The last 10 years has seen the introduction of pheromone-related products to the veterinary clinician’s armoury for the management of a range of behavioural problems. However,  there has until now been no formal or independent qualification for those seeking a wider knowledge of these treatments. 

In response to the increasing interest among veterinary professionals in the management of behavioural problems within their practices, the University of Lincoln is pleased to announce the first Higher Education based course on the clinical application of pheromone therapy for the management of behavioural problems in companion animals.

The University of Lincoln is an established centre of excellence in the growing field of veterinary behavioural medicine with an internationally-renowned Veterinary Behaviour Clinic.  The University is one of the leading international academic institutions researching the clinical applications of pheromones in practice, and issues regular publications on this subject. 

Click here to view the course leaflet

Is this the right course for me?

The course is designed for qualified veterinary nurses and others working in the field of animal care with at least an HND or equivalent in a biological science discipline, including animal physiology, behaviour and management within the curriculum.

What will I gain from the course?

On completion of the course participants will have a greater understanding of the nature of stress and its potential as the trigger for a range of  problems for both the animal and its owner. The syllabus will include how to evaluate the role of chemical signals in the regulation and attenuation of stress responses, how to recognise symptoms, and how to recommend appropriate treatments for a range of common behavioural problems in the dog and cat, with particular emphasis on the potential role of pheromone therapy. Participants will have an opportunity to demonstrate their newly acquired skills in a real-life or novel problem scenario.

All students who successfully complete the course will qualify for an HE accreditation of 15 CATS at level 3.

Course Content

The course consists of 12 audio-visual tutorials covering the scientific basis of pheromone therapy and its application to the management of problem behaviour in companion animals. These tutorials are entitled:

1. How animals respond to change
2. Communication
3. Assessment of the problem behaviour patient
4. Principles of pheromone therapy
5. An approach to treatment options
6. Managing disruptive stress in the home
7. Separation related behaviour problems
8. Noise fears 
9. Travel related problems
10. Introducing the new cat or dog into the home
11. Pheromones in the clinic, kennels and cattery
12. Novel applications of pheromone therapy

Mode of study

The course facilitates a flexible approach to learning and employs traditional written texts, online materials, access to discussion groups and electronic lectures. The audio-visual presentations enable study to be undertaken in a time frame and at a pace to suit the individual student. It is anticipated that the course will be completed normally within 12 months. It is recommended that students have access to a high-speed internet connection to maximise the benefits of the programme. Students can also access academics and fellow students through the online discussion group and chat rooms which form part of the programme.

All students will be provided with a comprehensive set of course materials, and electronic lecture material.

Students have  access to the university’s virtual learning environment together with its associated support systems, assistance of particular value for those less familiar with using the internet.

Self assessment of progress can be completed online, with the final assessment based on a case study where the best 3 submissions will qualify for prizes.  The first prize is worth £1000.

Fees

The fees for 2009-2010 courses forEU citizens are £197.  Fees for students based outside the EU are £1092 and you should apply directly to the University for the overseas rates. 

Applications

Applications to join the course beginning in February 2010 is 15 December 2009.

All applications must be made using the University’s part-time application form available from http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/courseindex/part-time_application.pdf . Applicants should ensure they have understood the guidance notes before completing their application, and use the full course title “Clinical application of pheromone therapy for the management of behavioural problems in companion animals.” 

For further information please contact the University’s Enquiry Centre on 01522 886644 or email enquiries@lincoln.ac.uk

Recommended Reading

BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine