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The
Open College of Equine Studies
New
distance learning courses in Equine Behaviour and Welfare
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The
Open College of Equine Studies, an international leader in equine
distance learning, has launched a Foundation Degree (FD) and a BSc
in Equine Behaviour and Welfare. Both are available on a flexible
basis and will be of great benefit to students with full-time jobs
or other commitments.
The
role of the horse in western societies has altered in recent times
and issues associated with behaviour and welfare, together with
the ethics of certain production systems and types of use have become
the subject of discussion and new research initiatives. The subject
of animal behaviour and welfare is attracting increasing interest
worldwide, with a strong focus on meeting the needs and optimising
the management systems of farm livestock, companion animals and
other captive species.
The
courses are being managed by the highly qualified Dr Amanda Badnell-Waters,
the colleges newly appointed Head of Equine Higher Education.
Both courses provide a firm foundation in equine science with the
development of additional specialist knowledge in the field of behaviour
and welfare of particular relevance to the equine sector, but also
applicable to other areas of animal science.
The
FD is a new, modern higher education qualification, forming part
of the national strategy to increase the number of employees qualified
at the higher levels. There are no nationally set entry requirements
for FDs they are open to anyone with the ability to learn
at a higher level. Upon completion of the FD students can opt to
top-up to a full Honours Degree.
The
foundation modules cover the broader aspects of equine science,
then focus upon the relationship between management, nutrition,
health, training, reproduction, the physical and social environment,
and behaviour and welfare. Legal and economic aspects of welfare
provision are also considered.
Comparative
studies across species form one of the areas of focus in the BSc,
particularly relating to behavioural changes and the development
of abnormalities. This is an important area of study as the understanding
of the causes of behavioural problems in equids and other captive
animal species is being increasingly considered an ethical necessity
by scientists, vets and practical horsemen alike.
The
programmes are delivered through distance learning, supported by
Study Weeks, which include visits to The Animal Health Trust, Beaufort
Cottage Equine Hospital, The National Stud, The British Racing School,
Newmarket Gallops and a trainers yard.
Lectures
from leading experts with international reputations in their fields
of research, including vets from The Royal Veterinary College, Rossdale
and Partners and The Cambridge University Veterinary School, supplement
the distance learning material.
During
Study Weeks students are accommodated locally at an historic private
college and, as The Open College has recently moved, students will
enjoy meals, lectures and practical sessions in the beautiful setting
of a traditional stable yard situated in 250 acres of parkland in
the grounds of a 14th century baronial hall.
Enrolments
onto the programmes are being taken now. For further information
on this and the wide range of TOCES courses available to suit all
levels of knowledge contact TOCES, telephone: 01284 700703, email:
enquiries@equinestudies.co.uk
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