EBQ Stage 2

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>>Introduction

Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4

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Preamble

The EBQ (Stage 1) focuses primarily on introducing the student to basic animal behavioural science principles. But in Stage 2, the student is given an opportunity to explore and test these principles in some depth. The student will also be introduced to the concept of scientific observation and analysis of equine behaviour in the field, thereby providing the graduate of EBQ (Stage 2) with a solid basis for analysing, assessing and solving equine behavioural problems.

The objectives of the EBQ (Stage 2) are similar to those for Stage 1, namely to bridge the gap between academic institutions and the horse training market by offering a scientifically and practically based professional qualification.

By offering a more advanced qualification than Stage 1, the Natural Animal Centre (NAC) aims to raise the national standard of professional equine behavioural advice available to horse owners, equine welfare organizations and veterinary surgeons by giving them the opportunity to seek advice from equine behaviourists with a superior, trustworthy qualification.

Course format

Unless by prior arrangement with the NAC, the entry level for Stage 2 is graduation of Stage 1.
The complete course comprises 7 modules (21 days of lectures, assessments and practical study) held at the NAC as well as a section of assessments to be undertaken at home. Modules need to be completed in chronological order. Final commitment for the qualification need only be made on registering for Module 7 (which includes Final Assessments).
Students are expected to supplement their study at the NAC with Required Reading over the course.

MODULE 1 - Aim: Ethology (Three Days)

	neurobiology of aggression
	introduction to solving aggression in horses
	time budgets and goals in horses
	introduction to scientific observation

MODULE 2 - Aim: Learning Theory I (Three Days)

	introduction to observational learning
	other forms of non-reinforcement in learning
	discrimination learning in horses
	solving aggression in horses (continued from Module 1)
	becoming a more effective behaviourist (practicals)

MODULE 3 - Aim: Learning Theory II (Three Days)

	Rescorla-Wagner Theory
	applying the theory practically
	solving aggression in horses (continued from Modules 1 & 2)
	becoming a more effective behaviourist (practicals)

MODULE 4 - Aim: Physiology (Three Days)

	transmission of information in the nervous system
	refraction and arousal periods in emotions
	Long term and associative long term potentiation beyond Stage 1
	memory in the brain - including cross-over between learning and memory
	becoming a more effective behaviourist (practicals)

MODULE 5 - Aim: Welfare (Three Days)

	neurobiology of positive reinforcement
	frozen watchfulness in stressed horses
	more factors in analysing poor welfare (beyond Stage 1)
	eating disorders in horses - coprophagia, pica and others
	becoming a more effective behaviourist (practicals)

MODULE 6 - Aim: Advanced behavioural practice (Three Days)

	transactional analysis
	flow-charting behavioural problems
	pulling it all together - solutions for more advanced behaviour problems
	live practice at running a more advanced consultation

MODULE 7 (a) - Aim: Conclusion and Final Assessments (Three Days)

Apart from teaching as normal on the first day of the module, final Assessments will be made on the succeeding two days and comprise five sections:
	Formal assessment of consultation with a client
	Written analysis of behaviour presented in the form of a short DVD
	Written assessments (3 papers: General, Physiology and a Case Study)

MODULE 7 (b) & (c)* - Aim: Prepared Case Studies and Observation Project

In 7 (b), students submit two written case studies for assessment (Cost £250). In 7 (c), students are required to identify, design and carry out their own Observation Project (OP) to be submitted for assessment (Cost £200).* Assistance in preparation for the OP is offered in early modules.
* Note : the OP in Module 7 (c) is submitted for assessment at the beginning of Module 5.
	Formal assessment of consultation with a client
	Written analysis of behaviour presented in the form of a short DVD
	Written assessments (3 papers: General, Physiology and a Case Study)

Course Price Details

OTHER ISSUES

Becoming a more effective behaviourist

Throughout Stage 2, a number of practical sessions are undertaken designed to assist the development of the behaviourist’s consultation skills. This includes sessions on self-development as well as opportunities to practice imparting highly technical information in plain English.

Time limit for Completion of EBQ

There is a time limit of two years in which to complete EBQ (Stage 2).

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Retention of this qualification requires annual renewal that takes the form of attendance of a CPD course at least once per year at the NAC (either in Wales or in Africa) where graduates of the EBQ will be given the latest up-to-date research on equines and other relevant animals.
In this way, the NAC will ensure the integrity and quality of the EBQ remains intact. Currently, CPD is offered twice a year in spring and autumn.

Registration, Supervision, and the NAC Code of Ethics

On graduation of the SABQ (Exotics), the option of registering with the NAC is available, registered graduates work under the supervision of the NAC and sign up to the NAC Code of Practice and NAC Ethical Guidelines.

Advanced Qualifications – the Equine Behaviour Qualification (Stages 3 and 4)

The NAC offers a serious career path to those wishing to progress their scientific equine behavioural knowledge even further in the form of more advanced study. By building on work undertaken in Stages 1 and 2, further stages of the EBQ give students the opportunity to pursue in-depth equine behavioural study, giving graduates a currently unsurpassed professional horse behavioural qualification.

Payment Terms and Required Reading

Students may pay as they register for each module. Upon registration, the full fee is due and part payments will not be accepted. The Required Reading list for each module is sent to the student on confirmation of registration. Reading material is for the account of students.