Applied Animal Science

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Lancashire. This two-year foundation degree programme blends scientific knowledge, academic theory and practical skills. The increasing public awareness of animal welfare drives career prospects within the animal industry. Opportunities exist in zoos, conservation, retail animal trade, the care of companion animals, regulatory authorities and animal welfare charities. A comprehensive range of subjects are covered on the foundation degree that allow students to relate their academic studies to the wider industry and to develop practical skills, a varied range of vocational opportunities are included.

Year 1

Practical Animal and Professional Skills

A module designed to enable students to maximise their performance both on the course and in the industry to kick start a strong degree and excellent career in the sector. You will gain first-hand experience using a relevant industry environment to develop academic, practical and technical skills. You will record and reflect on their own personal development during the module. The module is fundamental to the ethos of foundation degrees in providing engagement in a professional environment and should inspire students through study on the Industry Project module at level 5.

Animal Anatomy and Physiology

The module aims to enable the students to describe the natural anatomical and physiological mechanisms that control behaviour, reproduction and defence against disease and impact on an animal's welfare.

Animal Behaviour and Training

This module aims to develop a practical appreciation of the natural behaviour patterns of animals considering environmental effects. Alongside understanding the principles of species and breed specific factors affecting the animal's behaviour, this module will examine how these can be adapted as part of a training regime to meet the complex and varied roles demanded of animals. The module will outline the biological principles of animal behaviour and develop an appreciation of current animal behaviour issues. Current applied research will be used to develop scientific knowledge in animal behaviour and will allow students to apply this knowledge to the diverse roles of animals in society and the role of the animal caretaker in forming behavioural responses in the animal.

Animal Health and Nutrition

The module will discuss the aetiology of diseases and associated characteristics. The module will develop plans for animal health enhancement and disease control strategies and introduce the concept of pharmacological control. This module also aims to explore the biological and biochemical principles which underpin animal nutrition and further develop scientific knowledge as a basis for the continuing acquisition of information. The module will develop a critical interest in current applied research in animal health and nutrition and how this may be applied to practical animal feeding management and production with due consideration to commercial, health, environmental and welfare factors.

Animal Husbandry

This module aims to develop a practical appreciation of the natural behaviour patterns of captive animals considering environmental effects of housing, handling and management practices. Students will engage in a range of practical sessions across multiple taxa to develop their knowledge of basic husbandry routines as well as specialist care.

Introduction to Animal Welfare

This module aims to introduce learners to the field of animal welfare. Current welfare guidelines and policy will be explored in order to develop an appreciation of how welfare principles apply to different aspects of the animal industry. Ethical principles will also be debated and discussed in relation to animal welfare and how these could be applied throughout the course.

Year 2

Industry Project

This module will provide an opportunity for students to identify a suitable project relevant to a specific animal industry, work with their supervisor in developing the project and report on the outcomes. The module is intended to provide engagement in a work environment for students to investigate a particular project in relation to a specific industry sector. Students will be encouraged to develop professional working relationships, manage their own time and workload and provide evidence of this. Project management skills will be developed through supporting workshop sessions.

Animal Sector Entrepreneurism

The main aim of this module is to enable the learner to identify and evaluate the factors that affect the demand for recreational facilities and special events relating specifically to the animal industry, considering social and environmental concerns with a long term strategic view. In addition, the on-going processes involved in facility management are emphasised whilst considering organisational constraints. Also the aim is to provide learners with the skills necessary to plan, manage, deliver and evaluate an animal industry focussed event.

International Zoo Management

This module aims to assess and evaluate the roles of zoological collections nationally and internationally whilst discussing ethical considerations within the industry.

Genetics and Breeding

In order to be successful in breeding animals, it is important that students have a broad understanding of the biological principles which underpin animal breeding. The module will explore the principles of genetics from the single nucleotide through to the entire genome. Genetic technologies such as single gene identification, genomics and cloning will be discussed alongside breeding technologies such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer. A critical, research-based approach will allow students to consider the future of animal breeding in domestic, commercial and captive animals.

Global Wildlife Conservation

This module aims to develop knowledge of global conservation initiatives and techniques to monitor and conserve wild species. The module will encourage the development of a critical understanding of the impact of conservation threats for endangered species and how these threats are controlled or minimised. Appreciation of anthropogenic threats and the practicality of implementing conservation strategies will be considered allowing for the development of critical thinking. This module will introduce national and international conservation conventions and legislation including the protection and harvesting of legal and illegal trade on endangered species and the implications for in situ conservation programmes.

Research Methods

Experimental design and data analysis are core themes in this module. It will introduce concepts of statistical testing and further develop skills in presenting and interpreting results of scientific investigations. The module will give students vital skills in formulating research questions and designing an effective experiment in preparation for the final year research project.

https://www.ucmyerscough.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/animal-studies/fdsc-applied-animal-science/

Students will complete a variety of assessments including examinations and tests, practical assessments, essays, presentations, reports and group work.