Module BSX-3164:
Animal Management

Module Facts

Run by School of Natural Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr Rhea Burton-Roberts

Overall aims and purpose

This module aims to present a scientific approach to animal management, providing an applied platform for students wishing to pursue a career within the animal industry.

Course content

Topics may include; animal husbandry, applied animal health, nutrition, behaviour, enrichment, training, breeding and record keeping. Many sessions will be applied, looking at a range of examples from animal collections, aquaria and the farming industry. There will be a laboratory practical focusing on the analysis of faecal samples, collected from our University farm, Henfaes Research Centre. Seminar sessions will provide an insight from professionals working in the animal industry from a range of backgrounds, with the aim of enhancing employability within this specific sector, post-graduation. In the final part of the module, students will be required to develop a project based around the management of zoo animals. This will be incorporated into a visit to a popular animal collection. There will also be the opportunity for students to further develop their industry skills through participating in an animal care rota for the alpacas at our University farm.

Assessment Criteria

excellent

An excellent grasp of the fundamentals of the science and demonstration of the ability to analyse, critically assess, and present a coherent reasoned argument in relation to best practices in animal management. Demonstration of original thinking and advanced problem solving when evaluating and implementing research methods and husbandry practices. Additional evidence of lifelong learning skills such as ability to adapt to change and motivate others. (Grade A; mark range 70-100%)

good

A good grasp of the fundamentals and demonstration of critical thought with evidence of additional reading and/or practice. An ability to present a coherent argument with clarity. A good appreciation of the main approaches employed in the management of animals within zoos, aquaria and the farming industry, with the ability to critically assess their suitability in a given situation. Good evidence of lifelong learning skills, demonstrating ability to work effectively with others. (Grade B; mark range 60-69%)

threshold

Awareness of the fundamentals underlying animal management, based on lecture material and practical sessions, but with limited or absent analytical ability. Some evidence of transferable skills and the ability to apply knowledge within the industry, but with limited or absent organisational and communication skills (Grade D or C; mark range 40-59%)

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive, scientific approach to the key concepts of animal management, through the synthesis and development of established and multidisciplinary knowledge.

  2. Identify transferable management and husbandry practices across species.

  3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the management of animal collections, particularly the purpose of species and their role in conserving biodiversity.

  4. Design and undertake practical work focusing on animal health, including the critical evaluation and application of results.

  5. Identify and develop target areas for personal continuous professional development, with the view of enhancing employability in a focused animal industry sector.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Applied Animal Health Practical 50.00
Zoo Project 50.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

Weekly lectures are designed to be a “rough guide” to the key animal management topics, providing a “theme” for workshops, guest lectures, practicals and excursions.

One to two one-hour lectures per week.

 10
Laboratory

Faecal analysis practical

 4
Seminar

Seminar sessions will be provided to encourage student-led learning and to facilitate discussions with industry professionals.

One two-hour seminar session per week.

 12
 

Conference session

 4
Private study 150
External visit

1 x full day trip to zoo 1 x half-day trip to aquarium 2 x half-day trips to University farm

External visits will be timetabled in separate weeks.

 20

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
  • Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

Subject specific skills

  • PS1 Communication skills, covering both written and oral communication with a variety of audiences
  • PS2 Skills in the employment of common conventions and standards in scientific writing, data presentation, and referencing literature
  • PS3 Problem-solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information
  • PS8 Time management and organisational skills, as evidenced by the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective ways of working
  • PS11 Problem-solving skills including the demonstration of self-direction, initiative and originality
  • PS6 Information technology skills which support the location, management, processing, analysis and presentation of scientific information
  • PS14 Independent learning skills required for continuing professional development
  • PS15 The ability to think critically in the context of data analysis and experimental design

Resources

Resource implications for students

Wellington boots and waterproof clothing will be needed for trips to the University farm.

Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Courses including this module

Optional in courses: