Professional Certificate in Zoology

Module 1: Animal Healthcare

1. Introduction to Animal Healthcare
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. Preventive 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 This module gives you a sound introduction on what to expect in these practices, from common routine health treatments to the administration of animal healthcare.

Module 2: Animal Behaviour

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

Learn about animal psychology: conditioning, innate behaviour and survival. The module provides a foundation for working with pets, livestock or wildlife, or managing your own animals. Gain a better understanding of animals and what causes them to act the way they do, so you can feel more confident to work with and care for animals, from pets to animals in captivity.

Module 3: Zoo Keeping

1. The Nature and Scope of Zoos
2. Occupational Health and Safety in Zoos
3. Captive Husbandry – Nutrition and Feeding
4. Captive Husbandry- Health
5. Captive Husbandry – Reproduction and Captive Breeding
6. Captive Husbandry – Behaviour and Enrichment
7. Human-Animal Interactions
8. Enclosure Design and Maintenance
9. Research Project – Environmental Enrichment

A thorough and comprehensive introduction to working with animals in captivity, such as zoos, safari parks or wildlife sanctuaries. This module will help you gain knowledge and skills you need to start your career in captive animal management. Learn about the zookeeping industry from current zoology experts, from the basics of how a zoo operates and enclose design, to the reproduction, animal health and behaviour within captive husbandry.

Module 4: Herpetology

1. Introduction to Herpetology
2. Class Reptilia (Reptiles)
3. Reptile Biology
4. Class Amphibia (Amphibians)
5. Amphibian Biology
6. Ecology of Reptiles
7. Ecology of Amphibians
8. Conservation Issues
9. Keeping Reptiles and Amphibians

Explore the diverse ecosystems of these creatures, understanding their behaviour and the environmental factors that influence them. Key conservation issues are addressed, providing insights into the challenges and solutions to preserving these species. Additionally, you'll learn practical aspects of keeping reptiles and amphibians, equipping you with the knowledge to care for these animals responsibly.

Module 5: Primatology

1. Introduction to Primates The Strepsirhines
2. The Haplorhines
3. Primate Diet and Nutrition
4. Primate Health - Illness, Pets, and Diseases
5. Primate Behaviour in the Wild
6. Primates Behaviour in Captivity 
7. Primate Breeding Programmes and Optimum Resources Needed
8. Managing Primates in Captivity
9. 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 well-being 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.