AP3A101-Canine and Feline Science

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Students who have not taken prior modules in nutrition e.g. AP1A18 Digestion and Nutrition or AP2A67 Animal Nutrition are required to undertake additional background reading before completing this module. See below for details.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Mrs Rebecca Morgan

Email: r.morgan@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of and the ability to critically discuss nutrition and feeding, health, reproductive physiology and behaviour and training of domestic dogs and cats.

Important note: 

Students who have not taken prior modules in nutrition e.g. AP1A18 Digestion and Nutrition or AP2A67 Animal Nutrition are required to undertake additional background reading before completing this module as follows:

McDonald, P., Edwards, R.A., et al. (2011) Animal Nutrition, 7th Ed. Pearson Education Ltd. London. (n.b. 6th edition is also suitable)

 

Aims:

This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of various aspects of canine and feline science including nutrition, feeding, health, reproduction, behaviour and training of domestic dogs and cats.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• With reference to origins and domestication, digestion and metabolism, critically assess canine and feline nutrient requirements and appraise a variety of canine and feline foods and feeding strategies.

• Critically evaluate canine and feline health problems resulting from diet and feeding practices, breeding practices and infectious agents.

• Review the distinguishing features of canine and feline reproductive physiology and critically assess the control of breeding.

• Describe and discuss canine and feline communication, behaviour, modes of learning and training methods; critically evaluate the management of canine behaviour problems.

 

Additional outcomes:

The following employability/transferrable skills will be developed:

• Written communication, critical appraisal of literature and scientific justification through the coursework


• Independent working, time management and organisation will be developed through guided independent study.

Outline content:

The module,  will cover a range of topics relating to domestic dogs and cats: • The origins and domestication of dogs and cats • Digestion and metabolism in dogs and cats • Pathologies associated with nutrition and metabolism • Nutrient requirements, diets and feeding • Infectious disease and vaccination • Reproduction and breeding of dogs and cats • Communication and social behaviour of dogs and cats • Learning and training in the dog; dealing with problem behaviour

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

There will be a 2-hour lecture (with a short break in the middle) each week

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Guided independent study:	80
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Written assignment including essay	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A two hour paper requiring answers to all short answer questions in Section A, one answer from two essay style questions in Section B and one answer from two essay style questions in Section C.  

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework includes a short written assignment that is worth  30%. 

Formative assessment methods:

MC questions will be made available on Blackboard to help with revision and self-assessment of knowledge.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
By examination in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2019