EWM407–Firearms and Ballistic Training COURSE PARTICULARS ...

EWM407–Firearms and Ballistic Training COURSE PARTICULARS Course Code: EWM 407 Course Title: Firearms and Ballistic Training No. of Units: 2 Course Duration: One hour of theory and three hours of practicals per week for 15 weeks. Status: Compulsory Course Email Address:[email protected] Course Webpage:http://www.ewm.futa.edu.ng/courseschedule.php?coursecode=EWM%20305 Prerequisite: NIL

COURSE INSTRUCTORS Dr. A.J. Meduna Room 112, SAAT Annex, Dept. of Ecotourism & WildlifeManagement, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Phone: +23475108061 Email:[email protected] and Mr. O.S.Odewumi Room 2, EWM. Postgraduate Research Laboratory Building, Dept. of Ecotourism& WildlifeManagement, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Phone: +2348032206099 Email:[email protected]

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is an exploratory, first course in firearms and ballistic trainingdesigned primarily for students in ecotourism and wildlife. It is a course that provides hands-on training in the handling, maintenance and shooting of firearms. As a practical course, the focus is to impart useful knowledge and skills on the use of firearms and prepare them for other specialised applications to be encountered at higher levels. Topics to be covered include major considerations in firearms use in wildlife management;different types of firearms; techniques of gun loading, aiming and shooting; handling and maintenance of firearms and ammunitions; precautions to be taken in firearms and ballistic training; use of chemicals in wildlife capture.

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COURSE OBJECTIVES The objectives of this course are to:  introduce students to the differences between firearms and ballistics;  provide students with the opportunity to develop basic uses of firearms with respect to provision of protection and carry out anti-poaching activities in protected areas; and  educate students on the use of firearms for hunting when conservation might have been stable.

OUTCOMES / COMPETENCIES Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: (Knowledge based)  identify different firearms and ammunitions;  explain how to use firearms and ammunitions in anti-poaching operations;  understand purpose and functions of ballistic rules;  know major considerations in firearm use in wildlife management; (Skills)   

know the calibre of weapon that can be used for different operations; load, aim and shoot animals effectively; and maintain firearms before and after use.

GRADING SYSTEM FOR THE COURSE This course will be graded as follows: Class Attendance

10%

Assignments

10%

Test(s) & Practical

40%

Final Examination

40%

TOTAL

100%

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS Attendance: It is expected that every student will be in class for lectures and also participate in all practical exercises. Attendance records will be kept and used to determine each person’s qualification to sit for the final examination. In case of illness or other unavoidable cause of absence, the student must communicate as soon as possible with any of the instructors, indicating the reason for the absence. Academic Integrity: Violations of academic integrity, including dishonesty in assignments, examinations, or other academic performances are prohibited. You are not allowed to make 2

copies of another person’s work and submit it as your own; that is plagiarism. All cases of academic dishonesty will be reported to the University Management for appropriate sanctions in accordance with the guidelines for handling students’ misconduct as spelt out in the Students’ Handbook. Assignments and Group Work:Students are expected to submit assignments as scheduled. Failure to submit an assignment as at when due will earn you zero for that assignment.Only under extenuating circumstances, for which a student has notified any of the instructors in advance, will late submission of assignments be permitted. Code of Conduct in Lecture Rooms and Laboratories: Students should turn off their cell phones during lectures. Students are prohibited from engaging in other activities (such as texting, watching videos, etc.) during lectures. Food and drinks are not permitted in the laboratories.

READING LIST Legend 1- Available in the University Library 2- Available in Departmental/School Libraries 3- Available on the Internet. 4- Available as Personal Collection 5- Available in local bookshops.

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COURSE OUTLINE Week 1

2&3

Topic

Remarks

Introduction and Course Overview History and different between firearms and ballistics Importance of firearms and ballistics training to wildlife management. Types of firearms and ammunitions Different parts of firearms and their functions

4&5 Rules of firearms and ballistic

During this first class, the expectation of the students from the course will also be documented. Practical exercise will involveshowing students the different firearms and ammunition in the lab. When learning aboutparts of firearms and their functions, students will be taught on parts to be more careful about.

Gun loading, aiming and shooting techniques The lectures on Rules of firearms and ballistic, Gun loading, aiming and shooting technique will emphasise the need to handle firearms and ammunitions with care. Assignment 1 6

7&8

9 & 10

Categories of wild animals and the types of weapon that can be used for cropping them

Handling and maintenance of firearms and ammunitions. Precautions to be taken in firearms and ballistics training.

Different parts of the animals that can be shot and the resultant effects on the animals.

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Emphasis will be laid on the various categories of animals and the calibre of weapon that can be used for harvesting them. Students will be educated about the consequence of firearms not properly maintained and handled.

MID-SEMESTER TEST Students will be taught the different parts that can be shot and the sign the animal will show.

11 & 12

Use of explosives and other chemicals for game cropping.

The different chemicals/ drugs use to demobilize animals and their effects as well as the required doses will be taught the students. Assignment 2

13 & 14

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Hunting ethics and techniques. 

The Internet is a very powerful tool for research. Students will be taught on how to make the best use of it for their academic pursuits.

REVISION

This is the week preceding the final examination. At this time, evaluation will be done to assess how far the students’ expectations for the course have been met.

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