Real Level 3 Animal Management coursework, turned into study notes you can revise from — cells, tissues, disease, health & safety and working with animals. Read the notes, then tap the questions to check yourself.
Built from Ciera's own coursework · Pets on the Green
Topic 1 · Cell biology
Cell organelles
A cell is built from tiny working parts called organelles. Each one has a structure and a job (its function).
Centrioles
Paired, barrel-shaped organelles in the cytoplasm of animal cells. They organise the microtubules that act as the cell's skeleton and help set the position of the nucleus and other organelles.
Lysosome
Sphere-shaped sacs filled with hydrolytic enzymes. They are the cell's digestive system — breaking down material taken in from outside and digesting worn-out parts of the cell.
Golgi apparatus
Made of 5–8 folds called cisternae, found in the cytoplasm. A "factory" that receives proteins from the ER, then processes and sorts them for transport to their destinations.
Cytoplasm
Semi-liquid, jelly-like material that joins the nucleus to the cell membrane. It holds the components of the cell in place and protects them from damage.
Smooth ER
Tube-like structure near the cell's edge; the tubules branch into a network. Makes essential lipids such as phospholipids and cholesterol, and produces and secretes steroid hormones.
Rough ER
Series of folded, flattened membrane sheets near the nucleus. Vital for protein synthesis — it folds, sorts and transports proteins out of the cell to their proper destinations.
Ribosome
Tiny structure made of both RNA and protein. This is where protein synthesis happens — allowing the cell to build proteins and all kinds of biological structures.
Microtubules
Hollow cylinders made of repeating protein, found in all eukaryotic cells. They determine cell shape and are involved in cell movement.
Check yourself
Which organelle is the cell's "digestive system" and why?
The lysosome. It is full of hydrolytic enzymes that break down material taken into the cell and digest worn-out cell parts.
What is the job of the Golgi apparatus?
It works like a factory: it receives proteins from the ER, then processes and sorts them for transport to where they are needed.
What is the difference between smooth ER and rough ER?
Rough ER is covered in ribosomes and is vital for protein synthesis (folding, sorting, transporting proteins). Smooth ER has no ribosomes and makes lipids such as cholesterol, plus steroid hormones.
In the ribosomes — tiny structures made of RNA and protein.
Topic 2 · Tissues
Tissue types
A tissue is a group of cells that work together to perform a function. Cells build up into bigger structures:
Cells → Tissues → Organs → Systems
There are four main types of tissue in the body: muscle, epithelial, connective and nervous.
Muscle tissue
Responsible for movement. There are three types:
Skeletal — found throughout the body, attached to bones by tendons.
Smooth — in the walls of hollow visceral organs (liver, pancreas, intestines), but not the heart.
Cardiac — a specialised type found only in the heart.
Epithelial tissue
Provides a covering — skin and the linings of passages inside the body. Cells are tightly packed in one or more layers. Types include simple squamous, cuboidal and columnar, plus stratified, transitional and pseudostratified. Functions: protection, secretion, absorption, excretion, filtration, diffusion and sensory reception.
Connective tissue
Made mostly of an extracellular matrix with a limited number of cells. It supports organs and cells, transports nutrients and wastes, defends against pathogens, stores fat, and repairs damaged tissue. Four categories: connective proper, cartilage, bone and blood.
Nervous tissue
Made of neurons that carry electrical signals. Key parts of a neuron: dendrite, cell body (soma), nucleus, axon hillock, myelin sheath, node of Ranvier, Schwann cell and axon terminal.
Your revision posters
The posters you made for this topic — tap to see them full size.
Check yourself
Name the four main types of tissue.
Muscle, epithelial, connective and nervous.
Name the three types of muscle tissue and where cardiac muscle is found.
Skeletal, smooth and cardiac. Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart.
What are the four categories of connective tissue?
Connective proper, cartilage, bone and blood.
Give three functions of epithelial tissue.
Any three of: protection, secretion, absorption, excretion, filtration, diffusion, sensory reception.
Topic 3 · Disease
Pathogens: viral, bacterial & fungal
A pathogen is something that causes disease. The four types are viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic.
Viral
Viruses are not alive — they do not carry out all seven life processes (movement, respiration, sensitivity, nutrition, excretion, reproduction, growth).
Made of a piece of genetic code (DNA or RNA) protected by a coat of protein.
Once you are infected, viruses invade host cells and use the cell's components to replicate, producing more viruses.
Single-celled organisms that cannot be seen by the naked eye.
Very diverse and able to live in most environments, including in and on your body.
Not all bacteria cause infection — those that can are called pathogenic bacteria.
Examples: strangles, kennel cough, leptospirosis, tetanus, salmonella, white spot.
Fungal
A vast range of types — single-celled and multicellular.
Can cause infections that can be seen on the skin.
Examples: ringworm, thrush, aspergillosis.
Check yourself
Why are viruses not considered alive?
Because they do not carry out all seven life processes (movement, respiration, sensitivity, nutrition, excretion, reproduction, growth).
What is a pathogenic bacterium?
A type of bacteria that can cause infection. Not all bacteria are harmful — only pathogenic ones cause disease.
Topic 3b · Revision table
Pathogen & parasite classification
Every pathogen and parasite from your revision cards — its type and the animals it mainly affects. Tap a heading to sort. Great for flash cards.
Name
Type
Mainly affects
Tip: the four groups are viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic. Worms, ticks, fleas and mites are all parasites.
Topic 4 · Named diseases
Diseases in detail
Four diseases you need to know — cause, signs, treatment and prevention.
Myxomatosis Viral
A viral infection of rabbits, caused by a member of the Poxvirus family. Usually spread by insects and is usually fatal.
Signs
Starts with runny eyes (early on can be confused with conjunctivitis); swollen genitals; rapidly progresses to severe conjunctivitis causing blindness, with lumpy (nodular) swellings on the head and lumps on the body; thick pus from the nose and swollen eyes, often sealed shut.
Treatment
There is no effective treatment. Affected rabbits may be kept more comfortable with supportive fluids.
Prevention
Check animals for ectoparasites; keep the area clean and away from wild animals; isolate and quarantine any suspected case. Vaccination is also available.
Leptospirosis BacterialZoonotic
A zoonotic disease caused by spiral-shaped bacteria. Spread through infected animals' urine or tissue, commonly carried by rats or mice. Susceptible: most mammals, more common in dogs.
Signs
Fever; joint or muscle pain (may show as reluctance to move); decreased appetite and lethargy; nausea; excessive drinking; frequent urination sometimes followed by a lack of urination; yellowing (jaundice) of the gums, membranes around the eyes and skin.
Treatment
Typically antibiotics to kill the bacteria, given in two stages. Most cases need IV fluid treatment to reduce vomiting and treat side effects. Can result in death if not treated early enough.
Prevention
Yearly vaccinations (against some types); rodent control measures; clean enclosures and water.
Aspergillosis Fungal
A fungal disease caused by Aspergillus. Two types: nasal and disseminated. The fungus is commonly found in the environment in dust, hay and grass. The nasal form is usually seen in outdoor and farm dogs, which are more often exposed; animals with a weakened immune system may be more susceptible.
Signs
Sneezing; itching around the nose; sore red areas / swelling around the nose; bleeding from the nose; lack of appetite; lameness; swollen limbs.
Treatment
Nasal: an antifungal drug (Amphotericin B) placed into the nose while under anaesthetic. Disseminated: rarely cured, can be treated with antifungal drugs.
Prevention
Health checks; correct husbandry to support a healthy immune system; keeping dogs indoors / limiting contact with grass clippings and hay/straw.
Avian flu (bird flu) ViralZoonotic
Avian influenza is a type A virus that mainly affects birds. It spreads naturally among wild aquatic birds and can infect domestic poultry and other species. It is zoonotic — it can pass to humans.
Cause
Direct contact with sick birds or with objects contaminated by them; movement of infected birds and products; breathing in the virus in droplets or dust; touching an infected surface then your eyes, nose or mouth.
Signs in birds
Sudden onset, often very high death rate; swollen heads; blue colour of the comb and wattles; dullness; lack of appetite; respiratory distress; diarrhoea; a big drop in egg production.
Signs in humans
Range from mild flu-like illness (sometimes with conjunctivitis — red, sore, watering eyes), diarrhoea and abdominal pain, up to severe breathing difficulties and pneumonia. Can be fatal.
Treatment
Humans may be given antivirals such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza). There is no effective treatment for birds — care is supportive (e.g. antibiotics for secondary infections).
Prevention
Wear appropriate PPE when caring for birds; good hygiene; avoid poultry farms, bird markets and places where live poultry are kept; keep wild birds and rodents away from poultry.
Your revision posters
Check yourself
Which animal does myxomatosis affect, and how is it usually spread?
Rabbits. It is usually spread by insects and is usually fatal.
How is leptospirosis usually transmitted?
Through infected animals' urine or tissue, commonly carried by rats or mice. It is zoonotic, so it can pass to people.
What are the two types of aspergillosis?
Nasal and disseminated.
Name two ways to prevent avian flu spreading.
Any two of: wear PPE; good hygiene; avoid poultry farms/markets; keep wild birds and rodents away from poultry.
Topic 4b · Species focus
Chicken health
How to tell a healthy chicken from a poorly one, and the common problems to watch for.
Signs of good health
Alert; active; interested; bright-eyed; moving and pecking for food; interacting with other chickens.
Signs of ill-health
Hunched posture; erect (fluffed-up) feathers; head tucked under the wing; reluctance to move; hiding in a corner.
External parasites
Two main ones: lice (found all over the body, lay eggs all over the body) and mites (very small, mostly under the wings, but also in the chicken house).
Internal parasites
Tapeworms, roundworms and gape worms.
Scaly leg
Caused by mites living under the scales on the legs.
Bumblefoot
A bacterial infection on the sole of the foot, usually after a small injury.
Colds & flu
Chickens can catch colds and flu, such as infectious coryza (watch for swollen, weeping eyes and a runny nose).
Check yourself
Give three signs a chicken is healthy.
Any three of: alert; active; interested; bright-eyed; moving and pecking for food; interacting with other chickens.
What are the two main external parasites of chickens, and how do they differ?
Lice (all over the body, lay eggs all over the body) and mites (very small, mostly under the wings and in the chicken house).
What causes bumblefoot?
A bacterial infection on the sole of the foot, usually following a small injury.
Topic 5 · Medical disorders
Medical disorders
Conditions that are not caused by a pathogen — often linked to diet, ageing or the body itself.
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
What is it?
A group of disorders that affect the strength and structure of bones. It happens when there is an imbalance in the body's bone-building and bone-repairing processes, leading to weakened bones and a higher risk of fractures.
Cause
Abnormally low levels of calcium and phosphorus — the minerals that support bone growth and strength — usually from an inadequate diet.
Signs
Soft or rubbery bones; deformed or crooked (bowed) legs; swollen or enlarged joints; lumps or bumps; difficulty moving or walking; decreased appetite; an arched spine; soft shell or shell abnormalities (in reptiles/turtles).
Treatment / prevention
A suitable, balanced diet with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements; correct UVB lighting (e.g. T5 bulb) and access to natural sunlight; correct temperature and humidity; correct husbandry and regular vet checks.
Affects
Mostly reptiles, but also some birds and mammals such as rabbits and guinea pigs — any animal that needs calcium and vitamin D3.
Cushing's syndrome (hypercortisolism)
What is it?
A hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol.
Cause
Most commonly a tumour in the pituitary gland, which drives the adrenal glands to over-produce cortisol; less often a tumour in an adrenal gland, or long-term use of corticosteroid medication.
Signs
Increased thirst and urination; increased appetite; hair loss and thinning; muscle weakness; a "pot belly" (abdominal distension); skin infections; panting and heat intolerance.
Prevention / management
It usually can't be prevented, but regular vet checks, weight management, a balanced diet, enrichment, stress reduction and regular exercise help manage it.
Affects
Most commonly dogs (especially middle-aged/older and certain breeds); also cats (rare) and horses (equine Cushing's).
Epilepsy
What is it?
Abnormal electrical signal activity in the brain, causing seizures.
Signs of a seizure
Paddling of the legs (as if treading water); collapsing or falling to one side; excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth; frenzied barking or whining; incontinence; signs of panic or confusion; teeth chomping; stiffness; uncontrollable shaking and tremors.
Treatment
A combination of medication and management — regular monitoring, seizure diaries, lifestyle management and supportive care.
Affects
Most common in dogs; less common in cats; also horses and birds, and occasionally ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits and reptiles.
Arthritis (osteoarthritis)
What is it?
Inflammation and degeneration of one or more joints — unusual wearing of the cartilage so that bones rub against each other. A common, painful condition.
Cause
Age and wear and tear; genetics; joint trauma or injury; infections; autoimmune disorders; other underlying conditions.
Signs
Limping or lameness; reduced activity or reluctance to exercise; difficulty getting up or lying down; joint swelling and heat; licking or chewing at joints; changes in behaviour or mood; muscle wastage (atrophy).
Treatment / prevention
Manage pain and inflammation with medication, joint supplements, weight management, physical therapy and assistive devices. Reduce the risk with a healthy weight, good nutrition, regular exercise, a joint-friendly environment and vet checks.
Affects
Dogs, cats, horses, cattle, small animals and wildlife.
Overgrooming — excessive self-cleaning, which can have consequences for health (bald patches, sore skin) and is often linked to stress.
Check yourself
What causes Metabolic Bone Disease and which animals get it most?
Abnormally low calcium and phosphorus, usually from an inadequate diet (plus a lack of UVB/vitamin D3). It is most common in reptiles.
Which hormone is overproduced in Cushing's syndrome, and name two signs.
Cortisol. Signs include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, hair loss, a pot belly, muscle weakness or panting.
Name two signs of an epileptic seizure.
Any two of: paddling legs, collapsing to one side, drooling/foaming, incontinence, stiffness, uncontrollable shaking.
Why is arthritis painful, and give two ways to reduce the risk.
The joint cartilage wears down so bones rub together. Reduce the risk with a healthy weight, good nutrition, regular exercise, a joint-friendly environment or joint supplements.
Topic 5b · Emergency first aid
Animal first aid
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 you have a duty of care. In any emergency, remember the 3 P's: Preserve life · Prevent suffering · Promote recovery.
Choking
Severe difficulty breathing because of a constricted or obstructed throat, or a lack of air.
Signs
Acting restless; repetitive coughing; pawing at the face or mouth; gasping for air; collapsing; turning blue; retching.
Causes
Foreign objects; collar or leash; eating too quickly; respiratory issues; allergic reactions.
What to do
Stay calm; assess the situation; encourage the animal to cough on its own; open the mouth and check the airway; if it can't clear the object, perform the Heimlich manoeuvre; control any bleeding; then get veterinary help. Restrain safely with a collar/harness, slip lead or crate.
Hypothermia
When an animal's body temperature drops dangerously low.
Causes
The cold; blood loss; certain illnesses; occasionally during anaesthetic.
Signs
Shivering; cold ears and extremities; lethargy and weakness; slow or shallow breathing; pale or bluish gums; a decreased heart rate.
What to do
Stay calm; make sure you are in a safe environment; check the airway; control any bleeding; warm the animal and prevent further heat loss to raise the body temperature; then transport it to a vet.
Any three of: restlessness, repetitive coughing, pawing at the face/mouth, gasping for air, collapsing, turning blue, retching.
Name three signs of hypothermia.
Any three of: shivering, cold ears/extremities, lethargy and weakness, slow or shallow breathing, pale or bluish gums, decreased heart rate.
Topic 6 · Diagnosis & law
Spot the diagnosis
Use the signs to work out the condition — and whether it is zoonotic (can pass to humans). Read the case, then reveal the diagnosis.
Goat — patches of fur missing, with a clear round shape of redness on the skin.
Ringworm. Zoonotic? Yes.
Rabbit — runny nose, lethargic and swollen eyes.
Myxomatosis. Zoonotic? No.
Snake — small black dots on the scales.
Mites. Zoonotic? It depends on the species of mite.
When treating an animal you must also think about the legislation you need to meet — for example animal welfare law, and extra care and reporting duties where a condition is zoonotic and could pass to people.
Topic 7 · Health & safety
Risk assessment
A risk assessment keeps people and animals safe by spotting hazards before they cause harm. There are five steps:
1. Identify the hazards.
2. Decide who might be harmed and how.
3. Evaluate the risks and decide on control measures.
4. Record your findings and put them in place.
5. Review the assessment and update it if necessary.
Worked example — animal bite or scratch
Hazard
Animal bite or scratch.
Control measures
Use correct PPE; use the correct restraint method.
Additional measures
Remove/trim nails; make sure you are not alone.
How likely?
Unlikely.
How severe?
Moderate.
Going forward
Ensure the correct training is in place.
How risk is scored: risk rating = likelihood × severity (a 5×5 grid). A score of 6 or below — you can carry on. If it rises above 6 but stays below 12 — a Health & Safety Advisor must approve it first. 12 or above — you must reduce the risk as far as reasonably practicable; if it stays unacceptable, the activity is not permitted.
Your risk & hazard slides
Check yourself
What are the five steps of a risk assessment?
1) Identify the hazards. 2) Decide who might be harmed. 3) Evaluate the risks and decide control measures. 4) Record your findings and put them in place. 5) Review and update.
How is a risk rating worked out?
Likelihood × severity, using a 5×5 grid.
A hazard scores 14. What must happen?
It is 12 or above, so the risk must be reduced as far as reasonably practicable. If it still can't be made acceptable, the activity is not permitted.
Topic 7b · Manual handling
Manual handling
Manual handling means transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force — lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving loads. A load can be an object, a person or an animal.
The law: the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 set out the main duties for employers and employees. The first control is to avoid manual handling where you can. Employers are responsible for the physical and mental wellbeing of staff, including putting them through manual handling training beforehand.
Why it matters — consequences of poor manual handling
Short-term and long-term injuries: cuts and tears; sprains and strains; hernias; bruises; back injuries; broken bones; musculoskeletal injuries; discomfort; and even mental-health problems.
Mechanical aids
Devices that reduce the physical effort of moving loads — trolleys, carts, pallet jacks, hoists, cranes, forklifts, conveyors and vacuum lifters. They cut the risk of injury and can save money long-term. But the machines can be a hazard themselves (trapping or catching body parts, collisions), so proper machine guarding and PPE must be used.
Correct lifting technique
Assess the load and plan the activity — the route, any handling aids, and where the load will go.
Adopt a stable posture: feet apart, one leg slightly in front for balance.
Get a good, secure hold of the load before lifting.
Bend the knees and hips, keeping the back only slightly bent (don't bend fully from the back with straight legs).
Start the lift with the legs bent and straighten them as you raise the object.
Don't twist the back or legs while holding the load.
Hold the load close to the waist.
Only lift what you can manage — if it hurts, it's too heavy to lift alone.
Put the load down in the intended spot, then adjust its position if needed.
Do
Avoid the activity when possible; reduce moving distances; share lifting between employees; plan the activity first; undergo training in safe manual handling.
Don't
Move loads up or down stairs; use an incorrect lifting technique; twist or lean while you lift; work without training; skip inspecting the area.
Check yourself
Which law covers manual handling, and what is its first control?
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. The first control is to avoid manual handling where possible.
Give three consequences of poor manual handling.
Any three of: sprains and strains, hernias, back injuries, broken bones, bruises, musculoskeletal injuries, mental-health problems.
When lifting, why should you bend your knees rather than your back?
So you lift with the strong leg muscles and keep the back straight, protecting the spine from injury.
Give two examples of mechanical aids.
Any two of: trolleys, carts, pallet jacks, hoists, cranes, forklifts, conveyors, vacuum lifters.
Topic 8 · Working with animals
Employer & employee responsibilities
Employer responsibilities
Pay employees at least the national minimum wage.
Provide a clean and safe working environment.
Make sure staff have adequate training to work with the animals.
Have a duty of care for employees.
Pay employees on time.
Employing a zookeeper — things to consider
Education and experience; animal handling skills; knowledge of animal welfare; physical fitness and stamina; communication skills; flexibility and adaptability; passion and conservation. Always interview thoroughly, check references, and if possible let them observe or assist before deciding.
A zookeeper's responsibilities
Feeding, maintaining and cleaning the animals; diet preparation; behavioural observation; record keeping; exhibit maintenance; and providing environmental enrichment for the animals in their care.
A safe & healthy working environment
Make animal welfare the top priority.
Training and education, plus safety procedures.
PPE and risk assessments.
High standards of hygiene and sanitation.
Correct enrichment and proper staffing.
Regular maintenance and equipment inspections; report malfunctions, damage and incidents.
Good communication and emergency precautions.
Monitor the animals' wellbeing.
Your workplace posters
Check yourself
List three employer responsibilities.
Any three of: pay at least minimum wage; provide a clean and safe workplace; give adequate training; a duty of care; pay staff on time.
Give three things a zookeeper is responsible for.
Any three of: feeding and cleaning animals; diet preparation; behavioural observation; record keeping; exhibit maintenance; environmental enrichment.
Study content built from Ciera's own Level 3 Animal Management coursework. Every poster shown is her original work.