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BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Behaviour and Training

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Subject

Animal Sciences

Level

Bachelors Degree (Level 6)

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

3 years full-time or 1 year as a 'top up'

Start Date

September 2023

The course

Are you interested in animal behaviour and studying in an applied manner? If so, our BSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Training is for you.

Focused predominantly on companion animals, our flexible learning environment will allow you to apply the knowledge you use to practical situations across a range of disciplines.

Your academic curriculum will be supported by our extensive practical facilities. The Animal Management Centre houses a wide range of animals including invertebrates, amphibians, freshwater and marine fish, reptiles, birds, small mammals, and primates. In addition, you will have access to Bishop Burtons licensed boarding kennels and grooming parlour, a well-stocked livestock farm and a large equine yard housing over 80 horses.

Course Information

  • Develop your academic and practical knowledge of the disciplines and factors that relate to animal behaviour and training
  • Give you the opportunity to acquire detailed knowledge of animal behaviour and training that can be related to a range of species and situations
  • Help you to develop a combination of academic and practical competence that is required within the behaviour and training industry, through the vocational and applied nature of the course content
  • Provide you with a sound scientific knowledge of concepts related to animal behaviour.
  • Develop your understanding of how this knowledge can be applied to research, training and commercial situations.
  • Provide you with the knowledge and practical skills required to train animals effectively and humanely
  • Help you to demonstrate an awareness of health, welfare and ethical issues related to a range of species.
  • Develop your analytical skills and appropriate professional attitudes that are required for working in the animal industry

Year 1

  • Companion Animal Behaviour
  • Principles of Animal Behaviour
  • Academic and Professional Skills
  • Animal Health and Nutrition
  • Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
  • Personal and Professional Development in the Animal Industry

Year 2

  • Animal Welfare and Legislation
  • Business Management
  • Fundamentals of Animal Training
  • Human and Animal Psychology
  • Research Design and Statistical Analysis
  • Option Modules: Exotic Animal Management, Behaviour and Management of Production Species, or Wild Mammal Behaviour (Option modules will run where there are sufficient student numbers, otherwise an alternative option module may be offered.)

Year 3

  • Advanced Animal Training
  • Animal Communication
  • Animal Therapies and Interactions
  • Consulting and Animal Behaviour Management
  • Dissertation

You will need:

A minimum of 104 UCAS points

GCSE English Language at grade 4 or above, or an equivalent qualification

An appropriate academic reference

UCAS points may be from qualifications such as A-Levels, BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas, Access to HE Diplomas, and City and Guilds Advanced Technical Diplomas amongst others. Please use the UCAS Tariff points calculator to determine the UCAS points value of your qualifications.

Life and/or experience of non-traditional students will be taken into account when considering applications. The successful completion of an entry task may be required when considering applications without the required formal entry qualifications.

If your first language is not English, or a Tier 4 student visa to study is required and GCSE grade 4/C English or equivalent is not held, English language proficiency level such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.0 overall (with a minimum 5.5 in each skill) will need evidencing.

Advanced entry may be possible due to prior experience or certificated learning; applicants will be invited to complete the recognition of prior learning approval process.

If you have an appropriate HNC, you can apply for direct entry to Year 2 (Level 5). If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification and animal training experience, you can apply for direct entry to year 3 (Level 6).

This programme is delivered with a variety of learning and teaching approaches to include all students learning styles and preferences.

For all modules, theory lectures are delivered that aim to deliver the core content and provide the underpinning knowledge. To complement the theory lectures, you will have group seminars/practical sessions that are used to reinforce concepts delivered theoretically.

The teaching methods focus on facilitating a student-centred approach to enhance the independent learning that takes place outside of the classroom.

The full-time pathway incorporates up to 16 hours a week (full-time) to include lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials. You are also expected to carry out a significant amount of independent study in addition to contact time (approximately 25-30 hours a week). Independent study includes reading around the subject, preparing for tutorials and seminars, preparing for, and completing, module assessments; forming an essential part of your learning journey.

You can expect to receive your timetable during induction week.

Relevant extra-curricular activity and/or work experience is encouraged to enhance your learning.
Assessment includes written assignments, seminars, poster presentations, training practical, practical reports and demonstrations. There are no formal examinations. Opportunities for feedback on assessments are available prior to the final submission to support your development and achievement. Staff aim to return assessed work within a 15 working day timeframe (not including holidays) so that you can most benefit from the feedback.
  • A tablet, laptop or stationery to take notes in lectures and seminars.
  • College-branded white laboratory coat.
  • College-branded blue kennel coat.
  • Appropriate waterproof outdoor clothing and footwear for outdoor practical sessions.
  • Strong steel toe capped boots for practical sessions.
  • Roughly 300 to cover the costs of field trips and visits over the duration of your programme.
  • The college has a strict policy of not allowing work boots inside college buildings you will need to have alternative footwear (shoes or trainers) to attend lectures and tutorials.
  • Training equipment will be required (i.e. clicker and target stick).
  • A wide range of resources are available for use both on and offsite for dissertation projects but it may not be possible to purchase/service all requests, therefore students need to be aware that they may need to self-fund some elements.
  • On successful completion of the programme, you will have the opportunity to graduate at a ceremony wearing formal dress. The hire of the formal dress is an additional cost.
Graduates may choose to progress to the MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Training or MSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare which are available via blended learning at University Centre Bishop Burton.
This degree will prepare you for work in research, animal seizures (HM Revenues and Customs), animal training, zoo keeping and education, welfare scientist, environmental enrichment co-ordinator, behaviour advisor, companion animal trainer, training animals for commercial work, animal rescue and rehabilitation or as an assistance dog trainer.

Validated by University of Hull

We are proud to collaborate with University of Hull on the validation of this course.

View the policies and procedures you would be agreeing to comply with by registering for this programme. This encompasses University of Hull Quality and Standards, including a Guide for Collaborative Provision students.

Financial Information

Find the full details of the fees associated with this programme and the financial support available.

Careers this course could lead into

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