Run by School of Natural Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Rhea Burton-Roberts

The aim of this module is to provide Zoology with Animal Management students with the opportunity to acquire animal husbandry experience within the industry, thus enhancing their prospects of graduate-level employment. Students are responsible for finding their own placements, although a number of local placement provisions exist, including opportunities at our own animal facilities and at Henfaes Research Centre. No two student experiences will be the same, and the range of activities and possibly placement format will differ. However, the placement will link theory and practice, dovetailing the student’s academic studies with practical hands on animal management experience. Placement providers will be asked to assess the performance of students while they are on placement, reporting back to the module conveners. Students will produce a reflective portfolio evaluating the work of the organization and that of themselves. This module contributes towards the continuous professional development encouraged by the Bangor Employability Award (BEA) with points awarded for workshop attendance (pre and post placement).

Students complete a placement (15-20 days) in the summer between their second and third years. The placement must be approved by the module organisers and the University before work begins. Progress will be monitored during the placement via email. Students will attend post-placement meetings, individual tutorials and reflective workshops upon their return to Bangor in the first semester. Thus contributing to the development and submission of a placement portfolio.

excellent

Grade A- to A** Portfolio describes the placement organisation in detail, evaluates its position in its sector, explains in detail the work done by the student while on placement, makes critical and constructive suggestions for improvement at organisational and personal levels, and shows thoughtful engagement with the process of self-reflection.

threshold

Grade D- to D+ Portfolio describes the placement organisation, explains the work done by the student while on placement, and shows some attempt at self-reflection.

good

Grade C- to B+ Portfolio describes the placement organisation and explains its position in its sector, explains in detail the work done by the student while on placement, makes some suggestions for improvement at organisational and personal levels, and shows engagement with the process of self-reflection.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the organisation and the industry; particularly the historical development of animal management practices and the handling of animals.

2. Review the provision of animal husbandry within the organisation, and identify targeted areas for achievable improvement and practical innovations, with reference to best practice or collection development.

3. Enhance employability through the development of practical and theoretical skills relating to animal husbandry.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of enrichment provision, through research-informed design.

5. Reflect on personal performance within the placement, whilst identifying target areas for continuous professional development, communicated in written form.

		Hours
Private study	Private and guided self-study	46
Workshop	6 * 1 hour workshops 4 * 2 hour workshops (with Careers/ Employability service)	14
Work-based learning	20 * 7 hour days on placement	140

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• 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
• 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

• Recognize the moral, ethical and social issues relating to the subject.
• 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

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)