Biology of suffering (P02363)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : VET-P-P02363

The importance of an understanding of the principles of endocrinology and neuroscience will be highlighted in relation to behaviour. Students will be made aware of the impact of genes, genetics and breeding on behaviour expression. In addition an understanding of how the environment, as well as experience may affect behavioural biology will be discussed, so that an understanding of how different biological factors integrate to produce behaviour is formed. Then students will learn what is meant by stress and the relationship between stress and animal welfare. Attention will be given to physiological and behavioural responses to a range of stressors, pain in particular. The module will discuss the scientific measurement of these responses and how they can be used in animal welfare assessment

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Assumed knowledge before course starts: Basic principles of endocrinology -Major endocrine organs -Type of hormones and biological action -Hormones receptors and function -Basic of hormonal release and regulation Basic principles of neural organisation -Basic neurophysiology -Nerve impulses, synapses and neurotransmitters -Motor system -Basic brain and neural anatomy

? Costs : none

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 : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 7 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

All of the following classes

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

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

-Understand the basic principles of endocrinology and neuroscience
-Understand the basic neuroendocrinology and the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
-Understand the anatomy and physiology of pain perception
-Be aware of the impact of genetics in behavioural expression
-Understand how environment, development and experience may affect behavioural biology
-Be able to discuss how stress and pain relate to animal welfare
-Be aware of important methodological and practical factors relating to the assessment of animal welfare
-Understand the behavioural and physiological response to acute stress and pain
-Be able to discuss the behavioural and physiological responses to chronic stress and pain
-Be able to integrate basic behavioural and neurophysiological knowledge to assess animal welfare