FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Conservation

Program Overview

The FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Conservation at Wrexham University delves into the multifaceted world of animal care, offering a comprehensive curriculum in animal behavior, husbandry, ethics, and welfare. Through practical work placements, students cultivate valuable skills that pave the way for diverse career paths in the animal industry. This foundation degree equips students with a deep understanding of animals, preparing them for roles in conservation, veterinary practices, and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This course, FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Conservation, is designed for individuals passionate about animals and seeking a career in the field. It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering animal behavior, ethics, and welfare, preparing students for diverse roles in the animal industry.

Objectives:

• Gain a deep understanding of animal behavior, husbandry, and training.
• Develop practical skills through work placements, demonstrating acquired knowledge and abilities.
• Utilize resources such as a veterinary clinical suite, training area, and agility course.
• Engage with various industry settings by visiting animal charities, wildlife centers, and relevant venues.

Outline:

Year 1 (Level 4):

• Biological Concepts: This module explores foundational principles of animal biology, including pathogens, laboratory techniques, anatomical structure and function, the origins of life, cell and tissue characteristics, and major organ systems.
• Husbandry: Students learn about animal husbandry practices and gain practical experience with a variety of species through lectures, practical sessions, and visits to animal establishments.
Case studies and guest speakers enrich the learning experience.
• Ethology and Anthrozoology: This module delves into the biological basis of natural behavior, examining the relationship between natural behavior and captive animal welfare.
Students conduct practical studies of captive animals and explore the connection between welfare and the captive environment. Human-animal interactions and their associated costs and benefits are also analyzed.
• Ethics and Welfare: Contemporary issues within animal welfare are investigated, introducing students to relevant ethical considerations.
Students critique various welfare topics and have opportunities to deliver workshops and seminars.
• Academic and Personal Development: This module familiarizes students with higher education culture and strengthens essential skills like logical thinking, mathematics, and critical analysis, vital for successful academic pursuits.
• Professional Practice: This module examines career opportunities and challenges within the animal sector.
Students develop skills, knowledge, and competencies in a workplace setting of their choice.

Year 2 (Level 5):

• Research Methodologies: Students gain an understanding of the role of research in animal studies, developing the ability to plan, define parameters, assess methodologies, and present research findings.
Different methodologies are examined, and ethical and political issues in social research are addressed.
• Applied Practice: This module involves practical work-based learning, where students act as consultants researching and critically evaluating issues within an organization alongside an employer.
They make recommendations for improvement based on their experience.
• Anatomy and Physiology: This module equips students with a working knowledge of anatomical structure and function, enabling them to identify landmarks.
Practical laboratory skills are further developed.
• Learning and Training: This module explores principles of learning theory as applied to animals, linking animal learning to training practices.
Students create and implement training plans for animals to perform specific tasks and evaluate traditional and modern training methods and associated equipment.
• Survey Skills for Conservation: Students acquire skills for conducting surveys of animal species, including identification, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Practical fieldwork is incorporated through visits to nature reserves and woodlands.

Assessment:

• A combination of theoretical and practical coursework is employed.
• Assessment methods include portfolios, posters, laboratory reports, essays, presentations, seminars, practical exams, written exams, and reflective diaries.

Teaching:

• The program utilizes a diverse range of teaching and learning methods, including:
• Lectures and demonstrations
• Seminars and workshops
• Tutorials
• Group and project work
• Reflective reports
• External speakers
• Educational visits and study days
• Tutor and student-led sessions
• Critical appraisal
• Portfolio development
• Work placements
• Wrexham University offers support services for students, including academic writing workshops, note-taking guidance, assignment preparation sessions, and academic skills tutors.

Careers:

• The animal care industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, including roles in:
• Animal welfare organizations
• Conservation
• Zoos and wildlife parks
• Veterinary practices
• Animal feed companies
• Veterinary or pharmaceutical companies
• Further study options, such as teaching qualifications or postgraduate research, are also available.
• The Careers & Employability service at Wrexham University provides career guidance and support.

Other:

• The course is delivered at both the Northop campus, located in the stunning North Wales countryside, and the Wrexham campus, situated on the edge of the largest town in Northeast Wales.
• This program has strong industry connections and provides opportunities for work placements to enhance career prospects.
• Students gain experience in various practical settings, including zoo work and training assistance dogs.
• The course faculty comprises industry-active staff with expertise in both academic and practical areas, having experience working with a variety of domestic and wild animals.
• Upon completion of the foundation degree, students can choose to progress to a full BSc (Hons) degree in Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation by completing an additional year of study.