Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Applied Animal Behaviour

In this two year programme students will benefit from the practical training and work experience that form an important part of all Foundation Degrees, alongside a thorough training in scientific theory and principles, with a particular emphasis on the study of animal behaviour and welfare. Module delivery will be complimented by educational visits to appropriate animal care and housing facilities such as zoological gardens and wildlife parks, veterinary hospitals, animal rehabilitation centres and animal health and nutrition research centres.

Applicants must have a genuine interest in animal behaviour, health and welfare. They must be keen to learn how to understand and interpret the behaviour of a wide range of domestic and captive animals as well as provide education and support for animal handlers and/or owners. They should be a good communicator and enjoy teamwork.

Compulsory Units: The course content will vary depending on the choice of modules that form part of a graduate training in the Life Sciences. As a guide areas covered include animal husbandry, animal health and nutrition, animal behaviour and welfare and animal cognition and training.

Specialised Units: Students will receive training with a strong emphasis on practical skills in animal handling and husbandry. Students must complete a minimum of 30 hours of work placement within an appropriate animal care facility by the end of the first summer vacation of the course. Whilst staff at CWA will make every effort to assist students in finding a suitable placement at an animal-related business, students are expected to take responsibility for arranging interviews with suitable companies.

The course incorporates 2 years full time study including 6 weeks of work placement. The academic year at both CWA and ARU is divided into two semesters. Full−time attendance within these semesters is approximately 12 hours per week, usually over three days. Part-time attendance may be possible by negotiation. Module delivery is divided between the College of West Anglia (Cambridge) campus located just outside Cambridge at Milton and the Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge) campus in the Cambridge city centre, plus work placement at a suitable animal care establishment.

Entry Requirements:

Interview required

All applicants must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above (to include English Language, Maths and 1 science subject; equivalent level 2 qualifications in Mathematics and English are also acceptable) plus a minimum of 160 UCAS tariff points to include at least one A level in a Biological Science, a BTEC or C&G qualification in a science subject, an appropriate Advanced GNVQ or equivalent qualifications (considered on their own merit). Students who have the appropriate GCSEs but not 160 UCAS points may be eligible for entry. Typically this would include those who are in possession of recognised RCVS qualifications. This will be assessed at interview, using portfolio evidence and employer references.

Students should also be aware that the RCVS requires newly qualified nurses to disclose information relating to any conviction including drugs offences to be disclosed when registering. Therefore students with these convictions may not be accepted onto the course.

Assessment:

Theoretical and practical elements of the course curriculum will be assessed using a variety of methods, including computer based exercises, essays, practical reports, laboratory skills, project reports and seen and unseen examinations. During their six week work placement students will be assessed by their work place supervisors in line with criteria negotiated and agreed between CWA, the student and the work placement manager.

Progression from this course:

On graduation, students will be prepared for employment in a wide variety of animal related businesses, including wildlife parks, animal rescue and rehabilitation centres and animal health and nutrition companies. Students may transfer directly to the Honours programme after completion of the Foundation degree, providing they achieve 240 credits by the July of their second year. The course content for a particular student will vary depending on their choice of designate modules within the pathway, but appropriate modular selection could allow some students to achieve some of the learning outcomes required for the academic component of the new Pet Behaviour Counselling Award.

Locations:

Cambridge Campus (Milton) - CB24 6DB

Duration:

2 Years

Start times:

September 2013

How to Apply:

Please apply via UCAS.

Course Costs:

Tuition fees for 2013-14 are as follows: Full-time - £6500; Part-time - pro rata (usually 50% of full-time fee).

Additional Information:

For more information, contact student services: King's Lynn - 01553 761144 Isle - 01945 582561; Cambridge - 01223 860701

Please note: Students are expected to purchase key texts where these are set out in module guides or unit specifications. Anglia Ruskin University have an extensive digital library that provides on and off-campus access to databases, e-journals and e-books which you will be able to access.

UCAS Info:

• - Code: D390
• - Course Title: FdSc/AAB
• - Institution Code: W35
• - Institution Name: WESTA