Run by School of Natural Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Mrs Rhea Burton-Roberts

The aim of this module is to submerge Zoology with Animal Management students into a deeper understanding of evidence-based husbandry practices and the role of the modern zoo, whilst developing communication skills and enhancing employability.

Topics may include; research facility management, commercial farming, animal health, animal handling and transport, evidence-based husbandry practices, evolution of zoos, conservation education, visitor studies and applied scientific research. Seminar sessions will provide students with the opportunity to network with industry professionals, whilst gaining insight into alternative avenues of zoo employment such as conservation education and research. Lectures and seminars will be complemented with field trips to Henfaes Research Centre, a popular animal collection and a commercial farm. Students will utilise knowledge gained across both modules to successfully design and implement an animal training session.

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%)

1. Engage with the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories relating to animal management. Demonstrate and apply this subject-specific knowledge and understanding across a range of animal care settings.

2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of and creative approach towards conservation education and scientific communication.

3. Utilise animal training knowledge obtained across both animal management modules to demonstrate an understanding of the principles and purposes of training, with emphasis on positive reinforcement.

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

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of modern zoos and how this has developed over time.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION	Keeper Talk	Students will devise a written plan for a keeper talk, including key learning outcomes. They will then film themselves presenting the talk on a species of their choice.	50.00
COURSEWORK	Professional Industrial Development Reflective Statement	Students will compare and contrast their key skills with the person specification from job application of their choice (in the field of Animal Management). Feedback will be provided to assist with employability. Previous successful applications will be provided to assist students with this task (Animal keeper application, presenter application, Chester Zoo internship application, Dog’s Trust animal rehabilitator application).	25.00
DEMONSTRATION	Sheep clicker training demonstration	Students will implement training knowledge from across both modules to demonstrate clicker target training with an individual sheep. These ewes will be from a select “teaching” flock and will have been trained and handled since lambing (part of the Animal Husbandry Sandwich Placement).	25.00

		Hours
Lecture	Weekly lectures are designed to be a “rough guide” to the key animal management topics, providing a “theme” for seminars, guest lectures, practicals and excursions. One to two one-hour lectures per week.	14
External visit	1 x full day trip to a popular animal collection 1 x half day trip to a local commercial farm External visits will be timetabled in separate weeks.	12
Fieldwork	2 x half-day trips to Henfaes Research Centre (University farm). Will contain elements of practical work and assessment.	8
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.	16
Private study		150

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• 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 sensitevely 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)
• Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
• 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

• Recognize the moral, ethical and social issues relating to the subject.
• Conduct fieldwork and/or laboratory work competently with awareness of appropriate risk assessment and ethical considerations
• Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Collect, analyse and interpret primary and/or secondary data using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.
• Undertake field and/or laboratory studies to ensure competence in basic experimental and/or fieldwork skills.
• Demonstrate awareness of the importance of risk assessment and relevant legislation
• Engagement with current subject developments and their application.
• Engage in debate and/or discussion with specialists and non-specialists using appropriate language.
• Demonstrate the independence and skills required for continuing professional development

Resource implications for students

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

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/bsx-3168.html

Compulsory in courses:

• C335: BSc Zoology with Animal Management year 3 (BSC/ZAM)
• C38P: BSc Zoology with Animal Management with Placement Year year 4 (BSC/ZAMP)
• C336: MZool Zoology with Animal Management year 3 (MZOOL/ZAM)
• C39P: MZool Zoology with Animal Management with Placement Year year 4 (MZOOL/ZAMP)