FdSc Animal Management

• UCAS Tariff Points: 120 - 200
• GCE A Levels: 120 UCAS Tariff points, to include one GCE A level grade C or above
• Irish Certificate: 120 UCAS tariff points, to include 2 x ILC higher at B3
• Scottish Highers: 120 UCAS tariff points, to include 2 x higher at B
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: Minimum of 24 points (pass) (260)
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: PPP (120)
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma: MP (120)
• C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma: Pass (120)
• C & G Level 3 Diploma: Merit (160) or a Pass (80) in combination with other qualifications

English language requirements
If you do not have English as a first language, you will normally be required to demonstrate an IELTS overall score (or equivalent) of:

• 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in all elements for a Further Education course
• 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in all elements for a Foundation degree, Higher Certificate or Higher Diploma
• 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements for a degree
• 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements for a postgraduate degree

If you have lower scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English Language course, which can lead to entry to the appropriate programme of study.

STAGE ONE

• Sector Studies (AN) - This module is designed to develop analytical, technological, communication and learning skills. These will be developed in an appropriate vocational context by focusing on the key features of the industry sector(s) associated with the students’ course of study. This will include consideration of the types and characteristics of the organisations within the sector and the internal and external factors which influence their activities. Delivery of the module aims to meet the needs of a diverse student profile and will therefore adopt a flexible approach centered around the personal development planning (PDP) process and the particular academic discipline. The Sector Skills module is intended to provide the academic and personal skills essential for successful HE study and employment. It provides a foundation for the development of graduate level academic and professional skills later in the course. Animal Management and Animal Science Contextualisation: The generic academic and personal skills developed by this module will be introduced, practiced and assessed in the context of Animal Management and Animal Science. The sector specific skills and attributes developed will be informed by LANTRA - the Sector Skills body for environmental and-based industries, including Animal Care, Animal Technology and Livestock.
• Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology (AN) - This module is designed to develop students’ understanding of the relationship between structure and function in a range of mammalian species by exploring the anatomical diversity and physiological control of the major body systems. Taught in the first semester of the first year, it builds on concepts developed in Biological Processes and provides a theoretical basis for the practical husbandry covered in the Animal Management module.
• Comparative Anatomy and Physiology - This module is designed to develop students’ understanding of the relationship between structure and function in a range of animal species by exploring the anatomical diversity and physiological control of the major body systems. Taught in the second semester of the first year, it builds on Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology taught in semester one and on concepts developed in Biological Processes, and provides a theoretical basis for the practical husbandry covered in the Animal Management module.
• Biological Processes (AN) - The module introduces key biological concepts and principles providing the foundation for future study. Dealing with life processes and living organisms, it links biological structure and function. Discipline specific themes are developed via partner units of study [e.g. the module Horticultural Science] delivered in Semester 2.
• Animals in Society - This module provides useful background knowledge for Animal Welfare, Bioethics, Animal Trade and Applied Animal Management. It aims to provide an insight into the changing roles of animals in ancient and modern societies and cultures, and to familiarize students with cultural philosophy of animals. It also introduces the use of animals in agriculture, research and for leisure and investigates the use of animals in support, service, medical and other purposes.
• Learning Through Work (AN) - This is the first part of a 60 credit Work-based Learning Strand that is designed to be contextualized to meet the needs of individual academic disciplines and/or learners. The module can be delivered in one or more work related contexts and a detailed interpretation of this specification will form part of the process. The module embraces three work-based themes; employability, skills development and knowledge recognition, creation and development in the workplace and explores the relationships between the world of work and the academic discipline. The student will be expected to acquire new skills and consolidate previous experience in line with the expectations of the qualification benchmark and external stakeholders.

STAGE TWO

• Research Methods (AN) - The module is designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and thought processes necessary for effective original research. Students will study the nature and fundamentals of the research process, such as literature reviewing skills, the design of a research project, techniques for collection of research data and statistical techniques for analysing research data and drawing valid evidence based inferences.
• Business Skills (AN) - This module is intended to develop professional and managerial skills in an integrated way in the context of the career aspirations, industry sector and academic discipline of the individual student. It is intended that the flexibility of this module will allow subject specific benchmark standards as defined by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) to be incorporated depending on the particular HE programme that the module is serving. In continuing with their personal development planning students will gain a deeper understanding of the need for the development of professional and managerial skills within their industry sector and as appropriate to their intended career paths. The module begins by enabling students to develop a critical understanding of career development, and the process of personal development planning for their intended careers. An initial skills audit will be undertaken and a personal development plan developed towards the students intended career path. Advice and guidance given by module tutors will be augmented by periods of work shadowing, interviews, visits and talks industry professionals. The module supports the career development learning outcomes described in Course Programme Specifications (and related Subject Benchmark Statements). Students develop their understanding of personal development planning leading to the identification of realistic and satisfactory career goals and the skills development and knowledge acquisition that will be necessary to achieve these. .In the context of their specific sector, the module provides a basis for the student to understand their eventual role in dealing with complex situations as professional practitioners and managers. In order to achieve this it provides an understanding of the key aspects of the operation of individuals and organisations which the student may encounter within their career; including financial, human and market focused aspects. Exercises, case studies and interaction with industry professionals will provide material for students to discuss various management issues, typical of those encountered in the “world of work”. This module is intended to be carefully contextualised to ensure its relevance to each academic discipline and industry sector. The indicative content, skills development and learning materials are consequently not intended to be prescriptive or exhaustive.
• Principles of Nutrition - This module aims to provide students with the knowledge that underpins the science of animal nutrition and feeding practice. The module will cover comparative aspects of digestion, evaluation of the chemical composition of animal feeds, understanding of the biological functions of nutrients and physiological basis of nutrient requirements. It will also explore current methods for assessing the utilization of nutrients in animals, and factors that regulate appetite and voluntary feed intake in farm, companion and zoo animals
• Reproduction and Breeding - This module aims to familiarise students with the principles of genetics and animal breeding. A review of the anatomy of the reproductive systems (both male and female) will be followed by study of the reproductive cycles of healthy animals. Genetic principles underlying inheritance in animals will also be investigated. Factors that influence fertility and reproductive performance will be evaluated. Modern breeding systems and new technology influences will also be studied.
• Behaviour - The module introduces the concepts involved in the study of animal behaviour and develops them in the context of natural and imposed environments. Theoretical models of mechanisms of behaviour are reviewed and the survival value of behaviour assessed in relation to the environment. Understanding how animals are trained and methods of measuring behaviour are introduced.
• Animal Health and Welfare - This module investigates the effects disease has on the health and welfare of captive animals. The principles of treatment and prevention are discussed and the roles of the vet in maintaining healthy animals are explored.
• Learning From Work (AN) - This module complements and develops the Level 4 Learning Through Work module. It may be studied as a discrete entity or the activities integrated with those undertaken in the Level 4 module, depending on the work-related context. It is normally expected that the learning will relate to a period spent in an external work environment and, where possible, in a work placement constituting a minimum of ten working weeks or equivalent. This is notionally 400 hours, although achievement of Learning outcomes is more important than actual time served). The module is designed to be contextualized by the course team, student and/or employer/client and the student is required to manage his/her learning in the context of the work function. The students will develop a wider range of higher level technical skills, but also the cognitive abilities and personal attributes that are conducive to successful performance at work. Critical reflection is required, focusing on personal and professional qualities and the role within the workplace. The module enables students to gain a critical understanding of career development and personal development planning, focusing on understanding the links between personal action, work and society.