Masters Degrees (Animal Therapy)

Programme description

This new programme provides fully flexible postgraduate study designed to specifically address the demand for online clinical animal behaviour teaching within a supported learning environment. The programme will utilise an evidence based approach to explore the potential motivations, management and treatment options for abnormal and/or problem behaviours commonly expressed by companion animal species living within a domestic environment.

The subject involves a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on knowledge and techniques from the fields of psychology, ethology, neurobiology, pharmacology and veterinary science. This programme will contain teaching and learning that is aimed at your academic preparation for a professional career working with companion animals in a variety of settings, including clinical animal behaviour counselling.

Programme structure

This MSc programme is modular in structure, offering a flexible student-centred approach to the choice of courses studied. You must complete a sufficient number of course credits to achieve the following awards:

Postgraduate Certificate: 60 credits
Postgraduate Diploma: 120 credits
Master of Science: 180 credits

You may undertake this programme by intermittent study (flexible progression route), accruing credits within the following maximum time limits:

Postgraduate Certificate: 12-24 months
Postgraduate Diploma: 24-48 months
Master of Science: 36-72 months (this includes a maximum period of 12 months from the start of your dissertation to its completion)

Year 1: Certificate Courses

You will study Principles of Applied Animal Behaviour and Clinical Animal Behaviour along with either Anthrozoology (recommended for those continuing to Diploma/MSc) or one of two other elective courses.

Year 2: Diploma Courses

You will study Clinical Animal Behaviour in Practice along with two elective courses from a choice of 4.

Year 3: Masters

The dissertation element of the programme will allow further development of scientific skills and may take the form of a short research project, case studies relating to relevant professional experience or an extended literature review.

Learning outcomes

Alongside the subject content, the programme will also enable the acquisition of a range of transferable skills, such as computer skills, report writing, giving online presentations and time and project management.

You will be able to:

consider how a scientific understanding of how biology and normal species specific behaviour can be applied in the management of problematic and/or abnormal behaviour in a range of companion animal species
develop a thorough understanding of the methods and approaches used for the management and treatment of common problematic behaviour in companion animals
gain an understanding of the scientific basis to a range of adjuncts used in the management of problem behaviour, including behavioural therapy, psychopharmacology and pheromonotherapy

Career opportunities

Students are expected to find work in the field of companion animal behaviour and welfare as well as working in education, or as advisors with non-governmental organisations and governments.

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The MRes in Anthrozoology offers an opportunity to explore the wide and varied area of human and animal interactions. The programme will be of interest to anyone who wants to understand more about the role of animals in human society providing an insight into how humans and animals co-exist from a historic and contemporary perspective. You will explore the role of animals in healing, how animals play a key role throughout different human cultures and religions. You will also explore how humans co-exist and impact on animals through conservation, exploitation and as companions, as well as debating the ethical issues surrounding anthroozoology.

The programme will provide you with the required knowledge and skills to develop practical solutions for existing and emerging problems centred around animal-human interactions. Offering a stepping stone into careers within conservation, pet behaviour counselling, zoo education, animal training, animal charities and animal assisted therapy or for further Postgraduate study.

The Masters by Research in Anthrozoology includes 60 credits of taught modules, including core modules of the human-animal bond and the research process and optional modules such as wildlife conflict, contemporary issues in animal welfare science and reflection on practice. Modules tend to be taught in two day blocks. This means that the teaching is condensed to allow Masters study to occur round other commitments in our students' lives.

These modules advance your skills in critically evaluating current research, and develop your abilities in research design and statistical analysis allowing you to effectively design and carry out an original dissertation research project that will make a valuable contribution to the field of Anthrozoology. The dissertation is highly flexible and provides you with the freedom to develop a research project of your own choosing in order to fit in with your specific interests and career aspirations.

The programme can be completed full time in one year; part time routes are available.

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The MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy programme is designed to optimise and enhance the competencies of Chartered Physiotherapists to produce technically competent, effective and safe veterinary physiotherapy practitioners in line with current professional standards. Individuals will be encouraged and supported through critical reflection on the similarities and differences relating to practice in the human field of physiotherapy.

In particular the course promotes the philosophy of life-long learning and encourages students to develop their skills in critical thinking. You will be encouraged to critically analyse research and evidence and apply your findings to practice.

The course aims to help you recognise your role and responsibilities in the field of veterinary physiotherapy and animal welfare. It will enhance your clinical skills as well as your capacity to deal with complex relationships between animals, their owners/handlers and other healthcare professionals. The course will also introduce you to the legal, ethical and financial issues involved in veterinary physiotherapy/ private practice.

This part-time programme is available to registered physiotherapists who are looking to specialise in animals. Graduates from this programme will either have a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy, which will allow them to upgrade from Category B membership of ACPAT to Category A. Once qualified, students will be eligible to set up their own business in veterinary physiotherapy or be employed in the industry.

Topics you study on this programme could include Clinical Practice, Comparative and Applied Anatomy Physiology and Biomechanics, Understanding Veterinary Diagnostics and Physiotherapy Assessment, Research Methods and Applied Business Management.

Students will also be able to complete their own research and explore their own interests by completing a postgraduate dissertation in the third year if they choose to. You will also be required to undertake periods of clinical placement and students are expected to undertake a significant amount of independent learning.

The course is offered on a part-time basis with teaching delivered in ‘blocks’ of study (each block is usually between two and four days in length and there are approximately 12 blocks of attendance per year) on both weekdays and weekends. Additionally, there will be times when students are required to attend for individual days, e.g. where assessments are scheduled.

The campus is equipped with excellent equine and animal science facilities including laboratories, hydrotherapy both canine and equine, treadmills both canine and equine, a world class championship arena and much more.

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Our specialised research interests in psychology include evolutionary psychology, perception and cognition, animal behaviour, neuroscience, social psychology and forensic psychology.

We offer MPhil supervision in the areas of psychology covering Newcastle's research strengths:

Clinical and health psychology

We research developmental disorders of perception and cognition, and the development and assessment of cognitive models of, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment for:
-Bipolar disorder
-Psychosis
-Anxiety
-Developmental disorders

Behaviour and evolution

We carry out studies of animal and human behaviour including:
-The evolutionary psychology of mate choice
-Attractiveness and co-operation
-Evolutionary approaches to personality

Visual perception and human cognition

Our research includes:
-Perception of natural scenes
-Psychophysics and attention
-Visual social cognition and face processing
-Advertising and consumer behaviour

Development psychology

We focus on how different cognitive skills develop in children, from memory systems to learning in school. We have particular strength in developmental disorders such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Forensic psychology

Our research includes:
-Investigative interviewing of victims
-Witnesses and suspected offenders of crime, including eye-witness testimony
-Sexual offending, including historical allegations of sexual abuse
-Communication in legal contexts

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Infection and Immunity

The Master's in Infection and Immunity gives you the opportunity to gain profound knowledge of fundamental and translational immunology through a multidisciplinary research approach.

The Master's programme in Infection and Immunity aims to give young scientists the opportunity to gain profound knowledge of fundamental and translational immunology, vaccination strategies, immunotherapy, mechanisms of infectious diseases, molecular epidemiology of infections, virulence factors of micro-organisms and resistance to therapy.
Infectious diseases and immunity disorders are a continuous threat to human and animal life and well-being.
As part of this two year research programme you will undertake a major and a minor research project that complement each other (one in immunology and one in microbiology/ infectious diseases). You will also follow theoretical courses and seminars, make presentations regarding your own research, and write a Master's thesis.

Scientists who possess expert knowledge in both fundamental and disease-oriented aspects of immunology and infection are in great demand; they will find careers in academic hospitals, research institutes, the pharmaceutical industry, and policy-making.

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The Institute for Neuroscience has clinicians and scientists working together to understand the brain and behaviour. From the basic biology of neurons through to complex processes of perception and decision-making behaviour, we address how the mind, brain, and body work together and translate this knowledge into clinical applications for patient benefit.

We offer MPhil supervision in the following research areas:

Motor systems development, plasticity and function

We conduct clinical and preclinical studies of normal and abnormal development and plasticity of the motor system. We run functional studies and computer modelling of motor system activity throughout the neuraxis. We also research the development and assessment of novel therapies for motor disorders/lesions including stem cell and brain-machine interface.

Visual system development, plasticity and repair]]
We research the development and assessment of novel neuro-technological approaches to retinal dystrophy repair including brain-machine interface and stem cells. We use in vitro approaches to look at retinal development and visual system wiring.

[[Neural computation and network systems
We conduct experimental and theoretical (computational) studies aimed at understanding how neurones throughout the brain interact in localised networks to compute complex tasks. Our research looks at the role of network activity in a wide range of neurological, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.

Auditory neuroscience

We conduct clinical and preclinical studies aimed at understanding the brain mechanisms involved in detection, discrimination and perception of sound. We are interested in how these mechanisms are affected in individuals with brain disorders, including dementia, autism and stroke.

Pain

Our research focuses on:
-Understanding mechanisms underlying pain, analgesia, and anaesthesia
-The development of methods to assess pain and to alleviate pain in animals and humans

Psychobiology

We conduct studies in laboratory animals, healthy volunteers and patient populations investigating the mechanisms underlying mood, anxiety and addiction disorders and their treatment. Allied research looks at normal neuropsychology, and the physiology and pharmacology of neurotransmitter and endocrine systems implicated in psychiatric disorders.

Neurotoxicology

Our research focuses on delineating the effects and understanding the mechanisms of action of established and putative neurotoxins, including environmental and endogenous chemicals, and naturally occurring toxins.

Forensic psychiatry and clinical psychology

Our research covers:
-The assessment, treatment and management of sex offender risk
-Development and assessment of cognitive models
-Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment for bipolar disorder, psychosis, anxiety and developmental disorders
-Developmental disorders of perception and cognition

Systems and computational neuroscience

We conduct theoretical (computational) and experimental studies aimed at understanding the neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology of vision, visual attention and episodic memory.

Behaviour and evolution

Many research groups take an evolutionary and comparative approach to the study of brain and/or behaviour, comparing brain function and behaviour among such disparate groups as insects, birds and mammals, and studying the ecological and evolutionary functions of behaviour. Much of our work is at the forefront of the fields of neuroethology, behavioural ecology and comparative cognition, and has important implications for the study and practice of animal welfare.

Visual perception and human cognition

We research:
-Colour and depth perception - perception of natural scenes
-Psychophysics and attention - memory
-Word learning in children
-Body image dysfunction
-Visual social cognition and face processing
-Advertising and consumer behaviour

Pharmacy

Our new School of Pharmacy has scientists and clinicians working together on all aspects of pharmaceutical sciences and clinical pharmacy.

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The science of human genetics has been transformed in the past decade. Following the sequencing of the entire human genome, a wealth of resources is now available to researchers aiming to identify the genetic variants that influence human health. These findings will shed light on the underlying molecular pathology of many diseases that are poorly understood at present, eventually paving the way for novel treatment and prevention strategies. The speed at which these discoveries are being made is accelerating, and it is likely that molecular genetics will soon underpin much of modern medicine.

Career Pathways:
The MSc in Human Molecular Genetics programme is designed to prepare you for a genetics research career, either in human gene function and genetic disease, or molecular approaches to diagnosis and health care biotechnology. It provides a broad grounding in Human Genetics, with emphasis on molecular aspects, to give a solid basis for subsequent academic or industrial research, or for entry to NHS Genetics training. Approximately 40% of our students go on to do a PhD, 40% become research assistants/associates, while others go on to jobs in industry or further studies (bioinformatics/computing medicine). One or two students every year enter the NHS in clinical genetics training posts.

Programme Structure:
You will study the fundamentals of human and molecular genetics, models of inheritance for rare and common/ complex polygenic diseases, cytogenetics, analytical methods in human genetics and genomics, animal models and transgenesis, gene therapy, epigenetics, cancer genetics and an introduction to clinical genetics and genetic counselling services.

There are four weeks of intensive laboratory practical sessions, as well as computer science practicals applied to problems in genetics, genomics and bioinformatics, regular research seminars on site, student seminar and journal presentations, study group activities and a six-month full-time research project in the summer.

The programme is based on an average 20 hours contact time per week. This will vary between 15 hours in most weeks and approximately 40 hours during intensive practicals and projects. Private study time is included within the schedule: you are expected to contribute an additional 10-15 hours private study per week to the course. We do not recommend you try to support yourself by taking a part-time employment whilst studying as your work may suffer.

Assessment:
There are 3 x 3-hour written papers in late February, coursework assessments (poster presentation, analytical methods in genetics, oral presentation), a project report and a viva examination in September.

Programme Location:
The programme is primarily based at Hammersmith Campus in West London although some teaching modules are held at St Mary's Campus and the Northwick Park Campus.

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This Masters in Translational Medicine is the first year of a British Heart Foundation 4-Year PhD studentship: it is not offered as an individual programme of study.

Why this programme

◾The programme will provide you with the skills needed to assess critically recent advances in biology relevant to human disease.
◾It covers the areas of cardiovascular medicine, inflammation and immunology, neuroscience, mathematics, bioinformatics and cell biology, and advances in fundamental biomedical science relevant to integrative mammalian biology.
◾You will be taught the administrative procedures and ethical and project planning requirements for applying for statutory licenses (personal and project) for animal work as well as ethical aspects of gene and cell therapy.
◾The University is one of the few centres in the UK offering BHF 4-Year PhD studentships. Successful applicants accepted into the programme will be fully funded. For more information, see: BHF 4 year PhD programme.

Programme structure

The programme is part of a 4-year PhD with the first year being an MRes. The MRes is made up of three individual 12-week research placements after an intense two-week induction. Each project will be based on different themes with three different supervisors. Years 2-4 make up the PhD portion of the programme.

Induction

You will be required to attend an in-depth introductory programme, which will provide training in research ethics, statistics, project design, literature review and laboratory safety techniques.

Placements

The induction is followed by three individual research placements. These are at the core of this programme, providing three separate projects to allow you to define your areas of interest for your PhD studies. Each placement is a 12-week project and this will be with three different principal supervisors. You will be encouraged to choose placements beyond your undergraduate subject experience to maximise your exposure to new techniques and science. Supervisors are drawn from a wide range of academic disciplines, such as medicine, biomedical and life sciences, mathematics, electronics and electrical engineering, and veterinary medicine.

Career prospects

You will be taught the practical laboratory skills needed to pursue a career in basic translational medicine and applied science through research projects. After successfully completing year 1, you will be awarded an MRes, and progress to a PhD. The programme produces fully trained scientists ready for progression to academic or industrial careers.

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About the course

Lead academic: Dr Martin Nicklin

This flexible course focuses on the molecular and genetic factors of human diseases. Understanding those factors is crucial to the development of therapies. Core modules cover the fundamentals. You choose specialist modules from the pathway that interests you most. We also give you practical lab training to prepare you for your research project. The project is five months of invaluable laboratory experience: planning, carrying out, recording and reporting your own research.

Recent graduates work in academic research science, pharmaceuticals and the biotech industry.

Our study environment

You’ll be based in teaching hospitals that serve a population of over half a million people and refer a further two million. We also have close links with the University’s other health-related departments.

Our research funding comes from many sources including the NIHR, MRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, the Department of Health, EU, and prominent charities such as the Wellcome Trust, ARC, YCR, Cancer Research UK and BHF. Our partners and sponsors include Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Astra Zeneca and Eli Lilly.

You’ll also benefit from our collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

How we teach

Classes are kept small (15–20 students) to make sure you get the best possible experience in laboratories and in clinical settings.

Our resources

We have a state-of-the-art biorepository and a £30m stem cell laboratory. The Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) opened in November 2010. We also have microarray, genetics, histology, flow cytometry and high-throughput screening technology, and the latest equipment for bone and oncology research.

At our Clinical Research Facility, you’ll be able to conduct studies with adult patients and volunteers. The Sheffield Children’s Hospital houses a complementary facility for paediatric experimental medical research.

Hepatitis B policy

If your course involves a significant risk of exposure to human blood or other body fluids and tissue, you’ll need to complete a course of Hepatitis B immunisation before starting. We conform to national guidelines that are in place to protect patients, health care workers and students.

Core modules

From Genome to Gene Function; Human Gene Bioinformatics; Research Literature Review; Human Disease Genetics; Modulating Immunity; Laboratory Practice and Statistics.

You choose: six optional pathways

1. Genetic Mechanisms pathway:


Modelling Protein Interactions; Gene Networks: Models and Functions.

2. Microbes and Infection pathway:


Virulence Mechanisms of Viruses, Fungi and Protozoa; Mechanisms of Bacterial Pathogenicity; Characterisation of Bacterial Virulence Determinants.

3. Experimental Medicine pathway:


Molecular and Cellular Basis of Disease; Model Systems in Research; Novel Therapies.

4. Cancer pathway:

Molecular Basis of Tumourigenesis and Metastasis; Molecular Techniques in Cancer Research; Molecular Approaches to Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment.

5. Cardiovascular pathway:

Vascular Cell Biology; Experimental Models of Vascular Disease; Vascular Disease Therapy and Clinical Practice.

6. Clinical Applications pathway:

Apply directly to this pathway. Available only to medical graduates. Students are recruited to a specialist clinical team and pursue the taught programme (1-5) related to the attachment. They are then attached to a clinical team for 20 weeks, either for a clinical research project or for clinical observations. See website for more detail and current attachments.

Teaching and assessment

Lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory demonstrations, computer practicals and student presentations. Assessment is continuous. Most modules are assessed by written assignments and coursework, although there are some written exams. Two modules are assessed by verbal presentations.

Your research project is assessed by a thesis, possibly with a viva.

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