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Environment Agency Opportunities - Your Environment, Your Career | Springpod

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Discover the Environment Agency’s commitment creating better places for people and wildlife and supporting sustainable development.

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Explore Sustainable Careers in Forestry: Virtual Experience | Springpod

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Discover forestry careers - try interactive activities and hear from the experts. Unlock your potential and try out a career in forestry!

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Grow Your Sustainable Career - Work Experience in Farming | Springpod

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Grow Your Sustainable Career - Work Experience in Farming

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Skip to content

This programme is open to anyone aged 13+

Certificate of completion

Over 7 hours worth of content

Overview:
Embark on a veterinary journey with Vets for Pets Work Experience, exploring diverse careers and industry insights. Supported by Springpod, this program provides hands-on experience, workplace projects, and a deep dive into veterinary treatment-from animal behaviours to surgery. Uncover alternative veterinary careers and engage in fun activities that enhance your understanding. Conclude the program with a downloadable portfolio of your work. Whether you dream of deciphering horse whinnies or aspire to be Dr. Dolittle, this virtual work experience is your key to the exciting world of veterinary care. Join us to unleash your passion for animal well-being and discover the endless possibilities in the veterinary field!
What's Included:
Want to know why horse whinnies or dogs love playing fetch? Ever fancied yourself as Dr Dolittle? This programme sounds right up your street. We will give you an overview of veterinary treatment, from learning about animal behaviours to veterinary surgery. We'll even cover alternative veterinary careers - so you're bound to find something that interests you. Plus, you'll complete a series of fun activities to help build your understanding of the industry, finishing the programme with a downloadable portfolio of your work.

What exactly is veterinary science? We'll take you closer than you've ever been to the world of veterinary - from understanding the ins and outs of animal behaviour, to showing how veterinary science can even be important for human health, too!

Disease Prevention and Diagnosis

What are some of the key ways veterinarians prevent disease in animals? What are some of the common conditions you'll find with domestic animals, And how do vets diagnose this? We'll take a closer look at all of this and more in this module!

Some problems can be tackled in different ways, and it's up to the veterinary team to decide on the best course of action. This module will give you an introduction to the steps the team takes to get our animals back to a happy, healthier place!

Alternative Veterinary Careers

If you want to work with and care for animals but don't necessarily want to work as a vet, there's plenty of opportunities for you! It's just knowing where to look, and this module is the best starting place! From introducing you to roles such as animal care assistants, veterinary nurses, and practice managers, the world of veterinary has many surprises and opportunities in store for you.

Available dates

Programme dates

21st March 2024 - 1st March 2026

Start

Hear from our student community

Frequently asked questions

I have a question about my application or programme eligibility

When will I hear back if I have been successful with my application?
Once you have applied for your programme, you will receive a confirmation email. You will be notified about the outcome of your application via email at least 3 days before the programme start date. Good luck!
Can I apply to multiple programmes?
Yes, you can sign up to multiple programmes with us. The live talks will be available as recordings, so you can catch up on any potential clashes.
Who can take part in the programme? (Age limits, some programmes have location constraints but most don't etc.)
Most of our programmes require students to be in school/college. Some programmes require students to be based in specific regions of the UK, this is stipulated by the organisations themselves, and is not defined by Springpod.

However, the ages mentioned on our programmes are more of a guideline than a strict limit. As such, we more than welcome older students to apply as well!

I have a question about my assignment

How long does it take for assignments to be reviewed?
Assignments can take up to a week or longer to review and be marked complete. Rest assured, it will be reviewed soon and your certificate will be generated once your programme has been marked as complete.
What do I do if I upload the wrong file?
If you make a mistake when uploading a file, please email hello@springpod.com. We will be able to make a note on our system. Don't worry, the outcome of your programme will not be affected by this.

I have a question about the programme dates, deadline or workload

How long will I have to complete this programme?
There is no specific cut-off deadline for completing your programme (although, if possible, we would encourage you to complete all the work within the time frame, alongside the live webinar sessions).
When does the programme start?
Our programmes have various start dates, you can find the exact date on the programme website page. These are available here: https://www.springpod.com/virtual-work-experience/search

You will be notified if your application has been successful, 3 days before the programme start date.
What happens if I can't finish the work experience in time?
All programme material will remain accessible after the end date of the programme. Students can continue to work through their programme after the official end date. Although, if possible, we would strongly encourage students to complete all the work within the time frame, alongside the live webinar sessions.
How much work is required for these programmes? (Will I be able/should I complete more than one programme at a time)?
There is around 10 hours worth of work in total, spread across a two week period. The live talks will be available as recordings, so you can catch up on any work whenever possible.
When do the programmes run? (programme structure etc.)
Once you have access, you can view and complete the material as and when you can, within the time frame of the course in question (for example, within a two week period). In total, there is around 10 hours worth of work. The live talks will take place during weekday working hours. However, all live talks will be available as recordings and the courses can be completed at your own convenience. . There is no specific cut-off deadline for completing your programme (although, if possible, we would encourage you to complete all the work within the time frame, alongside the live webinar sessions).

I have a question about the live talks

What happens if I can't make a live talk/webinar?
All live talks will be available as recordings. You can access these at the same link used to access the live event. So don't worry if you can't attend a live webinar, a recording will be available for you to access through your programme within 24 hours of the live event finishing.
What software is required for the live talks?
We use a piece of software called BigMarker. It is a cloud based video hosting software. It requires no installations or downloads on your end, and will provide everything you need to join the live webinars through one simple link.
Will I be able to ask questions/do I have to have my microphone on?
You will have a chance to ask questions at the end of each webinar. These questions are typed out and then read to the presenter by the host of the live talk. There is no need to speak, and all student microphones will be muted for the duration of the live webinar.

I have a question about the certificate

Will I receive a certificate on completion of the programme?
You will receive a certificate on completion of your programme. It will be made available to download whenever your programme is marked as complete.

I have a question about in-person work experience

Do you offer in-person work experience?
We don't directly manage in person work experience but many of our virtual programmes can lead to in person opportunities, look for the programmes marked as 'Virtual to Reality'. You will need to complete the virtual programme and declare your interest via the embedded form.
When will I hear if there is an in-person opportunity?
Our employer partner will contact you directly about any opportunities, timescales can vary Springpod won't be able to provide any updates on progress.

I want to delete my account

How can I delete my account?
You can delete your account following the below steps

Can you please ensure you log into your account at the following link: https://www.springpod.com

Once logged in, click on your name in the top right-hand corner, select settings and then 'delete account'.

Ready to find out if this career is right for you?

Start now

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Veterinary with Vets for Pets | Springpod

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Care about the natural world? Explore veterinary careers, and find quizzes, activities, and insights from Vets for Pets.

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The Job Shop is a free service exclusive to West Suffolk College and University Studies students, as an additional service provided by the Careers and Connections Team.

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Download our app

Click on the App Store or Google Play logos below to download the College app.

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Home >

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Job Shop

Choosing what to study can be challenging. Speak to one of our advisors to find out what your options are.
Advice & Help Centre

The Job Shop is a free service exclusive to West Suffolk College and University Studies students, as an additional service provided by the Careers and Connections Team. We work in partnership with local employers to provide you with direct access to employment opportunities in the local area.

If you are looking for part-time work alongside your studies or aiming to progress into an apprenticeship, gain work experience to build your skills or find full-time opportunities in your chosen profession upon graduating we are here to help.

Click on one of the tabs below to browse

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Click on the App Store or Google Play logos below to download the College app. Check out our latest events! Home > Student > Job Shop Choosing what to study can be challenging. Speak to one of our advisors to find out what your options are.

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If you love animals and would like to make the world a better place for them, you'll find an assortment of careers to choose from

Are there many animal-focused jobs in the UK for graduates?

There are animal jobs involving caring for and treating animals directly, with veterinary nurse and veterinary surgeon both popular options. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), which has more than 20,000 members in the UK, has a step-by-step guide to joining the profession at RCVS - Veterinary Careers.

To become a vet, you'll need to hold a related degree that's approved by the RCVS. For instance, you could study the RCVS-approved five-year BVMSci Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Surrey and become a veterinary surgeon.

The UK is home to a number of zoos, from Paignton Zoo in Devon up to Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland, and safari parks, such as Knowsley Safari Park in Merseyside and West Midlands Safari Park in Worcestershire. In terms of careers, you could manage the zoo's day-to-day operations or ensure the wellbeing of animals. Typical roles include zoologist and zookeeper.

In addition to taking on students and graduates to care for their animals, wildlife charities also require fundraisers to champion the good work they do. Among the more hands-on animal jobs are animal nutritionist, animal physiotherapist and animal technician.

If you're looking to work on a farm or fish farm, you could choose to work as a farm manager, fish farm manager or fisheries officer. Read more about graduate opportunities in agriculture.

However, there are many other careers working with animals, including joining the Army, processing animals in quarantine at airports and working in pet stores.

To find out what roles are currently in demand, search all animal and plant resources jobs.

Where can I find animal care jobs?

For many animal care organisations, you can apply for advertised roles via their website - or through specialist jobs boards, such as Animal Jobs Direct.

The government's executive Animal and Plant Health Agency, which aims to safeguard animal and plant health, provides details of how its vacancies are advertised at Working for APHA. One agency role involves overseeing pets put in quarantine as they travel to and from the UK.

If you'd like to become an Army Medical Service veterinary technician, you'll have to apply via its website. Those who successfully make it through the application process will undergo 14 weeks of military training to become a soldier at its Winchester or Pirbright sites, before progressing to the Defence Animal Centre at Melton Mowbray. Here, you'll learn veterinary nursing skills, military dog handling skills and how to manage veterinary equipment.

Other job sites advertising roles working with animals include:

How can I work for an animal charity?

With a large number of animal charities in the UK, you'll find a range of jobs advertised on their websites.

If you want to work for the Blue Cross, you could choose to work on:

the clinical side (veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse)

rehoming (animal welfare assistant)

fundraising, marketing and communications (database services officer)

strategic planning (data and insights analyst).

Other large organisations in this sector offer similar opportunities. The RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) provides job profiles showing candidates the various careers they could go into.

You could work at one of the RSPCA's animal or wildlife centres. You could start out as an animal collection officer, progress to become an animal welfare officer and finally an RSPCA inspector, saving mistreated and abandoned animals.

What animal care apprenticeships are available?

A range of recruiters offer animal apprenticeships, from local veterinary surgeries and animal charities to zoos and wildlife parks.

The RSPCA offers apprenticeships from Levels 2 to 6 (GCSE to degree) in animal centres, working directly with animals or in office-based support roles. Learn more at RSPCA - Apprenticeships.

More unusual animal apprenticeships include becoming a dog groomer for Pets At Home, where you'll spend 13 months working for its Groom Room. The pet supplies retailer also offers apprenticeships at Levels 2 to 7 in its support office and distribution operations, where you could focus on an area such as customer service, finance, human resources, warehousing, supply chain or marketing.

There's also the chance to receive a Level 2 or 3 apprenticeship qualification as a Dog Handler for the Army Medical Service.

How do I start a wildlife conservation career?

Wildlife conservation is an issue that's been brought to the fore in recent years. TV programmes such as the BBC's Seven Worlds, One Planet and Dynasties highlight the need to protect the earth's dwindling resources and ensure threatened species can continue to live alongside humans in their natural habitats.

It's not just far-off places that require workers to champion these causes, as many opportunities to work in this area exist within the UK.

As a major employer in the field, The Wildlife Trusts needs conservation officers to tackle planning issues that concern the nation's wildlife and landscape. Alternatively, you could become a fundraiser for the charity organisation. The part-time countryside assistant position is an entry-level role that gives you the opportunity to work outdoors and share knowledge of the countryside.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has a number of vacancies, including roles in public relations (PR), IT and project management.

Can I volunteer and gain work experience?

Most animal care charities take on volunteers all year round, so if you're looking to enter the profession and gain experience while still at university, visit the websites of organisations you're most passionate about to find opportunities.

For instance, those aged 16 or over can work for the National Animal Welfare Trust at one of its animal rehoming centres. During a two-week placement you could work with cats, dogs and other small animals in preparation for a career as a vet.

From September 2022 the British Wildlife Centre in Surrey will be offering one-week placements for students aged 18+ on a recognised animal management course.

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust accepts university placement or sandwich students to work with them for one year. They take on around 14 students who are tasked with studying insects, mammals and birds. They also host research projects from Masters students at selected universities.

The Animal Careers Programme (ACP), developed by top animal care industry experts, is an employer-led training, development and employability programme. Those who enrol onto the ACP receive full in-depth pre-employment training before entering into work experience.

There are also many volunteering opportunities available both in the UK and abroad. To read more about what's available, see volunteering with animals.

Find out more

Written by Rachel Swain, Editorial manager

Prospects · February 2022

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If you love animals and would like to make the world a better place for them, you'll find an assortment of careers to choose from There are animal jobs involving caring for and treating animals directly, with veterinary nurse and veterinary surgeon both popular options.

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Working With Animals Jobs - 2022 | Indeed.com

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Apply to Working With Animals jobs now hiring on Indeed.com, the worlds largest job site.

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BIAZA aims to support its members in finding staff and also to inform and educate those looking for work in Zoos, Aquariums and Conservation work.

In this section you will find details of vacancies at zoos and aquariums, career advice, training courses available and work experience and volunteering opportunities.

Please note jobs advertised on this page are for both BIAZA members and non-members. Advertising of a job vacancy for non members should not be taken as an endorsement of that organisation.

Neither BIAZA nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose.

Please ensure you contact the relevant organisation for further details on the job vacancy.

By using the careers and vacancies pages you agree to comply with the Terms of Use which can be found here.

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The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) is the professional body representing the best zoos and aquariums in the UK and Ireland.

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Free Course - Level 2 Prevention and Control of Infections

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Free Course - Level 2 Prevention and Control of Infections

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An understanding of how to effectively prevent and control the spread of infection is crucial in ensuring that individuals do not unknowingly cause their family, friends, colleagues and any other people that they come into contact with to become unwell.

By completing this course, you will be equipped with a greater understanding of how to prevent and control the spread of infection, both in the workplace and in the home. You will also gain knowledge of how to identify infections, as well as the different types of infection.

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Level 2 Prevention and Control of Infection Award - Individuals - Skills Network

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An understanding of how to effectively prevent and control the spread of infection is crucial in ensuring that individuals do not unknowingly cause their family, friends, colleagues and any other people that they come into contact with to become unwell.

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This free course provides an introduction to microscopy and the operation of a simple light microscope, of the type found in histology courses and teaching laboratories. It outlines different...

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Migration is a free course looking at the migrations of animals, with special reference to birds, and also introducing the themes of movement, selection and homeostasis.

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Both vitamins and minerals are essential in the diet in small quantities. Learn about the two main vitamin groups and the major mineral elements. This free course, Nutrition: vitamins and minerals,...

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In this free course, Evolution through natural selection, we describe the theory of evolution by natural selection as proposed by Charles Darwin in his book, first published in 1859, On the Origin...

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In this free course, Surviving the winter, we study one aspect of the fluctuating nature of an organisms environment. We consider how organisms living in a temperate climate, such as that in...

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Mammals come in a bewildering variety of shapes and sizes, and yet all species have some characteristics in common. These similarities justify the inclusion of all such diverse types within the...

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Artificial Selection and Domestication - Free Course

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Artificial Selection and Domestication - Free Course

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In the 18th and 19th century evolutionary biologists, including Darwin, emphasised the similarities between natural evolution and artificial 'improvement' of livestock under domestication. They...

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Animals at the Extremes (Deserts) - Free Course

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Animals at the Extremes (Deserts) - Free Course

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animals at the extremes: the desert environment

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Animals at the extremes: The desert environment

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Animal life has adapted to survive in the most unlikely and inhospitable habitats. This free course, Animals at the extremes: The desert environment, looks at the surprisingly diverse desert...

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Animals at the Extremes (Hibernation) - Free Course

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Animals at the Extremes (Hibernation) - Free Course

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animals at the extremes: hibernation and torpor

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Animals at the extremes: Hibernation and torpor

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Hibernation is an ingenious adaptation that some animals employ to survive difficult conditions in winter. This free course, Animals at the extremes: Hibernation and torpor, examines the...

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Understanding the Environment - Free Course

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Understanding the Environment - Free Course

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There is increasing recognition that the reductionist mindset that is currently dominating society, rooted in unlimited economic growth unperceptive to its social and environmental impact, cannot...

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The extreme challenges of life in the polar regions require the animals who make their habitat there to make many adaptations. This free course, Animals at the extremes: Polar biology, explores the...

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Why are Non-Human Animals Victims of Harm - Free Course

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Why are Non-Human Animals Victims of Harm - Free Course

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why are nonhuman animals victims of harm?

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Why are nonhuman animals victims of harm?

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In this free course, Why are nonhuman animals victims of harm? you will investigate why nonhuman animals tend to be overlooked as victims of violence. The course explores some of the social...

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Deciding what to do after A-levels can be a tough decision at any time but this year there are even more things to think about. Here's our guide to finding your way.
2. What are the alternatives?

If you don't go to university, what else could you do?

Some options include:

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships - these now provide pathways to many careers traditionally followed by graduates.

Getting a job - there are lots of opportunities and trainee positions for school leavers. Some people choose to work first and go to university a few years later when they have a better idea of what they really want; others find their feet at work and never look back. Check out Notgoingtouni for advice about different routes and vacancy details.

Taking a Gap Year - doing something different is a great way to try new things and find out what you like, and may help you make more focused choices.

3. Do you need a degree?

Sometimes, a degree is little more than a passport; employers simply want to know you have one but don't have any real interest in what you've studied. For certain careers, a degree is not necessary and work experience is considered more important. And in other careers, such as medicine, a degree in a set subject is essential.

If you've a specific career idea in mind, there may be different ways you can qualify. For example, did you know you can become a lawyer without going to university? Alternative routes are not always considered a direct equal to a degree - they may only allow to you progress to a certain level in your career - so be sure to check out any limitations they may include.

4. How much will going to university cost?

Fees and talk of future debt and earnings can soon start to seem like Monopoly money and without an idea about your future expenses and living costs, are not always particularly meaningful. That said, it does pay to find out exactly what going to university is likely to cost, what help you can get and what student loans mean. Explore different scenarios - what would student loan repayments look like if you went on to a well-paid, average, or low-paid job? You may not know what you'll end up doing but at least you'll be making a decision with your eyes open.

See how courses and teaching are adapting to COVID19. Are lectures and tutorials now all taking place virtually? How does this reflect value for money? If the current situation continues, you may find alternative ways to get your degree more attractive (see 7).

5. Have you done your research?

Look closely at course content. Just as there is a difference between subjects at GCSE and A-level, so the jump from A-level to degree can bring a different focus. And that's not forgetting subjects you can start from scratch. The Open University's Open Learn offers free university-level modules in a wide range of subjects and can give you a taster of what a full course may involve.

You may not be able to visit in person this year, but virtual open days can still help you get a feel for what you like, both in terms of courses and the wider university experience.

Consider employment prospects for your chosen course - where have recent graduates ended up? To find out more, see the Higher Education Careers Services Unit's What do graduates do?

6. What about additional benefits?

As with many aspects of life, the biggest advantages of any chosen path are often the unexpected ones. In the long term, people reflecting on their university days often find the wider benefits, such as developing confidence, making connections, or involvement with clubs and societies, more important than their actual studies. These things can all be gained in other ways - and no one would suggest going to university just because you're likely to make some great friends or may write for the student paper - but what you end up valuing the most may have little to do with your course.

Again, if current restrictions continue, there are likely to be fewer additional benefits but the situation could look very different a few months down the line.

7. Can you do things differently?

Going to university doesn't have to mean you need to follow the standard route of moving to a new town and becoming a full-time student - there are different and more flexible ways to get a degree which may suit you better. You could:

Study at your local university and live at home

Do a part-time degree that you can combine with work or other commitments

Study with the Open University (distance learning courses which mean you can study at a time and place that suits you).

Do a sponsored degree. Certain employers will pay for you to do your degree but you may need to work for them first and/or for a certain period after you graduate.

8. What's right for you?

It can be easy to fall into doing the same as your friends or what your parents or teachers expect so it's important to consider if your next step is really right for you.

It's also worth bearing in mind that people looking back at their university days sometimes do so with rose-tinted glasses - they may have gone to university when fees were much lower or before they were introduced, or graduated when a degree was a sure-fire route to a good job.

One thing is certain, advancements in technology and the changing nature of the job market means that many jobs of the future don't yet exist. The ability to continue learning - whatever route you take - is set to become an essential skill in working life.

Top takeaway: You can't know how your life will turn out if you go to university or if you choose a different route, but you can find out the facts and consider the alternatives.

Find out more

For more help making decisions, see:
Choosing well: how to pick the right path for you Tactics for making decisions What next after A-levels or college?
And if you've decided you want to go to university, see:
Applying for university? Tips on writing your UCAS personal statement
Useful links

Bright Knowledge has lots of information and advice on choosing a university.

UCAS enables you to research your university choices and courses. You also apply for higher education courses through their website.

WhatUni.com helps you compare courses and universities.

The Guardian University Guide has profiles of every university and course in the UK, league tables and student news.

Pure Potential helps sixth-formers achieve offers from excellent universities.
Published: 29th September 2020

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Eight questions to help decide if university is your next step

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Deciding what to do after A-levels can be a tough decision at any time but this year there are even more things to think about. Here's our guide to finding your way. If you don't go to university, what else could you do?

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Learn about all the key things that are involved in applying to university from when to apply, your application and what happens once you apply.

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Effects of Pollutants on Aquatic Environments - Free Course

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Effects of Pollutants on Aquatic Environments - Free Course

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effects of pollutants on the aquatic environment

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Effects of pollutants on the aquatic environment

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Effects of pollutants on the aquatic environment is a free course. It begins with an introduction to water and goes on to briefly outline the major sources of water pollution (these being sewage...

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Mammals come in a bewildering variety of shapes and sizes and yet all of the 4700 or so species have some characteristics in common, which justifies the inclusion of diverse types within a single...

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Skills you will gain

Animal welfare Sociological concepts

About this Specialization

Animals matter for human existence in so many ways that it is difficult to imagine the entity we call "society" without them. They figure heavily in our language, food, clothing, family structure, economy, education, entertainment, science, recreation, and other areas of social life. In this specialization, we will investigate a range of topics, many of them controversial. Although this is a sociology course, the field of human-animal studies is interdisciplinary. Many of the suggested readings come from fields outside of sociology, but this specialization emphasizes their sociological relevance throughout each course.

Applied Learning Project

This specialization is ideal for individuals employed in animal welfare including animal sheltering, veterinary medicine, trainers, rehabilitators, and animal control officers. This specialization is also excellent for learners interested in deepening their knowledge of how individuals and society treat and regard animals, from the common housepet to livestock, animals held in captivity, and animals in the wild.

Set and maintain flexible deadlines.

Approximately 3 months to complete

Suggested pace of 1 hour/week

Set and maintain flexible deadlines.

Approximately 3 months to complete

Suggested pace of 1 hour/week

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How the Specialization Works

Take Courses

A Coursera Specialization is a series of courses that helps you master a skill. To begin, enroll in the Specialization directly, or review its courses and choose the one you'd like to start with. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you're automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. It's okay to complete just one course - you can pause your learning or end your subscription at any time. Visit your learner dashboard to track your course enrollments and your progress.

Hands-on Project

Every Specialization includes a hands-on project. You'll need to successfully finish the project(s) to complete the Specialization and earn your certificate. If the Specialization includes a separate course for the hands-on project, you'll need to finish each of the other courses before you can start it.

Earn a Certificate

When you finish every course and complete the hands-on project, you'll earn a Certificate that you can share with prospective employers and your professional network.

There are 3 Courses in this Specialization

Animals, Self, and Society

This course explores how animals and people are situated within the web of structures and connections known as "society." Module 1 considers some of the key symbolic roles that animals play in society by investigating the practice of "thinking with animals." We investigate how people construct different meanings of animals and the implications these meanings have for both animals and humans. You will gain first-hand experience of this by analyzing how animals are represented in the media. Modules 2 and 3 investigate human-animal relationships, including those that involve suffering as well as those that are beneficial. Although many people describe their pets as friends or family members, Module 2 takes a deeper dive into what constitutes friendship and family membership where other species are concerned. Module 3 examines the dark side of these relationships, focusing on animal abuse and its relationship to domestic violence. Module 4 focuses on people's encounters with those animals outside the boundaries of the home and the farm. The way people understand and regard the species commonly considered "wild" shapes the treatment and moral status of these animals.

Animals and Institutions

This course explores animals within the context of the functional relationships that sociologists call "institutions." We first examine the use of animals in laboratory science. We then examine the controversial transformation of animals into "livestock" and "meat." We also explore the perspectives of people committed to rejecting the construction and use of animals as food. Next, we focus on some of the roles of animals in human entertainment with particular attention to dog fighting and zoos. Finally, we investigate animal health and welfare through the lens of dilemmas in veterinary medicine and decisions in animal shelters.

The Changing Status and Perception of Animals

In this course, we explore how mainstream understandings of animals and human-animal relationships have changed in recent years. Module 1 focuses on the roles of animals in human physical health and psychological well being. Module 2 explores animal selfhood, particularly in light of their inability to use spoken language. Finally, Module 3 examines some of the collective efforts undertaken when the treatment or use of animals comes to be seen as inhumane, immoral, and worthy of ameliorative social action.

Offered by

University of Colorado Boulder

CU-Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. As one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.

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Animal welfare Sociological concepts Animals matter for human existence in so many ways that it is difficult to imagine the entity we call "society" without them. They figure heavily in our language, food, clothing, family structure, economy, education, entertainment, science, recreation, and other areas of social life.

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Free Course - Ecology and Ecosystem Dynamics

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Free Course - Ecology and Ecosystem Dynamics

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American Museum of Natural History

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

About this Course

This course is an introduction to ecology and ecosystem dynamics using a systems thinking lens. Through a case study on Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park, learners will explore how scientists study ecosystems, and investigate the complex array of factors that inform management efforts. At the end of the course, learners will be able to grapple with real-world conservation questions, such as whether an ecosystem can recover from anthropogenic disruption and what role humans can, and should, play in that recovery.

18%

started a new career after completing these courses

17%

got a tangible career benefit from this course

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Approx. 9 hours to complete

Subtitles: French, Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), German, Russian, English, Spanish

Instructor rating 4.81/5 (585 Ratings)

18%

started a new career after completing these courses

17%

got a tangible career benefit from this course

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Approx. 9 hours to complete

Subtitles: French, Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), German, Russian, English, Spanish

Offered by

American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific, educational and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance biomedical research and science education. The HHMI BioInteractive website provides free multimedia resources to science educators and students. They include multimedia interactive resources, such as apps, animations, videos, click and learns, and virtual labs.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating Thumbs Up 99% (9,674 ratings)

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What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

Is financial aid available?

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation

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Offered by American Museum of Natural History. This course is an introduction to ecology and ecosystem dynamics using a systems thinking lens. Through a case study on Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park, learners will explore how scientists study ecosystems, and investigate the complex array of factors that inform management efforts.

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Since 1583 the University of Edinburgh has been influencing the world, from Nobel laureates and Olympic champions to space explorers and prime ministers. As a world-leading, research-intensive university, we are here to address tomorrow's greatest challenges. We do so with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships - both locally and globally.

Ranked in the top 50 universities in the world, the University of Edinburgh has been a leader in digital education since the earliest days of online learning. Embracing the technological and pedagogical opportunities of our digital age, the University provides an outstanding online distance learning experience as part of our commitment to making learning accessible to all. We offer free short online courses in a variety of subjects, all designed to build the skills of the global community, as well as degree-level education through our online masters programmes. Visit our website to browse our catalogue of online courses, and join our global network of 4 million learners to upskill and gain academic accreditation to boost your career. https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/online-learning

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EDIVET: Do you have what it takes to be a veterinarian?

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Since 1583 the University of Edinburgh has been influencing the world, from Nobel laureates and Olympic champions to space explorers and prime ministers. As a world-leading, research-intensive university, we are here to address tomorrow's greatest challenges. We do so with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships - both locally and globally.

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Free Course - Level 2 Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values

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Free Course - Level 2 Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values

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In 2017, there were 412 arrests for terrorism-related offences. With issues of human rights, hate crime and democracy becoming ever more prevalent in the UK and the world, it is more important than ever to be informed on the measures that can be taken to help prevent terrorism and promote safeguarding and British Values in society.

This course will equip you with a detailed understanding of how to recognise and prevent radicalisation and extremism, the principles of safeguarding, the Prevent duty and its importance in society, and the importance of online safety and British Values.

Unit 1: Principles of safeguarding

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Level 2 Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values - Individuals - Skills Network

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In 2017, there were 412 arrests for terrorism-related offences. With issues of human rights, hate crime and democracy becoming ever more prevalent in the UK and the world, it is more important than ever to be informed on the measures that can be taken to help prevent terrorism and promote safeguarding and British Values in society.

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Free Course - Level 1 Awareness of Substance Misuse

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Free Course - Level 1 Awareness of Substance Misuse

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In this section, you will cover the reasons why people use substances, the types of substances that are misused and the factors that can influence the effects of substances.
Section 2: The personal and social effects of substance misuse
You will study the harmful effects of substance misuse on individuals and society, as well as where to get support and advice on substance misuse.
Section 3: The perceptions of and responses to substance misuse
This section covers how stereotyping affects users and how media reporting affects people's perceptions of substance misuse. You will also cover statistics about substance misuse.
Section 4: Ways to promote healthy choices and build resilience
You will look at the risk factors and protective factors for substance misuse, ways to protect individuals from the risks of substance misuse and the barriers to making healthy choices.

The benefits of this course include:

Achieve a nationally recognised level 1 qualification

Learn from your own home, in your own time

Access to award-winning learning and assessment materials

Potential to progress on to further substance misuse awareness training

UK-based support network to help guide you through your studies

Subject specialist support from a Tutor and access to a Learner Support Advisor for everyday queries

Funding available - speak to one of our team for more information and to see if you are eligible.

This qualification could assist you in gaining the following employment opportunities and potential salaries:

Support worker - up to £16,000

Family support worker - up to £12,000

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Level 1 Award in Awareness of Substance Misuse

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In this section, you will cover the reasons why people use substances, the types of substances that are misused and the factors that can influence the effects of substances. Section 2: The personal and social effects of substance misuse You will study the harmful effects of substance misuse on individuals and society, as well as where to get support and advice on substance misuse.

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This free course, Nature matters in conversation, focuses on the substance of environmental responsibility-what matters. The question 'What should constitute our prime focus of attention' can...