Advanced Certificate in Animal Care

Module 1: Pet Care

1. Introduction to Animal Care
2. Cats
3. Dogs
4. Birds
5. Fish
6. Rabbits
7. Reptiles and Amphibians
8. Guinea Pigs, Hamsters and Mice

This module is specifically designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in caring for various pets. Starting with an introduction to general animal care, the module then delves into the specific needs and care requirements of different pets, including cats, dogs, birds, fish, rabbits, reptiles and amphibians, as well as small mammals like guinea pigs, hamsters and mice. Throughout this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique aspects of caring for each type of pet, equipping you with the necessary skills to provide the best care and maintain the health and well-being of a diverse range of animal companions.

Module 2: Animal Health Care

1. Introduction to Animal Health Care
2. Common Health Problems in Farm Animals and Pets
3. Animal Behaviour
4. Signs of Ill-health
5. Veterinary Facilities
6. Safety Procedures
7. Administration of Animal Health
8. Animal First Aid
9. Preventative Health Care
10. Routine Health Treatments
11. Health Problems in Domestic Pets
12. Rehabilitation Care

An introduction into animal healthcare, you will learn about animal first aid and how to care for the health of various types of animals. Become familiar with animal behaviours and how to recognise what is normal and what is not, to help identify signs of ill health. Learn about the facilities and procedures in a typical veterinary clinic environment, to give you a sound introduction on what to expect in these practices, from common routine health treatments to the administration of animal healthcare.

Module 3: Wildlife Management

1. Introduction to Wildlife Management
2. Wildlife Ecology
3. Wildlife Habitats
4. Population Dynamics
5. Carrying Capacity
6. Wildlife Censuses
7. Wildlife Management Techniques
8. Wildlife Management Law and Administration
9. Wildlife Management Case Study and Research Project

Designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective wildlife conservation and management, this module covers various critical topics, including wildlife ecology, habitat management, population dynamics and carrying capacity. You will learn about conducting wildlife censuses and the various techniques used in wildlife management.

Additionally, the module delves into the legal and administrative aspects of wildlife management and culminates with a case study research project, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field essential for anyone working with or caring for wildlife.

Module 4: Animal Welfare

1. Scope and Nature of Animal Welfare
2. Psychology and Sentience
3. Managing Animal Welfare
4. Animal Protection Services
5. Animal Rescue Services
6. Animal Health Services
7. Animal Welfare for Pets, Work Animals and Animals in Sport
8. Animal Welfare for Farm Animals
9. Animal Welfare for Wildlife: Free and Captive

Gain a thorough understanding of how to manage animal welfare effectively, covering topics such as animal protection services, animal rescue and health services. This module also extends to exploring animal welfare considerations across various contexts, including pets, work animals, animals in sport, farm animals, and wildlife in both free and captive environments. This module equips you with the knowledge to recognize and address welfare needs across a diverse range of animal populations, ensuring informed decisions and actions in the field of animal care and welfare.

Module 5: Primatology

1. Introduction To Primates 
2. The Strepsirhines
3. The Haplorhines
4. Primate Diet and Nutrition
5. Primate Health and Physical Condition
6. Primate Behaviour In Nature
7. Primate Behaviour  In Captivity
8. Primate Breeding
9. Managing Primates In Captivity
10. Primate Conservation 

You'll learn everything you need to know about primates, their nature, physiology, taxonomy, evolution, diet and nutrition, particularly in a nature park environment and explore their health challenges. You’ll also learn about their behaviour in the wild, their psychological wellbeing in captivity and the essentials of breeding programs and conservation efforts for individual breeds. Managing primates in captivity is also a key component, providing practical knowledge for those working in zoological settings.

Module 6: Animal Behaviour

1. Introduction: Influences and Motivation
2. Genetics and Behaviour
3. Animal Perception and Behaviour
4. Behaviour and the Environment
5. Social Behaviour
6. Instinct and Learning
7. Handling Animals
8. Behavioural Problems

Explore an in-depth exploration into the factors influencing animal behaviour, including genetics, environmental impacts and social dynamics. This module comprehensively explains how various elements like animal perception, instincts and learning shape behaviour. You will learn about the intricacies of handling animals and addressing behavioural problems, equipping you with the skills to interpret and manage a range of behaviours effectively. This knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to enhance their ability to care for animals and respond appropriately to their behavioural needs.

Module 7: Natural Animal Health Care 

1. Introduction to Natural Animal Health Care
2. Signs of Ill Health
3. Natural Nutrition for Animals
4. Holistic Health Care - Maintaining Health
5. Holistic Health Care - Treating Health Problems
6. Animal Diseases and Health Problems (Domestic Animals)
7. Animal Diseases and Health Problems (Livestock)
8. Animal Health Care Case Study Research Project

This module delves into recognising signs of ill health and the importance of natural nutrition in maintaining the wellbeing of animals. You'll gain insights into holistic methods for maintaining health and treating various health problems in both domestic animals and livestock. It also emphasises understanding and managing a range of animal diseases and health issues, integrating natural care practices. Lastly, it includes a practical case study research project, providing hands-on experience in applying natural health care principles, crucial for anyone aspiring to enhance their proficiency in holistic animal health care.