Animal Science Animal Management The UK animal industry is very diverse and offers a wide range of careers from animal unit management to high level veterinary research. There are also a large number of ancillary industries including government agencies, nutrition and pharmaceutical companies, marketing, retailing and journalism. Employers today are seeking well-trained, professionally qualified staff who are able to relate scientific theory to practical situations. Writtle courses combine a sound academic base in science with practical husbandry and management skills. Undergraduate Prospectus 2005 68
Animal Science and Animal Management Resources The animal science and animal management courses at Writtle College are supported by a range of dedicated resources. This allows students to develop practical husbandry skills with different animal species. Lordships Science Centre All the animal science and animal management courses involve significant study of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, health and breeding, which means that many classes will take place in one of the specialised laboratories at the Lordship Science Centre. Studies are carried out using a variety of different examination techniques and investigative methods, ranging from the use of fresh or preserved slide material to more specialised analysis techniques, especially in the case of degree students carrying out research for their dissertation. Animal Care Unit The Animal Care Unit houses traditional companion species such as rabbits, guinea pigs and rodents as well as more exotic animals including snakes, water dragons and geckos. The unit also accommodates yard animals such as goats, sheep, geese and ducks, making it an ideal facility for learning how to handle different animal species. Once students are confident in their animal husbandry abilities, study at the unit becomes more specialised, focusing on the applied aspects of animal management, for example, housing and nutrition. Equine Training and Development Unit and Lordships Stud At the Equine Training and Development Unit students develop their practical skills based upon their previous experience with horses. Practical activities range from grooming, tacking up and clipping through to lungeing and first aid skills. Those who decide to specialise by taking equine options in years two and three will then have access to equipment such as the weighbridge, horse-walker and treadmill, in addition to research facilities at Lordships Stud. The training and development unit and stud are excellent examples of commercial practice in terms of exercise physiology and reproductive physiology. The College Farm Farm livestock are a major sector within the animal industry. Practical classes at the College farm give students first hand experience of cattle, sheep and pigs, while those interested in poultry will have access to a commercial unit off-site. The farm animals are also used extensively for undergraduate research projects on topics like health and welfare and animal behaviour. Conservation Areas The interaction of the animal (both wild and domestic) with its environment and species conservation are important components of all the animal science/management courses at Writtle College. Specific modules make good practical use of the many conservation areas found across the College estate, where students can observe examples of good practice and have the opportunity to study wild animals in their natural habitat. WRITL W85 69
Course Name and Level BSc (Hons) Animal Science UCAS Code D321 Duration/Mode 3 yrs FT Typical Offer: UCAS Tariff Points 160 Tariff points to include at least 80 tariff points from 6-unit (GCE A level/vce A level) and/or 12-unit awards (VCE A level). A maximum of 20 tariff points will be counted from Key Skills BTEC National Diploma MPP Irish Leaving Certificate BBCC Scottish Highers 190 240 points International Baccalaureate 24 points Preferred Subjects Biology Admissions Tutor Caroline Collins Topping up from HND/Foundation Degree Contact the admissions tutor to discuss your individual circumstances. Postgraduate Qualifications Students on this course will be given the opportunity to progress to a relevant Masters programme in the Postgraduate School. BSc (Hons) Animal Science This course offers a fresh approach to animal science, which is achieved by incorporating practical animal husbandry skills into a broad programme of academic study. Students will develop a sound understanding of scientific principles whilst also developing practical competence with a wide range of species. The final year dissertation aims to develop research skills within the context of the animal sector. Graduates will have a broad scientific training, but more importantly will be able to communicate their understanding to others and apply their skills to specific situations. Course Content The first year of the animal science degree is common with the animal management degree programme. This allows students some flexibility in their choice of career direction. The first year encourages development of practical husbandry skills within each of the three major animal groups (companion animals, farm animals and horses). Coupled with this practical competence is a basic grounding in anatomy and physiology, an appreciation of the animal s environment and simple business techniques. The second year further develops scientific knowledge including biochemistry, behaviour, health, disease and reproduction, with options in farm, equine, wildlife and companion animal science. A continued development of business essentials is also included. The final year concentrates on applying knowledge within the animal sector. It incorporates extended study of welfare, behaviour and biochemistry whilst also looking at the application of science to new technologies in feed, reproduction and genetics. A range of options and a dissertation allow the student to further tailor the course towards the animal species in which they are most interested. Areas of Study Year 1 Animal Management Anatomy and Physiology Biological Processes The Animal s Environment Introduction to Management Learning Methods Year 2 Animal Behaviour Reproduction and Genetics Nutritional and Structural Biochemistry Animal Health and Disease Business Management Research Methods Year 2 Options Farm Livestock Production Exercise Physiology Equine Reproductive Physiology Applied Companion Animal Management Alternative Companion Animals Animal Ecology Wildlife in a Changing Environment 70
Special Features The course is supported by excellent practical facilities in the form of science laboratories and animal units. It aims to develop an awareness of the principles of the science of animals and their application. The College is currently involved in a number of research projects to support teaching and has an extensive employer network to ensure the vocational relevance of its courses. Students benefit from excellent facilities for practicals and will have the opportunity to take part in hands-on practicals during the first year. Students will also have the chance to study species, or groups of species of particular interest to them. Industrial Placements Although not a formal requirement of the course, an industrial placement during the course is possible. The College has a large employer network as well as links with several overseas institutions. Final Year Cell Biology and Function Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Nutrition and Feed Technology Applied Behaviour and Welfare Dissertation Final Year Options Applied Pharmacology Animal Growth and Development Integrated Animal Production Habitat Conservation Species Conservation Equine Breeding Systems Equine Sports Medicine Career Prospects Graduates will be equipped with the technical understanding and skills required for a huge range of career opportunities within the animal sector. Posts such as scientific officers, research support technicians, nutritional advisors, conservation officers, pet trade advisors, behaviourists, RSPCA inspectors, veterinary sales representatives, journalists, teachers and a whole host of other opportunities will be available to animal science graduates. A degree in animal science is also an ideal stepping stone to further qualifications, such as a master s degree, a doctorate or possibly further degree level study, for instance as a veterinary surgeon. WRITL W85 71
Course Name and Level BSc (Hons) Animal Management UCAS Code D291 Duration/Mode 3 yrs FT Typical Offer: UCAS Tariff Points 160 Tariff points to include at least 80 tariff points from 6-unit (GCE A level/vce A level) and/or 12-unit awards (VCE A level). A maximum of 20 tariff points will be counted from Key Skills BTEC National Diploma MPP Irish Leaving Certificate CCCC Scottish Highers 190 240 points International Baccalaureate 24 points Preferred Subjects Biology Admissions Tutor Caroline Collins Topping up from HND/Foundation Degree Contact the admissions tutor to discuss your individual circumstances. Postgraduate Qualifications Students on this course will be given the opportunity to progress to a relevant Masters programme in the Postgraduate School. BSc (Hons) Animal Management The UK animal industry consists of a very large number of increasingly diverse enterprises, each demanding different knowledge and skills. Despite the diversity, success within the industry requires practical competence and commercial awareness. This course takes a holistic approach to animal management and is aimed at providing students with this broad knowledge. A wide range of species are available to enable students to gain sound practical husbandry skills, which are then complemented by an academic programme that covers topics such as nutrition, breeding, health and behaviour. These will be combined with a deeper understanding of business and trade as it relates to the animal sector. In the second and third years of the course, students have a choice of specialist modules allowing them to concentrate their knowledge in line with a specific group of animal species. Course Content The first year of the animal management degree is common with the animal science degree programme. This allows students some flexibility in choice of career direction. The first year encourages development of practical husbandry skills within each of the three major animal groups (companion animals, farm animals and horses). Coupled with this practical competence is a basic grounding in anatomy and physiology, an appreciation of the animal s environment and simple business techniques. The second year extends the practical focus of the scheme and aims to apply knowledge of breeding, behaviour, health, welfare, nutrition to the management of an animal collection. A continued awareness of the business environment is also developed. Year two options allow the student to focus on their particular animal group of interest (companion animals, wildlife, farm animals or horses). The final year incorporates extended study of welfare and behaviour and provides students with the appropriate business skills and legal knowledge to succeed in the animal industry. A range of options and a dissertation allow the student to further tailor the course towards the animal species in which they are most interested. Areas of Study Year 1 Animal Management Anatomy and Physiology Biological Processes The Animal s Environment Introduction to Management Learning Methods Year 2 Animal Behaviour Animal Nutrition Animal Breeding Animal Health and Welfare Business Management Research Methods 72
STUDENTS CORNER Year 2 Options Farm Livestock Production Exercise Physiology Equine Reproductive Physiology Applied Companion Animal Management Alternative Companion Animals Animal Ecology Wildlife in a Changing Environment Final Year Applied Behaviour and Welfare Animal Trade Animal Ethics Computer Applications Dissertation Integrated Animal Production Equine Sports Medicine/Equine Breeding Systems Habitat Conservation Species Conservation Business Forecasting Business Development Special Features The course is supported by excellent practical facilities in the form of animal units and science laboratories. This course has a strong vocational emphasis and offers practical skills development as part of the academic programme. The course aims to develop an awareness of the principles of the management of animals and their application. The College is currently involved in a number of research projects to support teaching and has an extensive employer network to ensure the vocational relevance of its courses. Farm, equine and companion animal units Practical first year modules Extensive use made of practical resources Incorporates business management Industrial Placements Although not a formal requirement, an industrial placement during the course is possible. The College has a large employer network as well as links with several overseas institutions. Career Prospects Graduates will be equipped with the technical understanding and skills required for a huge range of career opportunities within the animal sector. Posts such as unit managers, nutritional advisors, conservation officers, behaviourists, RSPCA inspectors, veterinary sales representatives, research support technicians, journalists, teachers and a whole host of other opportunities will be available to animal management graduates. This course has been informative yet fun and we have had the chance to take part in a range of practical tasks, including laboratory work. We have also had the chance to work with livestock on the farm, in the College equine unit and at the animal care centre. The staff at Writtle College are particularly helpful, especially the staff at the science centre which has an open door policy. This has enabled me to get help whenever I need it. Jane Collard BSc (Hons) Animal Management WRITL W85 73