Unit name | Animal Behaviour 3 |
---|---|
Unit code | VETS33000 |
Credit points | 40 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
Unit director | Dr. Casey |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Bristol Veterinary School |
Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
This unit develops the theme of animal learning introduced at Level I, by introducing theories of animal cognition and animal mind. Such 'higher level' processes are important in understanding how individuals of different species perceive the world, how they acquire and use knowledge,and the extent to which they are aware of themselves and their environment. The development of abnormal behaviours is also discussed in this context. Developing an understanding of how and why human-animal relationships have arisen, and what effects they have on the people and animals involved, is central to developing a broader understanding of the behaviour and welfare of animals in a domestic setting. In this unit, human - animal interactions are explored with respect to the development of undesired behaviours in companion animal species, and how these impact both on owners and the welfare of animals. Behavioural therapy integrates aspects of veterinary and behavioural science. Owners of companions animals, including small animals and horses, increasingly require guidance in behavioural matters as they seek animals that are content, well behaved and where there is mutual benefit in the human animal interaction. In this unit, the various aspects of understanding and modifying undesired animal behaviour are discussed, together with an introduction to the importance of medical differentials and aspects of psychopharmacological therapy. The unit will prepare students with the basic tools they need to conduct behavioural therapy consultations, in liaison with a veterinarian, and provides a sound basis for certification as a clinical animal behaviourist.
The aims of this unit are:
At the end of this unit, students will be able to:
Lectures, Tutorials and Practical Sessions
Assessment of this unit is made up of a combination of unseen written examination (80% marks) and two pieces of assessed coursework (10% of marks for each).
Please refer to the Unit Handbook.