Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Management and Welfare)

at Unitec Institute Of Technology

Courses and timetables

Compulsory courses

Level 5
 

• Diversity of Life: Animals (NSCI5103)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop an understanding of the basis of the taxonomic classification of the major animal groups, their phylogenetic relationships and how different animal forms have adapted to different ways of living.
• Principles of Biology (NSCI5104)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop an understanding of the underlying chemical and physical processes which serve to promote and enable order in biological systems.
• Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare (NSCI5702)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To promote an understanding of the basic principles of animal behaviour and welfare as it applies to a range of animal species.
• Earth Processes (NSCI5730)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To provide a scientific understanding of physical and chemical processes and their interactions which are essential to life on Earth.
• Principles of Ecology (NSCI5731)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop an understanding of the interactions that occur between organisms and their environment.
• Contemporary Issues in Biology (NSCI5734)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable students to research contemporary issues in biological sciences and thereby facilitate the acquisition of fundamental academic skills that support studies in the Bachelor of Applied Science.
• Science and Society (NSCI5735)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To explore ways in which Science and human society have developed and interacted throughout history; to equip students with an appreciation that science takes place within a broad cultural framework and to recognise the validity of differing points of view.
• Principles of Animal Husbandry (NSCI5738)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable the student to develop an understanding of the theoretical basis and application of animal husbandry in a range of animal species.

Level 6
 

• Research Methods (NSCI6730)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop skills in research methodology that will allow students to plan and initiate research, to analyse data and to critically appraise research findings.
• Companion Animal Behaviour (NSCI6731)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable students to apply animal behaviour concepts to a range of applied situations focussing on the welfare of companion animals.
• Animal Health and Welfare (NSCI6732)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable students to evaluate the methods used in assessing the welfare status of animals and to develop an understanding of how animal health is impacted by environmental factors.
• Animal Breeding and Nutrition (NSCI6737)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable the students to develop an understanding of the management of breeding and nutrition in a range of animal species.
• Vertebrate Physiology (NSCI6741)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To promote an understanding of the physiological responses of animals to environmental challenges and stressors.

Level 7
 

• Global Issues in Animal Welfare (NSCI7101)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To provide students with the opportunity to critically evaluate historical and recent issues relating to animal welfare research and practices in a global context.
• Negotiated Research-SA/SB (Sem A) (NSCI7731-SA)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To provide students with an opportunity to complete an in-depth applied science study using research skills and to disseminate their findings in an appropriate format.
• Negotiated Research-SA/SB (Sem B) (NSCI7731-SB)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To provide students with an opportunity to complete an in-depth applied science study using research skills and to disseminate their findings in an appropriate format.

Elective Courses

Level 5
 

• Diversity of Life: Plants and Fungi (NSCI5101)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop an understanding of the basis of classification of plants, fungi and protists and their underlying structure and function.
• Techniques in Field Biology (NSCI5740)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To provide an introduction to a range of techniques used in field biology for the scientific identification and sampling of animals and plants.

Level 6
 

• Concepts in Biodiversity (NSCI6735)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To provide a synopsis of the theory, methodology and significance of biological diversity.
• Captive Wild Animal Management (NSCI6738)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable the student to understand the philosophical, scientific and practical basis for the maintenance of wild animals in captivity.
• Behavioural Ecology (NSCI6739)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop an understanding of the ecological and evolutionary basis of animal behaviour, and the role behaviour plays in enabling animals to adapt to their environment.

• Geographic Information Systems (NSCI6743)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To develop understanding in the use and application of GIS, GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and RS (Remote Sensing) for modelling and presenting spatial data and information.

• Practicum (NSCI6744)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable the student to reflect on and apply the skills and theoretical knowledge gained during their studies and to develop their transferable and inter-personal skills in a work-based environment.

• Ecological Risk and its Mitigation (NSCI6746)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)\
  To apply ecological theory and techniques to the assessment of environmental risks from human impacts and their appropriate mitigations, including the impacts of invasive species and biosecurity strategies for the protection of New Zealand.

• Molecular Genetics and Evolution (NSCI6748)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To explore the genetic basis of evolution; to acquire practical skills in basic molecular analysis; to assess how the study of genetics and the use of molecular tools can inform biodiversity conservation, animal breeding, animal welfare and our understanding of evolutionary ecology.

Level 7
 

• Anthrozoology (NSCI7103)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To introduce students to the multidisciplinary field of Anthrozoology, illustrating the conceptual links between research in this relatively new academic field and use in understanding the interaction between animals and humans.
• Restoration Ecology (NSCI7104)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable the student to apply ecological theory to the practice of restoring damaged ecosystems, using existing restoration projects as reference sites.
• Applied Animal Behaviour Science (NSCI7106)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To assess and interpret observed behaviour of selected animals (in a range of situations) in relation to their environment. To explain how an understanding of applied animal behaviour can be used to improve animal management and welfare.
• Biosecurity (NSCI7107)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To provide an understanding of the impacts, management and risks of invasive alien species to New Zealand and beyond.
• Field Trip (NSCI7108)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To provide an opportunity to consider and study in situ, the ecology and conservation of a critically endangered ecosystem.
• Evidence-Based Veterinary Nursing (NSCI7109)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To provide students with the opportunity to critically evaluate historical and current veterinary nursing techniques and animal health issues using evidence based processes.
• One Health (NSCI7421)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  This course develops the knowledge and skills of students about critically evaluating historical, current and predicted animal and public health threats in the context of `one health’, and critically evaluate historical and current veterinary practices as they relate to public health.
• Conservation Science (NSCI7732)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To understand how the knowledge of genetics and population dynamics can be used to influence conservation and wildlife management decisions.
• Applied Geographic Information Systems (NSCI7736)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To provide an enhanced understanding of, and competence in, the acquisition, management, analysis, modelling and presentation of spatial information.
• Internship (NSCI7810)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable students to undertake a short-term work and/or training experience related to practice in their chosen field of study. It provides an opportunity to integrate theoretical knowledge and practice through a strategy of applied learning in the workplace.

Admission requirements

Academic requirements

For this programme, you will need the following:
 

1. 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher including:
    
   • 14 credits in two different approved subjects; and
   • 14 credits from up to two subjects (approved or non-approved);
      
2. 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Maori (4 in reading, 4 in writing);
3. 14 credits in NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau;

English requirements

If English is not your first language you will also need one or more of the following:
 

• Have achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University entrance;
• Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency;
• Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years;

ANNUAL TUITION FEES

Domestic/NZ students

$7,100 (NZD)

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study.)

International students
 

$23,810

CAREER OPTIONS
 

• Animal welfare scientific officer
• Animal behaviour and/or welfare consultant
• Welfare education officer
• Animal welfare inspector
• Animal handler