Foundation Degree in Animal Science
"I chose Bicton College because it offered a course which promised to lead me towards achieving my ambition, which is to work with and study animals"
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UCAS Institution Code:P60
UCAS Programme Code:D302
Duration:2 YEARS FT / 3 YEARS PT
With a foundation degree in animal Science you could...
…progress on to the BSc (Hons) Animal Science or BSc (Hons) Animal Science (Behaviour & Welfare) degrees at the University of Plymouth……or become a nature conservation officer, a research scientist, a zookeeper, an environmental education officer, a practice manager, work for an animal charity, animal health or veterinary-related sectors…
Facilities
- The Animal Care Centre (ACC)
The ACC houses the College's exotic and small animal collection and provides you with access to five specialist areas - the Mammal House, the Fish House, the Tropical House, the Invertebrate House and the Aviary - as well as a number of outside enclosures housing unusual species – for example, coatis - and a large paddock area for goats and poultry. - Bicton Home Farm and Equine Unit
Bicton Home Farm and the Equine unit provide access to a range of larger animals, including dairy and beef cattle, sheep, pigs and horses. - Science laboratories
Fully equipped laboratory facilities for both biological and earth sciences
- The Bicton Veterinary Centre (BVC)
The BVC is a specially-designed veterinary nursing centre. Facilities here include radiography, ultrasonography, operating theatre, dental machinery, electrocardiography and a full range of surgical and anaesthetic equipment, all of which will give you the best opportunity to gain the necessary experience to gain your vocational skills. (Not used within the current programme) - HE Common Room
A dedicated study and social area for higher education students
Find out more about our facilites and industry links.
Programme Aims
The animal care industry is rapidly expanding, offering wide opportunities within the fields of animal welfare, transportation and rescue. Workplaces are varied, including sanctuaries, pet shops, boarding kennels, wildlife parks or various charitable organisations, such as Blue Cross, PDSA and RSPCA.
These programmes are designed to encompass the wide selection of animals within these industries, from kennels to zoos.
Animal-related industries require individuals who have the capability to be analytical and scientific whilst demonstrating the flair and practicality to achieve both group and autonomous "hands-on" tasks and demonstrate academic aptitude.
Entry Requirements
120 points are required in total, which equates to one of the following:
- Two A levels at grade C or above, or equivalent combination of two grades
- MPP grade profile for BTEC National Diploma
- MP grade profile for BTEC National Certificate
- Students with experience will be assessed on merit
Course Structure
The aim of this course is to develop students who can demonstrate a wide range of vocational, personal and transferable skills, which will enable you to be effective in all forms of animal-related employment. The programme is modular, combining compulsory modules with optional module choices allowing you to pursue a programme tailored to your area of academic and vocational interest. There may be the opportunity for you to undertake additional optional modules, subject to approval by your personal tutor and programme manager.
The programme incorporates private study periods which should result in the delivery of academic subjects for a maximum of three days per week on campus (subject to confirmation of timetables for the forthcoming academic year).
You are encouraged to participate in research programmes and there may be opportunities for field trips and visits during the course. Many of the modules incorporate a practical element emphasising the vocational nature of the programme and from these you will gain valuable experiential skills.
There is a six week (minimum) work-based learning period during the programme which will give you the opportunity to develop skills learnt during the first year, as well as putting you in the ideal position to observe good practice. This may be taken as one block period, or over the first year.
What you will study
Year 1
Compulsory Modules- Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
- Nutrition
- Biological Concepts
- Professional Development and Practice
- Business Foundations
- Managing Living Collections
- Ecology and Conservation
- Evolutionary Development and Classification for Animal Species
Compulsory Modules- Major Integrated Assignment
- Applied Behaviour
- Genetics and Breeding
- Health and Welfare
Optional Modules (choose two)*
- Specialist Conservation
- Business Operations
- Contemporary Issues in Animal Welfare
*Please note that option choices may be limited due to group size requirements
Assessment
Your progress will be monitored by a variety of assessment techniques including a planned programme of written assignments, presentations, group work, practical assessments and in-class tests. Many modules will also involve formal examination. A major integrated assignment and six weeks work-based learning must be completed as part of this course.
This course will be awarded by the University of Plymouth.
Progression
Successful students may progress on to the BSc (Hons) Animal Science or BSc (Hons) Animal Science (Behaviour and Welfare), programme at the University of Plymouth. This progression route will be valid for three years after the graduation date.
There may be the possibility of progression at other institutions, and guidance can be given where applicable.
Career opportunities include employment in the education, wildlife, conservation, charities, animal health or veterinary related sectors of industry.
University of Plymouth Colleges Faculty
The University of Plymouth Colleges Faculty (UPC) is a partnership between the University of Plymouth and over 20 partner institutions, including Bicton College. It is nationally recognised as one of the largest, longest established and best-developed partner college networks in the country and brings university-level education to over 10,000 students across the South West peninsula and the Channel Islands.
All of the higher education courses offered at Bicton College are validated by the University of Plymouth. This means when you graduate you will achieve a University of Plymouth award.
Every UPC foundation degree has a built-in progression route to an honours degree. These are often one-year ‘top-up’ courses available at the University of Plymouth, or in some cases, a partner college or another university.
In terms of academic study, all UPC students have the same rights and status as other University of Plymouth students. In addition, you will be able to benefit from the services that your college can provide – as well as the extra support and resources on offer at the University’s campus.
All UPC students are entitled to use the University’s library, access electronic resources and learning support materials through the web-based student portal, become a member of the University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU) and through your college, gain assistance from the University’s support and advice resources (such as its careers’ service, student funding team, international students’ advisory service and the disability assist scheme).
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 8AA
Tel: 01752 585858 (course information)
Tel: 01752 600600 (all other enquiries)
Fax: 01752 588050
Email: prospectus@plymouth.ac.uk
- The Animal Care Centre (ACC)
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APPLY TODAY
For a full-time application apply to UCAS direct at www.ucas.ac.uk or
Write to:UCAS
PO Box 28
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL50 3SA
To study part-time apply directly to Bicton College.