Course overview
The course will provide the students with an introduction to the principles of animal ethics, behaviour and welfare. Subject areas which will be covered include introduction to animal welfare; animal welfare issues and current developments; animal welfare legislation; introduction to animal ethics; the history of animal behaviour; introduction to animal behaviour in the wild and domesticated species. Knowledge gained in the lecture material will be put into practice in the practical exercises.
Course learning outcomes
- Outline how the study of animal behaviour has developed historically and use Tinbergen s four questions to frame hypotheses relating to animal behaviour
- Understand what an ethogram consists of, and be able to perform and interpret analysis of the behaviour of any animal; and discuss social behaviour and how this varies between different animal species
- Describe the meaning of sentience, and the evidence for varying levels of cognition in animals
- Apply learning theory to the training and management of animals
- Compare and contrast three conceptions of animal welfare: 1) basic health and functioning; 2) affective states, and 3) natural living; and apply and interpret behavioural and physiological measures to aid in determining an animal s welfare
- Describe the main philosophical frameworks used in animal ethics and compare and contrast the many factors (culture, public opinion, science, technology, regulation, economics) that influence decisions about animal use and reflect on their own ethical judgements
- Demonstrate appropriate written and oral communication skills; and their ability to work effectively as part of a team and provide helpful feedback to other team members
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.