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ASC225 Assessment of Animal Welfare (8)

Abstract

The welfare of animals has become a matter of widespread concern in Australia and overseas. It has become quite clear that we now directly or indirectly influence the quality of life of very many other animals. This subject examines the justification for our treatment of animals and explores the emerging science to measure adverse effects on animals. This subject will also extend the students’ knowledge of the scientific process through undertaking an applied animal behaviour research practical. Effective communication is essential for those involved in animal welfare, and in this subject students will develop oral and written communication skills on emotive issues of animal use and production.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 2
InternalWagga Wagga Campus
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ASC225
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to explain the cultural context, including indigenous, in which the field of animal welfare arose, and the social factors that shape concern for animals;
  • be able to explain how animal welfare science is used to develop standards, policies and auditing systems;
  • be able to conduct, interpret and present applied animal behaviour research;
  • be able to describe the established and emerging welfare concerns in laboratory and companion animals;
  • be able to describe how animal welfare is assessed, including the limitations of physiological and behavioural measures of welfare and novel methodologies and;
  • be able to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, when confronted with emotionally charged material.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  • Module 1: Understanding animal welfare
  • Animals and moral concern
  • A science of animal welfare?
  • Human-animal interactions and cultural aspects of animal welfare
  • Role of animal welfare science in decision making and auditing
  • Module 2: Assessing animal welfare
  • Scientific method and the measuring of behaviour
  • Physiology and health
  • Behaviour and qualitative assessment of welfare
  • Abnormal behaviour
  • In research animals
  • Companion animal, management, welfare and their role in societies
  • Novel methodologies for assessing welfare

Specialised Resources

Off-campus travel to Wagga Zoo and Botanical Gardens

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The information contained in the 2016 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 06 September 2016. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.