South Devon College

FdSc Animal Science

Everything at University Centre South Devon (UCSD) is designed to maximise your employability and future career opportunities. Courses are created with local employers to ensure you learn industry-relevant skills and are delivered in small classes with regular one-to-one support, covering a range of study skills – it’s no wonder we’re recognised as a leading institution in the National Student Survey.

Course details
  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    • Developing Research and Practice (SOUD1124)

    • Animal Husbandry and Handling (SOUD1262)

      This module explores the husbandry and housing requirements of a range of animal species in private and commercial establishments. Genetic, environmental and ethical influences are considered in conjunction with private and commercial husbandry practices, veterinary manipulation of the reproductive process and advances in reproductive science. Appropriate handling and restraint techniques and associated health and safety considerations for a range of species are also covered.

    Optional modules

    • Foundation Bioscience (SOUD1265)

      This module introduces a range of essential elementary principles of biological science. It is designed for the learner from a non-scientific background to establish their knowledge of key concepts that will feature throughout their programme of study.

    • Principles of Ecology (SOUD1266)

      An introduction to the concepts of Ecology with exploration in relation to a local, national and international perspective. The complex relationship between speciation and competition are considered to explain ecosystem dynamics. The module will also investigate aspects of behavioural ecology relevant to wildlife conservation.

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    • Nutrition (SOUD1264)

      This unit enables the student to apply the basal principles of Nutrition to a range of animal species with consideration to their physiological status. Application of this knowledge to formulate effective dietary protocols to promote health will be introduced.

    • Wild and Domestic Animal Behaviour (SOUD2320)

      This module considers evolutionary, environmental and genetic influences on the behaviour of wild and domestic animal species. Exploration of the ontogeny and phylogeny of behaviours are utilised to appraise private and commercial management practices in domestic animal species to promote health and welfare and economic success. To evaluate the influence of mankind on conservation of wild species. To justify and argue the effects of exploitation of wild animal species with reference to contemporary issues in the field.

    • Animal Health and Welfare (SOUD2483)

      This module discusses the importance of maintaining animal health in a global and national context.  Types of pathogens will be discussed including their aetiology, diagnosis and treatment.  The module will review the role of preventative health care and good husbandry practice in maintaining animal health and welfare. It will also explore the role of first aid in treating emergency situations

    Optional modules

    • Habitat Conservation and Ecological Sampling (SOUD1023)

      Habitats and the ecosystems they support are commonly coming under threat from human and environmental influences in the modern world. This module considers the diversity of environments within Britain and the issues that surround their conservation. To demonstrate common fieldwork techniques undertaken in ecological surveys and use statistics to analyse data to inform management decisions.

    • Conservation Management (SOUD1267)

      Conservation management is essential in the modern world to preserve the diversity that occurs within nature. This module will investigate the processes involved with activating the conservation process: effective communication, funding, improvement strategies for short and long term management of conservation areas to promote biodiversity.

    • Wildlife Management and Rehabilitation (SOUD1531)

      Growing human populations and subsequent changes to land use impact greatly on wildlife populations. This module considers the diversity of wildlife within Britain and the issues that surround management and conservation. It also explores the role of wildlife charities and organisations including rehabilitation and release processes for wildlife causalities

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    • Specialist Research Study (SOUD2070)

      This module will enable the student to demonstrate their ability to work independently in the production of a substantial piece of work that demonstrates significant investigation in a field related to their relevant subject sector.

    • Biodiversity and Speciation (SOUD2217)

      This module introduces biodiversity. It examines the classification and diversity of the major groups or organisms, examining their varied biology and ecological roles. The module will also examine the distribution and variation of these organisms on a global scale as well as temporal changes in biodiversity. It will look in details at the ecological mechanisms behind speciation.

    • Marine Biology and Environmental Management (SOUD2321)

      This module investigates the key concepts specific to marine ecosystems and their management in the UK and globally. A diverse range of marine habitats will be examined as will contemporary environmental issues such as exploitation and pollution to preserve biodiversity for future generations.

    • Principals of Behaviour Management and Analysis (SOUD2484)

      Behavioural therapy is a complementary branch of veterinary medicine; critical evaluation of the rationale for the exhibition of specific behaviours can inform treatment of behavioural disorders. This module defines and clarifies research methodologies to formulate behavioural manipulation strategies to improve animal health and welfare

    Optional modules

    • Applied Zoological Science (SOUD2105)

    • Engaging Audiences in Science (SOUD2350)

      This module provides learners with the skills to disseminate aspects of science to the public to engage them with marine and science issues. The learner will reflect on the efficacy and value of different forms of communication and evaluate their appropriateness for different audiences. Students will be challenged to present complex marine issues in a simplified way so that it can be processed by the general public.

    • Sustainable Management (SOUD2485)

      The object of this module is to introduce the concept of sustainable management to a range of environments and industries. The legislative boundaries, human exploitation and globalisation will be considered to inform effective decision making for sustainable practices and natural resource conservation

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the changeable nature of the situation and any updates to government guidance, we may need to make further, last minute adjustments to how we deliver our teaching and learning on some or all of our programmes, at any time during the academic year. We want to reassure you that even if we do have to adjust the way in which we teach our programmes, we will be working to maintain the quality of the student learning experience and learning outcomes at all times.
Fees, costs and funding

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

How to apply
For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 
Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with South Devon College
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Please contact South Devon College to apply for this course:

South Devon College
Vantage Point
Long Road
Paignton 

Tel: +448000380123
Email: enquiries@southdevon.ac.uk

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with South Devon College

At the heart of the sunny English Riviera, we’re an award-winning Beacon status college. Add to that our ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted (in 2009), modern facilities and our larger-than-life Students’ Union, and you’re left with the perfect environment.
 
Plymouth students working on a group project