UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme Specification

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17

  1. Awarding Institution / Body
/ University of Central Lancashire
  1. Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery
/ MyerscoughCollege
  1. University School/Centre
/ Forensic and Applied Sciences
  1. External Accreditation
/ N/A
  1. Title of Final Award
/ BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare
  1. Modes of Attendance offered
/ Full-time
Part Time
  1. UCAS Code
/ D320
  1. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
/ QAA Agriculture, Forestry, Agricultural Sciences, Food Sciences and Consumer Sciences (2009)
  1. Other external influences
/ None
  1. Date of production/revision of this form
/ 21 June 2013
  1. Aims of the Programme

  • To produce graduates who can conduct relevant investigative and trials work

  • To produce graduates who can apply behavioural science for the benefit of animals and animal owners/carers

  • To supply graduates to industry who can lead, contribute to and develop welfare practises

  • To develop learner’s appreciation of current and developing welfare practises within the animal industry sector

  • To encourage development of learners in terms of personal and professional communication skills so they can work effectively in a professional environment, both within a team and as independently

  • To develop critical and analytical skills of the learners

  • To equip learners with the skills and abilities to undertake postgraduate research and/or employment.

  1. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A.Knowledge and Understanding
A1.Philosophy associated with human/animal interactions
A2.Physiology associated with behaviour
A3.Evolution and adaptation of behaviour to the environment
A4.Normal and abnormal behaviour
A5.Psychology of the animal and its owner
A6.Welfare requirements of animals and associated legislation
A7.Welfare, maintenance and reproduction of healthy animals
A8.Scientific method in approaching welfare and behavioural issues.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory/practical work, group work, case studies and project work. Independent learning is encouraged by independent reading and study to supplement and consolidate what is being taught and learnt and to broaden individual knowledge of the subject.
Assessment methods
A combination of coursework and examinations will be used for assessment. The coursework assessment methods will include essays, technical reports, group and individual presentations, laboratory/practical reports, individual study projects and case studies.
B.Subject-specific skills
B1.Prepare descriptive analytical reports on animal behaviour in relation to their welfare
B2.Competence in handling animals and identifying normal and abnormal behaviour
B3.Appraise the situation in which animals are found and assess their welfare requirements
B4.Recognise the welfare issues raised in relation to variety of uses of animals by mankind
B5.The ability to communicate with and counsel animal owners in a range of situations
B6.Competence in carrying out a range of laboratory procedures.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Subject specific skills will be developed through delivery of the specialist subject material identified in the module descriptions and using the teaching and learning programme as identified above. Subject specific skills are further developed by the use of case studies and coursework assignments that reflect practice in the animal sector and reinforced by feedback from assessments. Information technology and computational skills are also developed through project work, presentations and coursework reports.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods will include case studies, coursework assignments, project work, presentations and coursework reports.
C.Thinking Skills
C1.Locate, evaluate and synthesise information from a range of sources
C2.Design, conduct and interpret an investigative study
C3.Analyse and evaluate scientific papers and investigative work
C4.Analyse problems, think creatively to develop practical solutions and evaluate alternatives
C5.Research issues and present findings using communication skills
C6.Formulate and test concepts and hypotheses.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme as outlined above. Problem solving and analysis skills are further developed through case studies and by the use of project work.
Assessment methods
Thinking skills are assessed using the assessment methods described above.
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1.Communicate professionally in written reports and in presentations as appropriate to the situation
D2.Work independently and work as a member of a team
D3.Apply problem solving skills in various settings
D4.Use appropriate information technology skills in various situations
D5.Reflect on personal development and to seek appropriate, individual development needs
D6.Apply mathematical formulae to solving problems.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Transferable skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme and the assessment strategies outlined above. Communication skills are developed in formative sessions and formally assessed in project work and assignment tasks. Teamwork is developed in group activities and through practical work. Reflection and development needs are developed through tutorials and selfassessment of performance.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods are as described above.
13.Programme Structures* / 14.Awards and Credits*
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Level 6 / MR3018 / Canine and Feline Behaviour / 20 / BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Requires 360 credits including a minimum of 120 at Level 6 and 120 at Level 5.
BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Requires 320 credits including a minimum of 80 at Level 6 and 120 at Level 5 (the Research Project is not required).
MR3112 / Applied Behavioural Studies / 20
MR3200 / Research Project / 40
MR3201 / Advances in Animal Behaviour and Welfare / 20
MR3204 / Behavioural Ecology / 20
Level 5 / MR2037 / Animal Welfare Studies / 20 / Diploma of Higher Education Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Requires 240 credits including a minimum of 100 at Level 5.
MR2058 / Animal Welfare Legislation / 10
MR2063 / Human/Animal Interface / 10
MR2125 / Research Methods / 20
MR2203 / Animal Nutrition / 20
MR2204 / Biological Basis of Behaviour / 10
MR2205 / Breeding and Genetics / 10
Elective / 20
Level 4 / MR1008 / Data Handling / 10 / Certificate of Higher Education Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Requires 120 credits including a minimum of 100 at Level 4.
MR1025 / Animal Science / 20
MR1033 / Animal Health / 20
MR1050 / Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare / 20
MR1302 / Animal Philosophy and Ethics / 10
MR1303 / Animal Training / 10
MR1322 / Study Skills and Personal Development / 10
Elective / 20
15.Personal Development Planning
Personal Development Planning is an essential component of the course. The course will help students recognise the importance of being proactive within their own personal development. The course will help develop key personal and transferable skills which promote employability, entrepreneurship, academic excellence, professional development and global citizenship.
Each student will be allocated a Personal Tutor with whom students will be encouraged to develop skills for independent learning and reflection on student’s academic, personal and professional development. Students will meet with their personal tutor at least twice per semester to develop short and long-term goals, review and plan their progress on the course and discuss their future career path.
Each student group has a weekly timetabled and structured course tutorial which will be used to develop generic personal, employability and academic skills with student groups. An on-line scheme of work, together with web based and other support materials, is available to staff and students alike in the delivery of these tutorial sessions.
Students have access to a wide range of personal development advisory services through the ‘Core’ including careers, financial advice, pastoral support and help with study skills. Students have access to the student support services at the University through the ‘I’, ‘Futures’ and ‘WISER’ study skills.
Students on honours degrees also have the opportunity to study a series of personal development modules as a mandatory or optional part of their course. Through these modules students will be encouraged to reflect on their personal and professional development, plan realistically for career progression and manage their own career development.
All students will also have access to the College ‘Learn2Work’ programme and activities that contribute to ensuring employability of our students can also count towards the ‘Learn2Work’ awards.
16.Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
260 UCAS Tariff points from one of the following:
•3 A-levels at minimum C or above
•BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at DMM
•BTEC Level 3 Diploma at D*D
•4 Scottish Highers at minimum C or above
•4 Irish Highers at minimum C or above
•International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points
AS levels and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.
Consideration will be given to non-traditional qualifications and relevant work experience. Applicants are encouraged to produce evidence of their potential to benefit from the course. Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.
All offers may be subject to successful interview.
17.Key sources of information about the programme
  • UCAS:

  • MyerscoughCollege web site:

  • MyerscoughCollege higher education prospectus:

  • Course fact sheet:

  • Course Tutor: Kirsty Aspinall

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Academic Quality and Standards Unit

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18.Curriculum Skills Map
Ticks indicate where individual Programme Learning Outcomes will be assessed
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 / A6 / A7 / A8 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / B5 / B6 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / C6 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4 / D5 / D6
6 / MR3018 / Canine and Feline Behaviour / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR3112 / Applied Behavioural Studies / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR3200 / Research Project / C /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR3201 / Advances in Animal Behaviour and Welfare / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR3204 / Behavioural Ecology / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
5 / MR2037 / Animal Welfare Studies / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR2058 / Animal Welfare Legislation / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR2063 / Human/Animal Interface / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR2125 / Research Methods / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR2203 / Animal Nutrition / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR2204 / Biological Basis of Behaviour / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR2205 / Breeding and Genetics / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
4 / MR1008 / Data Handling / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR1025 / Animal Science / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR1033 / Animal Health / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR1050 / Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR1201 / Animal Philosophy and Ethics / COMP /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR1303 / Animal Training / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
MR1322 / Study Skills and Personal Development / COMP /  /  /  / 

Note:Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks

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Academic Quality and Standards Unit

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