Introduction to Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (P02362)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : VET-P-P02362

This module will introduce the concept of Tinbergens 4 whys and it will then demonstrate how the study of behaviour can be applied to animal welfare. The module will also provide an understanding of the application of behaviour to common practical problems. The second part of this module will give the basis of current issues relating to animal welfare. The development of UK/EU animal welfare legislation will be put in a global context. Animal welfare will be discussed from an economics perspective and in the context of global trade issues. Emerging issues will also be tackled.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Previous education in animal behaviour will be an asset but note that the course does aim to recap on basic principles in order to provide a starting point for other modules which deal with behavioural science in more detail.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Animal Welfare and Animal Behaviour, (Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Schedule S)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Block 1 only

? Contact Teaching Time : 14 hour(s) per week for 5 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	09:00	17:00	Med+Vet
Lecture	Tuesday	09:00	17:00	Med+Vet

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

-Understand the principles of animal behaviour science and how different aspects of behavioural science interrelate.
-Understand the influence of evolution on behaviour and development of behavioural strategies on behaviour, and the practical significance of behavioural genetics.
-Understand the influence of behavioural development including the interaction between genes and environment as they affect behavioural development through early experiences and the role of learning.
-Understand the concept of animal motivation, its limitations and uses in practical research on animal welfare.
-Understand how different aspects of behavioural science can be integrated to study a problem such as the significance and alleviation of abnormal stereotypic behaviour in confined animals.
-Understand that animal welfare is multi-dimensional involving a number of societal and scientific aspects.
-Begin to consider the role that science can play in the animal welfare debate (on-going through the course).
-Understand basic economic principles that apply to animal welfare issues.
-Understand the development of UK and EU legislation aimed at protecting animal welfare and its potential impact on animal uses.
-Understand how international trade can affect animal welfare (eg how World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules apply to animal welfare).
-Be aware that animal welfare is a continually evolving issues (eg consider the specific emerging issues of animal welfare in developing countries and animal genetics).