management

The underlying academic principles and practices of successful breeding programmes and studs are delivered within this module.

Work Project

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

Management of the Equine Athlete

The underpinning theories of physiology and biomechanics required to develop and maintain the successful equine athlete are delivered in this module.

Equine Nutrition

The module aims are to build on knowledge gained within the horse management module, to develop knowledge of nutritional requirements in a wide variety of horses, recognise the significance of poor ration formulation within the industry and the environmental management of arable crops.

Ethics of the Horse Industry

This module builds on a basic understanding of animal training and behaviour to enable the student to evaluate ethical issues surrounding current practices within the horse industry.

Business and Entrepreneurism (option module)

This module will evaluate entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process to develop students’ business planning skills. This includes marketing and finance in order to aid the formulation of sustainable and enterprising business plans.

OR

Research Methods (option module)

Experimental design and data analysis are core themes in this module. It will introduce concepts of statistical testing and further develop skills in presenting and interpreting results of scientific investigations. The module will give students vital skills in formulating research questions and designing an effective experiment.

Detailed Course Content

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, technical reports, group and individual presentations, individual study projects, case studies based on work experience and practical assessments.

Links with Professional Body:

During their course of study students are encouraged to study for the appropriate British Horse Society Stage qualification. Training for Stages I, II and III as well as Preliminary Teaching Test is offered on site as an additional part-time course subject to additional fees, application and sufficient numbers.

Morning, Evening and Weekend Duties: will be required on the College Yard, through all years of the course. Morning and evening yard duties are timetabled between 9am and 5pm. Weekend yard duties are carried out on a rota basis.

Extra Costs:

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

If Riding: Jodhpur Boots, Long Leather or Riding Boots - £100

Jodhpurs (plain navy or black), Riding Hat, Hair Net, Gloves - £90

Laboratory Coat - £10

College Polo Shirt, Sweatshirt and Jacket (or plain navy or black) - £80

Strong Boots or Wellingtons for Yard Work - £30

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

College Padded Gillet - £33

College Rugby Shirt - £25

Field Trips and Visits (including possible overseas trips) - £400

If Jumping; Body Protector - £70

If Riding: Long and Short Whip, Non-Suede Gaiters, White Shirt and Tie - £75

Waterproof Trousers - £22

Learning Environment:

This course makes the most of the extensive equestrian facilities on site including a wide range of horses, large indoor and outdoor arenas and specialist therapy and research equipment. Students will also have access to specialist IT hardware and software as well as Myerscough's virtual learning environment. Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations will form an important part of the course.

Additional Information:

Study trips are organised to supplement the learning in specific modules. Examples of previous trips include, Twemlowes AI and Embryo Transfer Centre, Newmarket, Northern Equine Therapy Centre, Sync Equine, British Society of Animal Science annual conference, Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre, many elite athletes have opened their yards to Myerscough student visits. Guest speakers may include industry experts in areas such as equine reproduction, nutrition, training and behaviour, coaching, elite equestrian athletes.

Work Experience:

The Work Skills Development and Work Project modules will utilise both on and off site working environments to provide the opportunity for students to develop real practical and technical skills and help prepare them for employment in their chosen subject area. There is no formal industrial placement on this course.

What international opportunities are available?

Students are fully supported and encouraged to undertake work experience abroad in the summer between years one and two.

Progression:

For students completing the Foundation Degree with merit or above, the opportunity exists to progress to the final year of the BSc (Hons) Equine Science degree. Students will need to select the research methods option in year two to be eligible for the top-up. Students may be asked to contribute towards the costs.

What careers can you follow:

The course prepares students for management level careers in many areas of the equine industry. These include:

Independent Business Owner

Consultant

Sales

Equine Journalism/Insurance

Bloodstock Agents

Stud Managers

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.