We hope this course will be fun, interesting, and challenging, and we're looking forward to meeting you all in September!

About the course...

The programme incorporates a range of core and option modules which ensure relevance for students who intend to work in any part of the animal health or veterinary industry. In addition, some option strands will be primarily aimed at Veterinary Nursing graduates, enabling them to develop specialist areas of interest and facilitate progression within practice. 

You will be encouraged and supported to explore current issues in the industry and are encouraged to investigate particular areas of interest. All modules are closely linked to industry, and students are encouraged to support their learning with appropriate work experience - in fact, many of your fellow students are probably employed in industry. 

There is a mandatory work experience in the course, and this will link tightly to your modules The college also has close links with zoological collections, rescue centres, aquariums, avian collections and other associated animal based employers, and we arrange a wide range of visits and guest speakers to give you the maximum breadth of expertise!

Welcome to Duchy Stoke Climsland University Centre, Cornwall College. My name is Michelle Chappell and I am the Programme Manager for the FdSc Animal Health and Management and BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Health courses. I am very passionate about animal health and welfare, with a particular focus on equine and canine species.

Having grown up in the county of Cornwall and attended local schools and colleges to complete my education, I can genuinely advocate studying here in Cornwall. After completing my studies, it led to work both within parts of the UK and abroad, so returning to work in Cornwall has meant returning to my happy place. Situated between Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor and being a short drive away from some amazing beach,s we are surrounded by vibrant natural landscapes in which a variety of wildlife thrive. I am fortunate to be involved in the structure and delivery of courses that encompass my interests and inspire me to continue researching. Currently, I am actively engaged in research that explores the emotional status of canines used in therapeutic environments.  

At our campus, I lecture on a diverse range of subjects. These include animal and equine anatomy and physiology, animal behaviour, animal health and disease and various related topics.

As you embark on your academic journey with us, I encourage you to make the most of your time here at university. Take full advantage of the unique resources available to you, such as the animal science research hub, the future farm and our links to industry. Institutions such as Dartmoor Zoo, Mare and Foal Sanctuary, Screech Owl Sanctuary and the Wolf and Dog Development Centre provide incredible opportunities for hands-on learning and observation of various animal species.

Additionally, I encourage you to engage in volunteering activities, as they offer invaluable practical experience and a chance to contribute to welfare efforts. Getting involved with these initiatives can enhance your understanding of the field and connect you with like-minded individuals.

It goes without saying that striking a balance between academic and social life activities is important. Cornwall offers a lively community with plenty of social events and recreational opportunities. Take time to explore and enjoy the local attractions, cultural events and outdoor activities that Cornwall has to offer.

Again, welcome and I very much hope by the end of your studies, that have been full of light-bulb moments you find a completely different understanding of animals and leave with the thirst to develop further and strive to contribute to this fascinating world of nature.

Michelle Chapple | Programme Manager FdSc Animal Health and Management and BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Health 

Michelle Chappell | Programme Manager | Email: michelle.chappell@duchy.ac.uk

Kelly Bude | Email: kelly.bude@cornwall.ac.uk

Kelly graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Applied Animal Health here at Duchy, and we’re delighted she’s come back to join us! She is currently teaching on the Level 4 and 5 FdSc in Animal Health and Management programme, and has a particular interest in practical animal health and research skills. 

Her academic and research focus is on dairy health and livestock welfare, having researched posture analysis in calves in relation to stress response and identification models of bovine mastitis. 

Kelly has a busy family, but still manages to incorporate downtime with her family pets!

Dr David Harris MRCVS | Email: david.harris@duchy.ac.uk

David qualified from Bristol Vet School in 2005, and has since worked in farm, equine and small animal practice, as well as on the retail and wholesale side of the pharmaceutical industry. A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, David is interested in evidence-based education, but also works in an educational role in industry alongside his role as lecturer. 

He is a contributor and editor of the BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary Medicines, and has written a number of educational articles for animal owners and vets. 

He was appointed a lecturer at Duchy and Bicton Colleges in 2015, and teaches on the Animal Science course and Veterinary Nursing degree courses, with a particular focus on diagnostics, pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. He is also a TLA Coach, helping to train and develop teaching staff at the College.