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Publicado: Monday 11 de June de 2012, 12:26
BTEC (HND) in Animal Psychology £3,500.00 Oxford CollegeSubject code: L5AP Syllabus and Unit Specification: BTEC Higher National Diploma in: Animal PsychologyUnit 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 experienceStudents 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 courseUnit 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 PsychologyDevelop 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 writingThe development of knowledge and understanding through writing skills for communicating ideas and arguments to tutors and other readers of written work.Reviews of writing skillsReflective writing skills and practicePromotion of pro-active implementation of skills enhancement through tutor feedback and self-assessmentUnit 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 - Gestalt2 Theorists who helped shape psychological practices Jung, Freud, Rogers, Ellis, Maslow, Skinner, Pavlov Behaviourism (origins relate to animal studies; psychoanalytical; humanist 3 Psychology specialisms Branch/specialism: clinical psychology; behavioural; forensic; cognitive; health, comparative; educational; sports; developmental; social; abnormal; cross-cultural and allied therapeutic branches including animal behaviourism and therapyExploration of the link between animal and human behaviour Models: learning, cognitive, psychoanalysis; behaviour modification4 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 psychologyTheories for exploration (examples): Cognitive dissonance; attachment (humans and animals); behaviour analysis; trait theory; personality theoriesUnit 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 humansThe 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 behaviourExploration 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 factors3 Scientific researchAims and objectives of scientific research: biological and chemical investigation of living organisms;, systematic and objective examination of the subject matterTypes of scientific research: research paradigms, methodologies and methods; philosophical stance; relevance to psychological and behaviour modelsEvaluation and dissemination: analysis of scientific research, applications of data and findings; routes of dissemination; trends and probabilities; observational applications4 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/therapyUnit 4: Research methods and techniques Level H1 Learning hours: 60 Unit description Unit content 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 therapyLearners 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 researchUnit 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; ethics3 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; ethics4 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 regionsUnit 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; SpeciesChanges: groupings of organisms linked physical appearance and descent; ancestry; genetic revisions2 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 shift3 External resources relating to classification Independent research: exploration and evaluation of classification and domain structure, relating to theories such as Darwin, Lamarcke. Wallis4 Comparisons between species Differentiation : between mammals and reptiles; cellular level; species and functional levelCycles: nitrogen, water and oxygenCharacteristics: evidence for influences such as environment, habitat and evolution, adaptationUnit 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 applicationsUnit content 1 Cell structure and function Structure: membrane bound organelles; cytoplasm; nuclear envelope, nuclearFunction: gene expression and DNA replication; protein synthesis; diffusion, facilitated diffusion; osmosis; active transport; endocytosis and exocytosis2 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 intervention4 Sexual and asexual reproduction Mitosis: cloning, growth, repair, diploidMeiosis: gamete formation; haploid; homologous pairing; daughter cells; fertilisation Unit 7: Genetic principles of mammals Level H1 Learning Hours: 60 Unit description 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 researchUnit content 1 Processes of meiosis Genotypes : genetic information, random mixing of genes during meiosis; environmental influencesPhenotypes : genotype plus physical and chemical appearance; adaptations related to habitat, evolution, food supply, breedingGene pool diversity: breeding; habitat; environment; food sources; predation; evolutionary theory; survival of the fittest/adaptive survival2Pedigree 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 characteristics3 Evaluate evidence related to genetic inheritanceReview theories of evolution: Mendel, Darwin, Lamarke, Hunt’s chromosome theory of inheritance; current thinking - epigenetics4 Factors contributing to genetic inheritance Contributing factors: environmental, habitation and nurture; cell metabolism and adaptationsStrategies: adaptation (physical; feeding; mating; demographic; species evolution)Factors: species individualality; evolution within species; Darwinism; Lamarckism; nutrition; movement; responses to changing climate; relationship to adaptation strategies; research into current examples within speciesUnit 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 psychologyUnit 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 principlesThis 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 humansUnit 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 Learning hours: 60 hoursUnit level : H2 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 contextsUnit 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, habituation2 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 4 Behaviour modification in horses Conditioning; desensitization; counter-conditioning; applied behaviour analysis; stimulus control; shaping; reinforcements scheduling; learned helplessness; limiting distraction techniques Unit 13: The psychology of feline 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 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 therapyUnit 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 principlesUnit 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 Training techniques : clicker; positive reinforcement; luring; group; harness; pack hierarchy3 Socialization processes in dogs Attachment (theories and models); puppy rearing and interactions; territorial marking; aggression; behavioural development; weaning process; environmental factors; independence and instinctive patterns; stimulation and interaction; genetic influences; maternal influences 4 Abnormal behaviour states in dogs Behaviour states: Aggression; separation anxiety; dominance; phobic patterns; possessiveness; attachment (theories); genetic influencesTechniques: 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 objectivesStudy 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 practiceUnit 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 Entry RequirementsAll 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 HoursApproximately 60 hours per unitAssessment Method16 tutor marked assessments.Please note that you can enrol on this course at anytime.AwardBTEC (HND) in Animal Psychology |