FOUNDATION DEGREE ANIMAL SCIENCE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

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1 FOUNDATION DEGREE ANIMAL SCIENCE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION 1 Awarding institution/body University of Essex 2 Teaching institution Writtle College 3 Programme accredited by 4 Named award Foundation Degree Animal Science 5 Programme Writtle College Foundation Degree Scheme 6 UCAS code (or other coding system if relevant) D300 7 Relevant QAA subject benchmarking group(s) Bioscience / Agriculture, Forestry, Agricultural Sciences, Food Sciences and Consumer Sciences / Business Management 8 Date of production/revision December 2007/August Educational aims of the programme: Using as a basis a work related and flexible approach, the course develops the student's knowledge and skills required to play a rewarding part in the animal and scientific ancillary industry. The programme aims to produce graduates who: have a developed interest in and knowledge of various aspects of animal science are conversant with the care of animals including aspects such as biochemistry, genetics, behaviour, disease and the animal s environment will be scientists who can communicate with the general public have an ability to apply scientific principles and concepts in the context of animal management and production have the legal knowledge and applied management skills necessary to effectively manage animal collections will develop their own thinking and ability to communicate their beliefs and opinions; integrating academic knowledge and work-based learning will be equipped with the technical understanding and skills to adapt to a changing workplace will be life long learners who can contribute positively to the animal industry in a wide range of contexts. Graduates will have the knowledge and understanding required to relate to the environmental, social and political issues which affect the industry as well as an appreciation of the economic realities involved in the animal sector. The programme aims to foster close ties with industrial practitioners, giving graduates a realistic overview of employment and providing them with specific practical competencies and transferable skills necessary for career development. The period of study will develop student's capacity for independent learning and critical thinking by stimulating interest in their chosen discipline, thereby providing the foundation for life-long learning. The course also fulfils the broader aims of the College for its graduates, which are; a) To foster attitudes which are valued by society in general and are required for careers in any field of study i.e., enthusiasm, self-reliance, independence and commercial awareness. The acquisition of knowledge and understanding is approached through an emphasis on student-centred learning. Integration of theoretical and practical learning ensures the strong vocational focus as a priority in the provision. Small group work, tutorials, lectures, practical sessions and field visits support the knowledge acquisition. The emphasis on independent learning methodologies increases at the higher level. A particular feature of the programme is the opportunity afforded to students to achieve through work related learning. b) Where possible knowledge and understanding will be gained through work related experiences, e.g. work shadowing, work placement and employment opportunities. 1 of 5 FDSC Animal Science

2 10 Programme outcomes: This two year Foundation Degree Programme offers students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the areas below. In all respects the knowledge, understanding and skills developed have the same basis as BSc degree programmes, as do the various teaching/learning strategies. Clearly, in a two year programme, such knowledge and skills will be less fully developed e.g. the much reduced emphasis on analysis. Also the highly flexible nature of the Foundation Degree with its emphasis on work related learning, offers greater opportunities to develop "individual" learning experiences than does the traditional three year degree programme. A Knowledge and understanding of: Knowledge and Understanding 1. The underlying principles and concepts associated with animal science. 2. Concepts and ideas that are at the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline field (e.g. genetics, biochemistry, reproduction, behaviour and nutrition). 3. Management principles that are relevant to animal scientists. 4. The skills required to work in the animal sector. 5. The scale of the industry at local, national and international level. The acquisition of knowledge and understanding is approached through an emphasis on student-centred learning. Integration of theoretical and practical learning ensures the strong vocational focus as a priority in the provision. Knowledge acquisition is via lectures, practical laboratory sessions and fieldwork, supported by group work and tutorials. The balance of lectures shifts towards a greater emphasis on seminar based and independent learning methods at the higher levels. Relevant industrial examples are used to support the lecture material ensuring students are exposed to real life situations throughout the course. This is emphasised within the level 5 Learning Fom Work module. Knowledge and understanding is assessed mainly via examination and coursework. Understanding is also evaluated through presentations and discussions B Intellectual skills able to: Skill and Other Attributes 1. Analyse and solve problems 2. Be creative in the solutions to problems 3. Assemble date from a variety of sources and discern and establish connections. 4. Apply relevant principles, theories and methods to the investigation of important animal science themes Intellectual skills are developed through practical project work, tutorials, seminars and coursework assignments. Open-ended work is designed to permit students to demonstrate achievement of all the learning outcomes in this category. Individual written feedback is given to students on all coursework produced. This is supported by verbal feedback from course tutors and academic supervisors. Support for academic achievement is also available on an open door basis from relevant subject staff. Cognitive skills are assessed by coursework and examination. The higher level examinations provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to structure a clear, concise reasoned argument. 2 of 5 FDSC Animal Science

3 C Practical skills able to: 1. Safely and with due regard for animal welfare, execute a range of husbandry tasks with farm livestock, horses and the major companion animal species including reptiles and invertebrates 2. Plan and execute safely a series of laboratory and field based experiments and procedures 3. Use laboratory and field equipment correctly to generate data 4. Retrieve, sift and select information from a variety of sources 5. Analyse primary data to determine its validity and reliability 6. Prepare technical reports 7. Give technical presentations in appropriate format for a variety of audiences 8. Use IT to support learning, handle data and present information. D Transferable/key skills able to: 1. Communicate effectively using a variety of means and to a range of audiences 2. Apply numerical and statistical skills as appropriate. 3. Manage time and resources, organise study patterns, work to and meet deadlines. 4. Participate fully and constructively in team and group exercises, demonstrating tolerance and acceptance of other points of view. 5. Find information from a variety of sources and use appropriate information technology effectively. 6. Identify personal development needs and begin to plan a career path. Practical skills encompass those needed for the laboratory and the animal units. Animal husbandry skills are developed in year one whilst laboratory and applied husbandry skills are developed in a progressive manner throughout the course. At the lower levels, attention is focused on acquiring basic skills and safe working practices. At higher levels more advanced techniques are introduced. The integration of science and animal management is an important aspect of practical work. A variety of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills. These include maintenance of log books, practical exams, reports and written assessments. Promotion of transferable skills begins with the introductory Sector Studies module. From that point onwards, skills are developed as an integrated component of modules. Informal feedback from staff as well as formal feedback also guides the student in development of these skills. Effective communication of ideas is an important criterion in assessing all areas of a learner s work and the regular feedback reflects this. IT skills are integrated within many modules and are formally assessed. 3 of 5 FDSC Animal Science

4 Programme structure and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards: All degree programmes are designed for full-time or part-time delivery mode. Full-time students can complete their programmes in two years if they are not eligible for exemption. The academic year is organised over two, fifteenweek semesters. The units of learning are normally arranged in modules of 15/30 credit value (equivalent to 150/300 hours of study). The appropriate course-unit credit is awarded for the successful achievement of the learning outcomes for the unit. A full-time schedule allows students to study the equivalent of four 15 credit modules per semester. A core module must be taken as part of the programme structure and passed, with no condonement of marks below a pass allowed. The programme runs over two years and is delivered in four 60 credit strands. The programme consists of four strands of study all of which are compulsory; THE GENERIC STRAND, consisting of Sector Studies for the Animal Industry and Foundation Degree Academic and Professional Development; STRANDS ONE and TWO giving access to a range of animal related knowledge, skills, and techniques WORK BASED-LEARNING STRAND. involving work related opportunities, and practical activity On successful completion of the Foundation Degree students may progress to the final year of an Essex Degree Programme. Students must satisfy all course scheme requirements at the two levels to allow them to graduate with their designated Foundation Degree title. The following progression points are identified within the programme: Certificate in HE (120 credits) AWARD CONTENT All modules are compulsory unless otherwise marked as core or option. Stage 2 Foundation Degree Academic and Professional Development H (30) Foundation Degree Reproduction and Genetics H (15) requires: Principles of Nutrition H (15) A minimum of 240 Behaviour H (15) credits, including a minimum of 120 Animal Health and Disease H (15) credits at level 5. Learning From Work H (30) Stage 1 Sector Studies H (30) Progression Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology H (15) requirements: Comparative Anatomy and Physiology H (15) Students must Biological Processes H (15) attempt 120 credits Introduction to Biochemistry H (15) and achieve 105 at Learning Through Work H (30) level 4. 4 of 5 FDSC Animal Science

5 12 Support for students and their learning: Induction programme for new students Student handbooks and module guides Teaching programme based at one site Broad range of library and IT facilities with extended access for students All students have an identified personal tutor to advise on pastoral and academic matters Free individual facilities for students and access to the World Wide Web Access to trained counsellors and student welfare advisors plus student support services for assistance and guidance e.g. dyslexia Extensive College Estate available for student use, including farm, equine and companion animals units Range of visits, study tours and external speakers 13 Criteria for admission: Candidates must be able to satisfy the admissions requirements of the College in one of the following ways. A Levels Normally a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points (1 x D) to include not less than 40 from an A2 or 6-unit award and no more than 20 from key skills, as published by the College. Higher level study of Biology is preferred but not essential. BTEC An appropriate National Diploma with an overall grade of PPP Scottish Highers One grade B (60 UCAS tariff points to include not less than 40 from a 6-unit award and no more than 20 from key skills). Biology preferred but not essential. Irish Leaving Certificate Considered individually. GNVQ Pass in GNVQ Advanced Science or equivalent UCAS tariff as published by the College. Mature and Overseas students are considered on an individual basis. Other qualifications, including relevant industrial experience, may be acceptable and each application is considered on its own merits. Progression opportunities onto the BSc Animal Science or Animal Management courses are available following successful completion of this award. 14 Award Content see diagram: 5 of 5 FDSC Animal Science