Animal behaviour and Welfare FdSc

Programme Information

This programme will provide you with an opportunity to learn the principles of Animal Behaviour and Welfare, give opportunities to learn techniques in animal training and provide practical application of material to a career of your choice. You’ll undertake a range of modules that will develop your knowledge and understanding throughout the course, to prepare you for entering employment or for continuing your studies on the BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour & Welfare course. Your subject-based modules will be supported by the Employment Skills module which will incorporate the Graduate Development Programme, a scheme developed by UWE to tie together your programme and support your learning. Within this module you will also complete work experience to give a practical understanding of the material you have learnt.

There are a number of topic streams running through the programme including; companion animal behaviour and welfare, equine behaviour and welfare, exotic animal behaviour and welfare and behavioural ecology which allow you to tailor your course around your own areas of interest.

As the programme maintains a strong scientific grounding, the Principles of Animal Biology module provides an opportunity for those without previous science-based qualifications to develop their understanding of key concepts. This level 0 module addresses topics such as cell and tissue structure, molecular biology and organ systems. Practical laboratory skills will also be introduced to provide a basis for development in other modules, such as Anatomy and Physiology and Animal Genetics.

Top up to BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare

This programme offers internal Foundation Degree Animal Behaviour and Welfare students the opportunity to obtain a BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare by undertaking a third year of study. During this time you can complete module such as Management of Animal Collections (taught in partnership with Marwell Wildlife), Developments in Animal Science, Anthrozoology and undertake a personal research project on a topic of your choice. This route is fully supported well by the programme leaders of both programmes and the senior lecturer for widening participation.

Practical work, visits and field trips

Work in the laboratory and the field will provide you with experience in the application of the theories learned in lectures. Visits to external organisations (including Sequani, Slimbridge, Bucklebury Farm, Birmingham Sealife Centre and Bristol Zoo) will allow you to appreciate how these theories are applied in commercial organisations. There are also an optional residential field trip available as part of the programme. A field course module to South Africa runs in the second year of the programme. This will give you an opportunity to explore African ecology and ethology. Activities will include animal tracking, day and night game drives, a visit to Pillansberg National Park and individual student projects. This will be the ideal opportunity to put into practice the theoretical knowledge you have developed in the first year Principles of Ecology module.

Complementary studies and work experience

There are a number of complementary studies courses available on site that you can undertake alongside your studies at a reduced cost. These include first aid, health and safety, animal nursing and dog grooming and will not only enhance your skills and knowledge but improve your employability.

Throughout the course you will complete 300 hours of work experience on a placement of your choice. This can be at a wide range of relevant organisations, both in the UK and overseas. Students have previously engaged in placements in organisations such as; Bristol Zoo, Slimbridge, Vale Wildlife Rescue, The Blue Cross, R.S.P.C.A. and Prinknash bird and deer park. This work placement will not only provide you with skills that are valued by employers, it will prepare you for working in an animal related field and volunteer work in an organisation will often provide you with a paid position at the end of your degree.

Careers

This programmes will equip you with the knowledge and skills which are required by organisations such as animal charities, welfare organisations, education establishments and government bodies. Possible careers include animal health and welfare officers, zoo keepers, animal care technicians and welfare centre managers. Further study to complete the BSc (Hons in Animal Behaviour and Welfare can develop this further, with opportunities in research, education and also lead on to further study to accreditation as an animal behaviour therapist or specialist in the fields of behaviour, welfare or conservation.

Areas of study

Students have a range of compulsory modules and optional modules to choose from

Level 1:

• Animal Behaviour
• Introduction to Animal Welfare
• Companion Animal Behaviour
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Introduction to Veterinary Science
• Evolution and Biodiversity
• Principles of Ecology
• Employment Skills
• Principles of Animal Biology (Level 0 module)

Level 2:

• Behavioural Measurement
• Field Course
• Companion Animal Behaviour and Training
• Statistics and Research Methods
• Ethics and Welfare
• Animal Welfare Assessment
• Applied Veterinary Science
• Laboratory Animal Management
• Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology
• Behavioural Interactions
• Introduction to Equine Behaviour
• World at Work

Programme overview

UCAS code
FdSc – D328 A

Programme length
FdSc – two years full-time

Part-time option
Yes

Work experience opportunity
Yes, eight weeks within the FdSc

Careers

These programmes will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to work in the areas of behaviour research, training and welfare which are required by organisations such as animal charities, welfare organisations or government bodies. Further study can lead to accreditation as an animal behaviour therapist or specialist in the fields of behaviour, welfare or conservation.
For further information about possible careers options visit UWEs employability page

Other programmes you may be interested in:

• BSc (Hons)/FdSc Animal Science
• BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science
• BSc (Hons)/FdSc Veterinary Nursing Science (sandwich)

Entry requirements

View the UCAS tariff points system

* One Level 3 qualification in science or equivalent (eg A2) (if an applicant does not have this, then the student must have a level 2 qualification in Science (eg GCSE at C or above) and undertake Principles of Animal Biology during semester one

Key Contact

Lucy Clarke MRes BSc (Hons) -Programme Leader FdSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare

If you have any questions about this programme please email - Lucy.Clarke@Hartpury.ac.uk

For the next opportunity to visit the college and find out more about the Animal and Land Programmes visit the HE Careers Events page