Postgraduate Course: Equitation Science (EQSC11049)

Course Outline
School	Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies	College	College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)	SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course type	Online Distance Learning	Availability	Not available to visiting students
SCQF Credits	20	ECTS Credits	10
Summary	Equitation science promotes an objective, evidence-based understanding of the welfare of horses during training and competition by applying valid, quantitative scientific methods that can identify training techniques which are ineffective or may result in problems with equine welfare. The course is designed to further develop the student's scientific skills and ability to utilise scientific theory in Equitation Science.
Course description	Equitation science promotes an objective, evidence-based understanding of the welfare of horses during training and competition by applying valid, quantitative scientific methods that can identify training techniques which are ineffective or may result in problems with equine welfare. The course is designed to further develop the student's scientific skills and ability to utilise scientific theory in Equitation Science. There is an emerging recognition of the importance of the integration of underpinning scientific principles of learning in equitation and recognition that this can both enhance the performance and improve the welfare of competition horses. Two aspects of the emerging discipline of Equitation Science are crucial to the improvement of equine welfare. Firstly, the underpinning of both horse and human/rider training with learning theory and, secondly, the use of technology to provide objective data for traditionally subjective measures (eg. saddle pressures, rein tension/contact, stride length, weight distribution). There is a clear need for tertiary level Equitation Science education in order to produce graduates capable encouraging sound ethical practice and scientific rigour within the equine sector.

Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites		Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations		Other requirements	None

Course Delivery Information

Academic year 2022/23, Not available to visiting students (SS1)		Quota: None
Course Start	Flexible
Timetable	Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info)	Total Hours: 200 ( Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 196 )
Assessment (Further Info)	Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment)	Essay/reflective account (50%) Poster/PowerPoint presentation (50%)
Feedback	Feedback is defined as information to students which allows them to review what they know, understand and can do in their studies. Feedback is also important to identify areas for improvement, for example course feedback surveys and a response from the equine science team to previous year's course survey are available on each course. Staff Student Liaison meetings are also another valuable way in which feedback from students can be received. Opportunities for feedback arise during timetabled courses, for example during live session tutorials, discussion boards, emails, telephone communication and in person/on campus. Feedback can be provided on coursework assignments but also activities which are not formally assessed, for example class discussion on the discussion board, group exercise, problem-solving and developing project plans and proposals. A formative task is provided in each course which provides formative feedback prior to the student submitting their first piece of assessed course work. All assignments, including the formative assessment, will be marked and feedback is provided within a period of fifteen working days (where possible) following the submission date (excluding holidays periods whereby the University of closed, e.g. over the Christmas period)
No Exam Information

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to: Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the principal theories, terminology, concepts, and principles of equitation science Apply knowledge, skills, and understanding when using techniques, technologies, practices and materials associated with equitation science Apply critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis to the forefront issues/problems/developments/equine sector, in relation to equitation science.