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
Once you have applied online you will be called for an interview within a few weeks. QQI examination fees cost €80, although Medical Card holders are exempt from paying this fee on production of a valid medical card. Books and essential class materials may also be required. There is also a €100 Student Services fee required on acceptance of the 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