Applied Animal Behaviour and Training

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

Utilising a wide range of animals, our flexible learning environment will allow you to apply your knowledge 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 primates, exotic and small mammals, reptiles, birds, invertebrates and fish. In addition, you will have access to Bishop Burtons licensed boarding kennels and grooming parlour, a working farm with a variety of livestock and a large equine yard housing over 80 horses.

Course Aims

• Provide you with the knowledge and practical skills required to train animals effectively and humanely.

• Modules are mapped to Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), allowing you to be recognised by the ABTC as an Animal Training Instructor when you join a member organisation on completion of the course.

• In collaboration with the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA), the Dog Trainer Foundations (KPA) online course is incorporated into the programme.

• Provide the underpinning theoretical knowledge of animal behaviour and physiological concepts and be able to apply this to industry.

• Develop your understanding of how this knowledge can be applied to research, training and commercial situations.

• Help you to demonstrate an awareness of health, welfare and ethical issues related to a range of species.

• Allow you to develop appropriate professional and analytical skills as required for working in industry.

Learning and Teaching Approach
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, students 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.

What is the contact time?
Approximately 9-14 hours a week to include lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials. Students are also expected to carry out a significant amount of private study in addition to contact time (25-30 hours a week).
Students can expect to receive their timetables during induction week.

Progression

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.

What kind of job could I get when I graduate?
This degree will prepare you for work in the animal behaviour and training sector. You may pursue a career as an animal trainer, assistance dog trainer, zoo keeper or set up your own business in training or consultancy. You could also explore careers in behavioural research, education, environmental enrichment and animal rescue and rehabilitation.

Course Modules

You will study;
Year 1

• Companion Animal Behaviour

• Principles of Animal Behaviour

• Academic and Professional Skills

• Animal Health and Nutrition

• Comparative Anatomy and Physiology

• Development of Professional Skills

Year 2

• Fundamentals of Animal Training

• Data Skills for Animal Scientists

• Ethics, Welfare and Legislation

• Human Animal Psychology

• Entrepreneurialism

Year 3

• Advanced Animal Training

• Animal Communication

• Consulting in Animal Behaviour Management

• Final Project

https://www.bishopburton.ac.uk/degree-level-courses

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 20 working day timeframe (not including holidays) so that you can most benefit from the feedback.