Zoo Animal Nutrition Level 3 Award (RQF)
Key Points
- Learn about the nutrition requirements of captive animals
- Complete the course at your own pace
- Gain a recognised Ofqual regulated qualification at Level 3
- Benefit from flexible online learning
About your Diploma
In the UK and around the world there are many animals currently housed in zoos and safari parks.
For those people working or volunteering with these captive animals, a good knowledge of their diet requirements and their digestive systems is vital. A career working in this field can be highly rewarding as you are working to ensure that the animals in your care are being provided with optimal care.
This course will teach you how to support the nutrition of captive animals and promote good health.
During the course you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of zoo nutrition and how recent advances have led to improved zoo nutrition. You will also get to explore the differences between the nutritional needs of carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores.
Learning is delivered across 4 units covering the following topics:
- An introduction to zoo animal nutrition
- The nutrition of herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores in zoos
- Zoo animal nutrition, health, and welfare
- Practical feeding solutions and legislation
Unit 1: Zoo Animal Nutrition, an Introduction
On completion of this unit you will:
- Develop an understanding of the history of zoo animal nutrition and how it compares to present day zoo animal nutrition
- Investigate the future of zoo animal nutrition
- Understand the different nutrient groups and the process of digestion
Unit 2: The Nutrition of Herbivores, Omnivores and Carnivores in Zoos
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the differences between the digestive anatomical features of herbivores, omnivores and carnivores
- Gain an understanding of suitable nutrition for herbivores, omnivores and carnivores in zoos
Unit 3: Zoo Animal Nutrition, Health and Welfare
On completion of this unit you will:
- Appreciate the importance of zoo animal nutrition in relation to zoo animal health and welfare
- Develop an understanding of common nutritional diseases
- Understand how to promote zoo animal welfare through different feeding practices
Unit 4: Practical Feeding Solutions and Legislation
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand practical feeding solutions for animals in zoos including food storage, preparation and presentation
- Know how to calculate dietary requirements and create feeding plans
- Know how to keep nutritional records and comply with relevant legislation
To gain the Level 3 Award in Zoo Animal Nutrition you must achieve 12 credits.
Each unit will be assessed by a range of in-depth theory and practical assessments. Students will need to show sufficient evidence that they have the required knowledge, skills and understanding of the assessment criteria.
When are you assessed?
Once you have successfully completed each unit assessment you will receive your certificate of completion alongside your qualification.