About this course: 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
Created by: The University of Edinburgh
Taught by: Professor Nat Waran, Professor of One Welfare
Eastern Institute of Technology, Napier, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.
Taught by: Dr Fritha Langford
Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)
Taught by: Dr Heather Bacon, Veterinary welfare edcuation and outreach
Jeanne Marchig International Centre of Animal Welfare Education
Taught by: Miss Hayley Walters, RVN
Welfare and Anaesthesia
Taught by: Dr Jill MacKay, Animal Behaviour and Welfare Researcher
Animal Behaviour and Welfare Team, SRUC
| Commitment | 1-3 hours/week |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Italian, French |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
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.
3 videos, 5 readings
- Video: Welcome
- Reading: How To Use This Course
- Video: Introduction to the MOOC Team
- Video: Rules of Engagement
- Reading: Course Syllabus
- Reading: Statement of Ethics
- Reading: Course Team
- Reading: Frequently Asked Questions
WEEK 2
What is Animal Welfare and Why Does it Matter?
Introduction, History and Concepts of Animal Welfare
5 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: About this Module
- Video: Why Does Animal Welfare Matter?
- Video: What Is Animal Welfare?
- Video: The Five Freedoms
- Reading: Accompanying Material
- Video: How a Scientific Approach Has Helped Improve the Welfare of Animals: Interview With Professor Lawrence
- Video: Animal Welfare and Cultural Differences: Interview With Dr MacKay
Graded: Module 2 - What Is Animal Welfare and Why Does It Matter?
WEEK 3
What We Can Measure We Can Manage
Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare Assessment
6 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: About This Module
- Video: How Do We Assess Animal Welfare?
- Video: Using An Animal's Behaviour to Assess Welfare
- Video: Physiological Measures of Animal Welfare
- Video: New Developments in Animal Welfare
- Reading: Accompanying Materials
- Video: The Impact of Early Life Events on Stress Responsiveness in Animals: Interview with Professor Cathy Dwyer
- Video: Using Animal Body Language as a Measure of Subjective Experience: Interview with Dr Francoise Wemelsfelder
Graded: Module 3 - What We Can Measure We Can Manage
WEEK 4
The Truth About Dogs and Cats
Practical Animal Welfare: Companion Animal Welfare
12 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: About this Module
- Video: Pet Cats and Dogs
- Video: Street Cats and Dogs
- Video: Shelter Cats and Dogs
- Video: Dog Aggression
- Video: The Alpha Dog
- Reading: Accompanying Materials
- Video: Cat Genetics: Interview With Professor Gunn-Moore
- Video: Dogs and Their Needs in the Shelter: Interview with Emma-Louise Livingston
- Video: Dog Genetics: Interview with Dr. Rowena Packer
- Video: Cats Independent Dependents: Interview with Wendy Johnston
- Video: Can We Farm Dogs and Cats Humanely?: Interview With Heather Bacon
- Video: Rabbits, More Complex Than You Think: Interview With Guen Bradbury
- Video: Horses Under Pressure: Interview with Gemma Pearson
Graded: Module 4 - The Truth About Dogs and Cats
WEEK 5
Down on the Farm
Practical Animal Welfare: Farm Animal Welfare
8 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: About this Module
- Video: An Introduction to Farm Animal Welfare
- Video: Dairy Cow Welfare Part 1: The Milking Cow
- Video: Dairy Cow Welfare Part 2: The Cow and Calf
- Video: The Welfare of Pigs Part 1
- Video: The Welfare of Pigs Part 2
- Video: Poultry Welfare Part 1: The Laying Hen
- Video: Poultry Welfare Part 2: The Hen in Free-Range Systems
- Video: Poultry Welfare Part 3: The Broiler Chicken
- Reading: Accompanying Materials
Graded: Module 5 - Down on the Farm
WEEK 6
Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Practical Animal Welfare: Captive Wild Animal Welfare
3 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: About this Module
- Video: Behaviour Based Husbandry
- Video: Gaps In Our Knowledge
- Video: Using Evidence To Improve Welfare
- Reading: Accompanying Material
Graded: Module 6 - Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
WEEK 7
Optional Module: Welfare Conundrums
Emotive Animal Welfare Issues
1 video, 3 readings
- Reading: About this Module
- Video: Introduction to Welfare Conundrums
- Reading: Emotive Welfare Issues
- Reading: Additional Learning Resources
FAQs
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Coursework
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Ratings and Reviews
This was a great experience to learn alot about the Animals. Peof.Nat is one of my best teachers ever.
Wonderful course, very informative, easy to follow. Thank you!
The lectures are really inspiring.i enjoyed every second of it.thank you animal behavior and welfare team for offering us this course.
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Was a didactic course and was simple to understand for those who are not experts in the subject, for those who do not study anything related to animals but want to have a closer approach to animal welfare.
In my case, I am a passionate yogi, vegan 4 years ago and for this reason I will always be in favor of welfare and animal protection.
Thank you very much.