In this module, you’ll explore the core biological concepts and principles that form the foundation for advanced studies in biology. It focuses on developing a deep understanding of the relationship between structure and function across a diverse range of plant and animal species, from the molecular level to whole-body systems. You’ll investigate the molecular building blocks of life, such as carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, and by learning their biochemical reactions, you’ll gain insights into the molecular basis of cellular function. The module also examines the structure and role of key organelles, helping you to develop an integrated understanding of animal function from the sub-cellular to the whole-organism level. Plant morphology is also covered, with an emphasis on identification and function. One of the key components of this module is the study of gross anatomy, which involves detailed dissections complemented by histological observations. This approach enables you to explore the intricate relationships between anatomical structures and their integrated physiological functions. By linking molecular and cellular processes to anatomical and physiological systems, the module provides a comprehensive perspective on biology.
View the full module definitionIt is acknowledged that a scientific understanding of ecological principles is crucial for the sustainable use of natural resources, and for successful implementation of conservation programmes. This module introduces you to key principles in ecology. Central themes will be explored, and particular consideration will be given to factors that influence the distribution and abundance of organisms (with a particular emphasis on fauna). Evolution will be considered, particularly with respect to natural selection and speciation. Appropriate activities will provide you with opportunities to develop your understanding of practical aspects of ecology. Overall, the module aims to develop your knowledge and conceptual understanding of ecology, particularly within the context of the broader remit of conservation biology.
View the full module definitionIn this module, you’ll develop essential academic and professional skills, explore approaches to personal wellbeing and resilience, and build confidence in your ability to thrive in higher education and later in the workplace. You‘ll gain hands-on animal husbandry experience and build on your existing animal handling and management skills. This may offer opportunities to work with our pet and exotic animal collections, as well as farm livestock, gaining practical experience directly relevant to your future in the animal or conservation sectors. In the classroom, you‘ll develop academic skills relating to accessing and interpreting research literature through a combination of workshops and independent study. You’ll also be introduced to research techniques, particularly the handling and analysis of data. You’ll further develop professional skills through a Personal Development Planning approach, alongside a series of business and industry-focused sessions designed to promote industry awareness and employability skills. IT and presentation training will also provide transferable skills relevant to the conservation sector. The module will also introduce approaches to personal wellbeing. You’ll be encouraged to build resilience and develop awareness of the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. You‘ll discuss tools for improving physical and mental health, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution and moral resilience with an emphasis on selecting strategies best suited to your individual needs.
View the full module definitionThis module aims to encourage you to appreciate the wide range of views, both historical and social, of animal ethics and to evaluate ethical arguments in relation to animal use. You will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the concept of consciousness and sentience within different species and their relationship to pain and suffering. It will support the study of other modules and provide a foundation you can use to make ethical decisions about animals in your future professions, as you will increase your confidence in justifying your views and opinions. You'll discuss the importance of increasing scientific knowledge and technologies in modern society and the altered perspective on human-animal relationships.
View the full module definitionIn this module you will be introduced to fundamental concepts in equine and canine behaviour, from evolution to domestication, and exploring what drives animal behaviour. This will then be linked to what motivates the animal during training and the learning theory behind it. You will practise the correct identification of the body language integral to both species behavioural repertoire, categorising and defining when and why we are likely to observe these behaviours in both natural and domestic settings. You will be taught to differentiate between behaviours caused through pain and fear rather than disobedience, in a range of situations exploring handling, ridden, social and other problems involving human-animal and animal-animal interactions. Comparisons and contrasts will be made between the equine and canine species with a focus on what skills are important to the therapist in a professional setting. There will be a consistent link to the importance of developing these observational skills as a therapist when assessing an animal for therapeutic intervention.
View the full module definitionEntering higher education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all our students to make the most of the opportunities higher education provides, reach your potential, become lifelong learners and find fulfilling careers. However, we appreciate that the shift from secondary education, or a return to formal education is, in itself, quite a journey. This module is designed to ease that transition. You'll be enrolled on it as soon as you receive an offer from ARU so you can begin to learn about university life before your course starts. Through Into ARU, you'll explore a virtual land modelled around ARU values: Courage, Innovation, Community, Integrity, Responsibility, and Ambition. This innovative module is designed as a game, where you collect knowledge and complete mini tasks. You'll proceed at your own pace, though we you to have completed your Into ARU exploration by week 6. If for any reason you're unable to complete by that date, we'll signpost to existing services so that we can be confident that you are supported.
Ruskin Modules are a great opportunity to explore challenges and ideas outside your area of study. Working with students from a range of courses, you'll be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines, and apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, realise your potential and help you prepare for the world of work.
The module introduces the concepts involved in the study of animal behaviour and develops them in the context of natural and imposed environments. Theoretical models of mechanisms of behaviour are reviewed and the survival value of behaviour assessed in relation to the environment. Understanding how animals are trained and methods of measuring behaviour are introduced.
View the full module definitionThis module aims to provide you with the knowledge that underpins the science of animal nutrition and feeding practice. The module will cover comparative aspects of digestion, evaluation of the chemical composition of animal feeds, understanding of the biological functions of nutrients and physiological basis of nutrient requirements. It will also explore current methods for assessing the utilization of nutrients in animals, and factors that regulate appetite and voluntary feed intake in farm, companion and zoo animals.
View the full module definitionThe module is designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and thought processes necessary for effective original research. You will study the nature and fundamentals of the research process, such as literature reviewing skills, the design of a research project, techniques for collection of research data and statistical techniques for analysing research data and drawing valid evidence-based inferences.
View the full module definitionThis module introduces you to the fundamental principles of animal reproduction and breeding, providing the essential biological knowledge required for further study in animal science and management. You’ll explore the key physiological processes in male and female reproductive systems, including reproductive anatomy, hormonal control, puberty, gametogenesis, fertilisation, pregnancy and parturition. You’ll learn about the early development of embryos and the physiological mechanisms that regulate reproductive cycles across a range of domestic and wild animal species. Beyond biology, you’ll be introduced to the concepts of inheritance and Mendelian genetics, exploring how these principles underpin selection in breeding programmes. The module also offers a hands-on introduction to assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer, and how these technologies are utilised in livestock production, pet breeding and conservation efforts. An emphasis is placed on the biological basis of these technologies rather than strategic or ethical considerations, which are covered in future modules. Through a combination of lectures, practical sessions and case-based learning, you'll develop a strong foundation in the science of animal reproduction and breeding, preparing you for more specialised modules in animal genetics and breeding strategy.
View the full module definitionThis module provides core underpinning knowledge of animal health and welfare and supports advanced learning in these areas. It investigates the effects of infectious and non-infectious diseases the health of captive animals. Aspects of animal health, disease and the relationship with welfare are discussed and the concepts and methods of assessing welfare of animals in variety of contexts will be covered.
View the full module definitionThis module introduces you to the skills and requirements specifically relating to the para-professional field of pet behaviour counselling and prepares you for work within this industry. This will cover legislation and insurance requirements, professional practice such as working with veterinary professionals, introduction to regulating bodies, business skills and the use of technology for behaviour counselling and concomitant services for the behaviour professional. It will discuss challenges for the professional counsellor and strategies for maintaining the health and safety of all concerned as well as the mental health of the practitioner.
View the full module definitionThis module is intended to build on the learning theories introduced in Behaviour for application to the field of animal training and behaviour therapy. This module will be a mix of theoretical and practical sessions allowing underpinning knowledge to be applied to practical animal handling and training across a range of species. You will develop your handling skills and understanding in line with industry standards and regulating bodies. You will gain practical experience of training animals and have the opportunity to assist in dog training classes in preparation for a career in animal training or careers that may involve an understanding of training processes. Students that complete this module alongside the Professional Practice and Legislation module would be able to register as an Animal Trainer (AT) or Animal Training Instructor (ATI) with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) via membership of a practitioner organisation such as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). Range to include dogs, small mammals, horses and livestock.
View the full module definitionThis project is designed to enable you to demonstrate autonomy within a project-based module of your choosing. The project will be linked directly to your award programme and demonstrate clearly the development and acquisition of academic, transferable and importantly employability skills pertinent to your chosen sector. You will be given several options for completing this project, that may comprise of one or more of the following (please note that not all options are available for every student or scheme): 1. (Traditional) Dissertation: Consisting of a project in which a student finds, analyses and interprets a unique data set, ordinarily consisting of data generated via an experiment designed and undertaken by the individual. 2. Systematic Review: Systematic reviews aim to find as much as possible of the research relevant to the particular research questions, and use explicit methods to identify what can reliably be said on the basis of these studies. Methods should not only be explicit but systematic with the aim of producing varied and reliable results. 3. Education/Science Communication Project: Working alongside a school, this project identifies a practical experiment that requires implementation within the school’s curriculum. The project will cover all stages of the development of the session from scoping the requirement, understanding contribution to the curriculum, developing and implementing the session, analysing achievement and feedback and project evaluation. 4. Entrepreneurial Project: Where the student identifies an opportunity to develop an innovative product or resource that could be taken forward in their own start-up business. To include a substantive research element. 5. Research/Conference Paper: (Limited to those who achieved a 2.1 or better in the prerequisite Research Methods module). This entails a student undertaking novel research where the output consists of either a research paper ready for submission to a relevant peer-reviewed journal publication, or a conference presentation ready to be delivered at an external conference relevant to the industry concerned. 6. Consultancy Project: A real-life business-based project that is (ordinarily) set by an industry partner. These projects are likely to entail a ‘what if’ scenario for business development, but could also encompass problem-based scenarios requiring specific technical knowledge. 7. Community Engagement Project: Working alongside the local council, school or community body (such as a church) this project will enable students to develop and implement a solution to an identified problem and encourage reflection on the impact that the project has enabled on the whole community. 8. Student-focused Project: Working within the University College, this project will enable the student to demonstrate their awareness of the interface between the student body and academic staff and will entail the student clearly articulating and implementing solutions to an identified issue, with clear and direct positive results for subsequent cohorts. 9. Team-based project. Working within a team, each student will identify and contribute to an agreed, defined part of a larger collaborative project, ordinarily in conjunction with an industry partner. Part of the assessment for this type of project will include reflection on the role played by the individual and the wider team in the success of the project. Summative assessment will include a group presentation (mark allocation to be agreed by the whole team) and an individual report. 10. Case Studies. In this instance, students undertaking a course that includes the acquisition of competency skills will be able to put together a portfolio to evidence these skills that includes documenting case studies and reflecting on personal professional practice. Alternatively, students may choose to research interventions made by professionals to management protocols and evaluate, using case study examples, the efficacy of the changes made. The project module is designed to enable you to gain experience by undertaking a substantive project which explores specific issues in greater depth than is possible elsewhere in the programme. It is a major opportunity for you to demonstrate that you have met the level 6 descriptors for Bachelor Degrees with Honours as detailed by QAA within their Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You will also be expected to demonstrate the knowledge and skills expected of an honours undergraduate as defined in the relevant QAA Benchmark Statement. This project module is also designed to develop independent learning, self-reliance, work planning skills and a professional approach to study.
View the full module definitionThis module develops the themes introduced in the Behaviour module. Particular emphasis is placed upon the integration of internal and external influences upon the animal which result in the behaviour patterns expressed. Key concepts in the science of animal welfare study will be evaluated and means of measuring welfare reviewed. Ethical aspects of animal welfare and animal use will be studied in both farmed and companion animal species.
View the full module definitionTeamwork and collaborative projects are an important part of conservation work. In this module, you will development communication and management skills. Project planning and management strategies are applied to the challenges of co-ordinating habitat management, volunteer training, research support, community engagement, fundraising, and other areas of responsibility. Conservation and engagement projects are highly dependent on motivated people; this module allows you to evaluate approaches to staff and volunteer support and develop leadership skills.
View the full module definitionThis module is designed to equip you with the knowledge necessary to understand the applied aspects of the feeding management of a range of animal species and to solve current problems in applied animal nutrition. The module will familiarize you with legislation governing the feed industry, ration formulation, animal feed processing and manufacturing, and practical feeding management of farm, companion and captive wild animals in zoos.
View the full module definitionReproduction in a range of animal species will be reviewed with reference to recent developments in our understanding of these reproductive systems. Factors that determine reproductive success will be evaluated with review of methods of enhancing fertility. Critical comparison of the reproductive strategies employed by a variety of animal species will be an important aspect. Modern breeding systems and the influence of new technologies will also be appraised. The whole process of breeding animals and the issues surrounding these will be explored including: setting out breeding goals; selecting individuals to mate; mating strategies to implore; management through pregnancy and parturition; and neo natal survival. Understanding that correct management of these lead to reproductive success.
View the full module definitionThis module builds on the application of learning theory to behaviour and training to enable students to develop knowledge and understanding of how to work with clients to avoid and/or manage problematic behaviour and develop treatment plans for behaviour change. Students will examine causes of problem behaviour, differential diagnoses and treatment options. They will also explore adjuncts to behavioural therapy such as psychopharmacology, pheromonatherapy, nutraceuticals and complimentary therapies.
View the full module definitionThis module builds on the knowledge acquired in Clinical Animal Behaviour and allows you to apply this understanding and develop the skills needed to be a behaviour counsellor. You will observe and analyse clinical cases in real time and begin to take an increasing role in the consultation process, the development and implementation of treatment programmes, follow up sessions and contact with clients. You will reflect on your performance using evidence to justify your methods or identify improvements which can be implemented in future cases.
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