Programme Specifications

Equine Science


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

N/A



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Master of Science

5 : Programme title
Equine Science

6 : UCAS code
D391

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

June 2014



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

The course aims to provide students with a broad in depth knowledge of some of the common aspects of equine, livestock and general animal science. It will then allow students to specialise within their chosen field (MSc Equine Science or MSc Livestock Science) or retain a more general approach (MSc Animal Science)

The more specific aims are:

  • To provide students with the technical knowledge and transferable skills required for a leading career in the field of Equine, Livestock or Animal Science, specifically, lecturing, research and development, and advisory work within the field.

  • To develop a detailed knowledge and systematic understanding of Equine, Livestock or Animal Science at the forefront of student’s academic specialism.

  • To develop an holistic view of animal anatomy, physiology and function, and its application to practice at an advanced level.

  • To integrate theory, experiment and investigation into practical animal management.

  • To develop a detailed and comprehensive understanding of animal research, its current practice, applicable techniques, future potential and application to management.

  • To develop an awareness of the legal, moral, ethical and social issues associated with the use of the animals for work, leisure and research.

  • To develop a critical and analytical approach in all aspects of study and problem solving, including the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creativity and communicate to specialist and non-specialist audiences.



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

A post graduate in Equine Science, Livestock Science or Animal Science should have a detailed, comprehensive and systematic knowledge and understanding of:

  • Animal anatomy, physiology and function at an advanced level.
  • The theoretical and practical application of animal biology to global management.
  • The factors affecting animal health, welfare, growth and development.
  • The nutrition of animals in relation to performance, growth and development and well being.
  • Reproductive management and the application of reproductive technology.
  • Animal behaviour and its affect upon, and interrelationship with, welfare.
  • The integration and application of molecular biology and animal technology to animal science.
  • The theoretical and practical application of scientific research.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated: 

Teaching and Learning: Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leadng to a dissertation.

Assessment: Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

10.2.1 Intellectual skills

A post graduate in Equine Science, Livestock Science or Animal Science should be able to:

  • Apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry.

  • Critically evaluate research methodologies and a variety of types of information and evidence and where appropriate propose new hypotheses.

  • Critically analyse information from a number of sources, including current research and advanced scholarship, in order to gain an understanding of theory and practice.

  • Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.

  • Apply knowledge and understanding to address familiar and novel problems.

  • Design an experiment, investigation, survey or other means to test an hypothesis or proposition.

  • Utilise problem-solving skills.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Teaching and Learning: Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment: Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.

10.2.2 Professional and practical skills

A post graduate in Equine Science, Livestock Science or Animal Science should be able to:

  • Design, apply and analyse various research/study techniques.

  • Plan, conduct, and report on investigations.

  • Collect and record information or data in the library, laboratory or field, summarizing it appropriately.

  • Conceive, plan and undertake laboratory investigations in a responsible, ethical and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, animal welfare, relevant health and safety regulations, legislation concerning experimental animal use, legal requirements and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and personnel.

  • Communicate effectively with individuals and organisations in a range of scenarios.

  • Write for a range of audiences including academics, practitioners, special interest groups and the wider public.

  • Apply appropriate management and experimental techniques to a range of situations.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Teaching and Learning: Practical skills are acquired and promoted through practical laboratory classes, field visits, class activities, case studies undertaken in a range of real-life situations and experimental research for the dissertation.

Assessment: Coursework to include: the submission of scientific reports, oral presentations, research posters and essays. Students are expected to demonstrate advanced critical, interpretative and analytical skills in both their course work and written examinations. The dissertation should demonstrate student competence in practical and academic skills.



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

The following transferable skills will be developed and assessed in the proposed MSc Equine Science, Livestock Science or Animal Science:

  • Problem solving

  • Research skills

  • Communication

  • Improving own learning and performance

  • Team work

  • Information technology

  • Application of number

  • Personal development and career planning

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate.

Students learn and develop skills through student and tutor-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; self-directed learning, oral presentations and experimental dissertation work.

 



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



MSC Equine Science [D391]

Academic Year: 2023/2024 scheme - available from 2002/2003

Duration (studying Full-Time): 1 years

Part 1 Rules

Year 1 Core (120 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BRM1620

Infection and Immunity

BRM5300

Equine Nutrition

BRM5820

Animal Breeding and Genetics

BRM6400

Research Methods in the Biosciences

Semester 2
BRM5220

Equine Reproductive Physiology and Breeding Technology

BRM5320

Equine Nutrition

BRM6220

Understanding Equine Action: from Anatomy to Behaviour

BRM6420

Research Methods in the Biosciences

Part 2 Rules

Year 1 Core (60 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 3
BRM3560

M.Sc. Dissertation


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.