UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Programme Specification
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she
passes the programme. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning
and assessment methods of each module can be found in the programme handbook. The accuracy of the
information contained in this specification is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality
Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
Degree and Programme Title: HNC/HND Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation
1. Awarding Institution/Body
University of Kent
2. Teaching Institution
Canterbury College
3. School responsible for management of the
School of Biosciences, University of Kent
programme
4. Teaching Site
Canterbury College
5. Mode of Delivery
Full-time
6. Programme accredited by
7. Final Award
Higher National Certificate
Higher National Diploma
8. Programme
Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation
9. UCAS Code (or other code)
10. Credits/ECTS Value
240 Credits (120 ECTS)
11. Study Level
HNC L4 (c)
HND L5 (I)
12. Relevant QAA subject benchmarking
Biosciences 2007
group(s)
13. Date of creation/revision
2nd July 2014
14. Intended Start Date of Delivery of this
September 2014
Programme
15. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme aims to:

provide an educational foundation for a range of careers in animal biology and wildlife conservation

provide specialised studies directly relevant to individual vocations and professions related to animal
biology and wildlife conservation

enable students to make an immediate contribution in employment

provide flexibility, knowledge, practical skills and motivation as a basis for career development, future
studies and progression to degree programmes

develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful
performance in working life

enable progression to further HE study in related areas

foster a capacity in students to critically assess evidence from a range of programme-related topics and
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
areas of study

develop the research and analytical skills of students

develop students’ knowledge and understanding of animal science topics and foster an ability to analyse
and evaluate scientific information and data relating to the modules

introduce students to a range of contemporary and emerging subjects in the field of animal-related science
and encourage independent study and research to further expand on this learning
16 Programme Outcomes
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and
understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas. The programme outcomes have
references to the subject benchmarking statement for Biosciences 2007.
A. Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. The interdisciplinary nature of the processes and mechanisms of animal life, (SBS 2.1, 2.3.)
2. The influence and threats on animal and environmental systems of human activities and expansion; and
the conservation and sustainability strategies that can be adopted in response, (SBS 3.5.)
3. A range of biological principles, classification systems and nomenclature and its application to Animal
biology and wildlife conservation, (SBS 2.1.)
4. Methods of collecting, interpreting and utilising scientific data and business data in a range of situations,
(SBS 2.2, 2.6, 3.2, 3.4.)
5. Some of the key current developments and debates in Animal Conservation, their applications and relating
ethical and legal issues and concerns , (SBS 3.5.)
6. Animal husbandry and welfare, including aspects such as legal, ethical, planning, good practice and
techniques, nutrition, transportation and accommodation
7. Agents, life cycles, identification, characteristics and routes of transmission for a number of common
diseases, bacteria, protozoa, viruses , (SBS 2.1.)
8. Animal behaviour, physiological responses and control, evolutionary significance of behaviour, theories of
conditioning and learning in animals; importance of behaviours , (SBS 2.3.)
9. The conservation of global biodiversity, the impact of production, trade and biotechnology and factors that
may threaten global biodiversity, (SBS 3.3.)
10. Surveying wildlife for conservation, (SBS 3.4.)
Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated
Lead lecturers; tutor-led tutorials; student and tutor led seminars, problem-based learning scenarios and
laboratory practical work are a key tool for teaching and learning. Independent and directed research and
reading will further deepen knowledge and understanding. Students will be encouraged to reflect on and
evaluate ideas and concepts.
Case study analysis of animals and related situations on and off site will provide students with the opportunity
to reflect on theories and principles and apply them.
Assessment:
Progress will be assessed by formal written assignments, presentations, coursework, laboratory work and
portfolios. Progress will be monitored and tracked through regular tutorials.
Skills and Other Attributes
B. Intellectual Skills:
1. Recognise and apply specific theories and principles in order to describe and classify, e.g. relationships,
physical characteristics, environments, best practices, (SBS 3.2.)
2. Apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems and situations
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3. Recognise moral, ethical and legal issues and appreciate the need for ethical standards and codes of
conduct, (SBS 3.2, 3.5.)
4. Evaluate the control and prevention of common diseases; the disease potential of animal facilities;
specialist nursing and current veterinary techniques, technology and equipment; specialist requirements
for wildlife, (SBS 2.8.)
5. Principles of food analysis, determining nutritional requirements, role of nutrition in health and diet-related
diseases, (SBS 2.8, 3.2.)
6. Explore reproductive anatomy, modern reproductive principles, technology and techniques in animal
breeding; merits, disadvantages and conflicting viewpoints, assessing breeding potential and common
problems, (SBS 3.2.)
7. Planning an investigation: managing the project, effective data gathering and analysis, criteria for success.
Evaluating the investigation: interpret and justify results, draw logical and valid conclusions and present
findings, (SBS 2.6, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10.)
8. Able to assess a variety of animal-related situations, e.g. care systems, facilities, management
approaches, in order to determine their efficacy and appropriateness, (SBS 3.3.)
9. Critical Evaluation skills applied to practical and legislative global biodiversity conservation initiatives,
(SBS 2.2, 3.2.)
Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated
Seminars, lab work and tutorials will be used to encourage the student to recognise and develop skills
acquired from lectures, reading and research. Students will take part in discussions, presentations and
negotiations, and be encouraged to recognise and map progress towards identified targets.
Students will develop and use techniques of analysis and enquiry, the ability to devise and sustain arguments
and develop problem solving using established ideas and techniques.
Students will undertake practical fieldwork and attend appropriate supported events and venues.
Assessment
The acquisition of these skills will be evidenced in the quality of work, both written and practical.
C. Subject-specific Skills:
1. Able to describe structures, physiology, signs of health and disease of specific organisms, (SBS 2.8.)
2. Practical skills relevant to rescue, basic first aid, accommodation and medication for a variety of animals
and a range of injuries and conditions; surgical care; pre-operative and post-operative care, (SBS 2.8.)
3. Current concepts, issues, controls and regulations in a range of relevant disciplines, industries, animal
needs and welfare, (SBS 3.2.)
4. Undertake accurate observation, recording, interpretation and analysis, e.g. of animal behaviour; Wildlife
surveys, ecological systems, breeding, health and welfare, (SBS 2.2, 2.6, 2.7, 3.7.)
5. Recognise the changing roles of animals and their environments in modern society; factors influencing
those changes; issues arising, such as moral, ethical, welfare, legal, (SBS 3.5.)
6. Recognise the need for good practice in a range of animal-related situations, including practical
competences, implementing effective systems and standards of care
7. Issues relating to conservation, e.g. captive breeding, ethics, ecotourism and a sustainable future for
wildlife and habitats, (SBS 3.2.)
8. Business record keeping and managing information systems, roles and activities, (SBS 3.4.)
9. The planning, implementation, justification and evaluation of wildlife surveys for conservation, (SBS 2.2,
2.6, 3.4, 3.6.)
10. An ability to critically evaluate legal and practical measures to conserve global biodiversity, (SBS 3.5.)
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Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated
Will take place via lead lecturers; tutor-led tutorials; student and tutor led seminars, laboratory work and
practical animal handling and independent and directed research and reading.
Students will be encouraged to evaluate, analyse and respond to case studies, data and other evidence,
developing the ability to formulate and discuss own opinions.
There will be the opportunity to take part in group discussions and presentations, using a variety of media, and
to work both individually and as a member of a team.
Assessment
Will be through a range of written coursework and portfolios, seminar presentations and written research
D. Transferable Skills:
1. Managing and developing self - the ability to manage own roles and responsibilities, to manage own time
in achieving objectives, to undertake personal and career development, to transfer skills gained to new
and changing situations and contexts, (SBS 3.10.)
2. Working with and relating to others - the ability to treat others' values, beliefs and opinions with respect, to
relate to and interact effectively with individuals and groups, to work effectively as a team member, to
develop negotiating skills, (SBS 3.4, 3.9.)
3. Communicating - the ability to receive and respond to a variety of information, present information in a
variety of visual forms, to communicate in writing, to participate in oral and non-verbal communication,
(SBS 3.8.)
4. Managing tasks and solving problems - the ability to use information sources, deal with a combination of
routine and non-routine tasks, to identify and solve routine and non-routine problems, (SBS 3.4)
5. Applying numeracy - the ability to apply numerical skills and techniques appropriately, (SBS 2.7, 3.7.)
6. Applying ICT - the ability to use a range of ICT equipment and systems appropriately, (SBS 3.8, 3.4.)
Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated
Transferable skills will be taught as an integral part of all modules. These skills are essential in developing an
individual’s personal effectiveness and to develop the necessary academic skills required to undertake the
programme of study
Assessment
Assignments will incorporate strategies to assess transferable skills. The student can then see how these
skills can improve the quality of their performance both academically and within the work based environment.
For information on which modules provide which skills, see the module mapping
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17 Programme Structures and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards
This HND in Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation programme is studied over two years full-time.
In order to achieve the HND in Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation students are required to pass 16
modules – eight in Year 1 and eight in Year 2. Each module is equal to 15 credits. Therefore the HND is
equivalent to 240 credits. Successful students with a merit profile in Year 2 have the opportunity to progress
to further study on the second or third year of degree programmes at a number of institutions.
This HNC in Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation programme is designed as a fall back award and is
studied over one year full-time.
In order to achieve the HNC in Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation students are required to pass 8
modules. Each module is equal to 15 credits. Therefore the HNC is equivalent to 120 credits. Successful
HNC students can proceed to top up to the HND in Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation at Canterbury
College if they wish.
The University expects that each 15 credit module represents approximately 150 hours of student learning,
endeavour and assessment, including all self-directed learning, and this is known as the 'notional learning
time'. Thus, the HND has a total notional learning time of 2,400 hours, and the HNC 1,200 hours.
For further information on modules and credits refer to the Credit Framework at
http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/credit-framework/creditinfo.html
Each module is designed to be at a specific level. For the descriptors of each of these levels, refer to Annex 2
of the Credit Framework at http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/credit-framework/creditinfoannex2.html.
All modules are offered according to student numbers.
HNC Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation
Code
Title
Level
Credits
Term(s)
Compulsory Modules
BI310
Ethology
C
15
1-3
BI311
Animal Husbandry
C
15
1-3
BI312
Anatomy and Histology
C
15
1-3
BI524
Introduction to Conservation and Ecology
I
15
1-3
BI314
Animal Health and Disease
C
15
1-3
BI316
Animal Nutrition
C
15
1-3
BI317
Applications of Animal Science
C
15
1-3
The Conservation of Global Biodiversity
I
15
1-3
Level
Credits
Term(s)
HND Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation
Code
Title
Year 1
Compulsory Modules
BI310
Ethology
C
15
1-3
BI311
Animal Husbandry
C
15
1-3
BI312
Anatomy and Histology
C
15
1-3
BI524
Introduction to Conservation and Ecology
I
15
1-3
BI314
Animal Health and Disease
C
15
1-3
BI316
Animal Nutrition
C
15
1-3
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BI317
Applications of Animal Science
C
15
1-3
The Conservation of Global Biodiversity
I
15
1-3
Animal Nursing
I
15
1-3
Conservation Research Project
I
15
1-3
BI526
Applied Animal Psychology
I
15
1-3
BI527
Animal Welfare
I
15
1-3
BI528
Principles of Microbiology
I
15
1-3
BI529
Genetics and Animal Breeding
I
15
1-3
BI319
Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
I
15
1-3
Surveying Wildlife for Conservation
I
15
1-3
Year 2
Compulsory Modules
BI313
18 Work-Based Learning
Disability Statement: Where disabled students are due to undertake a work placement as part of this
programme of study, a representative of the University will meet with the work placement provider in advance
to ensure the provision of anticipatory and reasonable adjustments in line with legal requirements.
Where relevant to the programme of study, provide details of any work-based learning element, inclusive of
employer details, delivery, assessment and support for students:
No work placement during the programme
19 Support for Students and their Learning
Canterbury College:

Induction week

Student Handbook

Student Union

Tutorial System/Personal Tutor, including a minimum of two individual sessions a semester and open
access to Personal Tutor

Learning Resources Centre,

Higher Education and Access facilities, including computer access and HE library

Candoodle Moodle VLE platform

Dyslexia Support and Disability Support

Student Information Centre for welfare matters
20 Entry Profile
There is no upper age limit to studying at the University of Kent. It is recommend that you are at least 17
years old by 20 September in the year you begin your programme, but if you are below this age we may still
consider you for admission, provided we are satisfied you have reached an appropriate level of academic and
personal development.
In order to comply with both health and safety and child protection legislation, Canterbury College may
impose restrictions on the use of some facilities by students who are under 18. International students who are
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under 18 at the start of their programme are required to provide details of a guardian/parent/carer who is
resident in the UK.
20.1 Entry Route
For fuller information, please refer to the Canterbury College programme wen page:
http://www.cant-col.ac.uk/studying-with-us/Courses/Higher-Education/animal-care-floristry-landbased/ANIMAL-WILDLIFE-CONSERVATION-HND-LEVEL-5
Applicants must have at least one of the following; 1 A level or a BTEC National Diploma at MMM or
equivalent in a related subject. Mature students who do not fit this profile but have relevant experience are
welcomed on the programme.
International Applicants are required to have reached an average of 5.5 in IELTS across all bands or
equivalent outcome in other English tests approved by the UK Border Agency
20.2 What does this programme have to offer?

Each academic year students will be offered the opportunity to attend an Animal Science field trip.
Attendance on the field trip is not mandatory, those that attend will incur an additional cost for the trip.
Non-attendance on the field trips will have no effect on the students’ opportunity to pass the programme.

High quality education allowing the development of a wide range of knowledge and skills, relevant to
animal biology and Wildlife conservation

The opportunity to develop and extend communication, interpersonal and team building skills in a
supportive and friendly environment.

An excellent standard of teaching that will encourage and support the acquisition of practical experience,
academic and research skills and techniques.

The opportunity for students to study locally, thus promoting flexibility and widening participation

The facility for practical work in both laboratory and animal care environments

The programme will provide the student with in depth knowledge and practical reflective understanding of
key areas associated with animal science.

Excellent links to industry, particularly animal wildlife parks, offering the opportunity for field visits,
bespoke courses and guest speakers
20.3 Personal Profile
The student will:

want to participate in an exciting and challenging range of activities with a group that offers a diverse
range of backgrounds and interests

enjoy working as part of a team and engaging in debate on issues relevant to modern practices,
principles and theories relevant to animal science

want to progress to further HE study at other institutions or go on to a career in related industries and
sectors

possess good oral and written communication skills and the ability to work with others

have a willingness to build knowledge and practical skills across all aspects of animal biology and wildlife
conservation

have suitable levels of numeracy and IT skills and/or a willingness to develop them
21 Methods for Evaluating and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and Learning
21.1 Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and
outcome standards
Canterbury College:

Module Evaluation Questionnaires

Pre-course, on-course and post-course learner questionnaires

Annual Course Reviews

Annual Monitoring Reports
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
Triennial Review

Staff Development Programme

Annual Staff Appraisal

Personal Tutorial System

Continuous monitoring of learner progress and attendance with action planning

Staff/learner Meetings

Course Representative Meetings
 Quality Assurance Systems
University of Kent:

Annual programme and module monitoring reports, see
http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexe.html

External Examiners system, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexk.html

Periodic programme review, http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexf.html

Quality Assurance Framework, http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/index.html

QAA Higher Education Review, see http://www.qaa.ac.uk/InstitutionReports/types-of-review/highereducation-review/Pages/default.aspx
21.2 Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards

Staff/Student Liaison Committee

School Learning and Teaching Committee

Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee

Faculty Board

Learning and Teaching Board

Board of Examiners
21.3 Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning
experience

Student module evaluations

Staff/Student meetings

Student rep system (School, Faculty and Institutional level)

Annual NSS


Programme evaluations
Personal Tutor System
21.4 Staff Development priorities include:

Certificate of Education, PGCHE or PGCE

First degree

ICT training (to include VLE)

Staff development courses

Professional updating

Staff Appraisal Scheme

Peer observation of teaching

Conferences

Mentoring of new members of staff

Health and Safety training

Dissemination of good practice on teaching and assessment methods

Professional experience in the industry

Academic Practice Provision (PGCHE, ATAP and other development opportunities)
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22 Indicators of Quality and Standards

Investors in People quality kitemark

Triennial Review System

External Examiners’ Reports

Retention and achievement rates

Canterbury College Annual Programme Course Reviews & grading

QAA HER processes
22.1 The following reference points were used in creating these specifications:

QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education

QAA Benchmarking Statement for Biosciences

University of Kent Plan and Learning and Teaching Strategy

University of Kent QA Office
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Intellectual Skills:
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C6
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Surveying Wildlife for
Conservation
Wildlife Rescue and
Rehabilitation
Genetics and Animal
Breeding
Year 1
Principles of
Microbiology
Animal Welfare
Applied Animal
Psychology
Research Project
Animal Nursing
The Conservation of
Global Biodiversity
Applications of
Animal Science
Animal Nutrition
Animal Health and
Disease
Introduction to
Conservation and
Ecology
Anatomy and
Histology
Animal Husbandry
Ethology
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C7
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Transferable Skills:
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Mapping of Core Content
Canterbury College - HND Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation
Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND Animal Management (Specification Issue 2)
Initial mapping at level of programme units
Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND Animal Management Mandatory Core Units:
1. Business Environment
4 15
2. Animal Husbandry Management
5 15
3. Animal Health and Welfare
5 15
4. Animal Nutrition
4 15
HND Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation Similar Unit Content
1. No similar Unit
2. Animal Husbandry
4 15
3. Animal Health & Disease + Animal Welfare
4/5 15
4. Animal Nutrition
4 15
Detailed Mapping at Learning Outcome level (Recommended by Pearson (November
2013) Licensed HEIs Guide to Mapping Core Content)
(Edexcel/Pearson Content taken from Unit Documentation Issue 1, June 2011)
Business Environment & Principles of Land Based Business
Learning Outcomes
Where covered in the Programme
1 Understand the organisational purposes of
businesses
2 Understand the nature of the national
environment in which businesses operate
3 Understand the behaviour of organisations
in their market environment
4 Be able to assess the significance of global
factors that shape national business
activities.
There is no similar unit to Business
environment in the HND Animal Biology and
Wildlife Conservation
Animal Husbandry Management & Animal Husbandry
Learning Outcomes
Where covered in the Programme
1 Understand the importance of good animal
husbandry practice
2 Be able to use appropriate animal
management techniques
3 Understand how to manage animal
accommodation
The Kent validated module covers more
animal husbandry ground in a more varied
fashion. Despite the units having the same
title they do not cover exactly the same
ground.
a) Discuss the importance of practical
competence in handling and restraining
12
4 Be able to manage the administrative
requirements of animal husbandry.
b)
c)
d)
e)
animals
Differentiate between good and poor
facilities for accommodating and
transporting animals
Explain the need for careful
management of feeding
Recognise and implement effective
animal health management systems
Assess care of animals to determine
efficacy of husbandry and standards of
animal management in practice
Animal Health and Welfare & Animal Health & Disease + Animal Welfare
Learning Outcomes
Where covered in the Programme
1 Understand the effect of husbandry on
animal health
2 Understand causative agents and routes of
transmission for disease
3 Understand methods for the control and
prevention of common diseases
4 Be able to assess welfare conditions for
animals.
The two units appear to be similar when both
titles are taken together but they do not cover
exactly the same ground. The College units
focus on different aspects of health and
welfare.
Animal Health & Disease
a) Recognise signs of animal health and
disease and be able to employ
appropriate clinical terminology
b) Describe the transmission and clinical
presentation for a number of diseases
important in animal health
c) Discuss methods used in the diagnosis,
treatment, prevention and control of a
range of animal diseases
d) Explain the importance of chemotherapy
and pharmacology in animal health
e) Discuss legislation and corresponding
measures pertinent to animal health and
disease
Animal Welfare
a) Critically examine methods of
assessment of animal welfare
b) Investigate physiological and
behavioural concepts in animal welfare
c) Analyse the control and regulation of
animal welfare
d) Critically analyse key current issues in
animal welfare
Animal Nutrition & Animal Nutrition
Learning Outcomes
Where covered in the Programme
1 Understand the chemical composition and
The learning outcomes of both units are
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roles of macro and micronutrients
2 Understand the principles of animal food
analysis
3 Understand the nutritional requirements of
animals
4 Understand the role of nutrition in animal
health and diet-related diseases.
identical.
a) Explain the chemical composition and
roles of macro and micronutrients
b) Examine the principles of food analysis
c) Determine and meet the nutritional
requirements of a range of animals
d) Explain the role of nutrition in health and
diet-related diseases
Mapping Outcome
The titles of HND Animal Management and HND Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation
are very different, however the word Animal is used in both so this exercise has been carried
out to ensure that all the necessary mapping required has been completed.
The aims of the programmes are initially similar, however the Edexcel Programme
specification contains no additional knowledge and skills outcomes, so at this point the aims
are very different.
The mapping exercise illustrates that the two programmes have some similar features and
one identical core unit. However despite this much of the remaining content is very different.
This exercise confirms that Pearson BTEC HND in Animal Management and the Canterbury
College, Kent validated HND Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation do not share a
closely related title and do not share closely related content, and therefore there is no
requirement for them to cover the same content or indeed be mapped.
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