Course overview
This course will introduce students to the principles of the science of behaviour known as learning theory and behaviour analysis. The philosophical system known as behaviourism that underlies this area of study will be explored, with a focus on the application of behavioural principles (applied behaviour analysis) to animal training, enrichment, and welfare practices and procedures. Students will learn techniques for utilizing the principles of behaviour (i.e., respondent and operant conditioning) for the management of animals, as well as the benefits of incorporating learning principles into animal training, environmental enrichment, and behaviour management practices. The course will cover the general field of learning theory as it is practiced across a variety of animal settings, as well as how behavioural principles are derived from basic research on the experimental analysis of behaviour (EAB) and incorporated with the natural history and ethological underpinnings of animal behaviour.
Course learning outcomes
- Identify the ABC's of behaviour and how this relates to understanding the immediate causes (function) of behaviour.
- Understand and apply the methodology used by the science of behaviour, with a focus on within-subject research methods.
- Design and implement strategies used for increasing and decreasing the occurrence of behaviour.
- Discuss how data and empirical evidence are used to evaluate the implementation of various behavioural practices.
- Discuss the broader ethical and societal implications for the use of behavioural principles in everyday life.
Availability
Class details
Roseworthy Campus
Class number 40019
Section LE01
Size 50
Available 50
Class number 40020
Section PR01
Size 50
Available 50
Class number 40021
Section WS01
Size 50
Available 50
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