Foundation Degree Zoological Management and Conservation

This is a skills-based module which aims to support and enhance the development of subject-based, generic and practical key skills. It integrates many areas of study, such as the development of professional standards of academic writing and communication, biology, research and analytical skills. Students will acquire real-world knowledge and skills that reinforce the understanding of academic subjects. These will include subjects such as, practical animal husbandry, academic reading and referencing and practical ecology and conservation. Work experience will provide an opportunity for the practical application of theory learned in taught sessions across the programme. A reflective review will be produced, to document skills development and reflect on professional skills needed in industry, observed during work experience which will consist of a minimum of 60 hours within the animal management and conservation sector. An introduction to research and key analytical skills will develop knowledge of scientific study within the natural sciences and conservation sector. You will carry out data collection and analysis of the results.

50% Assignment 1,250 words or equivalent

50% Portfolio 1,250 words or equivalent

This module will cover the biological principles that underpin the study of animal management and the fundamental processes of living organisms. Practical sessions will enable students to gain knowledge of animal physiology and an understanding of the reproductive and skeletal adaptations throughout the animal kingdom. The module will allow learners to develop knowledge of the key biological requirements that should be considered when managing captive animal populations.

60% Portfolio 3,000 words or equivalent

40% Unseen, closed book exam 2 hours (2,000 words equivalent)

This module examines the key issues relating to the welfare, health and husbandry of captive animals; how animal health and welfare can be both psychological and physical. Through the use of lectures, discussion forums, critiques of welfare documentaries, welfare auditing workshops, guest speakers and visits to UK zoos students will learn about the husbandry practices commonly used in modern zoo animal management.

50% Presentation 10 mins + 5 mins Q&A (2,500 words equivalent)

50% Assignment 2,500 words or equivalent

This module will provide a framework for understanding and interpreting animal behaviour patterns across a range of species. Students will develop a detailed understanding of how behaviour develops throughout an animal’s lifetime and the impact of that behaviour on their survival and reproductive success. Through practical activities concepts of animal behaviour study will be taught and practiced enabling students to successfully record and interpret behaviour.

100% Assignment 2,500 words or equivalent

This module will look at systematics and the theory of evolution as applied to the study of diversity within the animal kingdom. It will provide the underpinning knowledge and skills required to accurately and scientifically identify, name and classify a range of animal species. Practical skills in specimen collection and recording will also be learnt, as this practice plays a vital role for zoos that breed and manage animals for conservation programmes.

100 % Portfolio 2,500 words or equivalent

Through the millions of visitors who visit them, zoos and aquariums can help people engage with the natural world and make use of that contact to achieve conservation goals. Conservation relies on the collaborations between zoos and aquariums and many partners both in and outside the conservation world. Through a series of lectures, workshops and site visits, students will examine the many different facets of a zoo and aquariums in the 21st century and the roles of those working in the industry.

100% Assignment 2,500 words or equivalent

Animal management is a wide and varied field of study, requiring an interdisciplinary approach. Throughout this module, students will further develop research skills through lectures, classroom workshops and practical sessions. Skills will include: effective literature and information searching, hypothesis generation, data collection and analysis and scientific writing. Knowledge of how to design, plan and undertake scientific investigations within zoos and aquariums will be gained via critical evaluation of current research and students will collect data for analysis and presentation. Students will build on the research and statistical analysis skills gained at Level 4. Equipped with the knowledge to plan, conduct and analyse scientific research, students will have developed a combination of research, practical and communication skills that will prepare them for their dissertation at Level 6.

80% Assignment 2,400 words or equivalent

20% Presentation 3 mins + 5 mins Q&A (600 words or equivalent)

This module will consider the structure and function of nutrients and link them to diet provision within a captive animal setting. It will take into account health and disease, food presentation and the use of diet in enrichment. Areas to take into consideration when creating diet plans will be discussed and nutrition computer packages will be used where relevant. Students will be able to review a species set up and condition and develop an appropriate diet to meet its nutritional needs, including the provision of dietary supplements where necessary in captive environments.

100% Open Book Exam 24 hours (3,500 words equivalent)

This module will apply knowledge gained in Level 4 to the practice of managing captive animal populations. Protocols used to manage animals during events such as introductions and mating will be devised and evaluated. Scenarios will be presented to ensure students can create management strategies that would be effective for a variety of populations at different zoos. Methods of creating mixed exhibits and managing environments for large social groups, for example, will be reviewed and assessed.

50% Assignment 3,000 words or equivalent

50% Group presentation 40 minutes + 5 minutes Q&A (3,000 words or equivalent)

This module will look at how captive populations are managed and provide an introduction to genetics and inheritance for the purpose of animal selection and breeding. A large majority of captive animal organisations carry out specialised population management programmes for conservation and this module will utilise stud books and zoo records to identify procedures for selecting animals for breeding. The module will cover all aspects of managing breeding to ensure maintenance of health and psychological wellbeing as well as maintaining sustainable captive populations. Workshops will be carried out to develop skills in managing stud books and selecting species for breeding.

100% Assignment 3,000 words or equivalent

Enclosure design will consider animal and human requirements, covering modern husbandry methods, health and safety, economics, sustainability and visitor experience. Environmental enrichment will be covered for a variety of taxonomic groups, considering their adaptations and the management of desirable and undesirable behaviours. The key steps of design, implementation and evaluation of enrichment will be considered, developing a critical view of current practices as well as proposing opportunities for further research.

50% Presentation 15 minutes + 5 mins Q&A (3,000 words equivalent)

50% Assignment 3,000 words or equivalent

This module includes at least 60 hours of work experience to help students develop key employability skills through workshops, practicals and work experience. Students will develop knowledge of researching, applying and obtaining work experience opportunities within the animal management industry. Transferable skills such as teamwork, presenting effectively and professionalism will be developed. Guest speakers and visits from external organisations will introduce students to the professional skills required for the industry and expectations of future employers. Visits to captive animal settings to carry out practical sessions will also develop knowledge of the industry and professional/ managerial working environments.

50% Portfolio 1,500 words or equivalent

50% Presentation 600 words + 10 mins Q&A (1500 words equivalent)