01. Compare and contrast the anatomy and physiology of a range of exotic, avian and wildlife species

Activities:

Students undertake a range of set readings to learn about the anatomy and physiology of a range of exotic, avian and wildlife species. They are assessed on the anatomical and physiological differences between species in their pre-workshop quizzes. During their workshops, students examine models of a range of animal species (e.g., skeletons) to assist their learning.

02. Compare and contrast the legal, behavioural and husbandry requirements of a range of injured legally owned exotic pets versus injured native wildlife

Activities:

Students are given links to relevant legislation, regarding the care of native wildlife, and the ownership and care of a range of unusual species. The application of this legislation is discussed in a workshop, and student teams then work through a series of case studies, where they apply the relevant legislation, and compare and contrast the legalities regarding the care and ownership of different species. Students also examine how the legal and practical requirement of orphaned wildlife being raised by carers varies to that of domesticated young animals being raised by humans.

03. Research a range of common conditions of exotic, avian and wildlife species

Activities:

Students undertake pre-workshop readings on a range of commonly diagnosed conditions, and these are discussed further during the workshops. Students then select a commonly diagnosed condition of an exotic, avian or wildlife species of personal interest, and undertake a literature review on that condition. Students share their findings with their peers via a presentation.

04. Plan the management of the nursing, surgical and clinical care of exotic, avian and wildlife species undergoing diagnostic, surgical or medical procedures

Activities:

Students undertake readings on the particular surgical, clinical and nursing care requirements for a range of exotic, avian and wildlife species. During workshops, the tutor presents case studies of a range of patients, and the specialized care they required. Student teams are then given a number of case studies, from which they plan the management of the patient's care requirements.

05. Plan the emergency care response required for wildlife in a natural disaster situation

Activities:

Student teams work together to consider the emergency care requirements that a population of wildlife would require following a particular natural disaster eg fire, flood, drought. They will initially list all the requirements, and then generate a plan to help ensure that these are met in a practically and financially viable manner. The teams then present their plans and the reasoning behind them to the class.

06. Examine the importance of habitat on the health and welfare of wildlife

Activities:

Students undertake readings and watch videos related to the importance of habitat on the health and welfare of wild animals. During a workshop, students examine what the impacts are on wildlife, when habitat is reduced or threatened. They then go on to discuss in teams how this knowledge can then be applied to the needs of captive animals, and consider what the challenges are in adequately supplying these needs.