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.
This module will support you in preparing and submitting independent learning projects, with a particular emphasis on topics relevant to the canine 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. 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 canine physiotherapy practices to ensure ethical and lawful treatment of animals. This module seeks to enhance your professional skills, preparing you to understand the canine 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 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 canines. You’ll develop a thorough understanding of how various environmental and management practices impact canine health and welfare, particularly in the contexts of training, competition and everyday care. 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 canine 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 canine industry. The module will cover an in-depth examination of critical factors, including equipment such as harnesses, surfaces dependant on sporting disciplines, and human influence, as well as training methods related to canine sports and working roles. 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 canine performance and welfare.
View the full module definitionThis module is designed to develop your understanding of the relationship between structure and function of canine body by exploring the anatomical diversity and physiological control of the major systems. The study of a gross anatomy is based primarily on careful dissections coupled with close histological observations to give you a concept of the shape, texture, location and relations of structures and integrated functions. The main concepts introduced in this module will be further explored in Functional Anatomy and Physiology.
View the full module definitionIn this module, you will develop the essential skills to safely handle canines during assessments, while also being evaluated on your ability to properly fit equipment and safely assist canines in and out of crates. You’ll also implement health and safety protocols in practical settings. You‘ll learn about the clinical assessment process, which involves gathering case information and conducting both static and dynamic evaluations. You will perform health checks for both physiotherapy and hydrotherapy and build upon these skills throughout the course. You‘ll also gain an understanding of how canine breed types relate to conformation and movement, along with the risks associated with poor conformation. Through practical sessions and group activities, you‘ll be encouraged to work as part of a team, learn to respect the views of others and show initiative. The ability to adapt to changing situations will be emphasised, as these are essential skills in therapeutic intervention while working on developing interdisciplinary skills. Reflecting on your own learning process and evaluating your competence will help you build self-confidence, foster independence and improve your client interaction skills. Additionally, the module will examine the therapy industry, highlighting the importance of practicing within one's scope, collaborating with paraprofessionals, and obtaining membership in relevant professional associations in both therapy and hydrotherapy.
View the full module definitionThis module provides a comprehensive exploration of the interconnected aspects of canine nutrition, behaviour, and welfare. You’ll study the biochemical foundations of canine 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 dogs and identify how these needs support general health. In addition to nutritional science, the module investigates canine behaviour, focusing on the variety factors that influence behaviour including nutrition, and the interplay between behaviour and welfare. You will study behavioural patterns, canine communication including indicators of pain and stress, and training techniques. Welfare considerations are also integrated into this module, emphasising the ethical and practical aspects of caring for dogs. 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 dogs in various settings. Welfare considerations will be discussed through legislations in relation to canine domestication and looking at welfare in the therapy setting with pain indicators and we will discuss philosophical views and stakeholders in the industry.
View the full module definitionRuskin 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.
In this module, you’ll be provided with a thorough understanding of the neuromusculoskeletal conditions in canines, including common tissue dysfunctions and their effects on movement. You'll be introduced to movement theories and various biomechanical analysis techniques specifically applied to canine locomotion. You'll learn to analyse the different types of motion in canines, discussing the anatomical and mechanical factors that influence movement. You’ll also cover adaptations and mechanisms specific to the canine species. The knowledge you gain will be applied to canines 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 a canine'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 canines 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 with a specific emphasis on canine health. You’ll explore the mechanisms involved in the immune response in canines and examine how microorganisms cause pathological processes in equids. You’ll also cover how mechanical tissue injury in canines can lead to local and potentially systemic inflammation. You’ll discuss key concepts in preventative medicine for canines, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, with a focus on understanding the factors that influence the efficacy and application of pharmacological agents in canine care. Key topics include pain management, mechanisms of action and strategies for addressing pain in horses. This module aims to enhance your understanding of health issues affecting dogs in different environments and situations. Travel related diseases will be explored with diseases and infections in connection with the hydrotherapy industry. Canine related vaccinations will be explored and why preventative measures are taken in the domesticated industry. Through analysing a range of academic research papers focused on canine health, you’ll deepen your understanding of real world issues faced by canines 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 canine 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 canine 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 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 a dog’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.
View the full module definitionThis module develops an understanding of the scientific principles behind physical training and the physiological factors affecting athletic performance for various canine sporting and performance disciplines, as well as in considering baseline and post-rehabilitation fitness. In this module, you’ll study the canine’s physiological responses to exercise as well as the adaptations that occur as a result of long-term physical training. This includes looking in detail at responses of the individual body systems as well as the canine athlete as a whole. You’ll cover methods of both training and performance testing, analysing the efficacy of specific training techniques, both from a performance enhancement point of view, and with regards to preventing fatigue and injury development. You’ll also explore a range of ethical training methods that should be used to ensure professional and welfare practices are maintained. You’ll critically engage with current scientific literature and recent advances in canine performance preparation, enabling you to apply the latest research to real-world training scenarios. Plus, an awareness of the impact of external factors will be developed, focusing predominantly on exercise and training in different climate conditions and thermoregulatory issues.
View the full module definitionThis 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 canines. 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 canine therapist. You’ll develop and refine your evaluation skills in relation to assessment of the canines, 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 canine 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 dogs whether in a rehabilitation or wellness programme. You’ll further develop your understanding of common pathologies and musculoskeletal dysfunctions seen in the dogs 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 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. 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.
View the full module definition