Study Zoo keeping, Animal Health Care, Animal Behaviour, Vertebrate Zoology and much more.

• A very solid foundation in animal science and management relating to working with wild animals.
• Improve career advancement prospects.
• Expand opportunities to work with animals.
• Use Chat or our Course Counselling Service to communicate with our animal science tutors before making decisions about careers or studies.

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

• Course Duration: 900 hours.
• Start Date: Start at any time - study at a pace that suits you, and with full tutor support for the duration of your studies.
• Modules: The course comprises 5 Core Modules, plus 4 Elective Modules.  Students will study a total of 9 modules.

THE CORE MODULES

Animal Health Care VAG100

Animal Behaviour BAG203

Vertebrate Zoology BEN104 

Zoo Keeping BEN208

Industry Project BIP000 

THE ELECTIVE MODULES

Students are to select 4 electives from any of the following modules:

Animal Husbandry I (Animal Anatomy And Physiology) BAG101 

Marine Studies I BEN103 

Ornithology BEN102 

Animal Husbandry III (Feed And Nutrition) BAG202 

Animal Diseases BAG219 

Marine Studies II BEN203 

Natural Health Care For Animals BAG218 

Wildlife Management BEN205 

Wildlife Conservation BEN206 

Animal Breeding BAG301 

Ecotourism Tour Guide Course BTR301 

Communications VWR100 

Introduction To Ecology BEN101 

Herpetology BEN209 

THE CORE MODULES IN DETAIL

The module summaries and lesson listings below give the details of the Core Modules in the Advanced Certificate In Zoo Keeping. Please follow the links in the module titles for further details.

Animal Health Care VAG100 
Learn to identify and describe common signs of ill health and diseases in animals, and the appropriate types of treatment for these. This 12 lesson module looks at the broader aspects of animal welfare and control as well as codes of practices and the services provided by veterinarians. The module includes preventative health care, as well as considering routine health treatments (such as de-sexing and castration). It is concluded with a lesson on animal rehabilitation and recovery.

The 12 lessons are:

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

Animal Behaviour BAG203 
This 8 lesson module teaches students to understand the motivations of behaviour in animals. It focuses on the behaviour of animals and how the knowledge of this can be applied to handling, training and managing animals. Students will study the influences of genetics, perceptions, and the environment on animals’ behaviour, understanding also the elements of learned and unlearned behaviour.

The 8 lessons are:

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

Vertebrate Zoology BEN104 
A 10 lesson module which looks at the taxonomy of different classes of vertebrates. Students will learn about the form and structure of different vertebrates, including fishes, amphibians and reptiles, birds, mammals, and more. Outcomes from this module will see the student being able to distinguish between major groups of vertebrates through their understanding of their taxonomic classification and diversity. They will understand the environmental and genetic influences on vertebrate development, and understand the importance of these with regard to the well-being of animals.

The 10 lessons are:

1. Vertebrate Taxonomy and Diversity Taxonomic classifications
2. Fishes: Fish Diversity
3. Ectotherms – Amphibians and Reptiles
4. Birds
5. Mammals (Mammalia)
6. Marsupials
7. Grandorders Glires and Insectivora
8. Carnivores
9. Hoofed Mammals (Ungulata)
10. Primates and other Archonta

Zoo Keeping BEN208 
This 9 lesson module is looks at the keeping of animals in captivity, in zoos, safari parks and the like. Students will learn about how zoos have developed and how their designs have changed. Context is provided by considering what the functions of zoos are, the environmental requirements of captive animals balanced against the requirements to provide habitat and enclosure designs which also enable effective human viewing of specimens. The module includes lessons which look at animal behaviours, interactions with zoo keepers, the health and nutrition requirements of captive animals as well as the health and safety principles which need to be followed. The module concludes with a PBL project on Environmental Enrichment, where students will be able to consider and apply what they have learned through their studies. 

The 9 lessons are:

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
6. Captive Husbandry - Behaviour and Enrichment
7. Human-Animal Interactions
8. Enclosure Design and Maintenance
9. Problem-based Learning Project – Environmental Enrichment

Industry Project BIP000 
Students are to complete an industry project. The project should last around 100 hours.  There are four options available to you to satisfy this requirement.  Don’t worry if you are not sure at this stage, your tutor will be there to help you every step of the way. This includes evidence of work experience or other studies or workshops, a research project or completion of Workshop I.

THE ELECTIVE MODULES IN DETAIL

Students are to select four modules from the following Electives.

Animal Husbandry I (Animal Anatomy And Physiology) BAG101 
The 11 lesson module will teach students about the structure and function of different animals which provides a solid foundation of knowledge for the understanding, care, and management of animals. The course looks at all types of animals, but is principally geared towards horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, goats, and pigs.

The 11 lessons are:

1. Introduction to Cells and Tissues
2. The Digestive System
3. The Circulatory System
4. The Urinary System
5. The Nervous System
6. Respiration
7. The Reproductive System
8. Muscles and Meat
9. The Skeleton
10. Animal Growth, Development, and the Endocrine System
11. Comparing Different Animals

Marine Studies I BEN103 
A 9 lesson module which is concerned with study of marine ecology systems. Students will learn about the environments in which marine life exists, including nutrient cycles, and food chains. Those completing this module will be able to identify the different characteristics of marine environments, and the different types of marine life supported within these. The module includes lessons specific to Shellfish and Crustaceans, Squid and Octopus, Cartilaginous and Bony Fish, Marine Mammals, Turtles and Sea Snakes, and Seabirds. The final lesson in the module looks at the human impact on marine environments, as well as considering techniques used to manage stocks of fish and other farmed marine life. 

The 9 lessons are:

1. Marine Ecology Systems
2. Shallow Waters and Reefs
3. Shellfish and Crustaceans
4. Squid, Octopus, and Other Primitive Animals
5. Fish Part A (Cartilaginous Fish) 
6. Fish Part B (Bony Fish) 
7. Marine Mammals
8. Turtles, Sea Snakes and Seabirds
9. Human Impact on Marine Environments and Fishing

Ornithology BEN102 
This is a 9 lesson module which is concerned with the classification and biology of birds. Students will study the classifications of different orders of birds and learn about their different characteristics. They will then go on to learn about the biology and anatomy of birds, including the physical attributes and organs, their internal biology and systems, behaviours, migration, and habits. The module then turns to look at specific types of birds, with lessons on land birds, giant and long-legged birds, seabirds, birds of prey, and so on. The module concludes with a lesson on how you can attract, feed, and keep birds.

The 9 lessons are:

1. Classification and Introduction to Bird watching
2. The Biology of Birds
3. Common and Widespread Land Birds
4. Giant Birds and Long Legged Birds
5. Seabirds and Water birds
6. Hunters - Birds of Prey, Owls, and Kingfishers
7. Passeriformes
8. Other Birds
9. Attracting, Feeding and Keeping Birds

Animal Husbandry III (Feed And Nutrition) BAG202 
Learn about the composition of a range of feeds, including pasture, fodder crops, grasses, cereals, seed, and other edible plants. This 10 lesson module also explains the role of proteins, vitamins and minerals in animal diets. 

The 10 lessons are:

1. Introduction to Animal Foods
2. Food Components - Carbohydrates and Fats
3. Food Components - Proteins, Minerals, and Trace Elements
4. Evaluating Foods and Digestibility
5. Classifying Foods Part A
6. Classifying Foods Part B
7. Classifying Foods Part C
8. Calculating Rations Part A
9. Calculating Rations Part B
10. Calculating Rations Part C

Animal Diseases BAG219 
This 9 lesson module looks at the types of diseases and conditions that may afflict livestock and the pathways followed to diagnosing such conditions. Students will learn about how clinical examinations are conducted and the pathology processes of dealing with samples. The module consists of lessons which look at the characteristics viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases. Students will learn about viral taxonomy, the types, structures and replication of viruses, identification of bacterial and fungal infections and infection control. Parasitic infections, common metabolic and nutritional conditions, poisoning, and genetic disorders and much more are covered by this extensive module. Studies in the module are completed with a research project where the Student will put their knowledge to the test with a project to identify and evaluate symptoms of disease or ill-health in a set of animals and determine the process for treatment.

The 9 lessons are:

1. How Animal Diseases are Diagnosed
2. Diagnostic Testing
3. Viral Diseases
4. Bacteria and Fungal Diseases
5. Parasitological Conditions
6. Metabolic and Nutritional Conditions
7. Poisoning
8. Inherited Conditions (Genetic Disorders)
9. Other Conditions and Disorders
10. Research Project

Marine Studies II BEN203 
The module comprises 10 lessons looking at marine plants, and a wide range of marine organisms. Lessons focus on a variety of different organisms, including – Cnidarians and Worms, Arthropods, Molluscs, Echinoderms. Students will have the opportunity to study the classification, characteristics, lifestyle and behaviour of a such organisms. 

The 10 lessons are:

1. Introduction and Simple Organisms
2. Marine Plants
3. Cnidarians & Worms
4. Arthropods
5. Molluscs
6. Echinoderms
7. Non Bony Fishes
8. Bony Fishes I
9. Bony Fishes II
10. Marine Mammals and Higher Animals

Natural Health Care For Animals BAG218 
An 8 lesson module, in which students will learn about the nature and scope of natural therapies that can be used to treat animals. This course is perfect for people who would like to work in Animal Health Care through holistic methods such as naturopathy, homeopathy, herbal treatments and tactile therapy. On completion of the module students will know how to identify signs of ill health and what appropriate treatments can be used for these. As well as looking at the importance of the right nutrition for animals, the module considers holistic approaches to the treatment and maintenance of good animal health. Studies in this module are completed with a case study research project, where students can demonstrate their knowledge through practical applications.

The 8 lessons are:

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 & Health Problems (Domestic Animals)
7. Animal Diseases & Health Problems (Livestock)
8. Animal Health Care Case Study Research Project

Wildlife Management BEN205 
Wildlife Management is a 9 lesson module which aims to develop a student’s knowledge of the principles of wildlife ecology and management. The module looks at the needs of wildlife and the factors which contribute to making a good habitat. Specific habitat types are considered – scrubland, tropical, temperate, desert, and so on. Students will learn about population dynamics and how they adapt to their environment. The second half of the module focuses on wildlife census, management techniques than can be employed and the legal aspects of wildlife law and administration. The module concludes with a case study and PBL project where students can use the knowledge gained on the course and demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter.

The 9 lessons are:

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 Research Project

Wildlife Conservation BEN206 
Wildlife Conservation is a 10 lesson module where students will gain a solid foundation of knowledge in the conservation of animals and habitats. Students will learn about ecosystem management, the process of habitat fragmentation, surveying for endangered species, planning for the recovery of threatened species and much more.

The 10 lessons are:

1. Introduction to Wildlife Conservation
2. Recovery of Threatened Species
3. Habitat Conservation
4. Approaches to Conservation of Threatened Wildlife
5. Vegetation Surveys
6. Fauna Surveys
7. Marine Surveys
8. Planning for Wildlife
9. Management
10. Wildlife Conservation Project

Animal Breeding BAG301 
This 7 lesson module will provide students with an understanding of the principles of breeding animals – farm animals, working animals, and pets – including the relevance of breeding in wildlife conservation. Students will learn about genetics, and the different types of breeding, including pure breeding and cross breeding. They will be able to devise procedures for breeding, and evaluate the relevance of different breeding methods. The module concludes with a lesson focusing on the improvement of livestock.

The 7 lessons are:

1. Introduction to Genetics
2. Genetics
3. Selection
4. Pure Breeding
5. Introduction to Cross Breeding
6. Cross Breeding
7. Livestock Improvement

Ecotourism Tour Guide Course BTR301 
A 10 lesson module which develops a student’s ability to organise and conduct ecotourism services including tours and activities. The module considers a wide range of subjects concerning ecotourism guiding including environmental awareness, planning tours, displays and interpretive aids, plant and animal interpretation.

The 10 lessons are:

1. Ecotourism Basics
2. Interpretive Services in Ecotourism
3. Ecology and Conservation
4. Plant and Animal Classification and Identification
5. Geology/Geomorphology
6. Interpreting Aquatic Environments
7. Interpreting Land Environments
8. Planning an Ecotour
9. Ecotour Displays
10. Leading an Ecotour

Communications VWR100 
Through 8 lessons, students about the delivery of effective communication. You will learn about problems that arise through poor communication and doing so will understand ways in which these can be avoided. Communication takes place in a variety of different ways – through the ways we talk as well as listen, our body language, the types of language we use in speech and in writing, as well as digital media and all these areas are covered and more in this module. Completing this module aims to improve students understanding of communicating and help them better communicate in different forms.

The 8 lessons are:

1. Introduction
2. Types of Communication
3. Language Skills
4. Writing Skills
5. Developing Writing Skills
6. Visual Communications
7. Public Speaking
8. Committee Meetings

Introduction To Ecology BEN101 
This 7 lesson module looks at the interaction, relationships and impact of the different elements which form the world around us.  Students will learn about the development of life by studying the evolution of different organisms and different types of ecology (behavioural – how behaviours have evolved; population – the form and interaction of populations; community – the interaction of species in a community; ecosystem – the components and interaction of living and non-living elements within an environment). The module contains lessons which look at living organisms, including endangered species of animal, different environments (including rainforests, marshlands, mountains, and shallow waters), and is concluded with a lesson focussing on ecological problems which face us such as global warming, and the impact on the environment of products we use in the home or in agriculture.

The 7 lessons are:

1. Ecosystems and Populations
2. The Development of Life
3. Animals, Parasites and Endangered Species
4. Fungi, Tundra, Rainforests and Marshlands
5. Mountains, Rivers and Deserts
6. Shallow Waters
7. Ecological Problems

Herpetology BEN209 
Through the course of 9 lessons, students will study reptiles and amphibians. They will look at the classification and characteristics of different reptiles and amphibians and learn about their biology. The module includes lessons which look at their environment and behaviours, as well as conservation issues and the requirements for looking after them in captivity.  

The 9 lessons are:

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.

FORMING RELATIONSHIPS WITH ANIMALS

Part of being a zoo keeper, involves forming relationships with the animals in your care. Irrespective of whether those animals are small or large, harmless or dangerous; the people who care for them need to understand the their behaviours and the psychology that underpins their formation of relationships.

Forming a relationship is almost always easier if the animal is young; but that is not always going to be the situation you find yourself in.

Here are some examples of specialised forms of learning that affect relationship development in animals. 

Imprinting

This behaviour is a special process of attachment that can only occur during a specific short critical or sensitive period when an animal is born. It is said to occur when innate behaviours are released in response to a learnt stimulus with the purpose of promoting survival of newborn animals and of influencing their future breeding activities.

It was first described by Karl Lorenz who studied a group of Greylag geese.  He observed that there is a brief period when the goslings are first born where they will huddle together but then become attracted to objects around them. In nature this will usually be the mother who leads them away from the nest but in the absence of the mother, Lorenz showed that the geese would follow and ‘imprint’ on him. It has subsequently been shown that ducks and geese will imprint on inanimate objects such as balls or boots. Although the dominant sense involved in imprinting is sight, sound and olfaction are also important. 
pImprinting seems to be more important in precocial species (where the young are mobile soon after birth) which need to be able to stay with a moving parent for protection, rather than those where the mother stays at the nest or place of birth whilst the young are being fed.  

It has most commonly been described in ducks and geese but it has also been observed in horses. Newborn foals will follow any large moving object (including humans) if the mare does not rise quickly after foaling. Mares may have developed a tendency to guard their foals against other animals or people who approach so as to prevent them from following the wrong animal. 

Imprinting-like phenomena are also involved in the social development of other mammals. Orphan lambs reared by humans will follow the humans about and may show little attraction towards other sheep. However, they may transfer their attention to other moving objects such as dogs, which suggests that the attachment is not as strong as imprinting in birds.

True imprinting is generally considered to be irreversible and the knowledge is retained for life. It can also influence the choice of mate, particularly in male birds who will seek out a partner who closely resembles the ‘mother’ that they imprinted on.

Maternal Bonding

The bond formed between the mother and her offspring is vital to ensure the survival of the young. Olfaction has a much greater influence in the bonding process although sight and hearing are also important.  The timing of this is crucial during which the mother must accept her newborn and start lactation and maternal care. It is known that in many mammals including sheep, goats and cattle, the mother must smell and lick her young within the first hour of birth otherwise she will reject them.

The practice of fostering an orphan lamb onto a ewe whose lamb has died by covering it with the skin of the dead lamb and hence its familiar smell has long been used by farmers to help the ewe accept the strange lamb. Contact between a cow and her calf for just a 5 minute period after birth will lead to a strong bond.  This strong reliance on smell should also be considered when handling very young animals as any strange ‘human’ scent may cause the mother to reject her offspring, especially in rodents.

Sows and piglets also use smell to identify each other but may take a few days to learn.  Piglets can be fostered onto a sow until approximately two days after farrowing.  After this time she will reject them on the basis of smell. Also piglets that are older than two days will vocalise and be reluctant to suckle a foster sow, as they have already made an attachment with their own mother.

In general, species that produce litters are more willing to accept and foster young, than those that produce one or two offspring. This is probably because the mother cannot discriminate so readily between individual offspring.

Socialisation

All young mammals pass through a developmental stage known as the socialisation period. This critical period occurs when the young animal’s sensory, motor and thermoregulatory systems are fully operational and they learn to move away from their mother and interact with others of the same and different species. This period varies according to species.  In dogs it is from 3-10 weeks, in cats 2-7 weeks whilst in primates it is 6-12 months.

During this sensitive stage, they are open to new social encounters. They learn about communication and appropriate social interaction. Later, as the socialisation period draws to a close, they become increasingly wary of strangers and novel situations. The social experiences during this critical period set them up to differentiate friend from foe for the rest of their lives. The socialisation period of wild cats and wolves lasts only a few days, after which the animal becomes fearful of anyone that doesn't look like its mother or litter mate. However, with domestic dogs and cats, this period seems to have got much longer.

WORKING IN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT or ZOO KEEPING

If you are considering Wildlife Management or Zoo Keeping as a career, you are probably aware that it is a highly competitive field, with many more applicants for jobs than the job market can absorb. Therefore, many nature parks, zoos and other employers can and do set quite demanding requirements for interested persons. In most situations, they require you to demonstrate your commitment to working with animals and your psychological suitability for such work through volunteering. This often applies to those with qualifications as well as those without, as not everyone who wants to work with animals has the personality or personal qualities for such work.

Jobs in wildlife management and zoo keeping may only be offered to volunteers and not advertised, and it is often the case that only those volunteers willing to work on a casual basis or on call will gain the jobs anyway, which can make it very difficult for volunteers who cannot afford to give up stable positions.

A qualification will certainly make you more attractive as a recruit, but it is usually not enough to gain you a job in this field, unless you are qualified for, and seeking a job that requires particular skills and knowledge, such as veterinary science. Our courses written by writers with experience and qualifications in this field, who have a good understanding of what is needed.

Why do we have Zoos?

With changing attitudes towards zoos over the recent decades, zoos have been forced to reconsider their purpose and function.

Zoos now have to justify their reasons for keeping animals in captivity. Many zoos now recognise three main reasons for keeping animals in zoos, other than for recreational purposes. These are:

• Conservation.
• Education.
• Research.

Research and Zoos

Having intimate access to a variety of animals, zoos are in the desirable position of being able to conduct research and acquire knowledge of these animals and how they live. Research undertaken in zoos is an important part of their conservation strategies. It is now a legal requirement in the UK for zoos to be involved in research that help meet conservation goals. Many of the larger zoos are involved in research which covers a wide range of areas such as

• Animal Health and Nutrition.
• Animal Behaviour.
• Animal Husbandry Techniques.
• Visitor Experiences.
• Cooperative Research into Conservation of Threatened Species.
• Recovery of Wildlife.
• Genetics.
• Reproduction.
• Self Assessment – how the zoo can improve particular functions.

Many zoos share their research information with other zoos and wildlife researchers. This is very important for the improved welfare of both captive and wild animals as well as increasing the effectiveness of zoos. Research can also form the basis for educational resources provided to zoo visitors and the general public.

HOW THE COURSE WORKS

You can start the course at any time.

It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies.  Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way.  If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help.

Each lesson includes set tasks, and is completed with an assignment which the student submits to their course tutor.  The tutor will mark the assignment and return this to the student with comments and suggestions for further reading.

HOW THE ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IS ASSESSED

The Advanced Certificate In Zoo Keeping requires approximately 900 hours of study. It is made up of eight 100 hour modules and a workplace project lasting 100 hours

To pass the course –

1. Pass all assignments on the eight 100 hour modules. There will be an assignment at the end of each lesson to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback.
2. Pass eight examinations – one on each module. These are usually taken at the end of the module and can be arranged at a time and location to suit you.
3. Complete a Workplace Project.  The project should last around 100 hours.  There are four options available to you to satisfy this requirement.  Don’t worry if you are not sure at this stage, your tutor will be there to help you every step of the way. This includes evidence of work experience or other studies or workshops, a research project or completion of Workshop I.

WHY STUDY WITH ACS?

• ACS is a well-established (over 37 years) and independent distance learning school.
• Quality teaching - Our courses are written and taught by experienced professionals, so you know you can expect a high quality of teaching and support.
• Start at any time - You can start the course at any time and study at your own pace.
• Flexible studies - online or eLearning study options.  Fit your studies around your own busy lifestyle; study where and you want to.

QUESTIONS?

Choosing the right course and the right options is important.  If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Environmental tutors using our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE.  They will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about our courses.