Unit name | Unit 2: Ethology, genetics and the development of behaviour |
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Unit code | VETS10007 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. Rooney |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
The five units of this course will run in sequential order. Students must achieve a minimum of 40% overall for assessments on the study skills unit(Unit1) before attending subsequent units (no compensation). Students must achieve a minimum of 40% on Units 2 and 3 prior to progressing to Units 4 and 5. Students must achieve a minimum of 40% on Unit 4 before commencing Unit 5. Students failing to achieve 40% in units 2-5 will be given the option of resitting the unit before the start of the subsequent unit, or the end of the academic year.
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Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Bristol Veterinary School |
Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
This unit introduces students to the principles of animal ethology, genetics and behavioural development. Focussing on the commonly owned companion animal species, the unit investigates how the evolution of ancestral species impacts on behaviour, and examines the important changes brought about through the process of domestication. The knowledge about ‘normal’ behaviour is used to enable students to understand the different elements which impact on the ultimate behavioural signs shown by individual animals. This includes genetic influences on behaviour, such as breed effects, and personality characteristics. In addition, the importance of the developmental period on behavioural signs will be examined in this unit, ensuring that students have a good understanding of the degree of behavioural plasticity arising from sensitive periods for learning. The knowledge acquired in this unit will be applied to work-relevant situations, such as the practicalities of ensuring young animals receive experiences appropriate to living in the domestic environment.
This unit aims to:
At the end of this unit students should be able to:
1)Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles underlying behavioural genetics, companion animal ethology and behavioural development. 2) Evaluate different theories and concepts relating to the ethology of companion animal species which they may come across in their working environment, including the use of temperament testing. 3) Develop practical skills in observing, and interpreting, a range of communication signals given by companion animals in different situations. 4) Communicate their knowledge effectively and reliably, including explaining how principles relate to the behaviour of individual animals in their care.
The unit is made up of 7.5 days of contact time with students (5 days at University of Bristol and 2.5 days at Dogs Trust training centre, Evesham) and the remaining time is self-directed study and preparation of assessed material. During contact with lecturing staff, teaching methods include formal lectures, however the emphasis is very much on discussion based seminar and tutorial sessions, where material is related to students’ own work-based experiences, and practical sessions where techniques are demonstrated and students are able to develop their skills. Out with the contact periods, students are directed to access materials available on-line, and via existing library resources in order to complete both formative and summative assessments. The distance learning elements of the unit will be facilitated using online materials produced specifically for the students on this course.
As the unit involves a significant proportion of work-based learning, accessible support from tutors and unit organisers will be essential. At the beginning of the course structured access to tutors and unit organisers will be outlined to students. This will specify appropriate means of communication with tutors (e.g. email), in addition to informing the students of how soon they can expect a reply (e.g. 48hrs) and specific times during the week when their tutors will be available (e.g. Monday mornings).
Students will be allocated a personal tutor and pastoral tutor (programme director) at the start of the first unit (Unit1: Study skills).
Formative assessment
Summative assessment
Summative assessments will take place and feedback will be provided prior to the student attending the subsequent unit