Module Information

Module Identifier
RD22310
Module Title
Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 22 x 1 Hour Lectures
Field Trip 1 x 3 Hour Field Trip
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 50%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   50%
Supplementary Assessment Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  50%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Discuss the concept of `animal welfare?.

2. Evaluate current methods of welfare assessment

3. Identify common welfare problems in animals and discuss methods for their prevention and control.

4. Recognise `abnormal? behaviours and explain them in terms of cause, function and motivation.

5. Relate learning theory to the training of animals

Brief description

This module considers the problems associated with the definition, measurement and scientific investigation of animal welfare, and evaluates the relative importance of measurements of behavior and physiological traits associated with stress and pain in the assessment of animal welfare. The development of behavior, learning theory and applications to training will be discussed. Abnormal behaviours will be discussed in terms of their origins, effects the health and welfare and treatment.

Content

A review of ethical concepts related to our use of animals and their welfare. Discussion of problems in the definition of welfare and the design of welfare assessment schemes. Evaluation of the relative roles of behavioural and physiological measurements in the assessment of welfare, including the links between behavioural and physiological measures used in the assessment of stress and pain. Human-animal interactions and their effects on animal performance. Learning theory and its applications in the training of animals and the correction of behavioural problems. Preference tests and their design and interpretation. `Natural behaviour?, changes in behavior during domestication and their relationship to trainability and welfare. Temperament tests and their applications. Genetic selection for behavioural traits. Abnormal behaviours and their treatment.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Data collection and interpretation in assignment.
Communication Written skills developed through assignment and examinations.
Improving own Learning and Performance Assignment feedback
Information Technology Use of word processor and spreadsheets in preparation of the assignment
Personal Development and Career planning Awareness of career opportunities. Skills development in the assessment of animal welfare.
Problem solving Study of applied research. Problem solving assessed through the assignment.
Research skills Developed through discussion of research aims, design and outcomes in lectures and through self-directed study of primary research papers. Assessed by assignment and examination.
Subject Specific Skills
Team work

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5