Course Outline:
- Animal Science & Health 6N5565
- Communications 6N1950
- Large Animal Husbandry 6N5567
- Humans, Animals and Society 6N5569
- Animal Grooming 6N6226
- Work Experience 6N1946
- Grooming Science 6N6227
- Canine Obedience and Training 6N6228
Additional Activities
Students on this course will partake in a number of field trips and activities. Examples are listed below.
- Dublin Zoo
- Falconry Visit
- Visits to National Parks
- Dog Grooming Events
- Charity Events
Course Duration:
This is a one year, full time course running from September to May.
Fees
There are no fees to study this course.
Course Progression
Upon successful completion of this course, learners may be eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to a range of higher certificate and degree programmes at Institutes of Technology and Universities.
Career Options
Graduates may seek employment in
- Veterinary Surgeries
- Grooming Parlours
- Pet Shops, Kennels
- Catteries
- Animal Welfare Establishments
- Farms including Pet Farms
- Zoos
DETAILED COURSE OUTLINE
Animal Science and Health 6N5565
Studying this module content allows one to be familiar with:
- Different species and how their physiology determines their care
- Different parasites and how different classes of animals can be infected
- The biochemical properties of essential nutrients
- Immunity; different types and the best time to administer vaccinations. Desired effect of immunity.
- Histology – the study of cell and tissue types.
- DNA: how it is involved in passing certain traits from one generation to another
- Lab activities and experiments to reinforce the theory of Animal
Science
Assessment Criteria:
Examination 40%, Project 30%, Skills Demonstration 30%
Large Animal Husbandry 6N5567
Studying this module will allow one to become proficient in:
- The safe practices of working with cattle, sheep, pigs and horses
- Analysing the role of the above species in the modern world
- Moving, handling and restraining same
- Evaluating best practice in handling these large animals
- How to work with large animals at ease and with confidences
Assessment Criteria:
Skills Demo 60%, Project 40%
Humans, Animals and Society 6N5569
This module will enable the student to:
- Examine the role of animals in society
- Look at the role of animals in different cultures and religions
- Look at how domestication evolved and where we are now with it
- Look at personal training techniques as well as other recommended methods
- Look at animal related organisations and their specific roles
- Examine ethics around the whole animal industry
- Get an in-depth view as to how animals benefit society
- See how animals are rated as regards their benefit to man
Assessment Criteria:
Project 60%, Skills Demonstration 40%
Animal Grooming 6N6226
Studying this module will allow one to:
- Look at the theory applied to setting up a grooming business
- Explain how such a business is run and set up
- Be aware of how different breeds demand different understanding in
relation to behaviour
- Be aware of different health issues that the subject may have
- Demonstrate advanced techniques used in the grooming of various
breeds of animal to include trimming, styling and clipping
- Develop skills as regards health problems with dogs
- Be aware of skin disorders and the correct advice to accompany same
- Participate effectively in the use of a variety of dog grooming
equipment
- Appreciate the different methods of grooming used for different
cases
- Be able to give sound advice to the client as regards grooming,
etc.
- Be able to give sound advice as regards after care management
Assessment Criteria:
Skills Demonstration 60%, Assignment 20% Examination 20%
Grooming Science 6N6227
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Explain concepts associated with health and safety in the working
environment
- Show skill in carrying out scientific procedures using a variety of
equipment
- Differentiate between species of animals from an anatomical and
physiological viewpoint
- Obtain a grasp of how evolution has changed species and how
selective breeding has led to variations in species and breeds
- Appreciate how environment has an impact on species and how to work
with this
- Examine the nutritional requirements for a range of species and how
bad nutrition can impact on health
- Grasp the importance of environment and diet on species
- Examine reproduction, care of offspring and prevention of pregnancy
in different species
- Demonstrate knowledge of current legislation and when veterinary
assistance is needed
- Identify signs of bad health by observation i.e. looking at skin
and coat colour. Manage parasites.
- Look at the legalities around the transport of animals
Assessment Criteria:
Project 60%, Skills Demonstration 40%
Communications 6N1950
In studying this module, one will be able to:
- Evaluate the principles and practice of customer service in range
of public, private and voluntary environments
- Explain the principles underpinning customer service in a range of
organisations i.e. domestic as well as global
- Explain how policies and charters can affect best practice for
customer service
- Look at consumer legislation in our country and compare it with
similar legal obligations in other countries
- Describe processes of redress and fair play for consumers
- Identify personnel in organisations that have responsibility over
fair play for consumers
- Describe how the principles of customer service influence long term
company policies and how it operates
- Explain how market research can assist development of customer
services by looking at data sources and different collection
methods for data for feedback
- Use a range of communication skills and methods to help process
complaints and address problems that consumers may have
- Design a tool to measure customer satisfaction in some industrial
context i.e. comment form, survey, questionnaire etc.
- Manage the needs of customers within a specialised area, looking at
needs of specific groups i.e. children, older people, specific
cultural needs, religious needs, etc.
- Facilitate effective teamwork in customer care, to include
evaluation of performance and success
- Design a customer service programme for staff. This will deal with
frontline standards expected by staff and customers; appropriate
guidelines to deal with the customer.
Assessment Criteria:
Portfolio/Collection of Work 50%, Skills Demonstration 50%
Work Experience 6N1946
On completing this module, learners will be able to:
- Look at work-related issues and trends in an animal care environment
- Understand best practice in a work context
- Research the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers
- Look at challenges and opportunities in the public, private and global sector
- Work on all skills needed in a working environment i.e. C.V., skills, technologies, etc.
- Present a detailed personal skills audit and career plan in Animal Care
- Work on supervisory skills and capacities, to include the skills and qualities required for particular post in the public, private or voluntary sector.
- Investigate options for future education, training and employment during the course of study.
Assessment Criteria:
Portfolio/Collection of Work 60%, Skills Demonstration 40%
Canine Obedience and Training 6N6228