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 The aim of this course is to introduce students to some explanation of animal behaviour.
It gives an insight into a world that, in so many ways, is not unlike our own (although human behaviour does not directly feature). The programme covers a wide range of species with particular interest paid to their natural environment and how they interact.
There is no entry qualification other than an ability to read and respond to written material at this academic level (module one and two of the Introduction to Zoology course would give students a distinct advantage though).
This course is of particular use to anybody considering a career working with animals as it compliments more mainstream subjects such as biology.
Course Modules
1. The Brain and Senses
- What is behaviour, and what is comparative psychology?
- Innate behaviour, and behaviour that is due to the genes of the animal
- Learned behaviour, and the nature-nurture debate
- Basic brain structure and comparing the brains of different species
- Animal senses, hearing, touch, sight, smell, taste, and the differences between different types of animals
2. Mental Processes
- Cognition and cognitive ability
- Hormones and their effects on behaviour
- Are animals intelligent? Defining intelligence and what it means
- Learning and the different ways that animals learn, though social learning, trial and error, and conditioning
- The differences between classical and operant conditioning
- The importance of play
- Imprinting and habituation
- The critical and sensitive periods for learning
- Learned helplessness and abnormal behaviour, stereotypical behaviour
- Animal emotions
3. Protection, Feeding and Mating
- Species that have multiple offspring, and those that have single offspring, and the different methods of care of the young.
- The difference between precocial and altricial young
- Defence against predators, and the different methods of defence
- Natural selection and artificial selection
- Mimicry, and the ways that species can mimic others
- Mating and the different methods of reproduction
- Courtship behaviour
- Food chains and webs
- Herbivores, carnivores and omnivores and the ways they are adapted to different diets
- Parasitism and symbiotic relationships between species
4. Societies and Groupings
- The advantages and disadvantages of living within a group
- Societies and structures, and the hierarchy in groups
- Different forms of reproductive strategies, such as monogamy and polygamy
- Hibernation and aestivation
- Prosocial behaviour
- Group dynamics
- The differences between the sexes - sexual dimorphism
- The evolution of animal societies
5. Environment, Domestication and Captivity
- What is an environment?
- Habitat selection, why do animals choose their particular environment?
- Territories, and the ways that animals defend them from others
- The history of domestication and selective breeding
- Conservation biology and the role of captivity and zoos
- Zoochotic behaviour in captivity
6. Tool Usage and Language
- Defining tool usage in animals
- Cultural transmission and the way that animals learn through watching others
- Examples of the ways that different species use tools to achieve goals
- Communication, and the different methods used by animals
- The advantages and disadvantages of different types of communication
- Language and the ways that bees communicate
- Study Level 3
- The study Level relates to the how demanding the course is. 1 is beginner and 5 is HND / Foundation Degree level.
6 Module Course - This course is delivered in 6 study modules which need to be passed to gain the qualification.
If you're not sure about this course, here are a few fequently asked questions that may help you.
We understand that it may be daunting when choosing a Distance Learning course for the first time, so below are some helpful questions that may put some of your fears to rest.
Who accredits Compass Education's courses?
At Compass, we believe in studying towards something of worth. Our courses are recognised and accredited by a variety of bodies and indeed, we are more widely accredited than any other private Animal Behaviour Distance Learning College.
Who will help guide my studying?
When you register, you will be allocated a personal tutor whose job is to mark your work and to provide academic support and guidance if required. He or she will be available for one-to-one support and to answer queries by phone or e-mail if you get stuck. All our tutors are experts in their fields and many also have teaching qualifications and experience.
Can I pay in installments?
Sure.
If you choose to pay in full for the e-version you can register and order online today using our secure online payment option above, but if you wish to spread the cost you can pay for each module as you complete them.
For all payment options, get the prices and complete the process by contacting us.
If I buy more than one course, do I get a discount?
Yes, ordering more than one course can lead to discounts, so
click here to contact us for details.
Why are some of the courses so much cheaper than some of the competitors?
At Compass we do not believe in excessive profits, you pay an excellent price for an excellent service, no more, no less. Our primary aim is to educate our students in subjects relating to animal welfare not to pay ourselves inflated salaries. Additionally there are no accommodation costs to cover as all the courses are conducted in your own home.
When do the courses start?
There are no specific start dates as each student progresses at their own pace. You should be starting your studies within two weeks of payment.
Are there any exams?
No. Compass Education and Training, our assessments are based entirely on your coursework.
Testimonials
“..I would like to thank you for the excellent dog courses you run and for my tutor who not only has been helpful in all my modules but she is a kind and inspirational person to know...”
Jackie
“..The format and content of the Compass course was far superior to one I did last year with a different organisation!”
Jenny
“..I would just like to say a big thank you for marking my work with an A, I have to say it did reduce me to tears, it meant so much to me as I have never had an A in my life. At forty six years of age and being dyslexic at times I find it very hard but I am not complaining as I am really enjoying the course and feel I'm really learning something...”
“..I am pleased that I have enrolled on this course as it is interesting and I have genuinely looked forward to doing it in the evening after I have come home from work...”
Elliot
“..Thank you so much Jackie and the Compass team for all your help, advice and encouragement during my course. The course was excellently set out to meet all of my needs in preparing me for university. The marking of my work was prompt and very well explained on ways could improve which showed in my marks for later modules. I have thoroughly enjoyed my course with compass and have recommended you to a lot of my friends and associates in the field of dog training and professionals which i have met along the way i look forward to getting my certificate and my overall grade. Sorry for the long delay in my reply but I've been hectic trying to sort out university.
Thanks again to a very professional team from an extremely satisfied student..”
Melissa
For more testimonials from our customers, pleasw see our testimonials page
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Excellent course 
