This module enables you to develop the academic, personal and transferable skills required to ensure successful study at higher education level and beyond. Personal skills such as self-awareness, resilience, mindfulness, time management, prioritisation, communication, motivation and organisation are considered and developed in conjunction with academic skills pertinent to successful further academic study. In particular, you will develop the ability to write for academic submissions, source and use reference texts correctly and learn to utilise feedback effectively to inform and improve future submissions. Aspects of employability are also addressed, including the development of presentation skills, appropriate email etiquette and an awareness of digital footprints. You will undertake a range of tasks aligned to your chosen subject area aimed at developing your skill set in a supportive environment. You are encouraged to practice skills repeatedly until you feel confident and capable of tackling future assessments.
All knowledge and theory in biology has originated from practical observation and experiment. This module underpins the subsequent science-based modules at level 4 within the remainder of your chosen degree award. It introduces key biological principles, covering the cell as the basic unit of life, an introduction to cell energetics, the variety of living organisms and the basic concepts of genetics. The development of essential laboratory skills in also introduced, with fundamental techniques; approaches to investigation; observing, obtaining, identifying and manipulating specimens all forming part of the acquired skill set. Alongside knowledge of the health and safety requirements of working in a laboratory setting, this module prepares you for further laboratory work in the remainder of your course.
This module aims to develop your mathematical confidence and competency in basic statistical analysis and methods. Within your chosen sector, you'll demonstrate the ability to manipulate numerical information, including whole number, decimal, percentages and fractional forms, while learning how to collect, interpret, analyse and present data via standard techniques. You will gain relevant skills necessary for data analysis, including correlation, arithmetic and geometric sequences, and numerical problem solving. You will understand how to utilise basic software packages effectively (such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and project management software) within your studies. Utilising the internet and Writtle's virtual learning environment, you'll become conversant with the various information and support mechanisms available to a higher education student and capable of using modern technology to support your studies and independent learning.
This module introduces you to general, organic and biochemistry in a manner that enables understanding of your chosen topic of further study, utilising examples that are relevant to your career aspirations. Focusing on key concepts, you'll consider the chemical background of a living organism, including the structure and properties of matter, what comprises energy, atomic structure and the formation of compounds. In particular, the module enables you to develop an appreciation of why chemistry fundamentals will influence understanding of subjects studied later in the degree award.
This module places previous knowledge into the context of a short exploratory project conducted in a subject area of your choice. Working independently or in groups, you will plan and undertake a short, practical experiment that contributes to your knowledge-base in your chosen area. You will then individually write-up one aspect of the results of the investigation, ensuring the use of supporting information to inform your submission. The emphasis will be on utilising skills gained in previous modules to enable a thorough investigation of the chosen topic, practicing the academic and transferable skills required for further successful study. This will include the selection of a suitable research question, the sourcing and use of relevant literature, the use of practical competencies to conduct the experiment and gather data and the use of maths and IT skills to present that data in a manner suitable for higher education submissions. Enabling you to conduct the project will also encourage the development of criticality and reflection skills, as each student will be expected to comment on improvements and alterations were the project to be repeated.
The Applied Industry Techniques module is designed to form part of the self-development in which you can begin to build a career path and gain an understanding of the professional working environment. You will undertake a range of tasks aligned to your chosen subject area aimed at developing your skill set in a supportive environment. In consultation with teaching staff, you are offered the opportunity to undertake a personally relevant work placement on campus, that relates to your own vocational aims and ambitions. This will allow you to experience this aspect of the industry and begin to develop an appreciation of the working environment. You are encouraged to practice workplace skills repeatedly until you feel confident and capable of tackling future assessments. The practical sessions aim to develop your initiative, communication with other staff members, efficiency, confidence, autonomy and competence. Skills logs document the progressive development throughout the module. You will be expected to produce a Personal Development Plan (PDP) and a subsequent reflective journal outlining your experiences within your placement. The PDP and embedded SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis will encourage you to identify your current strengths and weaknesses, the need for development in specific areas, and an increased understanding of the diversity of opportunities presented by your chosen industry. This module enables you to develop the academic, personal and transferable skills required to ensure successful study at higher education level. The latter part of this module provides an opportunity for you to explore the remainder of the placement units and thus understand all of the potential degree pathways on offer. You'll achieve this by attending ‘walk and talk’ sessions hosted by peers, plus a series of lectures from the degree tutors intended to highlight exciting and innovative subjects as taster sessions.
This module is designed to develop analytical, technological, communication and learning skills. These will be developed in an appropriate vocational context by focusing on the key features of the para-professional sector within the animal industry. This will include consideration of the types and characteristics of the individuals and organisations within the para-professional sector and the various internal and external factors which influence their activities. You will learn academic, professional and business type skills such as website creation, critical analysis, scope of practice, what makes a successful therapist and legislation surrounding the industry, However, delivery of the module aims to meet the needs of a diverse student profile and will therefore adopt a flexible approach centred around the personal development planning (PDP) process and your previous experiences. The Introduction to Professional; Skills module is intended to provide the academic, technical and personal skills essential for successful HE study and also to build confidence in the level of professional communication necessary for future employment within the para-professional sector.
This 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.
This module builds on your existing knowledge of anatomy and physiology, following on from species-specific anatomy and physiology modules. The module will make use of taught sessions, practical dissections and palpation of live animals in order to give a detailed understanding of musculoskeletal structure, including bony landmarks, muscle origins, insertions and actions. 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. Overall, this module will give a detailed appreciation of osteology, myology, arthrology and neurology.
This module will introduce you to theories relating to movement. It will cover the basic laws of motion, projectile motion and other physical theories to aid in your understanding of the kinetics and kinematics of movement. You will explore the movement of animal bodies analysing different types of motion and be able to discuss the anatomical and mechanical reasons behind the movement. This knowledge will be applied to a wide range of species and situations using both theory and practical based sessions.
This module develops your knowledge and understanding of the biochemical basis of canine nutrition. The structure of carbohydrates, proteins and fats is studied in the context of digestive physiology, energy provision and metabolism. Scientific principles are then applied to the practice of ration formulation used in feeding dogs in different life stages. This module also develops an understanding of nutrition in the context of canine health, disease and performance.
The number of dogs in the UK has risen to nearly 9 million in 2019 according to estimates by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association. The desire for breeds with exaggerated anatomical features and/or genetic behavioural drives has subsequently fuelled the demand for veterinary, remedial and behavioural therapy. This unit will therefore introduce you to canine handling, training and behaviour management. Hereditary and genetic influences on canine anatomy, behaviour, health and mental wellbeing will be considered in conjunction with canine therapies. To promote wellbeing during canine therapy sessions, a case study will be analysed to allow you to understand behavioural development and how to manage behaviour conducive to therapy and aid prevention of maladaptive or fear-based behaviour. This will involve behavioural diagnosis, reading and interpreting canine body language and implementing basic behaviour management and training techniques. Upon unit completion you will be expected to demonstrated safe and effective working practices around a range of dog types/breeds; including assessment of behaviour and risks.
Canine physical therapy is widely used to manage both companion and athletic/working dogs. It includes maintaining performance, enhancing wellness and optimising rehabilitation following injury/surgery, or to manage an ongoing condition. The therapist requires a high level of academic knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, including correct function and dysfunction. It also requires practical skills such as empathetic handling and therapeutic techniques, to formulate a safe and effective program. This module will be an introduction into the canine therapy industry which will explore the available careers in canine therapy and the multidisciplinary team that therapists may be associated with. The idea of ‘working as a therapist’ and what forms a therapist's session will be discussed. A broad range of concepts will be addressed for a career in canine therapy, which will be introduced through using both theory-based lectures and hands-on practical sessions. The module will consolidate safe and therapeutic handling skills that are necessary when animals are distressed, in pain or compensating for injury as interpreting a dog's body language is key. Safe and correct handling skills will also be important in relation to assessment. It will also enable you to identify signs of good or poor health. You will be introduced to canine sports/disciplines/roles and understanding the common injuries/pathologies that may occur. You'll have the opportunity to understand a brief static and dynamic assessment on a variety of dogs and discuss your findings. The module also aims to begin developing skills in palpation. The module should begin development of lateral thinking and skills of interpretation, particularly in relating static, dynamic and palpatory assessments. You will be introduced to some simple massage techniques and begin to understand the effects of massage. Canine sports and working dogs will also be explored and understanding common injuries that may occur. Basic first aid training will be provided, and you will be given the opportunity to obtain a recognised qualification, which will later be required for the hydrotherapy qualification.
This module is intended to develop professional and managerial skills in an integrated way in the context of your career aspirations, industry sector and academic discipline. It is intended that the flexibility of this module will allow you to prepare for the workplace and obtain the genetic career-specific skills highlighted by the workplace. It has been highlighted by the workplace that students leaving higher education are not equipped with generic employment skills, and for those entering self employment, almost half of businesses in the animal and equine sector fail in their first year. In continuing with their personal development planning (PDP) and/or analysis of their chosen business, you will gain a deeper understanding of the need for the development of professional and managerial skills within your industry sector, and the importance of business planning. The module supports the career development learning outcomes described in Course Programme Specifications and content will be tailored to each specific course. You will contextualise your learning through workshops, talks from professionals, and assessment of skills reports and journals. You are encouraged to put your learning in to practice by engaging in PDP and performing work experience outside of the module, and/or completing business planning exercises included website creation. You are encouraged to continuously relate back to your chosen industry, and to identify realistic and satisfactory career goals, and the skills development and knowledge acquisition that will be necessary to achieve these, to understand your eventual role.
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.
It is important for the canine therapist to be able to identify the main pathologies that can affect dogs. The identification and management of pain is also an essential skill for these professionals. This module will introduce you to the main principles of pathophysiology with a strong focus on concepts and categorization of disorders that affect the musculoskeletal and neurological system. You will explore the mechanisms involved in immune response and examine how pathological processes and mechanical tissue injury leads to local and possibly systemic inflammation. The principles of preventative medicine, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will be discussed in order to understand the main factors affecting the efficacy and applications of a range of pharmacological agents. Pain and pain management will be strongly discussed with focus on pain pathways, pain management, multimodal analgesia, and complementary pain management methods.
This module develops an understanding of the scientific principles behind physical training and the physiological factors affecting athletic performance. Emphasis is placed on the physiological responses to exercise as well as the adaptations that occur as a result of long-term physical training. The module will look in detail at responses of the individual body systems as well as the athlete as a whole. Methods of both training and performance testing will be covered and the efficacy of specific training techniques discussed. Recent advances and techniques in the preparation for performance will be discussed with regard to the literature.
This module aims to concentrate on a variety of factors that are important to the canine therapist when assessing the patient for therapeutic intervention. Canine therapists must be able to assess extrinsic factors such as use of training aids, surfaces used for sport and racing practices and their direct influence on the performance of the canine patient. You will explore the behavioral patterns of the dogs and how they interact in both their natural and domesticated environment, to include welfare considerations and stress factors to the patient. As a canine therapist, it is essential to be able to assess canine behavior and how presenting behavior/learnt behavior patterns can directly affect performance. Environmental influences such as housing, husbandry, handling and training methods, to include care of the post-operative canine patient will also be explored. Clinical nutrition will be evaluated and to include nutrition programs for a range of disciplines and disorders.
You will continue to develop your observational skills and link this to functionality prior to therapeutic intervention; this module begins to develop your observational skills in static and dynamic assessment and also includes assessment of Range of Motion and spinal function. The importance of the animal therapist is emphasised in relation to enhancing muscle function using a variety of techniques. To do this, a therapist must develop through observation and touch, the ability to recognise tension, restrictions and changes in muscle tone. There will be a chance to work with animals using a range of manual therapies to include massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, passive stretching and mobilisation amongst others to begin developing these important skills. It is also essential for a massage therapist to recognise when other modalities may be needed to enhance physiological and psychological repair. Lecture/demonstrations for chiropractic, therapy will be included in the module to enhance existing knowledge and gain an understanding of the concepts behind physical, energetic and healing therapies. Whilst carrying out empathetic therapy the recognition of pain is essential and you will learn how pain mechanism work within the nervous system and how to read both subtle and more obvious body language as animals use compensatory mechanisms to deal with low-grade and chronic pain in a variety of ways including behavioural changes, depression and musculoskeletal bracing.
Hydrotherapy is becoming highly popular as part of physical therapy to improve the dog's wellbeing by addressing function imbalance and promoting fitness, enhancing the performance of the athlete or as part of a post-surgical programme, or to manage specific chronic or degenerative conditions. This module is an introduction to small animal hydrotherapy and will focus on the understanding of the referral system as it is a legal obligation to work with the vet surgeon's approval. You will also learn how to fit hydrotherapy equipment, and how to evaluate the suitability/unsuitability of an animal for treatment. Furthermore, you will explore water management and the functions of pool plant and equipment, water chemistry and the relationship of the various chemicals used. Throughout the module, you will take part in canine therapy clinics which develop your practical skills and begin to develop industry experience.
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 is designed to give you an appreciation of movement analysis. The module focuses on equine and canine biomechanics but also draws on research carried out on other species. The musculoskeletal system is examined with respect to its biomechanical properties in order to understand how locomotion is generated, maintained and arrested. A large part of this module will investigate different ways of analysing movement in animals through both visual assessment and the use of technology to directly measure biomechanical variables.
This module will discuss the intrinsic and extrinsic elements that effect health and performance in animals. A range of injuries associated with different activities will be studied. This includes discussion of up to date diagnostic procedures, veterinary and complementary therapies including surgical techniques, rehabilitation methods and prevention. The use of drugs and nutraceuticals as a therapeutics and as performance enhancers will be analysed. Equestrian disciplines such as racing, eventing, showjumping, dressage and endurance are associated with stress on different limbs and physiological systems of the horse. It is important for the equine graduate to understand the injuries and conditions that horses that they work with are likely to be predisposed to, how to minimise risk and what treatments are likely to be offered if it occurs. In addition to the differing stresses that occur to the horse's limbs and physiological systems when being trained and competed in different equestrian disciplines this module will also look at a wide variety of activities that dogs take part in that may result in sports injuries and diseases. These activities include dog agility, fly ball, gun dogs, sheep dogs, racing greyhounds and pet dogs. A veterinary physiotherapist needs to know what injuries are likely to occur during different activities, what predisposes an animal to these injuries and conditions and what treatments and therapies they could receive both from a vet and other para-professionals. Some of the conditions studied in this module will include joint pathologies in the horse such as side bone, ringbone and bone spavin; joint conditions in the dog such as elbow and hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament rupture; spinal conditions including kissing spines and disk disease.
This module draws together many of the skills taught in previous modules and enables you to develop a deeper practical understanding of the scientific and technical issues surrounding therapeutic intervention for the dog. Through both lectures and practical sessions you will develop the theoretical knowledge and practical application skills to be both effective and competent when applying manual therapies with in scope of practice for the canine therapist. You will gain better evaluation skills in relation to static and dynamic assessment of the dog and it 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. Case history taking and record keeping will be developed to evidence a clear and succinct approach to the overall assessment of the canine patient. You will be assessed using assignments, observed structured clinical exams (OSCEs) and case study reports where you should demonstrate the skills required to apply therapeutic reasoning and to improve the outcome for the dog whether in a rehabilitation or wellness programme. You will further develop your understanding of common pathologies and musculoskeletal dysfunctions seen in the dog and learn how to tailor individual massage treatments to address or improve these issues. You should be able to draw from modules such as Functional Anatomy, Animal Therapeutic Techniques and Extrinsic Factors Affecting Canine Performance to integrate physiology, rehabilitation and subsequent return to work.
Hydrotherapy is becoming highly popular as part of physical therapy to improve a dog’s wellbeing by promoting fitness, enhancing performance, as part as a post-surgical programme or to manage chronic/degenerative conditions. This module will build on the Canine Hydrotherapy module and will offer a deeper understanding of the techniques and approaches used by hydrotherapists. The module will focus on how the underwater treadmill differs to the pool, how to manage the patient and how to interact with the dog during treatment. It will also involve the completion of the patient’s record and documentation. Professional and ethical working is another key skill developed in this module in relation to treatment, aftercare and working with other professionals from the MDT. Finally, anatomy, physiology and common conditions will be revisited to ensure a deeper understanding of their effects on the dog, secondary complications that can occur, how they may affect a hydrotherapy session and on the decision making involved.
This module allows you to explore current welfare issues in the animal industry both in the UK and abroad. Topics discussed may range from deaths on the racetrack to the ethics of veterinary treatment to genetically modified animals. Methods of measuring welfare objectively will be discussed. Comparisons will be made between management decisions based on scientific principles and those based on traditional or emotional values. The role of welfare organisations as well as the different types of legislation and codes of practice will be studied. Different philosophical viewpoints will be analysed and the ethics of keeping animals for human benefit will be considered. Ideas in this module will be explored through a variety of methods including seminars, journal club activities and lectures as well as giving students the opportunity to debate relevant issues.