• » Bachelor of Science Honours in Animal Behaviour and Welfare

    Programme Title  Bachelor of Science Honours in Animal Behaviour and Welfare
    CAO Code  
    LYIT internal code  
    Duration  1 Year, post level 7 degree
    Standard Code Places:  25
    National Framework Level  8
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from QQI
    Is this Programme for Me?
    The BSc Honours in Animal Behaviour and Welfare is a one year add on level 8 programme which has been developed to act as a progression route for students who successfully complete the level 7 BSc in Veterinary Nursing programme at LYIT, or a suitable alternate level 7 in another Higher Education Institution.
    Veterinary nurses and animal trainers are in a unique position to impact positively on the welfare of other animals by recognising the incipient development of aberrant behaviours of the animals which fall within their remit. Furthermore, they have a forum from which to disseminate gold standard information which is science and evidence based into the general domain.  Within their animal husbandry roles, these professionals have the opportunity to behave as role models and demonstrate best practice management of a variety of animals and thereby prophylactically prevent the development of problem behaviours in these animals.
    It is often the behaviours that cause most inconvenience to people which are termed aberrant, when indeed they are just natural responses to distress, either physical or environmental. The motivations and responses may be normal, but are understood or adjudged as inappropriate due to lack of understanding. A professional, having completed this course in animal behaviour and welfare, would be well placed to recognise a vulnerable candidate, and educate the owner how to best pre-empt these responses from developing into a behaviour and welfare problem.  A BSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare will allow students to obtain a BSc Honours in a relevant discipline while additionally increasing their skillset and ultimately enhancing their career opportunities.
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    This is two semester, add-on Honours Degree programme for students who have achieved a Level 7 B.Sc. in Veterinary Nursing.  Students who have completed an equivalent programme or a suitable alternate Level 7 with appropriate learning outcomes would also be considered for acceptance
    What will I have to study?
    Year/SemesterModulesMandatory/
    Elective    		No of credits
     4/7  Animal Cognition and Behaviour Mandatory  10
     Animal Welfare Mandatory  10
     Welfare and Behavioural aspects of Rehabilitation Mandatory  5
     FResearch Project Design Mandatory  10
     4/8  Anthrozoology Mandatory  10
     Advanced Veterinary Fluid Therapy Elective  10
     Wildlife Conservation and Welfare Elective  10
     Research Project Mandatory  10
    Progression
    Having completed a level 8 BSc Honours in Animal Behaviour and Welfare students will be able to progress to pursue postgraduate studies in an appropriate field.  Entry into any postgraduate programmes is at the discretion of the host institute.
    Career Opportunities
    Graduates with knowledge of Animal Behaviour and Welfare have a range of potential employment opportunities, graduates are sought in animal welfare organisations, zoos, wildlife parks, research organisations and rescue centres and veterinary clinics. Graduates can progress to practise as a professional animal behaviourist after some further postgraduate study and clinical training. 
    Holders of the B.Sc. Honours degree can obtain more senior and responsible positions than holders of Level 7 qualifications. Graduates may also pursue postgraduate degrees in related areas in other third level institutions.
    This course begins in September each year. Applications for direct entry onto this programme are made directly to LYIT. How to Apply
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    • Contact: Dr. Joanne Gallagher, Head of Department of Science, Letterkenny Institute of Technology
    • E- Mail: joanne.gallagher@lyit.ie
    • Telephone: (074) 918 6302