Equine Science Diploma

Name: Equine Science Diploma
SKU: ODL65
Price: 569 GBP

The Equine Science Level 3 Diploma course is aimed at those with an interest in the management of equines with an emphasis on the scientific aspects.

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Level 3 / Quality Licence Scheme / ODL65

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Course summary

Expert Tutoring

12 months tutor support

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Endorsed by the

Quality Licence Scheme

NUS Card Eligibility

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Course introduction

People with an interest in equine life will also find this course very appealing. This Level 3 Diploma course is aimed at improving the knowledge base of owners, breeders/exhibitors and those involved with horses professionally. The Diploma in Equine Science will be awarded to those students who satisfactorily complete all 10 Units of this course and a final online examination. Materials can be studied online or there is also the option to have the printed materials delivered for an additional charge of £65.

Required knowledge

No previous knowledge or experience is essential to study this course.

Assessment

Final online multiple choice examination counts for 100% of the final grade. Throughout the course there are ten SAPs (coursework) and a thesis. The course clearly states that this is not mandatory to complete as it has no bearing on the final grade. We do suggest that students complete these as this will not only assist them in examination preparation but also will give the student the skill set should they wish to continue their studies (continuous professional development) at a higher level.

Certification

At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from Quality Licence Scheme and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the components the learner has completed as part of the course).

The course has been endorsed under the Quality Licence Scheme.The Provider has undergone an external quality check to ensure that the organisation and the courses it offers, meet defined quality criteria. The completion of this course alone does not lead to a regulated qualification* but may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills gained.

The Learner Unit Summary may be used as evidence towards Recognition of Prior Learning if you wish to progress your studies in this subject. To this end the learning outcomes of the course have been benchmarked at QLS Level 3 against level descriptors published by Ofqual, to indicate the depth of study and level of demand/complexity involved in successful completion by the learner.

The Quality Licence Scheme is part of the Skills and Education Group, a charitable organisation that unites education and skills-orientated organisations that share similar values and objectives. With more than 100 years of collective experience, the Skills and Education Group’s strategic partnerships create opportunities to inform, influence and represent the wider education and skills sector.

The Skills and Education Group’s knowledge and experience of working within the awarding sector enables them to work with training providers, through the Quality Licence Scheme, to help them develop high-quality courses and/or training programmes for the non-regulated market.

*Regulated qualification refers to those qualifications that are regulated by Ofqual / CCEA / Qualification Wales.

Course modules

Module 1: General Principles in Science
This unit provides a foundation for the rest of the course. It introduces the branches of science and covers the following:
- What is Science?
- Taxonomy - how organisms are classified
- Cells and how they reproduce
- Biochemistry of cells
- The general biology of mammals
- The systems that all mammals have in common
- How organisms fit into their environment
- Chemistry of the equine environment

Module 2: Equine Anatomy and Physiology
This unit follows on from the first 1 which looked at some of the physiological systems that are common to all mammals. This unit is equine specific and covers the anatomy of the horse, which is the structure of the body, and physiology, which is the study of how these structures function. It covers the points of the horse and the correct terminology for describing organs and regions of the body.

It covers the following systems:
- Skeletal system - the structure of the horse's skeleton and the composition of bone
- Muscular system - the composition of muscles, and how and why muscles contract
- The nervous system and the sensory organs - how the horse receives information from its environment and then acts on it
- The endocrine system - hormones and their function
- The circulatory system - the heart and blood
- The respiratory system
- The immune system - how the horse defends itself from invasion by pathogens

The digestive and reproductive systems are not covered in this module as they are covered in detail in later modules.

Module 3: Genetics
An understanding of genetics is necessary for anyone thinking of breeding horses. This module covers genetics from a scientific viewpoint, and it looks at genetics from a species level and an individual level as well. It covers the following topics:

- The terminology used by geneticists
- Evolution of the horse - a history of how horses developed
- Early theories of inheritance
- Theories of evolution, such as natural selection and sexual selection
- Current knowledge of the basic principles of heredity - how inheritable traits are passed from parent to offspring
- The reproduction of genetic information - the replication of DNA
- Mutations that arise during replication, and how these alter the genetic instructions
- Genetic disorders in the horse, and how these can be predicted using knowledge of how genes are passed on
- How horses differ genetically from other equines such as zebras and donkeys, and why these species cannot interbreed or why their offspring are sterile
- The technology that can help identify carriers of genetic disorders, DNA testing

Module 4: Reproduction
Covers some of the background knowledge that module 4 builds upon. In the previous unit we looked at the genetics of the horse and how this knowledge can be put to use when choosing suitable stallions and mares for breeding. This unit covers the physiology of reproduction and the care of the newborn foal. The following topics are covered:

- The reproductive anatomy of the mare
- The reproductive anatomy of the stallion
- The oestrus cycle of the mare
- Conception and early development of the pregnancy
- The different methods of insemination, including natural and artificial methods
- The procedure of embryo transfer and why this might be used
- The development of the unborn foal
- The process of foaling, the stages of birth and the neonatal period, including the importance of the colostrum the foal receives from its mother
- Problems that mare be associated with pregnancy
- Problems associated with delivery of the foal
-Problems associated with the development of the newborn foal

Module 5: Equine Nutrition
Nutrition is more than simply consuming food, but is the science of food and of the nourishing the body. Equines have very particular nutritional requirements, and delicate digestive systems. In many cases horses are also used as performance animals, and so the science of correct nutrition is particularly important to maximise their performance. In order to remain healthy, horses must be fed correctly, and this unit covers the principles of good nutrition and its effect on maintaining physiological function.

This unit covers the following:

- The structure and function of the equine digestive system and how it differs from some other mammals.
- The particular nutritional requirements of the horse, and how the various nutrients affect the functioning of various physiological systems.
- Nutritional supplements and why they may be necessary in some circumstances
- How to calculate how much to feed a horse according to the type of work it is doing.
- The factors that can affect the type and amount of feed a horse requires such as breeding, lactation, age.
- Monitoring the effectiveness of a diet and understand what is meant by condition scoring
- The health problems associated with incorrect feeding, and disorders that are linked to nutritional deficiencies or excess intake of nutrients

Module 6: Equine Diseases
This unit covers many of the common diseases associated with equines, together with reasons why they may occur. Every horse will experience illness at some point in its life, and it is necessary for anyone working with horses to have knowledge of the signs of health and the signs of a horse suffering from disease. Nutritional diseases were covered in module 5, and this module covers some of the other types of disease, including:

- The disease causing organisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, and the differences between them.
- The main internal and external parasites that affect the horse and how they can cause disease
- The clinical signs and modes of transmission of the main infectious diseases affecting the equine, and how the risks can be reduced
- The signs of some degenerative diseases, such as chronic lameness conditions
- The signs associated with some diseases where the exact cause is yet unknown, and details of current research being carried out into their likely causes

Although the unit also covers some of the ways that disease may be prevented or treated, it is not the main focus, as more will be covered on this topic in module 7.

Module 7: Veterinary Science
This unit follows on from module 6 on equine disease, and looks at the equine branch of veterinary science. It covers the following topics:

- The principles of veterinary medicine, and its aims, and a history of how veterinary medicine developed
- The preventive, diagnostic and curative veterinary medicine for various equine diseases
- Equine injuries and how these are treated
- Veterinary technology and how it is used in practice

Module 8: Equine Behavioural Science
Why do horses behave the way they do? This unit provides a fascinating look at the reasons behind many of the behaviours expressed by the horse. It covers ethology, the study of horses in their natural environment, and examines the science behind behaviour. You will learn about the following:

- The main learning theories
- The areas of the brain associated with various aspects of behaviour
- The reasons why horses do what they do in the natural environment
- Stereotypical behaviour, including box-walking, weaving and crib biting and the science behind why the horse might develop these problems

Module 9: Exercise Physiology
Horses that are used in the equestrian disciplines are athletes, and knowledge of the scientific aspects of exercise physiology is necessary if we are to understand how horses work and are to get the best performance from them. This unit covers the following:

- The main equestrian disciplines such as racing, endurance and eventing, and the effects on the horse's body
- The effects of exercise on the musculoskeletal system
- Thermoregulation - the way in which the horse keeps cool during exercise
- Biomechanics - how the horse moves during exercise
- The ways in which we can use knowledge of exercise physiology to improve performance

Module 10: Science and the Equine Industry
This final unit of the course examines the various sectors of the equine industry, including the use of horses for leisure and the use of horses for competition. It pulls together much of the knowledge gained in previous units, as it looks at the ways science is entwined within the equine industry as a whole. You will look at how research into science and technology is having an effect on the way we manage horses in the present day, and the likely developments for the future. It examines the new products that may become available, for example nutritional products, new veterinary drugs that may be used in the future, and the development of tack or equipment to improve the life of the horse or its performance. It will also look at some of the products available for the rider, and show how science is implicated in the development of these products.

Learner support

12 Months Tutor Support. Tutors are available to answer student questions relating to course materials and to comment on the assignments that are sent in to state how well students have understood the unit content.

FAQs

What does NCC stand for?

NCC originally stood for the National Consortium of FE (Further Education) Colleges. This brought together the FE Colleges to achieve the best provision. Regular national meetings were attended by both Colleges and Government agencies who funded them. This was very helpful to them both to best deliver training to their students.

For more than 25 years NCC has supplied FE Colleges with learning materials as well as student marketing.

NCC now specialise in online training of a very high quality to students both self-funded, paid for by schools, employers and training providers.

What is distance learning?

Distance learning is the most flexible and convenient approach to studying. There is no need for you to attend college and you can study anytime, anyplace, anywhere that fits in with your lifestyle. Distance learning programmes are ideal for people who may have a job, family commitments, or any other commitment that won’t allow them time off to study.

What is the difference between the online and paper versions of courses?

Both our online and paper courses are completed via an online learning portal (LMS) which you can access after you receive your login details by email. Please ensure that you check your junk email if you do not receive your login details within 48 hours.

All learners will submit their assignments, receive feedback and correspond with their tutor directly through the LMS. If you require help from our support team, then simply email [email protected].

If you opt for the online course, you will not receive any course materials through the post. Everything is available via the LMS.

If you opt for the paper version, you are simply paying for a study book to be printed and posted to your home, or place of work. You will use this book as a reference guide, but you will still be required to upload your assignments and correspond with your tutor via the LMS.

If you are unable to access our online LMS, we do have alternative options available, so please email [email protected] in order to request further support.

What do I need to do to get started?

We recommend that you choose a course that will interest you and help you to achieve your ambitions. If you would like some advice, or further information, contact us here or dial 0333 3445 690.

To purchase a course, simply click on the ‘Buy now’ button against your chosen course and follow the on screen instructions. Alternatively if you would prefer to purchase the course over the phone, call 0333 3445 690 and speak to one of our expert course advisors.

How much will it cost?

The price largely depends on the size and duration of the course. The course cost is determined by the expenses associated with its provision, taking into consideration the course's size and complexity, development costs, study materials, and the level of tutor support required. Some courses also necessitate additional in-person assessments by assessors, which incur additional expenses and consequently affect the course's cost.

The cost for each course is always listed clearly on the course description page before you make a purchase.

Additionally, extra fees may apply for courses that require externally monitored assessments (such as A Levels or ICB qualifications). For more details, it's best to consult with one of our course advisors.

How do I enrol?

Once you've chosen your course, you have two options for enrolment:

You can purchase the course online by clicking the "Buy now" button, which will enrol you automatically.
Alternatively, you can call our helpline at 0333 3445 690, and our expert course advisors will assist you in signing up for the course and arrange for the delivery of any requested additional learning materials to your address.

All courses are available to purchase in full or via affordable monthly payments over 12 months. A £29 non-refundable deposit is required for monthly payments, and you will be required to set up a monthly direct debit.

We do not require you to complete a credit check to sign up for monthly payments.

How quickly will I receive my course materials?

We ensure that you will receive your ordered course materials within 5 working days of registration, though for many courses, delivery may take as little as 48 hours.

Your course materials will be sent through a tracked courier service to guarantee delivery of your study book within the specified timeframe.

Do I need any additional books or equipment to do my course?

All the relevant information required to complete your course is available via the LMS. Additional research via the internet is encouraged, depending on the level you are working at, to bolster knowledge of the subject area.

There is no requirement to purchase any additional materials.

What support will I receive?

You will have access to a dedicated personal tutor whom you can contact through the Learning Management System (LMS) for assistance and guidance on any course-related matters. Your tutor will only initiate contact in response to your messages. If you encounter any difficulties reaching your tutor, please don't hesitate to email us at [email protected].

Many courses require you to submit work to your tutor during the period of study, and your tutor will assess your work and provide feedback to you within 10 working days. Your tutor is available to you as much as you need them.

Please note that the course includes tutor support for a duration of 12 months. If you require additional time, please inform us, and we will make every effort to provide you with an option for a paid extension, if feasible, to assist you in completing your course.

Please be aware that our tutors are actively assisting multiple learners, and to ensure they are not inundated with excessive workloads, we have implemented a policy limiting learners to submitting a maximum of three units of work for evaluation at any given time. We recommend that you upload your completed units as you finish them. This way, you can benefit from your tutor's feedback to enhance your future assignment submissions.

How long will it take for my work to be marked by my tutor?

Your work will be marked and feedback returned to you within 10 working days after submission. This is because our tutors are required to provide detailed, considered feedback to our learners that may take a while to formulate. We find that by working this way, our learners actually complete their course in less time, as they rarely need to submit an assignment more than twice.

Whilst it is possible to submit multiple assignments at the same time, we advise that our learners submit only one at a time. We want our learners to develop as they progress through their course, and find this is best achieved when a student embarks on a new module having taken into account tutor feedback from the previous submission.

Kindly note that our tutors are currently supporting multiple learners simultaneously. In order to maintain a balanced workload for them, we have established a policy that restricts learners to submitting a maximum of three units of work for evaluation at any given time.

How long should it take to complete a course?

The time needed to complete your course depends on the specific course you've chosen and the time you're able to dedicate. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 12 months. You'll usually have up to 12 months from the date of purchase to complete your course if you wish to receive your certificate, this is your end of support date.

One of the biggest advantages of distance learning is the flexibility it offers. You can study at your own pace, fitting your coursework around your personal schedule and commitments. There's no pressure—no one will be chasing you to submit work or asking why you haven't turned in an assignment.

That said, we recommend considering your availability before enrolling to ensure you can devote enough time to stay motivated and complete the course within a reasonable timeframe.

Will I have to sit an examination?

All of our courses are fully accredited, and to successfully complete them, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding. Depending on the course you choose, this could involve an examination, but the assessment methods can vary.

For some courses, you'll be continuously assessed throughout your studies, while others may require a final exam or an assignment, which can be done from home and submitted to your tutor.

For specific qualifications like A-levels and GCSEs, you will need to sit invigilated exams at a registered test centre. You'll be responsible for arranging and covering the cost of these exams, but full guidance will be provided by the centre delivering the qualification.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to email us at [email protected]. We can help or connect you with the course provider for more details.

Will I receive a qualification when I complete the course?

All of our courses are accredited and you will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.

For more information about this please see the section of the website that details how awarding bodies work and what the different types of qualifications are: https://www.ncchomelearning.co.uk/awarding-organisations

Can I take more than one course at a time?

Yes, you can take as many courses as your time allows, but we would recommend that you clearly evaluate how much time you can commit to your courses of study.

The good news is that if your circumstances change you can always take a limited break and come back to your studies to save your paid for support.

If you decide to enrol on more than one course at the same time, speak to our enquiries team for any bundle deals or offers.

Can I enrol and study outside the UK?

Absolutely! In most cases, our courses are accessible regardless of where you're located. However, some courses may have geographical restrictions set by the Awarding Organisation, and any such limitations will be clearly outlined in the course details.

Keep in mind that all of our tutors are UK-based, and while most work can be submitted via email, there may be rare instances where submissions need to be sent by post.

For courses that require a monitored exam, there are many test centres available internationally. If you're planning to study from abroad, we recommend reaching out to us before purchasing the course to ensure everything is in place for your studies.

What if I’ve chosen the wrong course?

If, after receiving the course, you decide it isn’t the right course for you, you may return the materials within 14 days, provided you have not yet submitted any coursework for evaluation. Please note that you will be responsible for covering the return shipping costs. We will refund your payment, minus a non-refundable deposit of £29. Additionally, you have the option to select an alternative course that better matches your goals and aspirations.

For any help on cancelling your course please email [email protected], we will only deal with cancellation enquiries via email.

What is a Totum Card?

Totum is the new brand for UK student cards and replaces the old NUS student card. NCC students are eligible to sign-up for the Totum card where applicable, giving access to a multitude of retail, food and travel special discounts. For more information, you can visit their website: https://www.totum.com/