Course
Synopsis This
Ascentis Quality Assured Level 3 Diploma course is aimed at those who
intend to pursue a career working with cats, as well as professionals
already employed in the animal care sector who would like to broaden
their knowledge base. Students will expand their knowledge and
understanding by studying a whole variety of topics, including
historical, practical, legal and scientific aspects of the field of
feline studies. These will vary from examinations of folklore, anatomy,
genetics, cattery management and animal law. The Level 3 Diploma in
Feline Studies will be awarded to those students who satisfactorily
complete all 10 Units of this course and a final online examination.
Course
Structure
This Feline studies diploma course comprises of ten detailed modules concludes with an online
examination. What's Included
in the course? Entry
Requirements
All students must be 16 years of age and above. Study
Hours
Approximately 40 hours per module Assessment
Method
Final online multiple choice examination. Additional
Information This
is a dual certification course. You will receive a certificate from
both the College and also the National Awarding body Ascentis. Fees for
both are included in the course fee.
There is a list of publications for further reading and a glossary of
terms at the end of the course. To
view the differences between our
qualifications, please click HERE
Please
note that you can enrol on this course at anytime.
This Accredited Feline Studies Diploma course can
be enrolled upon by students Internationally. There are no
deadlines for enrolments.
Further questions about this
course?
Please don't hesitate to contact us: courses@animal-job.co.uk
Course Structure
Module
1 Origins of the domestic cat
Module
2 Anatomy and Physiology
This module will form a sound basis
for the rest of the course by examining how the modern domestic cat
came to be uniquely important to the people of the world. The module
covers the following topics:
1. Evolution
2. Domestication throughout the world
3. Cats and religion
4. The rise and fall of cats in Europe
5. Folklore, legends and magic
This science based module examines the
cats' physical body from the cellular level to its external anatomy. It
introduces basic biological principles which can be applied to all
other animal species although it focuses specifically on domestic
felines. Body systems such as the neurological, digestive and
reproductive systems are included in their own later modules. Module 2
covers the following topics:
1. External points of the cat
2. Cells, tissues, organs and organ
systems
3. Locomotary system, including skeleton and
musculature
4. Circulatory systems. Heart, blood and lymphatic
systems
5. Urinary system
6. Endocrine system
Module
3 Neurophysiology
and sensory systems
Module 4 Nutrition
Building on the knowledge in module 2
this module examines how information about the internal and external
environment is transmitted around the body. The topics in module 3
include:
1. Homeostasis. How the body maintains a constant
internal environment
2. Structure and function of nervous cells and
tissues
3. The brain
4. Sense receptors, light, chemical and Sound
Adding to the knowledge gained in
modules 2 and 3 this module examines how a cats body gains the
substances needed to grow and maintain life. This may appear to be an
uncontroversial subject, but pet food is a big business and the module
will also examine how this business emerged and some of the debates it
engenders. The module includes discussions of biology, husbandry and a
debate about the commercial industry.
1. Classification of nutrients/signs of deficiency
2. Digestive system anatomy and physiology
3. Feeding cats
4. Commercial food industry
Module
5 Reproduction
Module
6 Behavioural science
The cat is a prolific species, in the
wild in spite of its status as a predator, its relatively small size
means that it is not safe from other predators. Its reproductive
strategy involves producing many young in order to ensure some survive
to adulthood. This module will examine feline reproduction from oestrus
to weaning. Other subjects connected with reproduction such as
genetics, breeding systems, and preventing reproduction will be dealt
with in future modules.
1. Male and female reproductive anatomy
2. Breeding cycles and puberty
3. Pregnancy and birth
4. Kitten development
5. Controlling breeding
As cats have become increasingly
popular as companion animals during the last century, the relatively
new interest in their behaviour has resulted in increased research into
their behaviour, both endearing and problematic. This module will
examine how cats interact with each other, (communication, territorial
and dominance behaviour) and discuss behavioural development in
kittens. It will also discuss feline behaviour problems from a human
point of view.
1. Feline communication. Body language,
expression, scent and posture
2. Behaviour development. Newborn reflexes to
social animal
3. Problem behaviour. Urine marking, middening,
aggression
Module
7 Genetics
Module
8 Health
This module will examine the subject
of genetics and inheritance from the basic building blocks of the
genome, to the determination of a particular individuals
characteristics. An understanding of genetics is necessary for anyone
thinking of breeding cats as well as determining the reasons why
certain cats have particular characteristics. Colour, pattern and coat
length will be discussed in detail as examples of obviously
recognizable characteristics, although the principles described are
equally applicable to body form/size, temperament and in certain cases
behaviour. Although concentrating on scientific aspects of the topic, a
brief review of breed specific mutations is included.
1. Genome and definitions
2. Inheritance of specific characteristics (
colour/pattern/coat length)
3. Breed specific mutations
Cats, like all other living organisms
occasionally suffer from ill health, although many domestic cats will
only meet a veterinarian for routine check ups, vaccinations and
neutering. Nevertheless ill health can occur in even the most well
cared for animal and this module will explore the various diseases and
conditions which bring about poor health. Broadly speaking these
conditions/diseases can be divided into two groups, those a cat catches
e.g. as the result of infection/parasites or those that are
non-infectious, encompassing genetic problems, cancers and nutritional
disorders (module 4). Specific examples of diseases, their symptoms and
prevention will be discussed but this course is not intended to be, not
should be considered as, a substitute for veterinarian diagnosis and
treatment.
1. Infectious disease. Viral, bacterial, fungal
infections, vaccination, and parasites
2. Non infectious disease (cancer/genetic disease)
Module
9 Husbandry
Module
10 Rules
and regulations
Although many cats live out their
lives in one or two animal pet home, many others live together in
larger groups, either due to specific planning by humans, or as a
result of neglect. Many cats will experience such conditions in their
lifetimes, either by being bred in a cat breeder's establishment,
falling on hard times and being 'rescued' by a charity organisation or
living out their lives without close human contact as ferals. This
module will examine the practical way in which larger numbers of cats
can be cared for on a regular basis. It will examine procedures used in
rescue/feral control organisation and the care and procedures used in
boarding and breeding catteries.
1. Rescue organisations (history/procedures, feral
colony management)
2. Boarding/pedigree catteries (Procedures,
breeding programs, line-breeding, in-breeding and out crossing)
Cats inevitably are included in the
rules, laws and regulations our societies need to function due to their
close association with humans. This module will examine some of the
history behind animal legislation around the world, as well as current
and proposed regulations. It will also discuss the sometimes widely
differing rules surrounding 'pedigree' cats within different governing
cat associations and the implications for the animals belonging to the
members of those organisations.
1. Animal welfare/abuse legislation, history and
worldwide Pedigree organisation regulations. Different breed
recognition, ethics, showing, and breeding
Additional
Benefits
Animal
Jobs Direct would like to offer students the following as free gifts.
We hope these will inform, inspire and assist students in
achieving their goal of working with animals.
Receive
the followingwhen
you enrol
for this Diploma Course! Animal
Charity Membership Free
On confirmation of enrolment, we will donate 10 GBP to the animal
charity Animal
Aid and you will receive a free
1 Year Membership. This animal charity membership
entitles you to their quarterly magazine and 10%
discount off any of
the great products purchased from
the Animal
Aid Ethical Shop
and other affiliated ethical organisations.
PLUS The Set of
Working
with Animals Ebooks Free worth
19.95 GBP
On confirmation
of enrolment you will receive
this set of Working
with Animals ebooks (instant download). We hope
they will inspire and assist you in
pursuing a career with animals.
What's
Included
All
study materials to enable the student to successfully complete the
Diploma. Support is provided by the tutor department.
Please note that this is an online course and your materials are
delivered within the College web site in PDF format.
You will require to have one of the following packages to access your
course online:
*
Windows: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista -
Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
* Macintosh: Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 -
Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
In
the student 'Common Room' you are also able to receive the latest
course updates, extra materials and information. You will also be able
to take part in the student chat room and forums as part of our online
student community.
