Diploma of Higher Education in Animal Science

• UCAS Tariff Points: 180 - 240
• GCE A Levels: 180 UCAS tariff points, to include one GCE A level grade C or above
• Irish Certificate: 180 UCAS tariff points, to include 2 x ILC higher at B1
• Scottish Highers: 180 UCAS tariff points, to include 2 x higher at B
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MPP (160) in combination with other qualifications (180)
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma: MM (160) in combination with other qualifications (180)
• C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma: Pass (120) in combination with other qualifications (180)
• C & G Level 3 Diploma: Merit (160) in combination with other qualifications (180)

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

Note: 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Introduction to Biochemistry - The module is designed to introduce students to biochemistry and develop the student’s knowledge of cellular biological processes by providing an introduction to the control and regulation of cellular processes in organelles and the role of membranes. The module aims to develop an understanding of the structure and function of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in the context of animal nutrition and physiology and the nature of biochemical reactions in energy generation, intermediary metabolism and the synthesis of important biomolecules. This module will contribute to an understanding of animal function from sub-cellular to whole animal level
• Principles of Animal Management - Animals are kept in large numbers throughout the UK as companions, as performance athletes and for commercial production. Their correct management requires a knowledge and understanding of the husbandry skills and practices associated with each species. The module will acquaint all students with the needs of a wide range of companion animal species; with the specific requirements of horses and equine breeding stock and with the performance parameters of commercial farm livestock. Student also have the option to study wildlife and animal therapy.

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.
• 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.
• Reproduction and Genetics - An understanding of genetics and reproductive processes is vital for anyone involved in the animal industry. This module examines genetic theory and its application to practical breeding systems. The processes involved in oocyte, sperm, embryonic and foetal development are explored in the context of advances in breeding technology at the cellular and whole animal level.
• Nutritional Biochemistry - This module is designed to provide greater insight and understanding of the biochemistry of digestion, absorption, and post-absorptive metabolism and assimilation of key nutrients in animals. In this module, the biochemistry of nutrient utilisation and the integration of metabolic processes will be explored in the context of important physiological and/or productive processes such as growth, pregnancy, lactation and egg production. The biochemical basis and implications of nutrient deficiencies, toxicities and common nutrition-related metabolic disorders will also be considered.
• Animal Health Science - This module explores the mechanisms involved in immune responses and examines the effects of pathogenic and parasitic organisms on the body. The principles of preventative medicine and pharmacology and the roles of the veterinary surgeon and animal manager in disease control and treatment are examined.

OPTIONAL MODULES

• Health and Welfare of Farmed Animals - The module focuses on the control of disease control at farm level (including ecto and endo parasitology) with the underpinning science and epidemiology. It includes management of disease including prevention (e.g vaccination/worming programs and farm level biosecurity), cure of disease and issues such as anthelmintic and microbial resistance. The module also examines farm level health and welfare assurance schemes with health and welfare components, disease eradication schemes and farm health planning. National level disease issues are covered in the year three modules.
• Applied Animal Management (Companion and Zoo Animals) - The student will develop further practical skills on animal management, specifically of companion and zoo animals. The module will review basic biological aspects like life history, ecology, anatomy and physiology to underpin the practical aspects of husbandry of companion and zoo animals by discussing topics like enclosure design and maintenance, handling, feeding, legal and ethical issues, breeding, and control of common diseases, among others.
• Principles of Habitat Management - The management of habitats is fundamental to contemporary conservation practice. Students will develop an understanding of habitat management, protection and restoration for a range of UK habitats and will be able to appreciate issues in respect of the design and implementation of habitat management practices. The roles of site designations in habitat conservation are considered and the impact of countryside access is evaluated.
• Livestock Science and Technology - This module addresses scientific and technological issues associated with animal production. Indicative issues would be scientific principles into practice (e.g. The use of BLUP and EBV’s) or an actual physical technology (robotic milking, computerized sow feeding etc).
• Ethics of Animal Use - This module aims to encourage students to appreciate the wide range of views, both historical and social, of animal ethics and to evaluate ethical arguments in relation to animal use. It will provide a foundation that students can use to make ethical decisions about animals in their future professions, as they will increase their confidence in justifying their views and opinions. Students will discuss the importance of increasing scientific knowledge and technologies in modern society and the altered perspective on human-animal relationships. It will also develop students understanding of the main principles of animal trade and legislation in a wide range of situations, for example zoos, companion, wildlife, breeding, conservation and working animals.