Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Whether considering pain-perception in fish or prosthetic limbs in pets this module aims to bridge the gap between science and ethics in the animal industry. You will consider what animal welfare is before applying this to current topics in the field in an attempt to help you to develop your own opinions based on scientific fact and interpretation of physiological and behavioural parameters. You will be assessed through your contribution to a group-led teaching session and a weekly journal club. This module builds on previous animal behaviour and physiology modules and will prepare you for a broad range of animal-related careers.
Aims
This module aims to critically analyse the current methods used to evaluate animal welfare. Students will then review the current topics in animal welfare and critically appraise publications with reference to both these parameters and legislation taking into consideration a range of ethical view points.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Discuss the physiology of 'welfare' and evaluate the evidence for sentience and emotions in a range of animals: 1,2Critically evaluate the current methods used for assessing and measuring animal welfare including both physiological and behavioural indicators: 2Critically appraise a range of ethical viewpoints and perspectives on animal welfare: 2,3Review the current effectiveness of welfare legislation and organisations: 1,2,3Appraise a range of journal articles and present their findings in a logical and concise manner: 1,2
Lectures: 22Journal club Tutorials: 11Preparation for journal club tutorials: 33Preparation for group presentation: 6Independent study: 78
Description of Module Assessment
1: Presentation weighted 20%Group PresentationWorking in small groups of 2 to 5 students you will be expected to give a 30-minute presentation based on a current animal welfare topic. A group mark will be allocated for the content, format and delivery of the presentation.
2: Exercise weighted 60%Journal ClubEach week students will be allocated a current animal welfare topic to discuss. The basic historical relevance will be given to the students in a flipped-classroom style presentation during a lecture. Following this a minimum of 2 publications will be made available to the students. Students are expected to contribute to a journal club during the tutorial sessions and initiate a discussion about the topics (this could be online or in a group tutorial). The initial discussion will be based around the publications but wider reading on the topic is expected. At the end of the module students will be expected to collate 3 topics for which they would like their contribution to be assessed and submit them on the proforma provided.
3: Coursework weighted 20%Presentation Supporting ResourcesYou are expected to provide a supporting leaflet that can be published on the KLE to compliment your group presentation. The leaflet will be produced independently (not as a group) and will give a clear overview of this history, current status and associated legislation of the topic. The leaflet must be a double-sided tri-fold A4 document and provide evidence for a range of ethical viewpoints.