Animal Behaviour and Welfare BSc (Hons) top up - 2012:13
Why Study Here
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Access to a diverse range of animal species within the college’s collection.
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Trips to relevant animal welfare centres and animal collections.
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Visits from specialist guest speakers.
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Programme endorsed by local employers such as Chessington Zoo, who form part of the College Employer Liaison Forum and who have welcomed the more specialist emphasis in animal behaviour and welfare
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Opportunity to carry out subject-specialist research into a particular area of your choosing
Application Process Application followed by individual interview
Entry Requirements
Animal Behaviour and Welfare Foundation Degree at merit or equivalent level, HND with a minimum of eight merits or other relevant qualification. You will need to be confident working with a range of animal species and be able to work independently and as part of a team. Places are subject to successful interview and offer
Content / Overview
There is an increasing need for qualified staff who have a grounded scientific background in animal behaviour and welfare that can be applied effectively in practice. This course is designed for students who have already completed a Foundation Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare or equivalent qualification. It allows for more in depth specialist knowledge development and the opportunity for research into a chosen field of study. You will assess animal welfare and behaviour in a range of settings, including farming, zoos, the leisure and entertainment sectors, laboratory and domestic environments.
Knowledge & Understanding
On successful completion students will be able to:
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Acquire, interpret and analyse information and apply a critical understanding of the appropriate context for their use
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Explain the behavioural and welfare needs of animals and how management systems meet those needs
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Recognise and use appropriate theories, concepts and principles from a range of disciplines
On successful completion students will be able to:
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Critically analyse information, synthesise and summarise the outcomes
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Design and experiment, investigation, survey or other means to test a hypothesis or proposition
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Evaluate conflicting theories, concepts and principles from a range of disciplines
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Collect and integrate several lines of evidence and apply them in a balanced way
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Recognise the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciate the need for professional codes of conduct
Practical Skills
On successful completion students will be able to:
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Plan, conduct and report on investigations, including the use of secondary data
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Collect and record information and summarise it using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques
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Devise, plan and undertake investigations in a responsible and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, rights of access, relevant health and safety regulations, legal requirements and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders
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Demonstrate a high standard of professional behaviour and apply ethical codes of conduct
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Reference work in an appropriate manner
Transferable (Key) Skills
On successful students will have acquired transferable skills as follows:
Communication
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Receive, evaluate and respond to a variety of information sources (e.g. electronic, textual, numerical, verbal, graphical)
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Communicate accurately, clearly, concisely, confidently and appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms
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Contribute constructively to group discussions
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Listen to, appreciate and evaluate the views of others
Numeracy
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Appreciate issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collection recording and analysis of data
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Prepare, process, interpret and present data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packagages
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Solve numerical problems using computer-based and non-computer based techniques
Information, Communication and Technology
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Use the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information
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Demonstrate competence in the use of computer-based information handling and data processing tools
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Use computer packages to create effective ways to communciate information
Teamwork
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Organise teamwork and set realistic targets
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Identify individual and collective goals and responsibilities
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Plan, allocate and evaluate the work of self, individuals and teams
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Perform in a manner appropriate to these roles and responsibilities
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Recognise and respect the views and opinions of other team members
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Reflect on and evaluate own performance as an individual and as a team member
Independent Learning and Self Management
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Identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development
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Develop and adaptable and flexible approach to study and work
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Develop the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently, time management and organisation skills)
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Display the potential for competence, behaviour and attitudes required in a professional working life including initiative, leadership and team skills
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Apply professional codes of conduct where applicable
Course Modules
Year 1: Behavioural ecology (15 credits Level 6), advanced animal welfare (30 credits Level 6), professional development (15 credits Level 6).
Year 2: Reproductive behaviour and welfare of captive animals (15 credits Level 6), animal cognition and learning (15 credits Level 6), research project (30 credits Level 6).
Assessment Most modules will have two to four pieces or types of assessment. You will be continually assessed through assignments, practicals, project work, presentations, portfolio submission and a dissertation. There will also be a small number of exams, for which you will be prepared.
Careers Continue your studies with a masters degree in a range of specialist areas or apply for membership of professional bodies including the Zoological Society of London, Institute of Biology or the British Ecological Society and attend further courses.
Additional Information You are advised to ensure that anti-tetanus protection via a course of injections or booster is up to date prior to the commencement of the course. You should also ensure that you have adequate clothing for outdoor work in inclement weather.
Contact Details Merrist Wood College: email: mwinfo@guildford.ac.uk or Tel: 01483 88 40 40 UCAS: www.ucas.com or Tel: 0871 46 80 468
All students aged 19 years or over on 1 September in the first year of their course are expected to pay tuition, registration, exam fees and all other course related costs. Some assistance with these costs may be available depending on your circumstances and the latest government funding position. There are normally no tuition, registration or examination fees to pay if you are aged 16-18 on 1 September in the first year of your course and are a British or European Union resident. This does not apply to HNCs/Ds, Foundation Degrees, Degrees or courses that do not attract government funding.
More information on fees and financial help More information on international student fees