FdSc Animal Science

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