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e-Learning BTEC (HND) in Animal Psychology
At eLearning.co.uk all of our courses are delivered online. This gives you the opportunity to study at your own pace and within your own time. Online learning allows you to study in the evenings, weekends, or even the odd hour during the day! With each course you will have full tutor and technical support available via the telephone and by e-mail – so you are not on your own by any means. This e-Learning BTEC (HND) in Animal Psychology course will award you with the same certification as the classroom version of this course – usually for a cheaper cost and with the additional benefit of flexible study times!
Once you’ve decided to go ahead and enrol on this e-Learning BTEC (HND) in Animal Psychology course, you will receive an e-mail shortly after containing your user name and password, receipt of payment and full course joining instructions. Use this with the link/url provided in the e-mail and you can log into the online training system and begin learning right away. This e-Learning BTEC (HND) in Animal Psychology online learning course will use various interactive features and different types of media to enable you to stay engaged whilst learning. The course has been designed to be simple to follow and solely with the user in mind – so don’t worry about the technical side of things.
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About the course
Credit Value
240 UCAS Points, contributing to the Higher Education (HE) Diploma
Entry Requirements
All students must be 17 years of age and above. Students should have completed a Level 3 Diploma or A level standard course (or equivalent) before the Level 5 qualification.
Study Hours
Approximately 60 hours per unit
Assessment Method
16 tutor marked assessments
Award
BTEC (HND) in Animal Psychology
Unit 1: Using information, communication and technology ICT in the study of Animal Psychology
Level H1
Learning hours: 60
Unit description
This unit aims to raise learner awareness of the different types of ICT skills, and provide the opportunity for them to develop these skills commensurate with H4 and H5 study. The course is delivered via distance learning with no face to face contact between tutors and students, therefore understanding appropriate research techniques, portfolio skills and self-reflection is important in terms of independent study at this level as well as facilitating a positive learning experience
Students are encouraged to conduct independent research related to the study of Animal Psychology using ICT skills, so that they can begin to compile their own resource list and also prepare themselves for further and more complex activities later in the course
Unit content
1 Applications of ICT in the study of Animal Psychology
Information, communication and technology (ICT) comprises core skills for learning.
Utilisation of methods , tools and strategies of ICT to establish and maintain a sound working relationship with tutors and the college.
Development of ICT skills in order to communicate effectively and maximise study progression.
2 ePortfolio constructs
Setting up an ePortfolio for use during the lifetime of the course for storage of files including coursework, self-assessment activities, independent research notes and reflective journals.
The ePortfolio may be requested from time to time by tutors and moderators. Learners will be asked at various points in the course to upload files for this purpose.
A structured system of unique information but once completed can be used as a resource for continuing professional development (CPD), and a body of revision for future studies.
3 Independent web based research
Independent research to equip students with confidence to source and evaluate information relevant to the core course topics within Animal Psychology
Develop tools and strategies with which to begin to undertake independent research and integrate this into coursework activities, for example suggesting ways to read research articles and assimilate types of information from these.
4 Principles of self-assessment and reflective writing
The development of knowledge and understanding through writing skills for communicating ideas and arguments to tutors and other readers of written work.
Reviews of writing skills
Reflective writing skills and practice
Promotion of pro-active implementation of skills enhancement through tutor feedback and self-assessment
Unit 2: Putting Psychology into Perspective
Level H1
Learning hours: 60
Unit description
Modern psychology practice and science has its origins in the study of animal behaviour, and many notable theorists (for example Pavlov and Skinner) who used animals in behavioural experiments have influenced the shape of psychology today. Therefore many psychology principles and practices are directly transferable to animal psychology and in order to understand the latter fully the emergence of psychology perspectives needs to be explored and understood.
This unit aims at providing learners with the opportunity to explore the origins of psychology as a discipline and make links to key theories and experiments using animals. Learners are also encouraged to critically evaluate these theories and the work of eminent theorists in the field of psychology to develop knowledge and understanding of how approaches within psychology are shaped and informed.
Unit content
1 Historical emergence of modern psychology
Historical perspective: from scientific origins; Ancient Greek philosophy; 19 th C scientific discipline; Wundt, James, Pavlov, 20 th C Watson and Sinner; etymology; German experimental psychology; early American, French and British psychology; 2 nd generation – Gestalt
2 Theorists who helped shape psychological practices
4 Draw comparisons between traditional and current theories
Modern theorists (examples): Piaget, Kholberg, Bowlby; gardener; The Big 5 (personality), including exploration of their work relating to animals and how this has shaped animal psychology
Theories for exploration (examples): Cognitive dissonance; attachment (humans and animals); behaviour analysis; trait theory; personality theories
Unit 3: Approaches and constructs
Level: H1
Learning hours: 60
Unit content
The different psychological approaches are underpinned by theories, traditions and science. Therefore study of these underpinning elements is fundamental to understanding how the complex diversity of psychology specialism, contexts and applications continue to develop and expand. We now accept psychology and applications that have until recently have only been used with humans, applied to animal behaviour and consequently help scientists and psychologists further understand animal behaviour and their interaction with humans
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to study approaches within psychology and their application to animal psychology contexts, and to facilitate development of analytical and evaluative skills, as well as allow learners to broaden scientific knowledge.
1 Biological approach in psychology
Physiological psychology: relationship between anatomy and physiology of the brain and sense organs (plus other body systems) to psychological response; stressors related to hormone production and release – physiological response – flight/fright response, raised blood pressure, slow digestion etc.; relationship between external environmental stimuli (psychological as well as physical) to response and behaviour
Exploration of how these connections and relationships were originally made using animal studies, and discussion on the relevance to animal psychology applications
2 Evolutionary approach
Evolutionary approach : critical evaluation of evolutionary theories (example Darwin), natural selection, adaptation, phenotype and genotype related to behavior traits and inherited characteristics (physical and psychological); influence of social, cultural and environmental factors
3 Scientific research
Aims and objectives of scientific research: biological and chemical investigation of living organisms;, systematic and objective examination of the subject matter
Types of scientific research: research paradigms, methodologies and methods; philosophical stance; relevance to psychological and behaviour models
Evaluation and dissemination: analysis of scientific research, applications of data and findings; routes of dissemination; trends and probabilities; observational applications
4 Relationship between the different approaches and integration
Comparison of psychological approaches within specialism and branches of the field.
Integration of therapeutic interventions and applications, and how these therapeutic interventions have been transferred and adapted to animal psychology/therapy
Unit 4: Research methods and techniques
Level H1
Learning hours: 60
Unit description
The previous unit looked at the influence of scientific research on how psychology has been shaped. This unit aims to provide learners with an opportunity to study current research methods used in psychology and to explore the advantages and disadvantages of these methods. It will also give learners an opportunity to explore how animals have contributed, and still do to psychology research and influence practice both in animal and human therapy
Learners will be given the opportunity to develop analytical and evaluative skills through study of examples and theoretical models, and transfer these skills to practical applications within psychological research
Unit content
1 Study design in psychological research
Study parameters; research methodology related to design; aims, outcomes, hypotheses; study environment
2 Principles of quantitative research
Quantitative data: numerical basis, countable, assignable; identification of trends and probabilities; objectivity; validation and rigor; study design; participant recruitment; aims and objectives; methods, analysis and evaluation; ethics
3 Principles of quantitative
Qualitative data : non-numerical; observational and interpretative; examines complexities of human behavior for example; validation and rigor; study design; participant recruitment; aims and objectives; methods, analysis and evaluation; ethics
4 Advantages and disadvantages of different research methods
Presentation and evaluation of advantages and disadvantages of research paradigms, methods and analytical strategies related to study design
Evaluation of similarities and differences related to rationale and review of practice application of research findings as strategies and models
Unit 5: Classification and taxonomy
Level H1
Learning hours: 60
Unit description
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to study classification of species from historical and modern perspectives, evaluating changes related to environment, loss of species, new species and adaptations. This knowledge and understanding will help learners to evaluate the influence of species development relate to psychological research, practice, and the use of psychological models and approaches in animal psychology.
Learners are encouraged to independently research classification of different species and draw comparisons across demographic regions
Unit content
1 Classification system
History: all species are categorised or classified according to their similarities. Scientific classification; used by biologists to group both extinct and living species of organisms ; system developed in the 18 th century, and involves comparison the anatomy of different species in order to group them together. Kingdom; Phylum; Class; Order; Family; Genus; Species
Changes: groupings of organisms linked physical appearance and descent; ancestry; genetic revisions
2 Sub-categorization of domains
Domain structure: each classification is divided into domains; physical and genetic characteristics of species related to domain kingdoms; reconstruction, classification of structure, function, system; three domain system shift
3 External resources relating to classification
Independent research: exploration and evaluation of classification and domain structure, relating to theories such as Darwin, Lamarcke. Wallis
4 Comparisons between species
Differentiation : between mammals and reptiles; cellular level; species and functional level
Cycles: nitrogen, water and oxygen
Characteristics: evidence for influences such as environment, habitat and evolution, adaptation
Unit 6: The biology of mammals
Level H1
Learning hours: 60
Unit description
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an opportunity to study cellular biology and reproductive processes in mammals. This will provide learners with a further opportunity to develop understanding of genetic inheritance related to environment, habitat and other influencing factors, and expand knowledge which is transferable into animal science applications
Function: gene expression and DNA replication; protein synthesis; diffusion, facilitated diffusion; osmosis; active transport; endocytosis and exocytosis
2 Mammalian cellular replication processes
Prophase; metaphase; anaphase; telophase
DNA coding
Transcription and translation
Central dogma of genetics
3 Gene expression in mammals
Monohybrid cross; incomplete dominance; co dominance; pleiotrophy; polygeny; epstasis
Influencing factors: habitat, environment, demography, food, evolution, human intervention
This unit aims at providing learners with the opportunity to study genetic diversity at complex levels and explore different patterns, scenarios and processes using theoretical models, pedigree diagrams and independent research. This will provide learners with an opportunity to link genetic inheritance to animal behaviour and psychological research
Unit content
1 Processes of meiosis
Genotypes : genetic information, random mixing of genes during meiosis; environmental influences
Phenotypes : genotype plus physical and chemical appearance; adaptations related to habitat, evolution, food supply, breeding
Gene pool diversity: breeding; habitat; environment; food sources; predation; evolutionary theory; survival of the fittest/adaptive survival
2Pedigree diagram
Structure of pedigree diagram: symbols for genetic relationships; families/extended family; modes of inheritance (dominant/recessive); genes and alleles; analysis of charts and application to traits and characteristics
3 Evaluate evidence related to genetic inheritance
Review theories of evolution: Mendel, Darwin, Lamarke, Hunt’s chromosome theory of inheritance; current thinking – epigenetics
4 Factors contributing to genetic inheritance
Contributing factors: environmental, habitation and nurture; cell metabolism and adaptations
Strategies: adaptation (physical; feeding; mating; demographic; species evolution)
Factors: species individuality; evolution within species; Darwinism; Lamarckism; nutrition; movement; responses to changing climate; relationship to adaptation strategies; research into current examples within species
Unit 8: Comparative mechanics of behaviour in animals
Level H1
Learning hours: 60
Unit description
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to explore the physiological mechanics of animal behaviour and relate these to psychological principles and theories.
Unit content
1 Principles of perception
CNS – neurones and synapses, neurone communication
Sensory mechanics of perception – visual, auditory, olfactory
Electronic perception
Gustatory perception
Mechanics and constraint
2 Rhythmic clocks
Outline and explanation
Interaction between clocks related to external environment, influences and stimuli
3 Hormone action
Example of physiological action related to internal and external stimuli
Control and override
4 Trends in physiological mechanics
Discussion related to trends and changes
Physiological mechanisms
Deduction mechanisms
Unit 9: Behaviour and learning theories
Level H2
Learning hours: 60
Unit description
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an opportunity to examine and evaluate theories of behaviour learning related to animal psychology
Unit content
1 Comparative habituation
Definition, context and explanation of habituation
Differentiation between animal and human habituation, plus interaction between them
Relationship between habituation and behaviour and learning in animals
2 Conditioning
Classical conditioning
Operant conditioning
Instrumental conditioning
Reinforcement – positive and negative; primary and secondary
CNS links
3 Evaluation
Examples: Pavlovian, Skinner, Thorndike’s law of Effect
Successive approximation
Perceptual relationships
4 Cultural transmission
Explanation and definition
Examples
Observational and social influences
Environmental factors
Habituation factors
Reinforcement influences
Unit 10: Motivation and socialisation in animals
Level H2
Learning hours: 60
Unit description
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an opportunity to explore animal motivation and socialisation processes and relate these to theoretical concepts and models and psychological principles
This unit prepares learners for the explicit unit examples (12, 13 and 14)
Unit content
1 Animal motivation
Models of motivation and theoretical concepts
Examples and contexts
Intervening variables and influences
2 Animal socialisation
General principles of socialisation
Behavioural sequencing
Causation and intention
3 Role of homeostasis
Physiological and psychological influences, controls and roles
Examples of homeostatic mechanism linked to motivational contexts
4 Cognitive ecology
Definition and explanation
History of cognitive ecology and relationship to animal psychology principles, practice and application
Current theories and trends
Links to environment, habitat and human intervention and interaction
Unit 11: The psychology of animal emotion
Level H2
Learning hours: 60
Unit description
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an opportunity to study how animals form and express emotion and relate this exploration to psychological theories and concepts. Learners will also be encouraged to independently research current psychological therapies for animals related to understanding animal emotion and how this relates to environment, habitat and interaction with humans
Unit content
1 Social morality
Defining social morality in animals and examples across species and contexts
Principles and understanding related to research and study of animal behaviour and human interaction
2 Nature of animal emotion
Defining animal emotion and feelings
Evaluation of research into measurable and immeasurable characteristics
How animals express feelings to each other, other species and humans
Interpretation of animal emotions from human perspectives and other animals
3 Human intrusion
Defining human intrusion and outlining examples
Evaluation of effects on animal behaviour and psychology
4 Psychology principles
The psychological principles which apply to animal emotion and their interpretation
Evaluation of research principles with regard to validity and rigor in establishing context, expression and evaluation of animal emotion
Unit 12: The psychology of equine behaviour
Unit level : H2
Learning hours: 60 hours
Unit description
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an opportunity to explore the historical evolution of horses from the wild into various domestic roles, and to evaluate the underpinning theories which support this evolutionary journey. This exploration will also provide learners to study the psychology principles related to equine behaviour and the models used in training and addressing behavioural issues in horses. Learners are encouraged to independently research current theories and models and to evaluate principles and concepts already studied through the course, to apply to specific examples and contexts
Unit content
1 Evolution of wild horses to domesticity
Timeline: ten thousand years historical exploration, descendant of Eohippus;. the horse is naturally a prey animal, and so has evolved to have the instincts of a prey animal; horses originally kept by humans for food, as well as using them to work, for sport and leisure; adaptation over a short historical period, including anatomy, movement, habituation
2 Equine conditioning and learning processes
Suppression of instinct; reaction to stimuli; verbal and non-verbal messages; learn from each other – herd instinct; handling; classical and operant conditioning; adaptive behaviour
Comparative evaluation and consideration related to theoretical concepts and models
3 Equine behaviour and training
Imprinting; ground technique; longeing and free longeing; backing techniques; specific discipline training; dressage, clicker
Comparative evaluation related to psychology applications
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an opportunity to explore the historical evolution of cat populations from the wild into various domestic roles, and to evaluate the underpinning theories which support this evolutionary journey. Through the study of conditioning and learning models, learners will also be given an opportunity to evaluate behaviour modification techniques and strategies and independently research a variety of situations in order to develop transferable knowledge into practical skills and applications. Learners will also be encouraged to independently research current approaches in feline behaviour and psychological therapy
Unit content
1 Evolution of feral cats to domesticity
Evolutionary evidence; classification; predation; archaeological records; domestication (Ancient Egypt); migration and interbreeding; changes in anatomical characteristics; DNA sequencing and functional characteristics; socialization processes and interaction with humans
2 Conditioning and learning processes
Suppression of instinct; reaction to stimuli; verbal and non-verbal messages; learn from each other; grouping instinct; handling; classical and operant conditioning; adaptive behaviour; social hierarchy
3 Socialization processes in cats
Attachment (theories and models); kitten rearing and interactions; indoor marking; aggression; behavioural development; weaning process; environmental factors; independence and instinctive patterns; stimulation and interaction; genetic influences; maternal influences
4 Phobia and anxiety states
Separation anxiety; self-mutilation; over grooming and pica; stability of environment; stimulation and restriction; interaction and play
Unit 14: The psychology of canine behaviour
Level H2
Learning hours: 60
Unit description
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an opportunity to explore the historical evolution of dogs from the wolf into various domestic and working roles, and to evaluate the underpinning theories which support this evolutionary journey. Through the study of conditioning and learning models, learners will also be given an opportunity to evaluate behaviour modification techniques and strategies and independently research a variety of situations in order to develop transferable knowledge into practical skills and applications, particularly related to human interaction and partnerships with dogs, using psychology applications and principles
Unit content
1 Evolution of wolves to domestic canines
Evolutionary evidence; classification; predation; archaeological records; wolves; domestication; migration and interbreeding; changes in anatomical characteristics; DNA sequencing and functional characteristics; socialization processes and interaction with humans
2 Conditioning and learning processes
Suppression of instinct; reaction to stimuli; verbal and non-verbal messages; learn from each other; grouping instinct; handling; classical and operant conditioning; adaptive behaviour; social hierarchy; dog psychology and telepathic notions
Techniques: reduction in ritualistic behaviour; positive and negative reinforcement/rewards; aversion therapy; desensitization; socialization; alternative therapy (massage, reflexology etc.)
Unit 15: Comparative psychology
Level H2
Learning hours: 60
Unit description
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an opportunity to study comparative psychology and apply theoretical principles and consideration of evolutionary processes to the exploration of where animal psychology sits now within the scientific field, its applications and relevance to research.
Unit content
1 The principles of comparative psychology
Aims and objectives of comparative psychology
New knowledge
Relationship between animal and human behaviours and interaction
Farms, zoos and domestic examples
2 Ethological principles
Development of ethology and its aims and objectives
Study and evaluation of articles and research examples
Validation processes
Advantages of ethological methods over experimental methods
3 Attachment
Explanation and comparisons between human and animal attachment drawing on a number of key theories
Harlow and Harlow 1962, Formation of love in infant monkeys
Bowlby’s evolutionary approach
Hess 1958 – duckling studies
Innate programming
Types and causes of attachment
Lorenz’s imprint studies
Maternal deprivation in chimpanzees
Separation
4 Current ethological and models
Independent research
Discussion of current theories
Discussion of applications to current practice and relevance to research
Unit 16: Instinct, communication and adaptation
Level H2
Learning hours: 60
Unit description
The aim of this consolidation unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to evaluate animal instinct, communication and adaptation from a current and holistic viewpoint. Learners will also be encouraged to research current ecology related to these concepts and evaluate the influences of modern human-animal relationships on expectations and practice
Unit content
1 Common instinctive behaviour
Outline of examples and underpinning traditional research (Darwin and Maslow)
Optimal foraging
Ritualisation – recognition, response and action
Relationship to psychological principles
2 Common adaptive behaviour
Outline of examples and traditional models
Ontogenic and phylogenic adaptation
Species and species gender
Physiology of adaptation – vasopressin and dopamine receptors
Species counterpoint
Relationship to psychological principles
3 Common communication principles
Pair bonding
Orientation to physical environment
Eliciting responses from other animals and species
Arousal processes and sensory concepts
Relationship to psychological principles
4 Current research
Presentation of current theory examples and evaluation
Technical Requirements
Windows: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7 – Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
OR
Macintosh: Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 – Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
An up to date internet browser such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari.
Internet connection (broadband recommended.)
Cost - Per Person
£ 3500 + VAT
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