s
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Final
PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION
Course summary
Final award
FdSc Animal Science
Intermediate award
FCert Animal Science
Course status
Validated
Awarding body
University of Brighton
Faculty
Science & Engineering
School
Plumpton College
Location of study/ campus
Plumpton
Partner institution(s)
Name of institution
Host department
Course status
1.
SELECT
2.
3.
Admissions
Admissions agency
Entry requirements
Include any progression opportunities
into the course.
UCAS
Students will normally be at least 18 years old on entry and have a
minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points. This will usually be in the form of
at least one of the following qualifications:
* A pass at GCE ‘A’ level in a relevant subject area- with a
minimum of a ‘C’ grade achieved for English Language and
Maths at GCSE level.
* An appropriate Advanced GNVQ.
* An appropriate BTEC National/Extended Diploma as
awarded by Edexcel
However, students demonstrating the ability to achieve at this level of
academic study may be eligible for entry. This will be assessed at
interview using portfolio evidence, written assignments and employer
references.
Start date (mmm-yy)
Sept-14
Normally September
Mode of study
Mode of study
Duration of study (standard)
Maximum registration period
Full-time
2 years
5 years
Part-time
4 years
6 years
Sandwich
N/A
N/A
Distance
N/A
N/A
Page 1 of 12
Course codes/categories
UCAS code
D300
Contacts
Course Leader (or Course
Development Leader)
Admissions Tutor
Sheila Chambers sheila.chambers@plumpton.ac.uk
01273-890454 ext 2381
The Admissions Team, Plumpton College
01273 892082
admissions@plumpton.ac.uk
Examination and Assessment
Name
Place of work
Date tenure expires
Lucy Clarke
Hartpury College
30/09/2018
External Examiner(s)
Examination Board(s)
(AEB/CEB)
Plumpton College Animal/Performance AEB
Plumpton College Animal/Performance CEB
Approval and review
Approval date
Validation
Sept 2005/ Feb
Programme Specification
July 20143
Review date
20101
Feb 20152
July 20154
5
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 1 (if
applicable):
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 2 (if
applicable):
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 3 (if
applicable):
1
Date of original validation.
Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years).
3
Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved (normally September).
4
Date programme specification will be reviewed (normally approval date + 1 year). If programme specification is
applicable to a particular cohort, please state here.
5
Date of most recent review by accrediting/ approving external body.
2
Page 2 of 12
PART 2: COURSE DETAILS
AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Aims
The aims of the course are:
The aims of the FdSc Animal Science course are for the student to demonstrate:
 A thorough knowledge and understanding of the established principles of Animal Science, and of the
ways in which these have been developed.
 An ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first
studied, and employ those principles in Animal Science-related industries or other relevant workrelated context.
 A familiarity with the main methods of enquiry in Animal Science and the ability to evaluate critically
the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in Animal Science and apply these
in a relevant work-related context.
 An understanding of the limits of their knowledge and how this influences analyses and
interpretations based on that knowledge in Animal Science and in a relevant work-related context.
Holders of the foundation degree will be able to:
 Use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and
to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis in an Animal Science or relevant workrelated context.
 Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms, to specialist and
non-specialist audiences, and deploy key techniques of Animal Science effectively in a relevant
work-related context.
 Undertake further training, develop existing skills and acquire new competencies that will enable
them to assume responsibility within relevant Animal Science organisations.
 Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment and progression to other
qualifications requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making.
Students withdrawing from the course with at least 120 credits at Level 4 will be awarded a Foundation
Certificate.
This will not be a nationally-recognized award, but typically, holders of a Foundation Certificate will be
able to demonstrate:
 Knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with Animal Science, and an ability
to evaluate and interpret these within a work-related context.
 An ability to present, evaluate, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, to develop lines of
argument and make sound judgments in accordance with basic theories and concepts in Animal
Science.
Typically, holders of the Foundation Certificate will be able to:
 Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to Animal Science
in a work-related context.
 Communicate the results of their work/study accurately and reliably, and with structured and
coherent arguments.
 Undertake further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment.
And will have:
 Qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal
responsibility.
Learning outcomes
The outcomes of the main award provide information about how the primary aims are demonstrated by
students following the course. These are mapped to external reference points where appropriate 6.
Knowledge and theory
6
On successful completion of the course the graduate should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a broadly based core of knowledge covering the major
elements and providing the wider context required for Animal
Science, together with specialized in-depth study (often career-
Please refer to Course Development and Review Handbook or QAA website for details.
Page 3 of 12
related) of some aspects of the discipline.
2. Engage with the essential facts, major concepts, principles and
theories associated with Animal Science subjects
3. Demonstrate an extensive knowledge of associated subjects such as
physiology, anatomy, evolution, animal health and behaviour.
4. Be familiar with the terminology, nomenclature and classification
systems.
5. Use a variety of methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing
biological information with a critical understanding of the appropriate
contexts of their use.
6. Display knowledge of a range of practical and presentational
techniques and methodologies relevant to Animal Science, including
data analysis and the use of statistics.
7. Engage with some of the current developments in the biosciences
and their applications, and the philosophical and ethical issues
involved with working with animals and the role of animals within
society.
8. Apply the biosciences to the careers to which the graduates are
progressing.
Skills
Includes intellectual skills (i.e.
generic skills relating to
academic study, problem
solving, evaluation, research
etc.) and professional/
practical skills.
Skills:
 An appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes.
 The ability to read and use appropriate literature with a full and critical
understanding.
 The capacity to give a clear and accurate account of a subject, marshal
arguments in a mature way and engage in debate and dialogue both with
specialists and non-specialists.
 Critical and analytical skills.
 The ability to employ a variety of methods of study in investigating,
recording and analyzing material.
 Intellectual skills:
o Recognizing and applying subject-specific theories, paradigms,
concepts or principles.
o Analyzing, synthesizing and summarizing information critically.
o Applying subject knowledge and understanding to address
familiar and unfamiliar problems.
o Recognizing the moral and ethical issues of investigations and
appreciating the need for ethical standards.
 Practical skills:
o Designing, planning, conducting and reporting on investigations.
o Obtaining, recording, collating and analyzing data using
appropriate techniques in the field.
o Undertaking field and/or laboratory investigations of living
systems in a responsible, safe and ethical manner.
 Numeracy, communication and information technology skills:
o Receiving and responding to a variety of sources of information.
o Communicating about their subject appropriately to a variety of
audiences.
o Citing and referencing work in an appropriate manner.
o Selecting, recording and analyzing data in the field and/or
laboratory.
o Preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data.
o Solving problems by a variety of methods.
o Using the Internet and other electronic sources critically.
 Interpersonal and teamwork skills:
o Identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities.
o Recognizing and respecting the views and opinions of other team
members.
 Self-management and professional development skills:
o Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong
learning.
o Identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic
Page 4 of 12
and career development.
Developing an adaptable, flexible and effective approach to study and
work.
QAA subject benchmark
statement (where
applicable)7
Biological Sciences
PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODIES (where applicable)
Where a course is accredited by a PSRB, full details of how the course meets external requirements,
and what students are required to undertake, are included.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
Learning and teaching methods
This section sets out the primary learning and teaching methods, including total learning hours and any
specific requirements in terms of practical/ clinical-based learning. The indicative list of learning and
teaching methods includes information on the proportion of the course delivered by each method and
details where a particular method relates to a particular element of the course. Course Leaders should
ensure that any information included here matches any other published material about the course. A
course structure must be included
Students will normally take 12 standard 10-credit modules per year, six in each semester. A standard
module is designed to comprise 100 hours total learning time and is typically studied over a 15-week
semester. A typical 10-credit module comprises a combination of tutor-led contact sessions (normally
1.5 - 3 hours per week) and independent study time, which includes the time spent on completing
assessment tasks.
Learning support is given through a series of group tutorials focusing on academic skills, for example,
Writing Assignments; Using the Harvard Referencing System, Avoiding Plagiarism.
Primary learning & teaching methods
Primary learning methods include lectures, fieldwork, laboratory-based practicals, group workshops,
guest speakers and site visits. The proportions delivered by each method vary in different modules so
that the proportions in the course as a whole depend on the programme of option modules selected by
the individual student.
If there are insufficient students registering for a particular module, this can be delivered in a directed
self-study mode.
Work-related learning is central to this Foundation Degree, and will be delivered by the following
methods:
Work-based learning: students employed in related industries will be assessed and given credit for
knowledge and skills learned in the workplace. Some accreditation of prior (experiential) learning will
also be used.
Work placements: students will be required to complete one work placement module in a relevant sector
of the industry, and offered another as an optional module. The College has extensive working links with
animal-based industry throughout the Sussex area, including veterinary practices and welfare
organizations, as well as private businesses and charitable enterprises.
Careers education and guidance: This will be offered to the students throughout the course as mapped
out in the Careers Planning Agreement, culminating in the Career Development module.
Key skills and personal development planning: will be offered on a regular basis through the Course
Tutor system.
Simulation of work-related situations: this will be offered in the practical modules using the Animal Care
7
Please refer to the QAA website for details.
Page 5 of 12
Unit and College Farm such as Husbandry for Animal Collections, Animal Health, Applied Animal
Behaviour and Counselling, Animals in Education, Final Project In addition laboratory based workrelated topics are delivered in the modules of Applied Animal Health, Practical Biochemistry and
Molecular Genetics, Microbiology and Final Project.
In addition to the above, students have the opportunity to go on the college-run trip to South Africa
(Wildlife Conservation module).
Learning and Teaching Method
% of Student Effort
Lectures/Practicals
Normally 30%
Independent study
Normally 70%
e-Learning
All modules on the course have a presence on the VLE, providing key information including module
descriptors, assessment briefs, teaching schedules, staff profiles and communication via email and
announcements.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment methods
This section sets out the summative assessment methods on the course and includes details on where
to find further information on the criteria used in assessing coursework. It also provides an assessment
matrix which reflects the variety of modes of assessment, and the volume of assessment in the course.
Learning Outcome
1. Demonstrate a broadly based core of
knowledge covering the major elements and
providing the wider context required for
Animal Science, together with specialized
in-depth study (often career-related) of
some aspects of the discipline.
2. Engage with the essential facts, major
concepts, principles and theories
associated with Animal Science subjects
3. Demonstrate an extensive knowledge of
associated subjects such as physiology,
anatomy, evolution, animal health and
behaviour.
 Assessment method
Module
Number
of
credits
 Practical animal
husbandry assessment
 Career planning and self
 evaluation
 Clinical skills
examination
 Work experience reports
 Case and practical
studies
 Project report
 Entrepreneurship 1
report
PX166
10
PL205
10
PX228
10
PL102
PL206
PX268
PL204
PL126
10
10
10
10
 MCQ/Short and long
answer examinations,
presentations
 Breeding project
 Practical behaviour
report
PX267
10
PX124
PX122
10
10
 Unseen examinations,
academic and vocational
posters, booklets
 Scientific booklet, essay
 Practical behaviour
report, seen short essay
examination
 Written assessment
 Practical laboratory work
PX121
20
PX162
PX222
10
10
PX122
PX123
10
10
Page 6 of 12
book
 Written assessment
 Practical laboratory work
book, examination
PX123
10
PL208
10
5. Use a variety of methods of acquiring,
interpreting and analyzing biological
information with a critical understanding of
the appropriate contexts of their use.
 Investigation proposal
Written project report,
viva voce
 Oral presentation, written
field trip report
PL204
20
PX231
10
6. Display knowledge of a range of practical
and presentational techniques and
methodologies relevant to Animal Science,
including data analysis and the use of
statistics.
 Practical reports and
laboratory files
PL107
PL108
PL208
PL225
PX228
PL203
PL100
PX121
PX265
PX224
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
20
10
10
7. Engage with some of the current
developments in the biosciences and their
applications, and the philosophical and
ethical issues involved with working with
animals and the role of animals within
society.
 Presentation, written
assignment
 Educational display,
written portfolio of
evidence

PX224
10
PX221
10
8. Apply the biosciences to the careers to
which the graduates are progressing.
 Career planning and self
evaluation
 Practical report writing
and application of skills
learnt for industrial uses
 Work placement
experience and report
PL205
10
PL108
PL208
PL225
PL102
PL206
10
10
10
10
10
4. Be familiar with the terminology,
nomenclature and classification systems
 Practical examinations
 Statistical tests and
analysis
 Presentations, poster,
oral, group and individual
SUPPORT AND INFORMATION
Institutional/ University
All students benefit from:
 Plumpton College induction week course (includes orientation and
introduction to study and library skills)
 Student Handbook (including general advice to students on regulations,
University policies, and advice and support facilities)
 Plumpton College HE Study skills area on the VLE
 Library facilities at Plumpton College including access to electronic
journals and ebooks
 Open access computer rooms at Plumpton College (Resources Centre
and Wine Centre).
 Wireless access in selected areas of the Plumpton College campus
 Use of the VLE
 Student services, including Welfare, Careers, Counselling, Financial,
Accommodation and Chaplaincy support
 A personal tutor
Page 7 of 12
Course-specific
Additional support, specifically
where courses have nontraditional patterns of delivery
(e.g. distance learning and
work-based learning) include:
Course Leaders must ensure
that a course specific checklist
is provided
In addition, students on this course benefit from:
The Animal Care Unit includes areas specializing in small mammals,
aquatics, exotics and veterinary nursing. The Animal Care area also makes
use of the College’s 800-hectare farm with its range of livestock including
cows, pigs, sheep and horses.
Research informed teaching
Teaching and learning strategies for the Animal Science course are
developed to incorporate published research to underpin the core principles
of animal husbandry, welfare and treatment. Current evidence and research
are presented and evaluated in modules such as Animal Welfare and Ethics,
Animal Health, Applied Animal Health, Wildlife Conservation and Animal
Practical Husbandry. Sources that are closely referred to include those from
veterinary science and veterinary nursing publications.
Students receive support throughout their degree to undertake independent
research through a variety of assignment methods and modules. All students
receive instruction and support in Level 4 modules such as Research
Methods to develop transferable skills of independent research and critical
evaluation of information. This ethos of independent research is further
consolidated at Level 5 when all students undertake the module Project 2
which involves some initial tutor instruction in accessing online databases
and primary reference journals.
The Head of Department, Dr. Jenny Watkins, has undertaken some
pedagogic research focusing on identifying and analyzing the expectations of
National Diploma students wishing to progress to HE. This has provided
considerable insight into identifying existing skills of FE students applying to
HE and providing instruction and support in preparation for HE study.
Education for sustainable development
Plumpton College is committed to the principles of sustainable development.
FdSc in Animal Science is central to identifying and providing current
information and practices regarding animal welfare and husbandry. Modules
such as Animal Welfare and Ethics and Animal Husbandry provide students
with the opportunity to critically evaluate current and developing aspect of the
utilization of animals in numerous cultures. The module Wildlife Conservation
incorporates a field trip to Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa and gives
students first-hand experience and knowledge of the current aspects of
conservation and environmental sustainability in relation to endangered
species. The relationship between animal species and their environments
are analyzed in the modules of Ecology, Behavioural Ecology and Coastal
Ecology.
Graduates in Animal Science are thus equipped to make a significant
contribution to ensuring that future generations not only have an equivalent
quality of life, but are likely to have an improved one.
Page 8 of 12
PART 3: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
COURSE STRUCTURE
This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study and
progression points.
Whilst studying the FdSc Animal Science students take modules totalling 120 credits each year over the
two years; each module is designed to comprise 100 hours total learning time and is typically studied
over a 15-week semester. A typical 10-credit module will usually comprise of a combination of tutor-led
contact sessions (normally 2 - 3 hours per week) and guided independent study (including time spent in
preparing and completing assessment tasks). Students normally take 6 standard 10-credit modules per
semester, 12 each year, or modules to the equivalent number of credits.
1
PX121
PX123
PX162
PL108
PL100
Animal Diversity
Animal Nutrition
Research
Behaviour
& Evolution
Cell Biology &
Genetics
Methods
(10 credits yr long)
Anatomy &
Physiology
1
PX122
Animal
2
PX124
PX166
PL107
PL118
PL126
Animal
Reproduction
Animal Husbandry
Chemistry
Ecology
Entrepreneurship
1
(10 credits yr long)
(10 credits yr long)
1
PX224
PX227
PL205
Animal Welfare
& Ethics
Animal
Career
Development
Health
PL204
Project 2
2
Option
Option
Option
Option
(10 credits yr long)
PL206
Option
Option
Work Placement
2
2
(10 credits yr long)
Modules
Status:
M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award)
C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award)
O = Optional (optional modules)
A = Additional (modules which must be taken to be eligible for an award accredited by a professional,
statutory or regulatory body, including any non-credit bearing modules)
Module codes
Level 4
PL108
PX122
PX123
PX162
PL107
PL118
PX124
PX121
PX166
PL100
PL102
PL126
Status*
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
O
C
Module Title
Cell Biology & Genetics
Animal Behaviour
Animal Diversity & Evolution
Animal Nutrition
Chemistry
Ecology
Animal Reproduction
Anatomy & Physiology
Animal Husbandry
Research Methods
Work Placement 1
Entrepreneurship 1
Page 9 of 12
Semester
Credit
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
Year
Year
Year
Year
Year
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
20
10
10
10
10
Level 5
PL204
PL205
PL206
PX224
PX227
PL203
PL208
PX228
PX230
PL223
PL225
PX222
PX231
PX267
PX268
PX221
PL222
C
C
C
C
C
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Project 2
Career Development
Work Placement 2
Animal Welfare & Ethics
Animal Health
Statistics
Microbiology
Applied Animal Health
Behavioural Ecology
Coastal Ecology
Practical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Animals Adaptations
Wildlife Conservation
Immunology
Applied Animal Behaviour and Counselling
Animals in Education
Nature Photography
All optional modules are subject to student numbers.
Year
Year
Year
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
Year
Year
20
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
20
10
10
10
10
Required Modules for the Award of Foundation Certificate in Animal Science
To achieve the named Foundation Certificate as an exit award, students must achieve a
minimum of 120 credits. These must include the course-specific modules below.
Module
codes
Level 4
PX121
PX122
PX123
PX124
PX162
PX166
Status*
C
C
C
C
C
C
Module Title
Anatomy and Physiology
Animal Behaviour
Animal Diversity and Evolution
Animal Reproduction
Animal Nutrition
Animal Husbandry
Credit
20
10
10
10
10
10
PL102 & PL206 rely on 120 hours of relevant work experience usually undertaken during the
summer. It is not always possible for the College to dictate the nature of work placement
provided; we encourage our students to choose employers for whom the student will be able to
undertake a specific project or initiative during their time rather than being given low grade
duties.
Page 10 of 12
AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION
Award type
Final
Award* Title
Level
Eligibility for award
Total credits8
Minimum credits9
Classification of award
Ratio of marks10:
Class of award
FdSc
Animal Science
5
Total credit 240
Minimum credit at level of Level 5
award 90
Foundation Degree
Intermediate FCert
Animal Science
4
Total credit 120
Minimum credit at level of Level 4
award 90
Foundation Certificate
Select
Select Total credit Select
Minimum credit at level of Select
award Select
Select
Select
Select Total credit Select
Minimum credit at level of Select
award Select
Select
Select
Select Total credit Select
Minimum credit at level of Select
award Select
Select
*Foundation degrees only
Progression routes from award:
Award classifications
BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare top up
BSc Ecology
BSc Biological Sciences
BSc Biomedical Science
Mark/ band %
Foundation degree
Honours degree
Postgraduate11 degree (excl des
P CE and BM BS)
70% - 100%
Distinction
F rst (1)
Distinction
60% - 69.99%
Merit
Upper second (2:1)
Merit
Lower second
Pass
50% - 59.99%
40% - 49.99%
Pass
2:2)
Third (3)
8
Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award.
Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award.
10
Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g, dissertation) must be in the corresponding
class of award.
11
Refers to taught provision: PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters.
9
Page 11 of 12
EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS
Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section.
The examination and assessment regulations for the course should be in accordance with the
University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses (available
from staffcentral or studentcentral).
Specific regulations
which materially affect
assessment,
progression and award
on the course
e.g. Where referrals or repeat
of modules are not permitted
in line with the University’s
General Examination and
Assessment Regulations for
Taught Courses.
Exceptions required by
PSRB
These require the approval of
the Chair of the Academic
Board
Document template revised: 2010
Page 12 of 12