This module will support you in preparing and submitting independent learning projects, with a particular emphasis on topics relevant to the equine industry. It will enable you to explore subjects not covered in other models with clearly defined academic and professional guidelines. You’ll gain the foundational principles of independent research, critical analysis and practical skills, all aimed at developing your professional practice and lifelong learning capabilities. Throughout this module, you’ll engage with essential concepts such as sustainable practices within the equine industry, digital literacy for effective research and data management, personal resilience in managing industry challenges, and the ability to communicate using diverse and effective methods. A key focus will be placed on understanding the regulatory frameworks and legislation that impact the field, including horse racing regulations to include British Horse Racing Authority (BHA), breeding practices, and Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) rules which influence international equestrian sports. Additionally, the module will explore key legislation related to veterinary physiotherapy. You’ll explore legal requirements, professional standards and the scope of practice for veterinary physiotherapists, with an emphasis on compliance with laws governing animal treatment and welfare. This will include understanding how regulations intersect with equine physiotherapy practices to ensure ethical and lawful treatment of animals. This module seeks to enhance your professional skills, preparing you to understand the equine industry's legislative and ethical standards comprehensively. By doing so, it will ensure you are well-equipped to enter the industry confidently, contribute to advancements in equine welfare and performance, and uphold high standards of practice within veterinary physiotherapy.
View the full module definitionThis module will investigate the key factors that impact the performance and well-being of equine. You’ll develop a thorough understanding of how various environmental and management practices impact equine health and welfare, particularly in the contexts of training, competition and everyday care. An emphasis will be placed on how these factors directly affect equine athletic performance, recovery and overall well-being. Throughout the module, you’ll engage in active discussions and analysis of evidence-based research, with a strong focus on considerations relevant to therapists assessing equine patients for therapeutic intervention. Practical application will be central, as we encourage you to integrate your knowledge in a way that informs best practice within the equine industry. This module will include an in-depth examination of critical factors such as equine equipment, training aids, arena surfaces, farriery practices, saddle fitting, and the influence of rider biomechanics. Additionally, it will cover various equine training practices, performance disciplines, and training methods used to optimise athletic outcomes. You’ll explore the unique demands of different equestrian disciplines and the impact of specific training regimens on equine musculoskeletal and physiological health. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on practical sessions, and interactive discussions, you’ll gain the skills to adopt a holistic approach to managing and enhancing equine performance and welfare.
View the full module definitionIn this module, you’ll enhance your understanding of the relationship between structure and function in equine and canines species by exploring their anatomical systems, physiological control and the diversity of major body systems. Through a mix of lectures, workshops, dissections, and practical sessions, you‘ll strengthen your knowledge and establish a solid foundation for future learning in subsequent modules. In this module, you‘ll acquire a solid foundational understanding of the scientific principles underlying anatomy and physiology. You‘ll learn to identify key anatomical points on live animals and explore all the systems in depth through dissection practicals to ensure you are putting theory into practice. You‘ll be given time to explore the body systems and gain an understanding of the systems and how they are linked. Dissections will be split into different system topics where anatomical features can be highlighted and you‘ll discuss the links to clinical relevance to help you contextualise content and relevance. To assess your understanding in this module, you‘ll engage in short quizzes based on lecture content and related activities. Additionally, you‘ll compile a portfolio each week, exploring how the functions of various systems contribute to the overall health and well-being of the animal.
View the full module definitionIn this module, you’ll learn the essential skills for safely handling canines and equines during various assessments and explore how to adapt this based on their environment. An emphasis will be placed on you implementing health and safety protocols within our equine practical environments. You’ll learn the clinical assessment process, which involves collecting comprehensive case information and conducting both static and dynamic evaluations of canines and equines. These foundational skills will be progressively developed throughout the course. You’ll gain an understanding of different breeds and types, focusing on how conformation and movement impact performance and health, as well as the associated risks of poor conformation. Through practical sessions and group activities you’ll foster teamwork and gain respect for differing opinions and be encouraged to take the initiative. You’ll be expected to adapt to changing scenarios and negotiate solutions while working on developing interdisciplinary skills, which are crucial skills in equine therapeutic practice. Reflective learning will play a key role, prompting you to assess your own proficiency and competency, thus enhancing self-confidence, promoting independence, and improving your ability to work effectively with clients. Additionally, the module will provide an overview of the therapy industry, emphasising the importance of operating within one’s professional scope, collaborating with paraprofessionals and seeking membership in relevant professional associations.
View the full module definitionThis module provides a comprehensive exploration of the interconnected aspects of animal nutrition, behaviour, and welfare. You will delve into the biochemical foundations of canine and equine nutrition, examining the roles of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in digestive physiology, energy production, and overall metabolism. By the end of this module, you should be able to describe the basic nutritional needs of horses and dogs and identify how these needs support general health. Understanding the behavioural needs and mechanisms of animals is crucial for ensuring their well-being. This module will look into the behaviour and welfare considerations of animals during their management, handling, and riding, evaluating how we can meet their behavioural needs, recognise affective states and create environments that promote optimal welfare, following the latest welfare models and legislation. Welfare considerations are integrated throughout the module, emphasising the ethical and practical aspects of caring for horses and canines. Topics include the assessment of welfare standards, the role of nutrition in disease prevention and management, and strategies and enrichment to enhance the quality of life for animals in various settings.
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.
Gain a thorough understanding of the neuromusculoskeletal conditions in animals, including common tissue dysfunctions and their effects on movement. You'll be introduced to movement theories and various biomechanical analysis techniques specifically applied to animal locomotion. You'll learn to analyse the different types of motion, discussing the anatomical and mechanical factors that influence movement. The knowledge you gain will be applied to a wide range of species in various settings, combining theoretical learning with practical sessions. You'll explore the link between tissue assessment (such as muscle tone, joint health, and soft tissue condition) and how these factors affect an animal‘s ability to move efficiently and comfortably while considering the various disciplines and their required movements.
View the full module definitionThis module explores the fundamental principles and practical applications of manual interventions in animal physiotherapy. You‘ll build on the assessment skills learned in Principles and Application of Manual Intervention, by integrating and evaluating the essential stages of assessing animals for physiotherapy sessions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the initial evaluation process and developing the foundations of appropriate interventions.
View the full module definitionIn this module, you’ll be introduced to the main principles of pathophysiology. You’ll explore the mechanisms involved in the immune response and examine how microorganisms cause pathological processes and how mechanical tissue injury leads to local and possibly systemic inflammation. You’ll discuss key concepts in preventative medicine, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, with a focus on understanding the factors that influence the efficacy and application of pharmacological agents. Key topics include pain management, mechanisms of action and strategies for addressing pain in animals. You’ll learn how health issues affect equine and/or/ canines in various environments and situations. Through analysing a range of academic research papers focused on equine health, you’ll deepen your understanding of real-world issues faced by animals in different settings. The assessment will encourage you to conduct in-depth research on a specific health topic, allowing you to further develop your analytical, evaluative and technical skills as well as your knowledge in animal health management.
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 definitionHydrotherapy is becoming increasingly popular in animal physical therapy for enhancing performance and well-being by addressing functional imbalances, promoting fitness, improving athletic performance, aiding post-surgical recovery and managing chronic or degenerative conditions. This module introduces small animal and equine hydrotherapy, emphasising the legal requirement to work with a Vet Surgeon’s approval through the referral system. You will learn to fit hydrotherapy equipment and assess an animal’s suitability for treatment. Additionally, this module covers water management, plant functions, water, chemistry, cleaning of the equipment and the use of chemicals. Furthermore, you’ll demonstrate practical competency in evaluating first-aid situations and administering first-aid where appropriate. You’ll gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting to develop practical skills and gain industry experience. The module aims to impart knowledge on hydrotherapy principles, equipment usage, referral procedures, professional duties and health and safety responsibilities. It also teaches you to evaluate a client’s suitability based on history, clinical condition, multidisciplinary team information, physical assessment and management and related health and safety regulations. You’ll develop the confidence and ability to assess patients and suggest appropriate hydrotherapy interventions; while ensuring you stay within the scope of professional practice.
View the full module definitionThis module gives you the opportunity to demonstrate autonomy within a project-based topic of your choice. The project will be linked directly to your award programme and demonstrate clearly the development and acquisition of academic, transferable and important graduate level employability skills pertinent to your chosen sector. It will provide you with the essential experience of project development, research and project management. Your project may be based on current Anglia Ruskin University research interests or be something of interest to you. Your project must show evidence of appropriate academic challenge, technical expertise, and progress. You‘ll be required to identify and formulate a project, conduct a literature review, evaluate information, investigate and adopt suitable research methods, perform primary or secondary data collection and processing. You‘ll demonstrate that you have fulfilled these criteria via regular meetings with your project supervisor where you will show evidence of project development via discussion and the presentation of spoken, written and other appropriate evidence. A substantial dissertation will form the bulk of the assessment for the project. In this major project you‘ll be able to explore a specific issue pertinent to your discipline and in greater depth than is possible elsewhere in the course. You’ll also be expected to demonstrate the knowledge and skills expected of an Honours undergraduate as defined in the relevant QAA descriptors and benchmarking statements. During the project, you’ll develop skills in data collection, data handling and analysis, as well as science communication skills, both oral and written. These skills are transferable to a wide range wide of careers in many industries.
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This module builds on the knowledge and practical skills you’ve gained in previous modules and enables you to develop a deeper practical understanding of the scientific and technical issues surrounding therapeutic intervention for the horse. Through a mix of lectures and practical hands-on sessions, you’ll develop the theoretical knowledge and practical application skills to be both effective and competent when applying therapeutic interventions within scope of practice for the equine therapist. You’ll develop and refine your evaluation skills in relation to assessment of the horse, which will enable you to identify the limitations of the musculoskeletal system of an individual and understand compensatory mechanisms seen in the body with regards to posture and movement. You’ll develop case histories and maintain record keeping evidencing a clear and succinct approach to the overall assessment of the equine patient. You’ll be assessed on your assessment process, anatomical knowledge and justification of treatment modalities, where you’ll be required to demonstrate the skills required to apply therapeutic reasoning and correct application of rehabilitation modalities to improve the outcome for the horse whether in a rehabilitation or wellness programme. You’ll further develop your understanding of common pathologies and musculoskeletal dysfunctions seen in the horse and learn how to tailor individual treatments to address or improve these issues. You will continue to strengthen your written and verbal communication skills and be encouraged to develop a team approach as you’ll need to be able to interact with potential clients, veterinary surgeons, trainers, farriers and other specialist therapists. By the end of the module, you’ll learn to enhance your verbal and written communication skills, critical evaluation, integration of scientific literature to practical situations.
View the full module definitionThis module integrates the study of veterinary pathophysiology and biomechanics so you can understand how intrinsic, extrinsic factors, diseases and injuries affect the musculoskeletal and nervous systems in animals, particularly focusing on dogs and horses. This module has a special focus on the important factors relating to animal structure and movement and integrates the functional aspects of correct movement and changes that occur due to injury and disease. The module presents an in-depth exploration of the underlying principles of biomechanics, and veterinary pathophysiology. You’ll learn to identify, assess, and manage common pathologies and conditions affecting movement and function, focusing on applying biomechanical principles in veterinary physiotherapy to develop appropriate rehabilitation strategies. The module will make use of taught sessions and practical on live animals in order to give you a detailed understanding of musculoskeletal structure and function, and implications on injury and disease and rehabilitation. This will enable you to develop gait evaluation skills, qualitatively and quantitatively. A focus will be placed on relating form to function, giving an appreciation of how the musculoskeletal and nervous systems act to generate locomotion. Musculoskeletal and nervous dysfunction will also be discussed in order to enhance understanding of the above principles and the implications on their pathology. You’ll integrate theoretical knowledge with practical knowledge and have the opportunity to gain skills in using biomechanics technology. By combining pathophysiology and biomechanics, this module gives you the tools to approach rehabilitation in a targeted, informed, and ethical way, ensuring the best outcomes for animal patients under your care.
View the full module definitionThis module provides a solid foundation for becoming a reflective, adaptable, and well-rounded professional in the animal therapy and wider paraprofessional sectors. You’ll learn how to conduct market research to deepen your understanding about the industry and relevant legal considerations, enabling you to identify and critically evaluate information relevant to a business sector of your interest. You’ll also build an understanding of the types of clients you are likely to be working and interacting with in future and how to communicate with them effectively via various communication channels. Additionally, you’ll develop skills to collaborate efficiently with other paraprofessionals and build strong professional networks; essential skills for thriving in a business environment where relationship-building is key. You’ll take a close look at your own strengths and areas for improvement by evaluating your own skills, identifying development opportunities and planning your personal professional development, while developing interdisciplinary skills vital for the animal therapy sector. In addition, you’ll enhance your time management skills and gain financial literacy skills to support your transition to employment after graduation, ensuring that you are well-prepared for real-world challenges and long-term career success. By the end of the module, you’ll have developed a comprehensive understanding of the professional landscape, improved your ability to navigate industry-specific challenges, and gained the confidence to take ownership of your career development.
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