FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Conservation (with Foundation Year)

Program Overview

The Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation program at Wrexham University combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience to prepare students for careers in animal care, welfare, and conservation. With a strong emphasis on animal ethics and behavior, the program offers modules ranging from biological concepts and husbandry to research methodologies and survey skills for conservation. Students benefit from industry-standard facilities, work placements, and a network of industry connections, ensuring a high level of employability in the growing animal care industry.

Program Outline

Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation (with Foundation Year) - Wrexham University

Degree Overview:

This program prepares students for careers in animal behavior, ethics, and welfare. It includes zoological science, animal husbandry, animal learning and training, and survey skills for conservation. Students will gain practical experience through work placements and have access to a veterinary clinical suite, a bespoke training area, and a Cruft’s standard agility course. Students can also choose to study this course without a foundation year (FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation UCAS code: D300).

Outline:

Year 1 (Foundation Year)

• Core Modules:
• Study Skills for Success:
Develops academic conventions and time management skills.
• Resilience in Higher Education and Beyond: Focuses on personal development and resilience for academic success.
• A Day in the Life: Explores career options, professions linked to the degree, and prepares students for graduate portfolios.
• Life and Work in the Welsh Context: Explores the chosen degree path in relation to living and working in Wales.
• Optional Modules:
• Welsh for First Time Learners:
Introduction to the Welsh language.
• Numeracy: For degree pathways requiring a strong level of numeracy.
• Professional Communication in the Workplace: Develops professional communication skills.
• Maths and Experimental Design: For degree pathways requiring numeracy and science understanding.
• Assessment: A variety of assessments are used, including presentations, portfolios, electronic scrapbooking, and learning logs.

Year 2 (Level 4)

• Modules:
• Biological Concepts:
Covers animal biology, pathogens, laboratory skills, anatomical structure and function, and the origins and classification of life.
• Husbandry: Develops knowledge and understanding of animal husbandry with practical experience across species.
• Ethology and Anthrozoology: Investigates the biological basis of natural behavior, captive animal welfare, and human-animal relationships.
• Ethics and Welfare: Examines contemporary animal welfare issues and introduces relevant ethical considerations.
• Academic and Personal Development: Familiarizes learners with higher education culture and builds upon essential skills for academic success.
• Professional Practice: Studies career opportunities in the animal sector and includes a work placement.

Year 3 (Level 5)

• Modules:
• Research Methodologies:
Understands the role of research in animal studies and equips students with skills to plan and conduct research projects.
• Applied Practice: Gain further work-based learning and experience, including consulting, research, and critical assessment within an organization.
• Anatomy and Physiology: Develops a working knowledge of anatomy and physiology, relating structure to function, and enhances practical laboratory skills.
• Learning and Training: Focuses on animal learning theory, its application to training practices, and the evaluation of traditional and contemporary training methods.
• Survey Skills for Conservation: Equips students with skills to conduct surveys for animal species, including identification, data analysis, and interpretation.

Assessment:

The course is assessed through various methods, including portfolios, posters, laboratory reports, essays, presentations, seminars, practical exams, written exams, and reflective diaries.

Teaching:

The program utilizes diverse teaching and learning methods:

• Lectures and demonstrations
• Seminars and workshops
• Tutorials
• Group and project work
• Reflective reports
• External speakers
• Educational visits and study days
• Tutor and student-led sessions
• Critical appraisal
• Portfolio development
• Work placements
Wrexham University provides workshops and support sessions in academic writing, effective note-taking, and preparing for assignments. Students can also access academic skills tutors and support services for disabilities, medical conditions, or specific learning differences.

Careers:

The animal care industry is a growing sector with numerous opportunities across animal welfare organizations, conservation, zoos and wildlife parks, veterinary practices, animal feed companies, and veterinary or pharmaceutical companies. Graduates can also pursue teaching qualifications or postgraduate level research.

Other:

• The program offers both urban and rural study environments, with Northop campus situated in North Wales countryside and Wrexham campus located in a town.
• Students have excellent links with industry and opportunities for work placements, enhancing their career prospects.
• The program's staff are industry-active with specialized academic and practical skills and experience working with a range of domestic and wild animals.
• Upon completion of the foundation degree, students can top up to a full BSc (Hons) degree in Animal Studies with further study (one year).
• The program is subject to re-validation every five years.