Module Identifier RS20320  
Module Title THE HEALTH AND BEHAVIOUR OF THE HORSE  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Basil T Wolf  
Semester Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)  
Course delivery Practical   4 x 3 hour practicals over the year  
  Lecture   1 x 1 hour lecture per week in Semester 1  
  Lecture   2 x 1 hour lectures per week in Semester 2  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Assignment (2000-word write-up of practical classes)  40%
Semester Exam2 Hours  60%
Supplementary Assessment Assignment (write-up of practical classes)  40%
Supplementary Exam2 Hours  60%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Discuss the importance of parasites from a practical perspective;

2. Identify and describe common equine disorders and their causes;

3. Identify situations where veterinary assistance is required;

4. Identify and describe the clinical symptoms of equine musculo-skeletal disorders;

5. Discuss equine behaviour from a clinical perspective.

Content

This module will present information on issues relating to the health of the horses in particular symptoms and aetiology of common equine ailments. Guidelines will be given as to when and how common conditions can be treated by the horse-owner, and in other instances where professional veterinary treatment should be sought. In addition, and from a clinical perspective, abnormal behaviour of the horse will be discussed, how it affects the health of the horse and what treatments may be attempted to rectify these conditions.

The following topics will be covered within this module:

Module Skills

Research skills Students will have to research the given assignment topic from a variety of sources in order to obtain the correct information and facilitate the completion of the written assignment.  
Communication Written communication will be developed and assessed through the written assignment  
Improving own Learning and Performance Improving own learning and performance will be developed and assessed through both the written assignment and end of term examination.  
Team work Practical sessions will require students to work together and help each other in small groups.  
Information Technology To complete the written assignment students will have to obtain information from a variety of sources including books, web sites, journal articles etc. This will involve the use of IT retrieval systems such as Voyager.  
Subject Specific Skills Equine parasite control. Recognition of common equine ailments including behavioural disorders.  

Reading Lists

Books
Boden (1991) Equine practice series
Devereux and Morrison (1992) The veterinary care of the horse
GRAY (1994) Respiratory disease
Gray (1994) Lameness
Gray (1994) Parasites and skin diseases
Mills and Nankervis (1999) Equine behaviour: principles and practice
Riegel and Hakola (1996) Illustrated atlas of clinical equine anatomy and common disorders of the horse

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5