Equine Sports Science, BSc (Hons)

Level

Equine Sports Science, BSc (Hons)

Nottingham Trent University
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Description

From equine physiology to behaviour and nutrition to breeding, you will study the scientific principles involved in equine sports science. You will have the opportunity to work with leading instructors and internationally recognised academics. Elements of the course also complement the British Horse Society (BHS) Instructor’s examination.

The course provides the knowledge to improve the husbandry, performance and welfare of the horse as a leisure animal and as an equine athlete. It incorporates:

  • the development of practical and investigative skills required by the industry
  • a thorough background of animal science.

The course aims to improve your ability to think critically and solve prob…

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Didn't find what you were looking for? See also: Sports Science, Animal Husbandry, Equine, Science, and BSc.

From equine physiology to behaviour and nutrition to breeding, you will study the scientific principles involved in equine sports science. You will have the opportunity to work with leading instructors and internationally recognised academics. Elements of the course also complement the British Horse Society (BHS) Instructor’s examination.

The course provides the knowledge to improve the husbandry, performance and welfare of the horse as a leisure animal and as an equine athlete. It incorporates:

  • the development of practical and investigative skills required by the industry
  • a thorough background of animal science.

The course aims to improve your ability to think critically and solve problems.

You will study the physiological and psychological principles of sports science and relate them to different equine sports, including:

  • events
  • showjumping
  • dressage
  • endurance.

The syllabus is designed for students wishing to further their knowledge of competition horse training or study towards the internationally recognised British Horse Society Instructor’s (BHSI) examination. Modules cover both riding and non-riding options.

Why choose this course?
  • Brackenhurst Equestrian Centre has international sized indoor and outdoor arenas, plus modern laboratories for the scientific study of nutrition, physiology, sports injury and genetics.
  • The Veterinary Nursing Centre provides facilities to study veterinary aspects of equine science and therapies.
  • The School has excellent links with veterinary schools and the Animal Health Trust as well as other academic institutions in the UK and abroad.
  • You will have the option to take a work placement during your third year of study.
  • Equestrian industry guest speakers and eventing professionals give lectures and demonstrations to students.
  • The Mary King arena was opened in May 2012 by the Olympian herself.
  • NTU is recognise as a centre of world class research into all aspects of equine and equestrian science.
  • We are opening a brand new 1,000 square metre, £2.5 million pound campus library in Autumn 2013.
Want to find out more?
  • Book your place on an open day.
  • Check out our Flickr photostream.
  • Follow Animal and Equine Science: Nottingham Trent University on Facebook.
  • Find out more about our Equestrian Centre.
How many places are available?

There are approximately 20 places available.

When does the course start?

Please see the academic calendar for term dates.

Where will I study?

We have invested over £20 million in facilities at Brackenhurst campus in the last eight years. Our beautiful 200 hectare estate acts as an outdoor classroom for fieldwork and research. Set in rural Nottinghamshire, but only a 40 minute bus journey from the city, it is the perfect site to study this course.

What will I study?

Modules

These modules are a mixture of elective and compulsory modules.

Year One

  • Equine Anatomy and Physiology looks at the equine body systems and the significance of their inter-relationships. Topics in this module include:
    • skeletal and muscular anatomy
    • cell biology
    • tissue structure and function
    • endocrinology
    • haematology
    • reproductive physiology
    • investigations of equine physiological systems.
  • Equine Health and Husbandry provides a scientific introduction to horse health. You will review the theoretical principles of nutrition and veterinary science and apply this knowledge to practical horse husbandry.
  • Horse Behaviour and Welfare explores the role that evolution and domestication has played in the development of innate equine behaviour patterns. It will also look at the consequences of current approaches to horse management on the behaviour and welfare of the horse. You will assess the effect of the relevant factors on the behaviour of the horse and draw conclusions about how to adapt management techniques to improve equine welfare.
  • Horse-human Relationship involves practical sessions that will develop your methods of:
    • handling
    • training
    • riding.

This module investigates the history of the horse-human relationship and its implications on the current use of horses. You will also look at the theory behind current horse training methods. This module will enable you to develop a sensitivity to the impact of the investigations on and interventions to the horses involved.

  • Equitation is an optional aspect of the Horse Human Relationship module. It provides students, who have an enthusiasm for riding, with the chance to further develop their skills in this area. You will also gain an insight into the current scientific techniques for assessing the performance of both the horse and rider.
  • Working Horses from the Ground is an optional aspect of the Horse Human Relationship module. You will have the opportunity to train horses using both contemporary and science based methods. This non-riding option still gives practical learning experiences with horses. You will also have an opportunity to develop further understanding of the behaviour and training of the horse.
  • Research and Laboratory Skills for Scientists aims to develop the key communication and skills required by scientists to introduce principles of research and scientific method. This module also provides specific laboratory practicals related to the scientific investigation of the equine athlete. These include:
    • haematology and microscopy
    • anatomical dissections
    • investigations of physiological systems.
  • Analysis of Equestrian Performance explores the developing technologies available to riders, coaches and trainers for the analysis of performance. You will gain advanced practical equitation skills.
  • Fundamentals of Sport Science looks at the structure and function of the equine athlete. You will be able to apply this knowledge to a range of situations. You will be able to appreciate the:
    • inter-relationship between the different systems
    • demands of equestrian sports on the horse.

By evaluating the current knowledge of exercise physiology, you will be able to identify areas of future research and investigation.

  • Veterinary Science and Nutrition explores the effect of disorders and disease on the welfare of the horse. It will enable you to determine relevant treatment regimes. You will study nutritional physiology and the relationship between nutrition and disease problems.
  • International Study enables you to study an area related to equine science or the equine industry from an international emphasis. It's a flexible module. You will be able to:
    • undertake a short-term period of study abroad
    • develop language skills
    • carry out an independent investigation with an international focus.
  • Research Methods and Experimental Design will enable you to develop an appreciation of:
    • scientific research principles
    • planning experiments and projects
    • gathering and evaluating data.

You are involved in planning and carrying out a small scale research project to encourage learning through practical application of theoretical principles.

  • Sports Injury examines the common injuries affecting sports horses and the implications for health and welfare. The scientific background provided in this module complements the Fundamentals of Sport Science module. You will develop a detailed knowledge of the athlete.

Year Three

  • Optimising Performance develops the knowledge and skills you will have gained at Level Two. It will also enable you to evaluate and apply a multidisciplinary understanding of the factors which contribute to optimal performance in the sports horse. The module will incorporate recent advances in scientific research and technology and explore the impact of these on equestrian sports.
  • Emerging Issues, Ethics and Welfare allows you to investigate and examine emerging ethical and welfare issues related to the horse. You will critically evaluate these issues and gain an understanding of the challenges you will face when entering employment and the equine industry.
  • Genetics and Selection as a topic, is crucial to understanding and controlling many diseases and disorders of animals and enhancing animal production. Genetics forms the foundation of modern selective breeding. This module considers the genetic basis of selection in animals for genetic improvement and enhanced performance. You will explore the molecular basis of genetics and apply these concepts to:
    • gene manipulation
    • biotechnology
    • veterinary genetics
    • genetic improvement.
  • The Research Dissertation module will enable you to carry out an original investigation into a chosen area of study. You will focus on your own areas of interest within the discipline of equine sports science.
Contact hours

You will have 13 hours of scheduled contact time per week, of which approximately four hours will be practical work.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed using a variety of methods including the following.

Coursework 67%

  • Coursework exercise -17%
  • Reports -33%
  • Portfolio – 17%

Practical skills - 17%

Exams - 16%

What do the course fees cover?

The annual fee for your undergraduate degree course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition.

  • You will be given a pre-paid printing allowance of £20 (which currently equates to up to 400 sides of A4 black and white printing) for use in NTU Print Shops.
  • We will supply you with laboratory equipment, coats and safety equipment, where required.
  • You will not have to pay a tuition fee for you Year Abroad / Sandwich year when it is part of your course.
  • Your tuition fees cover any additional administration fees for International Exchange.
  • You will be given two tickets to the Graduation Ceremony (any additional tickets will incur a fee).
What is not included in the fee?

You will need to budget for the following:

  • general printing of coursework in addition to the printing allowance
  • books and texts
  • accommodation and travel costs
  • travel and accommodation costs involved in year abroad, sandwich year or any placements you take
  • graduation social events
  • additional field trip or field work costs where not borne by the School.
Are you an international student?

Find out more about entry requirements, fees and accommodation.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

Brackenhurst Equestrian Centre

Our Brackenhurst Equestrian Centre Team will provide you with a high level of:

  • knowledge
  • skills
  • qualifications
  • specialist expertise in many aspects of equestrianism.

The centre also provides:

  • top-flight instructors (dressage, eventing and jumping)
  • lecturers
  • researchers
  • facilities
  • horses.

You will find some of the best training available in the UK here. You will also have access to a full range of facilities including:

  • 60 x 40 metre indoor school – Mary King arena
  • 60 x 40 metre floodlit outdoor arena
  • modern bio-science laboratories and Veterinary Nursing Centre
  • stabling for up to 60 horses
  • camera technology for behavioural monitoring
  • horse walker
  • solarium
  • weighbridge
  • treatment stocks
  • round pen
  • crew yards
  • stallion and stud facilities.

Livery
We provide livery for students' horses. Contact email Zoe Cobb for more information about DIY student livery.

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