Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal
Management
Course Handbook
2014 – 2015
Programme Manager: Louise Reynolds
Bicton College, East Budleigh, Budleigh Salterton, Devon, EX9 7BY
Telephone: 01395 562300
Email: customerservices@bicton.ac.uk
Website: www.bicton.ac.uk
Welcome to Bicton College.
Congratulations on having obtained a place on this course
Dear Student
On behalf of the Animal Care Department, I would like to take this opportunity of
welcoming you to Bicton College and trust that your time here will prove both an
enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Your first few days at college may be difficult with the large influx of new students, the
strange surroundings and the many new people and situations you will meet. Do not
be alarmed! In a month’s time you will be surprised how comfortable you’ll feel, and
how much at home you are here. A great network of support is already in place to
help you adapt, feel at home and above all learn from the experience. You will soon
be in control of your own learning and wonder why you were concerned in the first
place!
During your time here you will be supported by a course tutor and the course team.
You will be given the opportunity to get to know all of the team tutors on the course,
including your course tutor within the next few weeks. We are here to help you and
wish to do so. The first week of the course will be used for introductions and
acclimatisation. i.e. we will get to know you personally and you will get to know us
and the other members of your group.
The next few pages will hopefully give you an insight into the course content,
assessment protocol etc. Please read it carefully and feel free to ask any questions
you wish.
Again, welcome to Bicton
Yours faithfully
(Louise Reynolds)
2
Help is at Hand – useful contacts
We do not expect you to do all this on your own. The Animal Care tutors and the College are
committed to giving every student every opportunity to achieve the Extended Diploma in
Animal Management. If you are having any problems there is always somebody who can
help.
1.
Programme Manager
Louise Reynolds
Confused about timetables, want to know generally how you
are doing, got to go home for a couple of days couple of days?
All these questions and more can be answered by your
Programme Manager.
2.
Personal Tutor
Louise Reynolds
Need a friendly ear about being away from home, need a job
reference, want to know how you can get better grades,
money is a bit of a problem? Your Personal Tutor is here to
make your time at College as trouble-free as possible.
Tutorials are scheduled throughout the year but, if you have a
problem at other times, please come and see us.
3.
Academic Tutors
Really don’t understand an assignment, want to know where
to find some information, how to get those good grades, what
was that lecture all about? Each of your tutors is a specialist in
their subject. They all want you to do well. Talk to them if you
don’t understand something. They are human!
College Open Day and Country Fair / Lambing Sunday
Every year the College has events such as Open Day and Lambing Sunday when the whole
of the College is on show to friends, families and the general public. A great deal of hard
work is required before, during and after these events to make them a success. Preparations
begin well in advance of the day but the majority of work is completed in the week
beforehand and all students are expected to assist. You will also be expected to attend on
the day between 9 and 5 and carry out the duties allocated to you. A rota will be organised
for the day so that everyone will have time to look around the other areas of the college, or
meet and spend time with their friends and families. This is an excellent opportunity to gain
experience of team work and dealing with the public.
In the past, the Animal Care learners have organised events such as a dog show, bug
handling and grooming demonstrations. The Animal Care Centre is, of course, on show and
is generally very popular with the visitors. Some learners may be asked to carry out tasks
elsewhere in the college such as in catering, selling raffle tickets or helping with parking.
Lambing Sunday is on Sunday 22nd March 2015
3
Department team list
Sue Merrett
Georgia Cooper
Louise Reynolds
Caz Addy
Bekki Mayhew
Justine Janes
Jill Partiss
Janet Litten
Katie Leyman
Tania Yelland
Chloe Smith
Academy Head
Section Lead
Programme Manager/ Personal Tutor/ Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer
Chloe Edgeworth
Nicky Connett
Head Curator
Assistant head curator
Jane Jennings
Oliver Force
Kate Jolly
Elliott Hamilton
Assistant curator instructor
Assistant curator instructor
Assistant curator instructor
Assistant curator instructor
4
Programme Structure
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management is made up of several
different areas of study called units. You will do a total of 18 units during this course,
some based entirely on Animal Care and some looking at general skills that you will
need whilst working in the industry. Details on these units can be found further down
the handbook.
Methods of Delivery
A wide variety of teaching and learning methods will be used based on:














the need for an active, student centred ‘hands-on’ experimental approach
relevant work related activities
flexible course timetables
students taking responsibility for their learning along with the course team
a totally integrated approach to teaching and learning
involving employers when possible in achievement of aims and objectives
fully utilising the College’s own learning resources
the use of visual aids and simulation to assist students to learn more
effectively
the use of core themes to ensure coherence of the programme
maximising the use of students experience at work
using facilities offered by the industry
increasingly challenging learning activities as the course progresses
individualised activities for those who need additional support
using flexible learning packages when appropriate to the learning
outcomes
In order to meet the aims of the award, the delivery of the programme will be carried
out through a variety of methods.
Lectures
Technical subjects will be undertaken through lectures and class teaching sessions.
These periods form the basic method of delivery of factual information and subject
principles. Lectures are illustrated with full use of visual and audio aids.
Laboratory and Workshop Sessions
Use of on-site facilities will be made to demonstrate technical and scientific aspects
of subjects and applied principles through investigation and examination of materials
and specimens.
Practical Instruction
Teaching and support staff will conduct instruction sessions in all subject areas to
initially demonstrate practical tasks and skills inclusive of step-by-step analysis and
then supervised student participation. In this way all students will gain a basic ability
and those with specific previous practical experience should be able to improve their
5
standard of performance and aim to achieve proficiency. Practical skills will be
assessed.
Assignments
Throughout the course each subject tutor will set a series of assignments, within a
planned pattern. These will require the student to research the subject by way of
library facilities, book and non-book material, reference to the industry and trade
organisations, technical establishments and field observations. In this way each
student can produce work at their own pace in their own way, but present it in a form
that is acceptable and understood by the reader. This develops an ability to find
answers to problems on their own initiative and a sense of personal achievement.
Projects
These allow a subject to be studied in greater depth and will be set to complement
the assignment and practical programme.
Porfolio
Your portfolio will be used to collect together all of the assessed work that you have
completed including assignments, Guest Speaker forms, Visit forms, report forms and
so on. You will be issued with an index for your portfolio and it will be called in from
time to time by your Programme Manager, personal tutor, Internal or External course
Verifier.
Visits
A programme of technical and educational visits will be provided within the timetable.
The majority will be of a technical nature, so that students may see and observe
different methods and practices. Attendance is compulsory for all trips specifically
arranged for your course of study, as they will form a planned part of your learning
programme.
Most trips will have assignment or assessment work specifically associated with
them. In other words they will be used for research purposes for assignments.
Seminars and Guest Speakers
From time to time, both as a timetabled exercise and as an extra curricular activity,
seminars will be arranged for debate and detailed discussion on specific subjects. In
this way students will receive a lead from the lecturer or visiting speaker and then
participate actively in discussion, thus developing personal speaking attributes.
It may be possible for you to attend sessions planned with guest speakers for other
courses within the school if space and your timetable allows. Any possibility will be
posted on the School of Animal Care notice board within the Learning Resources
Centre. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis provided you are
free or have permission to attend.
Attendance is compulsory for all guest speaker sessions specifically arranged for
your course of study, as they will form a planned part of your learning programme.
Most guest speakers will have been arranged to allow you to gain additional
information for assignment or assessment work specifically associated with them. In
other words they will be used for research purposes for assignments.
6
Core Units Year 1
Unit 1: Understand and Promote Animal Health
This unit provides an introduction to animal health and immunity whilst developing
knowledge of agents of disease and disease prevention. Common health problems
and first aid treatment will also be reviewed. The following areas will be covered:
 Be able to recognise indicators of health in animals
 Understand common diseases and disorders, their treatment and prevention
 Be able to promote and maintain the health and wellbeing of animals
 Be able to deliver and record basic animal treatments
Unit 2: Understand the Principles of Animal Biology
This unit supplements the anatomy and physiology taught in unit 3 and provides
underpinning knowledge for other science-based units. The following areas will be
covered:
 Know the functions of the main animal cell organelles
 Understand the structure and function of the main animal tissue types
 Know the structure and function of animal skeletal systems
 Know the structure and function of sensory organs in animals.
Unit 3: Understand Animal Anatomy and Physiology
This unit is designed to introduce the systems of the animal body together with the
principles of animal science and apply them to the husbandries and management
skills involved in the rearing and routine care of a range of different animals. The
following areas will be covered:
 Know the structure and functions of biological systems in animals
 Know animal reproductive processes
 Understand the biological control mechanisms in animals.
 Understand how an animal’s body structure and systems are adapted to its
 environment
Unit 4: Undertake Animal Handling and Safe Working
This unit aims to provide learners with an understanding of the principles of animal
handling and safe working and how these can be applied in practice. The learner will
gain an understanding of the health and safety implications of handling, restraining
and moving animals. The learner will display how to handle and restrain a number of
animals. The learner will also carry out practical animal grooming for different
animals. The following areas will be covered:
 Be able to handle and restrain animals
 Be able to move animals
 Be able to groom animals
 Understand how to work safely with animals.
7
Unit 5: Plan and Monitor Animal Feeding
Learners will be able to describe the requirements for a balanced animal diet,
provide the appropriate food to animals and monitor and record the effects of
feeding and watering animals. Learners will understand how different feeding and
watering regimes affect animals. The following areas will be covered:
 Be able to plan diets and feeding regimes for animals
 Be able to monitor the feeding of animals
 Understand the planning and monitoring of animal feeding regimes
Unit 6: Manage Animal Accommodation
The learner will be able to plan and select suitable accommodation for animals. They
will be able to prepare animal housing and maintain it in a suitable condition. The
learner will evaluate animal accommodation, report the findings and make
recommendations. The following areas will be covered:
 Know how to plan the accommodation of animals
 Be able to prepare and maintain accommodation for animals
 Be able to monitor and evaluate accommodation for animals.
Unit 8: Undertake and Review Work Related Experience in the Land-based
Industry
This unit aims to develop important general skills and abilities for employment and to
analyse personal development. Work-placement experience of at least 7 weeks is an
essential part of this unit and will be used to demonstrate ability to:
 Understand the opportunities in the environmental and land-based sector
 Be able to prepare for a work-based experience in the environmental and
land-based industry
 Be able to undertake a work-based experience in the environmental and landbased industry
 Be able to review a work-based experience in the environmental and landbased sector
Unit 10: Understand the Principles of Animal Nutrition
This unit provides knowledge of how appropriate feedstuffs can be used for a range
of different animal species. Balanced nutrition and adequate intake of essential
dietary nutrients is recognised as being necessary for animal health, reproduction
and wellbeing. The following areas are assessed within this unit:
 Understand the functions of the main components of an animal’s diet
 Understand the nutritional values and properties of different food types
 Understand the feeding requirements of animals to ensure they receive a
balanced diet
 Know common animal nutritional problems.
8
Unit 13: Understand and Interpret Animal Behaviour and Communication
This unit provides an insight into the behaviour of various animal species and the
links between an animal’s environment and its behaviour. It will also explore how
animal behaviour can be modified over time. The following areas will be covered:
 Understand behaviour patterns in animals
 Be able to interpret animal behaviour
 Understand the factors influencing behaviour
 Understand animal communication.
Unit 14: Understand Animal Welfare and Breed Development
This unit develops knowledge of animal evolution and the development of breeds for
specific purposes. In addition, the learner will investigate welfare issues, legislation
and animal relationships with humans and the environment. The following areas will
be covered:
 Understand animal evolution and the development of domestic breeds
 Understand the roles of animals in human society
 Know current UK animal welfare legislation
 Understand the roles and aims of animal welfare organisations
Core Units – Year 2
There are three pathways you can choose from and these have 6 core subjects
(Unit 7 is compulsory to all pathways) you will also be given a selection of
options to choose from to make up 9 units for your second year (these
pathways are subject to change):
Animal Business
Unit 7 - Investigative project
Unit 9 - Business management
Unit 15 - Pet store management
Unit 22 - Kennel and cattery management
Unit 17 - Aquatic management
Unit 20 - Wildlife management
Animal Practical
Unit 7 - Investigative project
Unit 21 - Farm livestock management
Unit 18 – Exotic management
Unit 29 - Animal training
Unit 24 - Estate skills
Unit 31 - Zoological husbandry
Animal Science
Unit 7 - Investigative project
Unit 9 - Business management
Unit 11 - Animal Nursing
Unit 19 - Ecology & conservation
Unit 32 - Breeding and genetics
Unit 16 - Biochemistry and microbiology
See below for a synopsis
9
Unit 7: Undertake an Investigative Project in the land-based sector
This unit is designed to give learners the opportunity to specialise within an area that
interests them. The study may be group or individual but the project will be
essentially practical in nature. The project will require decision making and should
integrate and apply elements from many different units on the course. To achieve
the unit a learner must:
 Be able to identify and research a suitable topic for an investigative project in
the environmental and land-based sector
 Be able to plan for an investigative project in the environmental and landbased sector
 Be able to carry out an investigative project in the environmental and landbased sector
 Be able to report on an investigative project in the environmental and landbased sector
Unit 21: Understand and Carry Out Farm Livestock Husbandry
This unit provides the knowledge and skills required for both handling and day-to-day
management of farm livestock. Animal welfare, health and safety and environmental
issues will be stressed during the delivery of this unit.
This unit includes:
 Understand the production systems for farm livestock
 Be able to carry out handling techniques for farm livestock
 Understand the environmental conditions required for farm livestock
 Understand the feed and water requirements of farm livestock
Unit 9: Business Management in the Environmental and Land-based Sector
This unit is designed look at the aspects and issues surrounding the successful
operation of land based industries. The following areas are assessed within this unit:
 Know the breadth and importance of an industry in the environmental and land
based sector
 Understand business resources and structures
 Understand the business marketplace
 Be able to use financial and physical record keeping systems
Unit 11: Understand the Principles and Undertake the Practice of Animal
Nursing
This unit is designed for learners who are attracted to a career in animal nursing
within a veterinary practice or any animal welfare/animal care organisation or facility.
Correct use of animal nursing procedures and management of facilities is essential to
ensure good animal welfare and recovery, financial viability and in the observance of
legal requirements. It provides useful background knowledge and practical skills for
learners who wish to progress to veterinary nursing qualifications. You will cover the
following:
 Be able to care for in-patients
 Understand veterinary practice procedures and equipment
 Understand veterinary practice design and layout
 Understand the principles of client care in veterinary practice.
10
Unit 15: Undertake Pet Store Design and Animal Management
This unit describes the importance of excellent livestock and non-livestock product
information knowledge and sound customer service skills are paramount to a
successful store. This unit includes:
 Be able to design a pet store
 Know the sources of livestock and non-livestock products found in a pet store
 Understand the husbandry requirements of animals sold in pet stores
 Understand the importance of marketing for a pet store.
Unit 16: Understand the Principles and Carry out the Practice of Biochemistry
and Microbiology
This unit provides an introduction to the principles of biochemistry and microbiology.
An understanding of cellular chemistry allows learners to appreciate the physiological
demands on animals body, particularly knowledge of the macromolecules and
cellular energy production. Also an awareness of micro-organisms is important to
fully ascertain their impact on both the environmental and physiological management
of an animal. This unit includes:
 Know the principles of biochemistry in relation to cellular structure and function
 Understand the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) from glucose by
aerobic and anaerobic respiration
 Understand enzyme kinetics
 Understand the growth and reproduction of bacteria, viruses and fungi
 Know the hazards & uses of microorganisms
Unit 17: Understand the Principles of Aquatics Husbandry and Management
This unit provides the technical knowledge and practical skills for the upkeep of fish
stocks and the aquaria and ponds in which they live. Animal welfare and health and
safety will be stressed during the delivery of this unit.
This unit includes:
 Understand commonly kept fish species and aspects of their biology
 Understand foods and feeding techniques for aquatic species
 Understand how to develop and maintain aquatic systems
 Know the main fish diseases and causes of ill health
Unit 18: Understand the Principles and Carry out the Practice of Exotic Animal
Health and Husbandry
This unit provides the knowledge and skills required to successfully maintain a range
of exotic species in captivity. Animal welfare and health and safety issues will be
stressed during the delivery of this unit.
This unit includes:
 Understand the responsibilities and health and welfare requirements
associated with exotic animal species
 Know the health and welfare requirements of exotic animal species
 Be able to prepare accommodation and feeding regimes for exotic animal
species
 Be able to handle, restrain and transport exotic animal species
11
Unit 19: Understand the Principles of Wildlife Populations, Ecology and
Conservation
This unit explores the fundamental principles that govern the relationships between
organisms and their environment. It provides the background knowledge that is
necessary to help learners appreciate the ecological interactions that will help them
to manage natural resources with efficiency and sensitivity.
This unit includes:
 Understand changes in global ecosystems
 Understand national and international conservation strategies for wildlife and
their habitats
 Understand population dynamics
 Be able to conduct field studies of habitats and wildlife populations
Unit 20: Understand and Undertake Wildlife Management and Rehabilitation
This unit provides the knowledge and practical skills related to the assessment,
nursing, rehabilitation and release of native wild animals.
This unit includes:
 Be able to carry out wildlife population monitoring
 Be able to rehabilitate wildlife
 Understand wildlife and human interaction
 Know how to manage wild animal populations
Unit 22: Undertake Kennel and Cattery Management
This unit provides an overview of working with cats and dogs in catteries and
kennels. It gives learners an insight into the design and management of these
establishments along with consideration of behaviour and training and additional
services that may be offered.
This unit includes:
 Understand different designs and facilities of kennels and catteries
 Be able to admit animals to a kennel or cattery and follow administrative
procedures
 Be able to carry out animal husbandry and specialist animal management
techniques in a kennel or cattery.
Unit 23: Undertake Dog Grooming
This unit provides an overview of working within an animal grooming parlour and
gives learners an insight into the management of this type of establishment, with the
emphasis being placed on practical bathing and grooming techniques.
This unit includes:
 Be able to prepare dogs for styling
 Understand the use of grooming equipment and maintenance requirements
 Be able to remove excess coat by electrical and non-electrical equipment
 Be able to trim dog paws and pads
12
Unit 24: Undertake Estate Skills
This unit is as broad as possible to allow for regional variations and needs, for
flexibility in working conditions and for varying environments.
This unit includes:
 Be able to construct, repair or maintain boundaries
 Be able to construct, repair or maintain structures
 Be able to construct, repair or maintain surfaces
 Be able to carry out practical habitat management work
Unit 29: Undertake Animal Training
This unit provides an understanding of the principles of animal training and how these
can be put into practice.
This unit includes:
 Be able to assess animal behaviour
 Know how to apply training aids within a training programme
 Be able to train an animal
 Understand the success of animal training programmes
Unit 31: Understand the principles of Zoological Animal Health and Husbandry
This unit provides an understanding of the principles of zoo animal health and
husbandry and how these can be put into practice.
This unit includes:
 Understand the housing and accommodation requirements of zoo animals
 Know the techniques and equipment required for competent restraint of zoo
animals
 Understand the importance of health and welfare of zoo animals
 Understand the essential features of nutrition and feeding of zoo animals
Unit 32: Understand the principles of Animal Breeding and Genetics
This unit provides an understanding of the principles of animal breeding and genetics
This unit includes:
 Understand the principles of inheritance
 Know how to manage breeding stock
 Know how to manage young animals
 Understand the uses of reproductive technology
13
Calculating Grades
All units must be completed to a pass to achieve the qualification.
Calculation of the qualification grade
Pass qualification grade
Learners who achieve the minimum eligible credit value specified by the rule of combination
will achieve the qualification at pass grade.
Qualification grades above pass grade
Learners will be awarded a merit or distinction or distinction* qualification grade (or
combination of these grades appropriate to the qualification) by the aggregation of points
gained through the successful achievement of individual units. The number of points
available is dependent on the unit level and grade achieved, and the credit size of the unit.
Points available for credits achieved at different QCF Levels and unit grades
The table below shows the number of points scored per credit at the unit level and grade.
Points per credit
Unit QCF level
Level 3
Pass
Merit
Distinction
70
80
90
Learners who achieve the correct number of points within the ranges shown in the
‘qualification grade’ table will achieve the qualification merit or distinction or distinction* grade
(or combinations of these grades appropriate to the qualification).
Qualification grade
BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma
Points range above pass Grade
460-499
500-519
520 and above
Merit M
Distinction D
Distinction* D*
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Points range above pass Grade
1300-1339
1340-1379
1380-1419
1420-1459
1460-1499
1500-1529
1530-1559
1560-1589
1590 and above
MPP
MMP
MMM
DMM
DDM
DDD
DDD*
DD*D*
D*D*D*
14
Suggested Reading
You are advised to familiarise yourself with all of the material available in the
Learning Resource Centre. Aim to use a wide variety of information sources to
broaden your knowledge and depth of understanding and to help you complete
assignment work. These should include books, CDRoms, publications, leaflets and
the Internet.
The following material is suggested reading to get you started!
Blood, D.C., Studdert, V.P., 1994, Bailliere’s Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 4th
edition, London
Dorit, R.L., Walker, W.F.W., Barnes, R.D., Zoology, Saunders College Publishers
Kelly, N., Wills, J., 1996, Manual of Companion Animal Nutrition and Feeding, BSAVA
Lane, D.R., Cooper, B., Veterinary Nursing, Pergamon
Manning, A., Stamp-Dawkins, M., An Introduction to Animal Behaviour, Cambridge University
Press
McDonald, P., Edwards, R.A., Greenhalgh, J.F.D. 1996, Animal Nutrition, 5th edition,
Longman
Phillips, W.D., Chilton, T.J., 1996, A level Biology, Oxford University Press
Roberts, M.B.V., 1986, Biology a Functional Approach, 4th edition, Nelson
Rowland, M., Biology, Nelson
Schmidt-Neilson, K., Animal Physiology, Adaptations and Environment,
Cambridge
University Press

 Blacks Veterinary Dictionary, 1994, 4th edition
Pet Store Management Course Study Manual, Pet Care Trust
NB: other editions may also be available in the library, whenever possible refer to the most
recent editions available.
Periodicals
Biological Sciences Review
BBC Wildlife
Kennel and Cattery Management
CDRoms
Microsoft Encarta Encyclopaedia
Websites
www.hillspet.com
www.waltham.com
www.petcare.org.uk
www.paigntonzoo.co.uk
www.rspca.org.uk
www.provet.co.uk
www.rabbit.org
15
Equipment
You will need to provide safety boots and an animal house coat for work in the
Animal Care Centre.
There may be times when a boiler suit is required for example, Farm livestock
practical’s.
When you go out of the classroom for practical’s or trips you will need to wear
sensible shoes and are advised to take a coat.
Animal Care Unit Rules and Regulations
All normal college policies will apply whilst you are on the unit, but the following list
details more specific rules which must be followed at all times.












No animal will be handled unless in the presence of either a member of
the curatorial staff or lecturing staff.
No smoking, eating or drinking at any times within the animal care unit.
Dress appropriately and always wear an overcoat and safety boots when
working in the animal unit.
Do not wear jewellery, watches, nail varnish or have long fingernails.
Keep long hair tied back at all times.
Always wash hands on entering and leaving the animal care unit with hot
water and soap.
Any accident, however minor, must be reported to a member of staff
immediately, and the accident record book, kept in reception area, must be
completed.
Unless personnel occupy the unit, doors must be kept locked at all times.
Authorised personnel only allowed in the unit.
No students are allowed into the isolation unit.
Always handle the animals with care and consideration ( follow given
instructions and guidelines)
You must always behave in an adult and mature manner. Unacceptable
behaviour will NOT be tolerated and students will be asked to leave the animal
care unit.
16