Module Information
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 | Assignment. | 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 on 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