South Devon College

FdSc Animal Science

UCAS course code D300
Institution code S32
Duration

2 years

Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available

Study location South Devon College (Paignton)

Everything at University Centre South Devon (UCSD) is designed to maximise your employability and future career opportunities. Courses are created with local employers to ensure you learn industry-relevant skills and are delivered in small classes with regular one-to-one support, covering a range of study skills – it’s no wonder we’re recognised as a leading institution in the National Student Survey.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    SOUD1552
    Animal Handling and Husbandry

    This module explores the husbandry and housing requirements of commonly kept domestic animals as well exotic species which require specialist care. Current husbandry standards will be evaluated to promote evidence-based practice to ensure high standards of welfare. Handling and restraint techniques, as commonly used in professional animal keeping, will be covered, including the role of training as a management technique

    SOUD1553
    Comparative Anatomy and Physiology

    This module aims to develop students’ understanding of the relationship between structure and function in a range of animal species by exploring the anatomical diversity and physiological control of the major body systems. It will develop an appreciation of comparative anatomy and physiology on survival and how this can be used to inform efficient animal management

    SOUD1554
    Introduction to Animal Behaviour

    This module introduces the subject of animal behaviour and explores the underpinning mechanisms in the evolution of different types of behaviour in a range of species. Research methodologies and their application are considered to allow the learner to propose ad perform basic behavioural research studies

    SOUD1555
    Zoo and Aquarium Science

    This module will introduce learners to the theory of zoo and aquarium science. The modern zoo should be involved in conservation, education, research, and recreation. These elements dictate modern zoo design, enclosure design as well as animal welfare and husbandry

    SOUD1556
    Principles of Ecology

    An understanding of the complex and dynamic relationships between organisms and their environments and the threats to them is key to making informed conservation decisions. This module will provide students with this knowledge for a range of terrestrial, marine and freshwater habitats at local and national scales as well as experience of the roles of standard ecological sampling and data analysis techniques

    SOUD1557
    Professional Practice

    This module is designed to enable students to develop the skills and behaviours required for working in the animal industry. We will explore the sector specific and professional skills expected by employers in the animal industry and students will be asked to reflect on own skills and competences to help steer future professional development. The module will also assist students in developing academic and scientific skills that will complement their studies in other modules

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    SOUD2513
    Animal Health

    This module examines the importance of promoting and maintaining animal health in a global and national context. Types of pathogens will be discussed including their aetiology, diagnosis and treatment. The module will review the role of preventative care and good husbandry practice in maintaining animal health and welfare. It will also explore the role of first aid in treating emergency situations

    SOUD2514
    Behaviour Management and Analysis

    This module considers evolutionary and environmental influence on the behaviour of wild, captive and domestic animal species. It explores the ontogeny and phylogeny of behaviours and the use of behaviour analysis as a welfare tool to appraise private and commercial management practices. It will explore the use of behavioural therapy in the treatment of behavioural disorders in domestic and captive animals and outline various behavioural modification strategies which can be used to improve animal health and welfare

    SOUD2515
    Applied Ecology and Rewilding

    The module will apply ecological principals to contemporary issues and seek solutions that benefit both biodiversity and economic activities. Rewilding is at the forefront of conservation and provides us with a fantastic opportunity to apply ‘nature-based solutions’ to many of the environmental and economic challenges we face. The module will provide students with the skills that can be utilized to identify a range of British species as well as an understanding of how ‘rewilding’ can be applied to improve biodiversity

    SOUD2516
    Applied Zoo Conservation and Management

    This applied module will give learners the opportunity to apply the theory learnt in year one to real world examples. They will gain practical experience that can be used in a zoo setting, including record keeping, enclosure design and education

    SOUD2517
    Biodiversity & Evolution

    This module examines the evolution, classification and diversity of the major groups or organisms and the mechanisms that produce the biogeographical patterns that we see today. It will also examine the role of a range of factors, such as variation, genetics, selection pressures and co-evolution, on natural selection, and in shaping the evolution and biodiversity of life on Earth

    SOUD2518
    Specialist Research Project

    This module will enable students to demonstrate their ability to work independently in the production of a substantial piece of work that demonstrates significant investigation in field related to their relevant subject sector

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Our partnership with South Devon College

The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with South Devon College

At the heart of the sunny English Riviera, we’re an award-winning Beacon status college. Add to that our ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted (in 2009), modern facilities and our larger-than-life Students’ Union, and you’re left with the perfect environment.
Plymouth students working on a group project