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.
It 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.
In 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.
This 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.
In 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.
Entering 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 designed to prepare our students for a complex, challenging and changing future. These interdisciplinary modules provide the opportunity to further broaden your perspectives, develop your intellectual flexibility and creativity. You will work with others from different disciplines to enable you to reflect critically on the limitations of a single discipline to solve wider societal concerns. You will be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines to apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, seek and maximise opportunities to realise your potential to give you a distinctive edge and enhance your success in the workplace.
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.
This module is designed to provide greater insight and understanding of the biochemistry of digestion, absorption, and post-absorptive metabolism and assimilation of key nutrients in animals. In this module, the biochemistry of nutrient utilisation and the integration of metabolic processes will be explored in the context of important physiological and/or productive processes such as growth, pregnancy, lactation and egg production. The biochemical basis and implications of nutrient deficiencies, toxicities and common nutrition-related metabolic disorders will also be considered.
The 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.
This 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.
The main aim of this module is to explore the range of pathogenic and parasitic organisms, their effects and the mechanisms involved in immune responses. This module will also develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of diagnostic techniques and practical applications, underpinned by safe working practices in the laboratory environment. The principles pharmacology and the role of preventative medicine in the maintaining good health in animals will be examined.
This module provides you with a solid foundation in high-welfare animal production systems, focusing on the key principles that support both animal well-being and sustainable production. Within the UK livestock industry, systems vary widely, yet all must address critical issues including food security, ethical animal treatment, environmental stewardship, and resource efficiency. By exploring these diverse systems, you will develop the knowledge needed to support responsible livestock management in the context of current industry demands, regulatory standards, and consumer expectations for high welfare. You will therefore gain an understanding of husbandry practices, animal health, system differences and sustainable farm management through a range of practical activities including evaluation of commercial farms and analysis of farm datasets. This module is designed so you can gain the knowledge and understanding of the complexities of UK livestock systems and their management at the farm level. Through practical activities, you will develop data handling skills using ‘real life’ farm data sets e.g. assessing disease trends from farm health data and benchmarking farm production figures. Skills gained at our campus farm and visits to commercial units are key parts of this module, as you will learn how to spot risks to animal health and welfare and assess farm systems.
View the full module definitionLivestock farms are unique businesses where producing high quality and cost effective product, within a transitioning world dominated by environmental and social issues, requires consideration of wide range of interlinking factors and high standards of animal welfare. Livestock farmers and the allied industries working with them (nutritionists, veterinarians, advisors), need to understand animal biology and the physiological processes required for optimal management of growth, reproduction, health and welfare. They also need to make informed business decisions based on internal (e.g. individual animal performance, labour and vet costs) and external (e.g. environmental protection, changing social values, market fluctuations or disease outbreaks) factors. Farmers also need to make effective decisions about when to market animals for optimal returns. Finally, the handling and management of the animal both on farm and beyond can affect the quality of the final product. You will develop a deeper understanding of the complex links within and between farming and supply chain systems though the presentation and discussion of the outputs of your assessments.
This 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.
This 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.
This module focusses on the scientific application of molecular techniques used in Veterinary Medicine to diagnose important diseases of animals. Here, you will use diagnostic tests based on their direct and indirect applications, general advantages and limitations. You will apply scientific skills necessary to the critically discuss different tests, therapeutic treatment and prevention of infectious diseases of domestic animals. Principles of collection and sending of clinical materials for laboratory diagnosis and the relationship between the collection and the diagnostic success will also be covered. In this module, future animal scientists will develop advanced scientific skills to argue and present realistic alternatives in order to recognise and solve relevant issues related to small and large animal internal medicine, emphasising on the aetiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
This 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.
Genetics and Genomics module will provide you with an introduction to classical and modern molecular genetics. The module will open with a look at classical Mendelian genetics, how these principles enabled the creation of the first genetic maps and animal mapping pedigrees. Then we will review the role of nucleic acids and how gene expression can be regulated within cells and multicellular organism. Finally you will also cover the fundamental for modern molecular genetics and get some hands on experience of molecular genetic techniques.
Ensuring global food security is one of the most significant challenges to national and international policy makers. At the same time there is increasing scrutiny of livestock production systems from consumers and those involved in the supply chain. Future developments in livestock technology will improve the efficiency of sustainable and regenerative food production whilst enhancing animal welfare and environmental standards. Scientific and technological developments in livestock farming offer potential ways to optimise output through improved monitoring of the inputs to farming systems (eg diets and farm environments), the individual animal (eg health and welfare) and environmental impact (eg water pollution, greenhouse gases and carbon capture). Hardware is not the only component on the farm for consideration; communications technology including Knowledge Exchange and digital platforms are essential for developing future farming systems. This module will encourage you to develop the skills to evaluate new technologies. You will gain experience of conducting farm-level consultancy based on analysis of real data and a critical understanding of the application of scientific principles.
Livestock production is increasingly affected by both national policies, global socio-economic trends and environmental changes. In this module, you’ll explore how the industry must adapt to these changing situations and how they influence decision making at the farm level. You’ll apply your knowledge of livestock production systems to new and developing issues within the livestock industry, such as bovine tuberculosis and antimicrobial resistance, as well as emerging concerns that may arise during the semester, including disease outbreaks or policy changes. Through critical discussion, you’ll consider how local and national policies can adapt to global changes, such as population increase and food security. The module is designed to develop your ability to think analytically and approach industry challenges from a broader perspective. By the end of the module, you’ll be equipped to critically assess current and emerging issues in livestock production, propose ways to address them and be able to suggest appropriate strategies and technologies to overcome industry-relevant problems. You’ll also develop the complex skills of synthesis and judgement, as well as debating and presenting argument skills and you’ll be able to evaluate and link scientific principles, such as peer reviewed research, to livestock production at global, national and farm levels.
View the full module definition