BCA has extensive experience in the provision of quality education and training for animal related subjects; the Animal Centre has been fitted out to a high standard and provides a range of teaching areas and animal handling facilities.
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Foundation Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Foundation Degrees allow progression into supervisory/assistant managers roles within the animal industry or onto further study.
This two year programme provides a model of vocational higher education based on the close collaboration between employers and BCA.
Teaching will be organised in modules and delivery will be through various techniques, including:
Lectures
Self-directed Studies
Practical Work
Project Work
Programme Content
This programme is unique in the way that students are expected to complete a
period of work placement during the first year, which can be paid or voluntary.
Modules will include:
Animal Behaviour
The module provides you with a good depth of knowledge of the behavioural adaptations that a range of species have made to survive throughout evolution. You will be provided with a sound understanding of the evolving processes of ethology, including the historical basis of animal study and influential animal behaviourists to the more modern approach, including field work. Controls of behaviour will be explored alongside the significance of behaviour on individual success and species’ survival. Learning theories will be discussed, with species examples used as illustration. Normal and abnormal behaviours will be explored in a range of animal species and the techniques available to manage abnormal behaviour patterns.Animal Science
This module aims to provide students with an awareness of how animals’ body systems are organised, how they move, obtain nutrition, metabolise, reproduce and remove wastes. The module can be contextualised to allow you to concentrate on the range of animals that you have a specialism in. It will provide you with an introduction to anatomy and physiology and to emphasise its centrality to the scientific study of animals and the underpinning knowledge fundamental to further study. It creates a foundation to practice and consolidate safe laboratory skills.Small Business Management in the Animal Industry
This module will help you appreciate the challenges facing a small business in the UK. You will be provided with the skills to start your own business or actively contribute to the management of a small business..
Animal Handling
This module will enable you to demonstrate safe, correct handling and restraint techniques in a range of species in accordance with recognised standards and to create a foundation to support further development. The purpose of the module is to equip you with a detailed understanding of animal collections and their specialist management considerations (financial, ecological and conservational), within both private and public collections, including zoos, rare breed farms and specialist centres such as safari parks.Animal Training and Learning
This module will enable you to utilise appropriate training techniques to facilitate the learning of animals. It will provide advice and guidance on training techniques for a range of different animals and situations, including the ethical and moral considerations of different training techniques to facilitate animal learning.
Animal Health and Nutrition
This module will provide you with the necessary scientific and technical knowledge to be able to understand and demonstrate effective maintenance of optimum nutrition in a range of animals. It will draw on your knowledge of anatomy and physiology and to provide a detailed understanding of animal health, pathogenicity and prevention of disease. It also provides the technical skills required to effectively recognise, treat and manage a range of common diseases and illnesses affecting a range of animal species. This module will equip you with a detailed understanding of breeding and genetics of a range of species. It identifies and examines the basic principles of genetics and considers the important factors in breeding stock selection.Animal Welfare
You will gain a sound, basic knowledge of global aspects of animal welfare. You will have an understanding of welfare issues concerning commercial production of livestock, companion animals and other animal sectors as well as the legislation governing these industries. This module develops knowledge of the historic and changing modern roles of animals in human society.It is designed to encourage you to analyse and appreciate the factors that influence human attitudes towards animals and the status and roles animals play in different human societies and cultures. You will also gain experience conducting welfare assessments at a variety of animal establishments and industries, enabling you to practice what you have been taught, and consider the ethics surrounding the industries. Through these visits, more of a practical insight can also be gained as to the employment opportunities within the animal industry. You will therefore develop an awareness of the importance and diversity of the UK animal industry by examining the historical context of the industry, as well as assessing current welfare and ethical themes and issues.
Primary Research Project with Statistics
This module aims to consolidate and develop specific animal knowledge by undertaking a research project to be written up as a journal report. It will require a review of current literature and secondary research along with primary research, data analysis and interpretation and conclusions drawn from the project’s findings. The module will also include a section on statistics to support the primary research.Transferable Skills
In following this programme, learners will develop a number of transferable skills such as:
Communication (written and oral)
Information Handling
Numeracy
Problem Solving
Team Working
Use of Information Technology (IT)
Entry Requirements
Entrants are required to have:
1 A Level pass or 2 AS Level passes in relevant subjects, plus GCSE Grades C or above to
include English, Maths and Science
Or National Diploma pass in a relevant subject.
We welcome applications from mature students and overseas students who may not hold standard
qualifications.
Progression
This programme will provide learners with the knowledge, skills and understanding to progress in their
chosen career. Successful completion of the programme may enable access to further qualifications such
as an honours degree.
