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.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Mrs Rebecca Morgan
Email: r.morgan@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

What is the scientific basis of dog and cat nutrition? How can a dog or cat’s diet affect its health? What science underpins training and management of dog behaviour? To address these questions and more, you’ll learn about domestic dog and cat nutrition, feeding, aspects of health, reproductive physiology, behaviour and training (of the dog), and you'll develop your skills in critical discussion of these aspects of canine and feline science.

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:

• Critically discuss aspects of canine and feline biology, such as nutrient requirements, digestion and metabolism, reproduction and breeding, communication, learning and behaviour


• Critically discuss aspects of the management of domestic dogs and cats such as foods and feeding strategies, management of health, control of breeding and training and behaviour management

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:

• Origins and domestication


• Digestion and metabolism


• Pathologies associated with nutrition and metabolism


• Nutrient requirements, diets and feeding


• Reproduction


• Breeding and health


• 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 interactive 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 one answer from two essay style questions in Section A and one answer from two essay style questions in Section B.  

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

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

Formative assessment methods:

Activiites in the lectures and on Blackboard will help to assess understanding.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 22 September 2022