Foundation Degree (validated by the Royal Agricultural University)
This course focuses on the fundamental scientific aspects of animal behaviour and welfare in addition to the issues relating to their study. You'll be encouraged to develop your analytical and critical skills in order to evaluate animal wellbeing for a wide range of animal species.
What does the course cover?
The FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Conservation programme enables you to gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of the established principles of Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation and their development within industry. The programme also enables you to gain knowledge and understanding of the principles of business management and apply this in a relevant work related context. An ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, and employ those principles in Animal-related industries or other work-relevant context, will allow you to gain the experience required for future careers.
You’ll benefit from working with our wide range of species including aquatics, companion large animals, exotics and small mammals in the Animal Management Centre, gaining experience in handling and management experience. This programme incorporates key business skills, providing you with the sound skills and knowledge that you’ll need.
We have excellent links with the industry, and host regular guest speakers and visits to other centres, including a visit to Mankwe Wildlife Reserve, South Africa, as part of the Wildlife Conservation module. You'll be able to discover 3000 large mammals on the reserve, which is made up of 42 species plus over 250 types of bird, plus a wide variety of amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles.
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| Duration: | Full-time: 2 years Part-time: 4 years |
| UCAS Details: | The UCAS code for this course is P300. |
| Costs: | For the academic year 2018/19 the tuition fees for UK and EU students are:
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Facilities
Our Animal Management unit caters to all kinds of animals, enabling students to explore several areas of interest. Major recent developments within the unit include a new dog grooming unit, plus areas specialising in small mammals, birds of prey, cold and tropical aquatics, and our exotics with a wide range of amphibian, reptiles and snakes. Plumpton also has an 800-hectare farm that has a range of livestock including cows, horses, pigs and sheep.
The department also houses modern and fully-equipped laboratories which are an excellent location for animal science experiments and behaviour studies. Some of our equipment includes a digital binocular compound microscopes, HPLC and electrophoresis equipment, and a PCR Thermocycler. This enables students to learn and experience the practical elements of animal science in a safe and stimulating environment.
Library
The library facilities at Plumpton located in the centre of the College campus. There is plenty of space for quiet study and plugs at every desk. The library has extensive computer facilities to support student research and there is also easy access to printers. The library is staffed by the library manager and library assistants.
There are over 10,000 books on land-based subjects, plus a range of magazines and journals, including electronic resources that may be accessed from College or home. The library stocks specialist material that covers a broad range of animal management, conservation and veterinary science subjects to facilitate students in their assignments and research projects. Students also have access to subject-specific e-journals and e-publications.
I.T. Resources
We have a dedicated Higher Education I.T. room here at Plumpton, providing reliable access to a quiet study space and printing facilities.
Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is based on the programme Moodle. It is used daily by both staff and students to ensure that we adhere to the College aim of using modern technology to help support outstanding teaching, learning and assessment at college. Staff are encouraged to empower their students through the use of digital tools both in and outside the classroom. For example, they can provide support before a lesson by uploading lecture slides onto the module page. Digital enhancement can be conducted in a variety of ways during a lesson, such as encouraging student interaction through the use of Virtual Reality. Meanwhile, post-lesson enrichment can come in the form of a lesson-review quiz. Students must also submit assignments online via Turnitin, allowing staff to provide accessible and detailed digital feedback.
HE Study Rooms
HE students have access to their own study rooms that is for the sole use of HE students. The rooms are located in the Research & Development building, and creates a quiet self-study environment for students. Additionally, there is also a dedicated HE common room designed to provide students with a space to relax and engage with other HE students.
Future Opportunities
Through an increased awareness of animal welfare, there are certainly lots of opportunities for a career in welfare organisations and animal collections. You'll also develop further employable skills through both work placement and business modules. During this time, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside animal management and welfare specialists; gaining additional first-hand experience.
Modules
Year 1 for full-time students (Level 4)
Module name | Credits | Assessment | Status |
Study Skills and Research | 15 credits | Coursework | Core |
Introduction to Business Management | 15 credits | Coursework | Core |
Animal Biology | 30 credits | Exam | Core |
Management of Animal Collections | 15 credits | Coursework (70%) & Practical (30%) | Core |
Health and Welfare | 15 credits | Coursework (50%) & Exam (50%) | Core |
Principles of Conservation | 15 credits | Coursework | Core |
Animal Behaviour and Communication | 15 credits | Coursework | Core |
Year 2 for full-time students (Level 5)
Module name | Credits | Semester | Status |
Independent Enquiry | 15 credits | Year | Core |
Work Placement | 30 credits | Year | Core |
Applied Sampling Methods in Conservation | 15 credits | 1 | Core |
Applied Animal Behaviour Management | 15 credits | 2 | Core |
Welfare and Ethics | 15 credits | 1 | Core |
Wildlife Conservation | 15 credits | 2 | Elective |
Animal Learning and Training | 15 credits | 1 | Elective |
Behavioural Ecology | 15 credits | 2 | Elective |
Research and Statistics | 15 credits | 1 | Elective |
Ready to take the next step?
Apply for this course online now to begin you journey towards a qualification in FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour & Conservation.
Talk to us
Not quite ready to apply yet? We are happy to discuss courses and help you find the perfect fit.
Other courses that may interest you
- BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare Top-Up Top-up degree (validated by the Royal Agricultural University)
