Programme Specifications

N/A

August 2024

The course aims to provide students with a broad in depth knowledge of some of the common aspects of equine, livestock and general animal science. It will then allow students to specialise within their chosen field (MSc Equine Science or MSc Livestock Science) or retain a more general approach (MSc Animal Science)

The more specific aims are:

To provide students with the technical knowledge and transferable skills required for a leading career in the field of Equine, Livestock or Animal Science, specifically, lecturing, research and development, and advisory work within the field.

To develop a detailed knowledge and systematic understanding of Equine, Livestock or Animal Science at the forefront of student’s academic specialism.

To develop an holistic view of animal anatomy, physiology and function, and its application to practice at an advanced level.

To integrate theory, experiment and investigation into practical animal management.

To develop a detailed and comprehensive understanding of animal research, its current practice, applicable techniques, future potential and application to management.

To develop an awareness of the legal, moral, ethical and social issues associated with the use of the animals for work, leisure and research.

To develop a critical and analytical approach in all aspects of study and problem solving, including the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creativity and communicate to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

A post graduate in Equine Science, Livestock Science or Animal Science should have a detailed, comprehensive and systematic knowledge and understanding of:

Animal anatomy, physiology and function at an advanced level.

The theoretical and practical application of animal biology to global management.

The factors affecting animal health, welfare, growth and development.

The nutrition of animals in relation to performance, growth and development and well being.

Reproductive management and the application of reproductive technology.

Animal behaviour and its affect upon, and interrelationship with, welfare.

The integration and application of molecular biology and animal technology to animal science.

The theoretical and practical application of scientific research.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment:
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.

10.2.1 Intellectual skills

A post graduate in Equine Science, Livestock Science or Animal Science should be able to:

Apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry.

Critically evaluate research methodologies and a variety of types of information and evidence and where appropriate propose new hypotheses.

Critically analyse information from a number of sources, including current research and advanced scholarship, in order to gain an understanding of theory and practice.

Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.

Apply knowledge and understanding to address familiar and novel problems.

Design an experiment, investigation, survey or other means to test an hypothesis or proposition.

Utilise problem-solving skills.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment:
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.

10.2.2 Professional and practical skills

A post graduate in Equine Science, Livestock Science or Animal Science should be able to:

Design, apply and analyse various research/study techniques.

Plan, conduct, and report on investigations.

Collect and record information or data in the library, laboratory or field, summarizing it appropriately.

Conceive, plan and undertake laboratory investigations in a responsible, ethical and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, animal welfare, relevant health and safety regulations, legislation concerning experimental animal use, legal requirements and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and personnel.

Communicate effectively with individuals and organisations in a range of scenarios.

Write for a range of audiences including academics, practitioners, special interest groups and the wider public.

Apply appropriate management and experimental techniques to a range of situations.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Teaching and Learning:
Practical skills are acquired and promoted through practical laboratory classes, field visits, class activities, case studies undertaken in a range of real-life situations and experimental research for the dissertation.

Assessment:
Coursework to include: the submission of scientific reports, oral presentations, research posters and essays. Students are expected to demonstrate advanced critical, interpretative and analytical skills in both their course work and written examinations. The dissertation should demonstrate student competence in practical and academic skills.

The following transferable skills will be developed and assessed in the proposed MSc Equine Science, Livestock Science or Animal Science:

Problem solving

Research skills

Communication

Improving own learning and performance

Team work

Information technology

Application of number

Personal development and career planning

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate.

Students learn and develop skills through student and tutor-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; self-directed learning, oral presentations and experimental dissertation work.