The Equine Science and Welfare Management degree is among a very select number in the UK which focuses on the relationship between horse and human, increasingly seen as central to the equestrian industry’s development. The Foundation Year Equine Science and Welfare Management will prepare students for entry onto the undergraduate degree.

Based at our rural Northop campus, with access to excellent equestrian facilities, the degree builds on the university’s strong record of teaching in behavioural and equine science.

Partnerships with local businesses help provide industry-relevant skills and experience, and guest speakers and educational visits are arranged throughout the course. Free training for British Horse Society examinations are provided alongside the degree, together with £100 per student provided towards an equine vocational examination of choice.

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR

 Applicants to the Foundation Year of the Equine Science and Welfare Management degree will follow the Bioscience modules. They are designed to provide broad-based underpinning knowledge, experience and understanding of scientific methods and laboratory processes to support degree level study. The Foundation year is taught at our Wrexham campus, with Level 4 (year 2) studies moving to our Northop campus.

 MODULES

• Introduction to biosciences - An introduction to the scientific concepts and methods which underpin the biological sciences, including whole organism biology and cell biology. Topics covered include: cell structure and the biochemicals that are used in the processes that are carried out in the cells; DNA, proteins and the processes of respiration and photosynthesis. Students are also introduced to anatomy in both plants and animals and also study genetics.
• Laboratory and Field Skills in Biology (Biosciences) - Gain a thorough training in laboratory skills which includes coverage of experimental method, health and safety, writing risk assessments, use of laboratory equipment including microscopes. Students also explore concepts of ecology and fieldwork, including identification of plants and animals in the wild, using techniques for surveying habitats and developing personal field skills.
• Introduction to Experimental Design and Mathematical Analysis (Biosciences) - Essential scientific and mathematical skills, including consideration of ethics in science and the philosophy underpinning experimental method. Students are encouraged to develop and apply skills through analysis and debate and to develop knowledge and experience of experimental design, data collection, analysis, probability and introductory statistics
• Introduction to Science - This will provide students with the fundamental background knowledge required for their full degree study in the relative areas. It will encourage students to develop their own abilities in science, introduce a basic bank of knowledge in main scientific areas, develop skills and ability to apply science concepts to problem-solving and enable students to gain an understanding of how science and technology influence and are influenced by contemporary society.
• The skills you need - Develop an appropriate grounding in key academic, personal and professional skills required for successful study at higher education level and progression through Honours degree programmes and subsequent employment and/or further study. (This module can also be delivered in Welsh)
• Contextual Studies - This module aims to introduce you to a variety of contemporary issues. It will enable you to relate to your area of interest with the issues presented and instigate healthy discussion and reflective practice amongst your subject groups.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)

During the first year students will combine theory and practice. They will investigate equine behaviour and how horses learn. They will question the ethics of our industry and gain practical skills necessary for their future career. Students will complete a work placement, and even at the start of their academic journey will be asked to focus on their career path.

MODULES

• Biological Concepts: This module aims to develop students’ understanding of the key principles of animal biology, biological pathogens, laboratory skills and anatomical structure and function. The origins and classification of life will be covered together with cell and tissue structure and function. The main organs and systems of the animals’ body will also be introduced.
• Stable Management (1): This modules aims to ensure learners work safely and competently with horses. It covers the care and feeding of horses together with selection and fit of tack and equipment. Preparation of horses for travelling and competition will also be included.
• Professional Practice: A range of career opportunities and associated challenges with gaining employment within equine sector will be studied in this module. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and competencies within a workplace setting of their choice.
• Academic and Personal Development: This module aims to familiarise learners with the Higher Education culture, to build on key skills (logical, mathematical and critical) necessary for successful study in Higher Education.
• Ethics and Welfare: This module aims to investigate contemporary issues within equine and animal welfare and to introduce students to a range of relevant ethical issues. A variety of contemporary welfare issues will be critiqued during the module. Students will have the opportunity to deliver their own workshops and seminars.
• Equine Behaviour and Cognition: Students will investigate the link between environment and behavioural patterns of horses, and link equine cognition to management practices. Equine evolution, behavioural development, domestication and the effects of modern equestrian practices on the horse will be studied. Understanding of learning theories will also form a significant part of the module’s delivery.

 YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

The second year provides students with the opportunity build on first year topics and to put learning into practice. The effects of management and training on the horse is investigated by studying anatomy, physiology and fitness. The equine diet is explored and equine learning investigated. Academic skills are developed this year by starting the research process.

MODULES

• Anatomy and Physiology: This module aims to equip students with a working knowledge of topographical and skeletal anatomy and to enable them to identify anatomical landmarks. You will learn to relate anatomical structure to function and further develop your practical laboratory skills.
• Learning and Training: This module aims to reinforce the principles of learning theory as applied to equines, to link equine learning to training practices and to evaluate traditional and contemporary equine training methods and equipment. Theoretical and practical delivery will cover topics including equine learning and intelligence, methods of training horses, and dealing with problems within equine training.
• Stable Management (2): This module builds on the stable management covered at level four, and includes the preparation of horses for varying disciplines, basic farriery equipment and hoof care and provides students with the opportunity to learn to lunge horses.
• Nutrition and Feeding Practice: This module will enable you to analyse the structure, role and value to the body of nutritional components of horse feed. You will learn how to critically analyse the composition of horse feed and the role of different feeds within the horse’s diet. You will also be taught how to calculate feed rations for horses of varying ages and for different levels of ‘work’.
• Research Methodologies: This module will enable you to understand the role of relevant research within the field of equine studies. In addition it will provide you with sufficient capability to plan a research project in your field of study, to define the research parameters, assess appropriate methodologies, and present your findings. You will learn how to examine and assess the appropriateness of different research methodologies to various research briefs and become aware of ethical and political issues in social research.
• Equine Health and Fitness: Students will assess equine conformation, health and disease in this module. Methods of getting horses fit and their physiological response to exercise will also be included. The module will be delivered through both theory and practice.

 YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)

The final year provides students with the opportunity to complete their own unique piece of research, thus enabling them to focus on a topic of choice. Equine reproduction and young stock management are concentrated on in this final year, together with methods of behaviour modification. Career development is also a central theme, and third years are expected to complete additional professional development activities alongside their degree to enhance their chances of employment.

MODULES

• Equine Reproduction and Young-stock Management: Students will explore the anatomy and physiology of reproduction in the mare and stallion, and to investigate the effect of modern reproductive techniques on reproductive success. Methods of handling and training young horses will also be included.
• Applied Research Skills and Professional Development: The module aims to equip students with the skills to evaluate research design critically as applicable to equine science and welfare management, to select and justify appropriate methods for data collection and analysis, and to reflect on personal development over the duration of the programme of study in preparation for future employment. Students will study the research process, and statistical analysis relevant to their field of study. They will also cover use of the statistical package SPSS.
• Research Project: This module aims to ensure students can critically evaluate research, and will guide students through the completion of a research-based study of a specialised area related to equine science and welfare management.
• Animal Behaviour Modification: The module aims to develop students’ awareness of the need for a systematic approach to understanding the aetiology of behavioural problems seen in horses. It will extend their understanding of how to analyse behavioural problems in horses and appreciate the limitations of relevant diagnostic techniques. It will also provide them with the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to suggest appropriate solutions to behavioural problems.
• Stress and Animal Welfare: The module enables students to explore how animal stress can be managed in a range of environments and situations. It also aims provide students with an understanding of the physiological and behavioural adaptations of animals resulting from modern use and husbandry.