Allcock, J (2009) Animal Behaviour: An Evolutionary Approach. 9th Ed. Sinauer Associates

Broom, D. M and Fraser, A. F., (2006) Domestic Animal Behaviour and Welfare. 4th Ed. CABI Publishing.

Young, R. J. (2007) Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals. Blackwell Publishing

This module will be delivered via 8 x 4 hour classroom sessions that will deliver theory via a range of methods such as traditional lectures, group activities, guest speakers, individual tasks, questioning, role play, modelling, kinaesthetic activities, short research tasks to develop underpinning knowledge and understanding, 2 x 4 hour tutorial and seminar sessions to promote and encourage discussion and debate of topical issues and 2 x 4 on or off site visits to observe a range of animal behaviours.

On top of this it is expected that students will partake in at least 102 hours of independent learning for this module. This will include, but is not limited to, preparation for classroom sessions (~12hrs), extending classroom notes via extended reading and research (~36 hrs), completion of tasks leading from classroom sessions and VLE based tasks (~24hrs) and research, planning and production of assignments (~30 hrs)

Students will have access to an appropriate virtual learning environment (VLE) where they can access a range of sources to support their studies through this module.

This module will be assessed by a single element.

The assessment will be a 3000-word written report (100%) involving research into possible forms of enrichment for a particular species of animal and introducing appropriate enrichment to a captive animal in order to improve welfare. LOs 1,2,3 and 4

The module will also involve a range of formative assessment techniques to assess learning and progress throughout the module including practical assessments, self, peer and tutor evaluation, targeted questioning and critical analysis of techniques and skills.

Behaviour: The identification of normal and abnormal reproductive, maintenance, feeding and social behaviours in a range of species, causes of abnormal behaviours including stress, pain, fear, measurement of behaviour and the production of ethograms, control of behaviour, the development of behaviour, play behaviour, types of communication and communication behaviour, homeostasis and behaviour, animal perception, social organisation.

Welfare: Welfare legislation, the measurement of stress and its effectiveness as a predictor of poor welfare, abnormal behaviour and its links with poor welfare, guidelines for the treatment of animals in behavioural research, causes of poor welfare.

Enrichment: The use of enrichment to improve welfare, types of enrichment appropriate for different species, the appropriate use of enrichment.

Learning Theory: Classical and operant conditioning, habituation, imprint training, systematic desensitisation, flooding, reinforcement, extinction, instrumental learning, intelligence.

Group teaching rooms
Internet linked PCs
Learning resource centre
Laboratory access
Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle)
Animal Unit
Farm

None.