Appendix 6. Nottingham Trent University Course Specification

Transcription

1 Appendix 6. Nottingham Trent University Course Specification Basic Course Information 1. Awarding Institution: Nottingham Trent University 2. School/Campus: School of Animal, Rural & Environmental Sciences / Brackenhurst Campus 3. Final Award, Course Title and Modes of Study: BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Science (FT, SW, PT) 4. Normal Duration: FT (3 years); SW (4 years) PT (5 years) 5. UCAS Code: DC36 Overview and general educational aims of the course The equestrian industry in Great Britain is stated to have a combined economic impact of 7bn, derived from Thoroughbred racing, leisure horse riding and competitive sport (BHIC, 2015). There are estimated to be over 19,000 associated businesses and a world class, multi million pound equestrian export industry. Great Britain has for many years been recognised as a world leading equine veterinary profession and is supported by research grants from a range of bodies aimed at advancing and encouraging veterinary science and education to improve the performance, health and welfare of the equine athlete. In competitive riding, Great Britain has been very successful in both Olympic and non-olympic disciplines amassing a total of 147 medals across dressage, Show jumping and Eventing at youth level, 132 medals in para-equestrian dressage, 49 senior medals in Olympic sports and 24 senior medals in non-olympic sports from (BEF, 2015). This continued success has meant that the equine industry has attracted an increase in funding from UK Sport and Sport England and interest in elite performance and pathways for successful development of promising athletes; both human and equine has rapidly developed. As a result, the importance of the application of science in the future improvement of equine sporting success at all levels has never been more widely recognised. The BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Science course will provide you with an excellent opportunity to explore and apply the scientific principles that underpin equestrian sport, management and health of equine athletes. You will be encouraged to develop your scientific expertise and acquired skills in imaginative ways, enabling you to become more confident and ambitious as a scientist. The course aims to equip you with the necessary skills to evaluate current findings and inspire you to develop research interests, which you may decide to pursue within the University for your final year dissertation. The course is built around the major scientific areas of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, veterinary science, reproduction and genetics. More specialist areas include biomechanics, exercise physiology, equitation, training, sports psychology, breeding and selection, injury and 1

2 rehabilitation, drugs and doping, performance and welfare. The application of scientific principles to a range of equestrian sporting disciplines form a major focus throughout and aspects of the course will support independent pursuit of nationally recognised qualifications, such as those offered by the British Horse Society or UK Coaching Qualifications. This course is available with an optional sandwich year, either in the UK or abroad, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the world of work or in research institutions. You will be guided and supported by academic staff and the Employability team in preparing for placement and the employability team work with external organisations to build relationships and open up opportunities for students. All students are actively engaged in employability activities throughout the course and students receive advice on careers, job or placement application letters, CV writing, interview skills, psychometric testing and are able to utilise the University s Accer8 and Employability Mentoring support. The Equine Sports Science course provides you with the opportunity to participate in some exciting developments that are taking place in the equestrian industry through the development of equestrian sports. It also offers you infinite scope for personal development and future success. Course outcomes Course outcomes describe what you should know and be able to do by the end of your course if you take advantage of the opportunities for learning that we provide. Knowledge and understanding By the end of the course you should be able to: Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the characteristics of the anatomy & physiology of the healthy animal in its normal environment (Bv) Debate the philosophical and ethical issues that relate to the use of the horse (Bb) Demonstrate a knowledge of molecular and ultra-structural basis of cellular function (Bv) Discuss the role and practical application of animal genetics and / or reproductive physiology to equine science. Demonstrate an appreciation of the biological and welfare needs of the horse (Bv) Demonstrate extensive understanding of equestrian related professions and disciplines, including the associated practices, technologies, research, methodologies, values and ethics (GA) (Bv). Apply theoretical principles and concepts of nutrition and veterinary science to the horse (Bv). Show evidence of the skills required to monitor and evaluate sport performance (Bh). QAA Benchmarks Bb = Bioscience; Bv = Veterinary Science Bh = Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism. GA = Nottingham Trent University Graduate attributes 2

3 Skills, qualities and attributes By the end of the course you should be able to: Display proficiency in experimental and laboratory skills appropriate to equine science (Bb) Exercise judgement in solving complex problems (Bv) Communicate effectively via oral and written work and develop reasoned arguments (Bb)(GA) Work effectively both autonomously and collaboratively as part of a team (Bv)(GA) Apply information technology including the use of computers for word processing, data handling and information retrieval effectively (GA) Develop the study skills needed for continuing professional development. QAA Benchmarks Bb = Bioscience; Bv = Veterinary Science; Bh = Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism. GA = Nottingham Trent University Graduate attributes Teaching and Learning Methods In the majority of modules, your teaching and learning is centred on lectures that provide the theoretical framework which is built upon by directed study, discussion and practical work. Directed study may include individual and group work plus seminars which are more student-led to help develop your communication and collaborative skills. Classroom debating sessions are also used to encourage the formulation of sustainable arguments to support the presented facts. Practical work (under supervision / guidance at Level 4; independent and group work at Levels 5 and 6) is carried out to develop the skills necessary to carry out independent investigations as well as to assist you in acquiring competence in a range of fundamental techniques of relevance to the equine industry ranging from laboratory skills, veterinary assistance and horse handling skills. The course emphasises autonomous learning as an outcome and it is structured to facilitate greater learner independence by the final year. You are encouraged to undertake independent reading/information research to supplement and consolidate what is being taught. The transition to greater learner autonomy is underpinned by the dissertation in the final year. This allows you to investigate an area of equine science which is of particular interest to you. Practical experience of the equine industry is gained at the equestrian centre which contains a range of horses, equipment, stabling and facilities that are used for practical classes, research and observational studies. The library and IT resources facilitate the acquisition and evaluation of information. The delivery of the course is enhanced by the use of external professionals, either as visiting speakers or through visits to a range of equestrian and research establishments. This ensures your learning is continuously enhanced through exposure to real world perspectives and helps you contextualise your learning. 3

4 You will develop intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for lifelong learning and the diversity of modules available will enable you to develop this throughout the curriculum. Tutorial sessions at Levels 4, 5 and 6 will provide you with the basic skills and attributes that are expected of the NTU graduate. Individual and group tutorials cover specific study support topics but are also used to monitor your progress on your course and develop your interpersonal and academic skills. The course utilises expertise from the employability team and regular tutorial support is offered for students to maximise their graduate job potential. Assessment Methods This course uses a variety of assessment techniques to ensure that you can demonstrate the range of learning outcomes. Subject knowledge and understanding is mainly tested through assignments, reports, presentations, and unseen examinations. These also assess a range of transferable skills, including confidence in written and oral presentations. Assessment of knowledge and understanding at Level 4 is by means of written examination and class tests as well as individual assignments and seminar presentations. Guided practical work is used to assess the ability of the student to apply scientific principles to research topics. Assessment of knowledge and understanding at Level 5 is also by means of written examination, class test and assignments. In addition, student groups will plan and carry out practical work, which is used to assess their ability to develop ideas and apply research methods. Seminar presentations and discussion will be used to assess the ability of the student to acquire, evaluate and present information. At Level 6, assessment is by means of examination, seminar presentation and assignment. You are also required to produce an individual dissertation on a chosen topic at this level. This will include an extensive literature review, the demonstration of an understanding of the interrelationship between theoretical and practical studies, and in the case of a practical based study, the design and implementation of appropriate research methods. It is envisaged that this piece of work will be in an area relevant to your future aspirations. There is a greater emphasis on independent research and critical thought at this level. As well as formal assessments, the course includes a number of formative and diagnostic assessments through these staff will provide you with more informal feedback on your progress and development. 4

5 Course structure and curriculum The course is studied on either a full-time (3 years), sandwich (4 years) or part-time (5 year) basis. The sandwich option allows you to gain industry experience between your 2 nd and final year of study and we have chosen the modules so that the course outcomes are developed as you progress though the three years. The course curriculum is designed to equip you with an in-depth knowledge, understanding and skills that are relevant to the equine industry. Level 4 Modules Equine Anatomy and Physiology (20 Credits) Research Skills for Scientists (20 Credits) Equine Behaviour and Welfare (20 Credits) Equine Health and Husbandry (20 Credits) Horse Handling Skills (20 Credits) National Equine Sports Industry (20 Credits) Level 5 Modules Research Methods and Experimental Design (20 Credits) Sports Injury (20 Credits) Equine & Human Sports Science (20 Credits) Equine Health and Nutrition (20 Credits) Equine Reproduction and Stud Management (20 Credits) You can choose 20 credits from: Sport Horse Genetics & Breeding (20 Credits) Equine Disease & Diagnostics (20 Credits) Level 6 Modules Emerging Issues, Ethics and Welfare (20 Credits) Dissertation (40 Credits) Optimising Performance (20 Credits) Rehabilitation Strategies for Horse and Rider (20 Credits) You can choose 20 credits from: Equine Genetics (20 Credits) Global Equine Sports Industry (20 Credits) Sandwich award You have the opportunity of an optional national and/or international placement, from which you will gain valuable experience that will contribute to your future career opportunities. Placements can either be organized between the second and third years, or short-term placements can be taken during the vacations. The year-long placement can lead to a supplementary Placement Diploma in Professional Practice. This is based on achieving a 5

6 minimum of 36 week with an approved placement provider. Such placements also provide you with the basis of work-based projects that can be developed for your Level 6 dissertation. Support will be given to students in choosing and securing relevant placement positions. You may also be eligible for a Placement Certificate for short term placements (minimum of 10 weeks) with an approved provider. Interim awards If you do not progress to the final stage you may receive a Certificate of Higher Education in Equine Science (Level 4; 120 credit points total), Diploma of Higher Education in Equine Sports Science (Levels 4 and 5; 240 credit points total) or an Ordinary Degree in Equine Sport Science (Levels 4 and 5, and 60 credits at Level 6; 300 credit points total). Admission to the course Entry requirements For current information regarding all entry requirements for this course, please see the Applying tab on the course information web page. Support for Learning There is an induction course (including IT, library use and an introduction to the equestrian centre) and you will receive a course handbook that provides all the essential information about the course and the support we provide for learning. Throughout the course learners are supported directly by means of individual tutorial sessions. Library and IT support is provided during tutorial sessions at all levels, and additional study guides are available in the library. Learning support is also provided via a virtual learning portal (Nottingham Online Workspace). Both pastoral and academic support is provided by the tutorial system, each student being allocated to a member of staff who will act as tutor throughout the year. Specialist student support is provided by Student Support Services (who can be contacted via the main reception and are on-site at allocated times throughout the term). Learning resources such as the library, IT and equestrian centre are continually updated to ensure they are fit for purpose. Graduate destinations / employability Graduates of the Equine Sports Science course have been successful in securing exciting and challenging career positions, indicating that our approach to the subject is well regarded by the equine industry. Examples of careers within the ever - expanding equine industry include: rehabilitation and therapy, nutrition, journalism, research and development, marketing and work with national and international competitive riders. Other graduates continue in academia 6

7 and go on to study for higher degrees. Some graduates choose to venture into other sectors and are equally successful in gaining employment because of the transferable skills gained on their course. The Employability team work closely with organisations within the equine industry and fully support students with a range of work experience opportunities, funded scholarships and job seeking strategies and training. Course standards and quality Throughout the course, standards and quality are reviewed in response to feedback from staff, students and representatives from the industry. There are well established systems for managing the quality of the curriculum within the School. Induction questionnaires, mid-year reviews, end-of-year reviews, module feedback questionnaires and School end-of-year questionnaires are all used to gather feedback from students on their learning experiences. An external examiner visits Brackenhurst and submits an annual report on the standards and quality of the course. Termly course committee meetings, attended by student representatives, support staff and academic staff, provide an opportunity for students to raise any issues relating to the course. The outcomes of all the above inform an annual course standards and quality report, which includes an action plan for the following year. In addition to these formal systems, tutorials provide a more informal means of gathering student feedback and enable staff to address any issues as soon as they arise. The subject benchmarks of the Quality Assurance Agency have been incorporated into the course s learning outcomes and the University s Graduate Attributes and been embedded throughout the course. Subject expertise is maintained by staff involvement in areas of research and development within the industry and the formation of close links with related areas of the industry is ever increasing. Regular conference attendance and CPD events ensure that staff are up to date with their subject knowledge. Assessment regulations This course is subject to the University s Common Assessment Regulations. specific assessment features are described below: Any course The award classification will be calculated using 20% of the aggregate mark for Level 5 and 80% of the aggregate for Level 6. 7

8 Additional Information Collaborative partner(s): None Course referenced to national QAA Benchmark a) Veterinary Sciences Statements: b) Biosciences c) Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Course recognised by: None Date this course specification approved: May 2015 Any additional information: British Horse Society Horse Knowledge, Care and Riding and Preliminary Teaching Test may be taken at the University s equestrian centre. It is a requirement that higher level examinations are taken at another examination centre. Payment for these examinations is direct to the British Horse Society. 8