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Professor Nat Waran,
Dr Fritha Langford,
Dr Jill MacKay,
Dr Heather Bacon,
and
Hayley Walters
Animal welfare has been described as a complex, multi-faceted public policy issue which includes important scientific, ethical, and other dimensions. Improving our understanding of animal welfare, involves the fascinating study of animal behavior as well as the challenge of accessing the emotions of animals.
This is the On-Demand version of this course, which means you can start the course at any time and work through the course materials at your own pace. The materials and quizzes will always be available to you.
You can come and talk about the course on Twitter using the hashtag #EdAniWelf
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/f9su4m/animal
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to the Course
In this module we'll tell you who we are, what this course is about, how you can use this course to learn more about animal behaviour and welfare, and how you can earn a certificate.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to the Course
In this module we'll tell you who we are, what this course is about, how you can use this course to learn more about animal behaviour and welfare, and how you can earn a certificate.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Examines animal welfare, a pivotal topic in research, animal care, and legislation
Taught by renowned experts in animal behavior and welfare
Develops understanding of animal emotions, a crucial aspect of animal welfare
Offers in-depth coverage of animal welfare in various contexts, including companion, farm, and captive wild animals
Provides an accessible format with on-demand availability and flexible pacing
Lacks hands-on experiences with animals, which could enhance learning for some students
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Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary
Understanding animal behaviour and welfare science
According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the complex topics of animal behaviour and welfare. Students highlight the high quality of the lectures, often delivered by experts in the field, finding them informative and well-structured. The course is seen as providing a strong foundation in key concepts and offering practical insights relevant to various animal types, from companions to farm and captive wild animals. While generally very positively received, some mention that certain topics could benefit from more in-depth discussion or updated examples.
Could delve deeper into some areas.
"While great for an introduction, I wish some topics went into more detail."
"Some areas felt a bit rushed, leaving me wanting more information."
"Good overview, but supplementary reading might be needed for in-depth understanding."
Flexible learning at your own speed.
"The on-demand, self-paced format was perfect for my schedule."
"Being able to work through the material at my own speed was a major plus."
"Flexibility made it easy to fit learning around other commitments."
Relevant to real-world situations.
"The practical examples discussed in the course helped me apply the concepts."
"Useful for anyone working with animals or considering a career in the field."
"Helped me better understand the welfare issues faced by different animals in practice."
Covers diverse animal welfare contexts.
"I appreciated the coverage of different animals - pets, farm animals, and wild animals."
"The modules on companion and farm animal welfare were particularly useful."
"It provides a good overview of the challenges across various species."
Informative lectures by knowledgeable staff.
"The lectures were very informative and well-presented."
"I found the lecturers to be incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject."
"The course structure, especially the videos, made complex topics easy to grasp."
A solid foundation in animal welfare.
"This course provides an excellent introduction to the subject of animal welfare."
"It gives a solid foundation in key concepts and scientific principles."
"A great starting point for anyone interested in learning about animal behaviour and welfare."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Animal Behaviour and Welfare with these
activities:
Review Animal Behavior
Show steps
Review key concepts in animal behavior to build a strong foundation for understanding animal welfare.
Browse courses on
Animal Behavior
Show steps
Brush Up on Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Show steps
Revisit the basics of animal anatomy and physiology to enhance understanding of animal welfare and its implications.
Browse courses on
Animal Anatomy
Show steps
Connect with Animal Welfare Professionals
Show steps
Reach out to professionals in the field of animal welfare to gain insights, career advice, and networking opportunities.
Show steps
-
Research potential mentors
-
Contact mentors
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Explore Animal Welfare Software
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with software tools used in animal welfare, such as record-keeping and data analysis systems.
Show steps
-
Research animal welfare software
-
Follow online tutorials
Explore the Animal Welfare Research Database
Show steps
This resource will provide you with access to a wealth of information on animal welfare.
Show steps
-
Visit the Animal Welfare Research Database website.
-
Search for a topic of interest.
-
Read the abstracts of relevant articles.
-
Find the full text of articles that interest you.
Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
Show steps
Gain practical experience in animal care and welfare by volunteering at a local animal shelter.
Show steps
-
Contact animal shelters
-
Attend training session
-
Participate in daily shelter activities
Create an Animal Welfare Poster
Show steps
Design a poster that visually represents the key principles of animal welfare, promoting awareness and understanding.
Show steps
-
Research animal welfare principles
-
Sketch out the poster design
-
Gather images and text
-
Assemble the poster
Practice Animal Welfare Assessment
Show steps
By practicing animal welfare assessment, you will develop the skills necessary to identify and address animal welfare issues.
Show steps
-
Find a partner or group to practice with.
-
Choose an animal welfare assessment tool.
-
Conduct an assessment of an animal.
-
Discuss your findings with your partner or group.
Animal Welfare Discussion Group
Show steps
Engage in discussions with peers to exchange perspectives, ask questions, and deepen understanding of animal welfare issues.
Show steps
Create an Animal Welfare Awareness Campaign
Show steps
By creating an animal welfare awareness campaign, you will raise awareness of animal welfare issues and encourage others to take action.
Show steps
-
Identify your target audience.
-
Develop your message.
-
Create your campaign materials.
-
Distribute your campaign materials.
-
Evaluate the effectiveness of your campaign.
Animal Welfare Case Studies
Show steps
Analyze and discuss real-world animal welfare case studies to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Show steps
-
Read case studies
-
Identify key issues
-
Discuss solutions
Design an Animal Welfare Policy
Show steps
Creating an animal welfare policy will allow you to apply your knowledge of animal welfare to a real-world scenario.
Show steps
-
Identify the purpose and scope of your policy.
-
Research existing animal welfare policies.
-
Draft your policy.
-
Get feedback from others.
-
Finalize your policy.
Review Animal Behavior
Show steps
Review key concepts in animal behavior to build a strong foundation for understanding animal welfare.
Browse courses on
Animal Behavior
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Brush Up on Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Show steps
Revisit the basics of animal anatomy and physiology to enhance understanding of animal welfare and its implications.
Browse courses on
Animal Anatomy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Connect with Animal Welfare Professionals
Show steps
Reach out to professionals in the field of animal welfare to gain insights, career advice, and networking opportunities.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research potential mentors
- Contact mentors
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Explore Animal Welfare Software
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with software tools used in animal welfare, such as record-keeping and data analysis systems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research animal welfare software
- Follow online tutorials
Explore the Animal Welfare Research Database
Show steps
This resource will provide you with access to a wealth of information on animal welfare.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the Animal Welfare Research Database website.
- Search for a topic of interest.
- Read the abstracts of relevant articles.
- Find the full text of articles that interest you.
Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
Show steps
Gain practical experience in animal care and welfare by volunteering at a local animal shelter.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Contact animal shelters
- Attend training session
- Participate in daily shelter activities
Create an Animal Welfare Poster
Show steps
Design a poster that visually represents the key principles of animal welfare, promoting awareness and understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research animal welfare principles
- Sketch out the poster design
- Gather images and text
- Assemble the poster
Practice Animal Welfare Assessment
Show steps
By practicing animal welfare assessment, you will develop the skills necessary to identify and address animal welfare issues.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a partner or group to practice with.
- Choose an animal welfare assessment tool.
- Conduct an assessment of an animal.
- Discuss your findings with your partner or group.
Animal Welfare Discussion Group
Show steps
Engage in discussions with peers to exchange perspectives, ask questions, and deepen understanding of animal welfare issues.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Create an Animal Welfare Awareness Campaign
Show steps
By creating an animal welfare awareness campaign, you will raise awareness of animal welfare issues and encourage others to take action.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify your target audience.
- Develop your message.
- Create your campaign materials.
- Distribute your campaign materials.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of your campaign.
Animal Welfare Case Studies
Show steps
Analyze and discuss real-world animal welfare case studies to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read case studies
- Identify key issues
- Discuss solutions
Design an Animal Welfare Policy
Show steps
Creating an animal welfare policy will allow you to apply your knowledge of animal welfare to a real-world scenario.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the purpose and scope of your policy.
- Research existing animal welfare policies.
- Draft your policy.
- Get feedback from others.
- Finalize your policy.
Career center
Learners who complete Animal Behaviour and Welfare will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Animal Welfare Inspector
Animal Welfare Inspector
Animal welfare inspectors are responsible for enforcing animal welfare laws. They investigate complaints of animal cruelty and neglect, and they work to educate the public about animal welfare. The Animal Behaviour and Welfare course can help you learn about the welfare, behaviour, and the assessment of animals, which is essential for this role. The course will also teach you about animal protection laws and regulations.
Animal Behaviour Consultant
Animal Behaviour Consultant
Animal behaviour consultants help people understand and solve behavioural problems with their animals. They work with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and birds. The Animal Behaviour and Welfare course can help you learn about the behaviour of animals, which is essential for this role. The course will also teach you about the ethical issues surrounding animal welfare, which is important for understanding the context of animal behaviour problems.
Veterinarian
Veterinarian
Veterinarians are responsible for the health and well-being of animals. They diagnose and treat diseases, perform surgeries, and provide preventive care. The Animal Behaviour and Welfare course can help you understand the behavior of animals, which is essential for providing the best possible care. The course will also teach you about the ethical issues surrounding animal welfare, which is becoming increasingly important in the veterinary profession.
Pet Sitter
Pet Sitter
Pet sitters provide care for pets while their owners are away. They feed, groom, and exercise pets, and they may also provide other services, such as administering medication or taking pets to the vet. The Animal Behaviour and Welfare course can help you learn about the behavior of animals, including how to spot signs of illness or distress. The course will also introduce you to the ethical issues surrounding animal welfare, which is important for providing the best possible care for pets.
Animal Care Technician
Animal Care Technician
Animal care technicians provide care for animals in a variety of settings, including animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and research facilities. They feed, groom, and exercise animals, and they assist with medical procedures. The Animal Behaviour and Welfare course can help you learn about the behaviour of animals, which is essential for providing the best possible care. The course will also teach you about the ethical issues surrounding animal welfare, which is important for understanding the needs of animals in different settings.
Animal Trainer
Animal Trainer
Animal trainers teach animals to perform specific behaviours. They work with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and dolphins. The Animal Behaviour and Welfare course can help you learn about the behaviour of animals, which is essential for this role. The course will also teach you about the ethical issues surrounding animal welfare, which is becoming increasingly important in the animal training profession.
Animal Shelter Manager
Animal Shelter Manager
Animal shelter managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of animal shelters. They oversee the care of animals, manage staff, and work to find homes for animals. The Animal Behaviour and Welfare course can help you learn about the behaviour of animals, which is essential for providing the best possible care. The course will also teach you about the ethical issues surrounding animal welfare, which is important for understanding the needs of animals in shelters.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write, edit, and report on news stories for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may specialize in a particular area, such as animal welfare. The Animal Behaviour and Welfare course can help you learn about the ethical issues surrounding animal welfare, which is important for reporting on animal welfare issues in a fair and accurate way. The course will also help you understand the different approaches to animal welfare assessment, which is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of animal welfare policies and practices.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers educate students at all levels, from preschool to university. They may specialize in a particular subject, such as animal welfare. The Animal Behaviour and Welfare course can help you learn about the ethical issues surrounding animal welfare, which is important for teaching students about the importance of animal welfare. The course will also help you understand the different approaches to animal welfare assessment, which is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of animal welfare policies and practices.
Zookeeper
Zookeeper
Zookeepers are responsible for the care of animals in zoos and other captive environments. They feed, groom, and exercise animals, and they monitor their health and well-being. The Animal Behaviour and Welfare course can help you learn about the behavior of animals, which is essential for providing the best possible care. The course will also teach you about the ethical issues surrounding animal welfare, which is important for understanding the needs of animals in captivity.
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife biologists study the behaviour and ecology of wild animals. They work in a variety of settings, including forests, grasslands, and oceans. The Animal Behaviour and Welfare course can help you build a foundation in understanding animal behaviour that you can further develop through more specialized coursework and research as a wildlife biologist. The course will also introduce you to the ethical issues surrounding animal welfare, which is important for understanding the impact of human activities on wildlife populations.
Conservationist
Conservationist
Conservationists work to protect and preserve the natural environment and the animals that live in it. They work in a variety of settings, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and non-profit organizations. The Animal Behaviour and Welfare course can help you build a foundation in understanding animal behaviour that you can further develop through more specialized coursework and research as a conservationist. The course will also introduce you to the ethical issues surrounding animal welfare, which is important for understanding the impact of human activities on wildlife populations.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists study the natural environment and the impact of human activities on it. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. The Animal Behaviour and Welfare course can help you build a foundation in understanding animal behaviour that you can further develop through more specialized coursework and research as an environmental scientist. The course will also introduce you to the ethical issues surrounding animal welfare, which is important for understanding the impact of human activities on wildlife populations.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts develop and analyze policies for government agencies and non-profit organizations. They work on a variety of issues, including animal welfare, environmental protection, and public health. The Animal Behaviour and Welfare course can help you learn about the ethical issues surrounding animal welfare, which is important for developing and analyzing policies that affect animals. The course will also help you understand the different approaches to animal welfare assessment, which is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of animal welfare policies.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in legal matters, including animal welfare cases. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private law firms. The Animal Behaviour and Welfare course can help you learn about the legal framework for animal welfare, which is essential for representing clients in animal welfare cases. The course will also help you understand the ethical issues surrounding animal welfare, which is important for advocating for the best interests of animals.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/f9su4m/animal
Featured in The Course Notes
This course is mentioned in our blog,
The Course Notes. Read
one article that features
Animal Behaviour and Welfare:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
Reading list
We've selected 44 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Animal Behaviour and Welfare.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of animal welfare, covering topics such as animal suffering, animal rights, and the ethical implications of animal use. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this important topic.
Handbook on animal welfare, covering topics such as the history of animal welfare, the ethical dimensions of animal welfare, and the scientific assessment of animal welfare.
This practical guide to animal welfare provides a step-by-step approach to assessing and improving the welfare of animals. It is an essential resource for anyone working in animal welfare.
Explores the ethical and philosophical dimensions of animal welfare, arguing that animals have a moral right to be treated with respect and compassion. It thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the ethics of animal treatment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of animal welfare, covering topics such as the history of animal welfare, the ethical dimensions of animal welfare, and the scientific assessment of animal welfare.
Classic text on the subject of animal welfare, providing a philosophical and ethical framework for understanding the concept of animal welfare.
Is about animal welfare, science, policy, and law, covering topics such as the history of animal welfare, the ethical dimensions of animal welfare, and the scientific assessment of animal welfare.
Save
Is about the ethics of animal experimentation, covering topics such as the history of animal experimentation, the ethical dimensions of animal experimentation, and the scientific assessment of animal experimentation.
Save
Is about animal welfare, the philosophical foundations, covering topics such as the history of animal welfare, the ethical dimensions of animal welfare, and the scientific assessment of animal welfare.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of animal welfare, covering a wide range of topics from the history of animal welfare to the latest scientific research on animal sentience and well-being. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about animal welfare.
Is about animal welfare, the social, economic, and political dimensions, covering topics such as the history of animal welfare, the ethical dimensions of animal welfare, and the scientific assessment of animal welfare.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of animal welfare science, policy, and law, covering a wide range of topics from the history of animal welfare to the latest scientific research on animal sentience and well-being. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about animal welfare.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of animal behaviour and welfare, covering topics such as animal cognition, emotion, and social behaviour. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the behaviour and welfare of animals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of animal welfare, covering a wide range of topics from the history of animal welfare to the latest scientific research on animal sentience and well-being. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about animal welfare.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of animal behavior, covering topics such as the evolution of behavior, the genetics of behavior, and the development of behavior.
Save
Provides a practical guide to the application of animal behaviour principles to improve animal welfare and training. It valuable resource for anyone involved in the care and management of animals, such as animal trainers, veterinarians, and animal welfare professionals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of animal behavior, covering a wide range of topics from the evolution of behavior to the social behavior of animals. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about animal behavior.
Save
Textbook on animal behaviour, covering topics such as the evolution of behaviour, the genetics of behaviour, and the social behaviour of animals.
Provides an evolutionary perspective on the behaviour of animals, covering a range of topics such as mate choice, parenting, and aggression. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in the evolution of animal behaviour.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the behavioral biology of animals, covering a wide range of topics from the evolution of behavior to the social behavior of animals. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about animal behavior.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of animal cognition, covering a wide range of topics from the evolution of cognition to the cognitive abilities of different animal species. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about animal cognition.
Argues for a radical change in our relationship with animals. It powerful and provocative read that will challenge your thinking about animal rights.
Provides a collection of readings on animal cognition, covering a range of topics such as memory, problem-solving, and language. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in the cognitive abilities of animals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of farm animal welfare, covering a wide range of topics from the history of farm animal welfare to the latest scientific research on farm animal well-being. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about farm animal welfare.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of animal cognition, covering a wide range of topics from the evolution of cognition to the cognitive abilities of different animal species. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about animal cognition.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of companion animal welfare, covering a wide range of topics from the history of companion animal welfare to the latest scientific research on companion animal well-being. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about companion animal welfare.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the methods used to measure animal welfare, covering a wide range of topics from the assessment of physical health to the assessment of mental well-being. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about animal welfare assessment.
Save
Provides a practical guide to the care and welfare of cats, covering a range of topics such as nutrition, health care, and behaviour. It valuable resource for cat owners and anyone involved in the care and management of cats.
Save
Provides a practical guide to the care and welfare of dogs, covering a range of topics such as nutrition, health care, and behaviour. It valuable resource for dog owners and anyone involved in the care and management of dogs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical and scientific issues involved in the use of animals in research, covering a wide range of topics from the history of animal research to the latest scientific research on animal well-being. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the use of animals in research.
Provides a detailed overview of the welfare of animals used in laboratory research, covering topics such as housing, feeding, and handling.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the legal protections for animals. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in animal law.
Save
Provides practical guidance on how to train animals, using positive reinforcement.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of farm animal welfare, covering a range of topics such as animal behaviour, animal ethics, and animal husbandry. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals working in the field of farm animal welfare.
Provides a critical overview of the use of animals in experiments. It must-read for anyone interested in the ethical implications of animal research.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of animal behavior, covering topics such as the evolution of behavior, the genetics of behavior, and the development of behavior.
This encyclopedia provides a comprehensive overview of the field of animal behavior, covering topics such as the evolution of behavior, the genetics of behavior, and the development of behavior.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of animal welfare in transport, covering a range of topics such as animal behaviour, animal ethics, and animal husbandry. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals working in the field of animal welfare in transport.
This classic work of animal ethics argues that animals have inherent rights that must be respected.
Save
Provides a concise overview of the field of animal welfare, covering topics such as the history of animal welfare, the ethical dimensions of animal welfare, and the scientific assessment of animal welfare.
This influential book argues that animals should be treated with the same moral consideration as humans.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical issues surrounding our treatment of animals.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of animal behaviour.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical issues surrounding our treatment of animals.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/f9su4m/animal
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Effort
1-3 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
The University of Edinburgh
Instructors
Professor Nat Waran
Dr Fritha Langford
Dr Jill MacKay
Dr Heather Bacon
Hayley Walters
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
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Featured in The Course Notes
Read
one article that features
this course,
Animal Behaviour and Welfare
from our blog, The Course Notes:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
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