VET-10007 - Module Specification
Harper and Keele Veterinary School
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2020/21

This module introduces an area essential to the wellbeing of animals both throughout their life and when presented as patients. Recognising an animal`s needs and the animals reactions when those needs are not met is key to improving health and welfare of the animal population. This module is important to proper appreciation of animal management in health, and thus an underpinning module for preclinical EMS but also underpins the clinical elements of the degree programme, when an animal may present in a suboptimal welfare state.
This module addresses the following RCVS competencies:
21 - Assess the physical condition, welfare and nutritional status of an animal or group of animals and advise the client on principles of husbandry and feeding.
37 - Advise on, and implement, preventative programmes appropriate to the species and in line with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards.
This module addresses the following RCVS underpinning knowledge:
The structure, function and behaviour of animals and their physiological and welfare needs, including healthy domestic animals, captive wildlife and laboratory-housed animals.
A knowledge of the businesses related to animal breeding, production and keeping.
The principles of disease prevention and the promotion of health and welfare.

The aims of this module are to:
1. Give students an appreciation of the factors that affect animal welfare, and the various ways of defining and assessing welfare
2. Introduce the terminology and science of animal behaviour in the context of veterinary medicine
3. Introduce the concepts involved in ethical treatment of animals
4. Develop an appreciation of behavioural issues, their causes and some common methods of reducing the issue

Intended Learning Outcomes

explain the factors that can affect the welfare of a range of animal species: 1,2,3
analyse the welfare implications of a range of human ¿ animal interactions and discuss the ethical issues associated with these interactions: 1,2
outline how animal behaviour can be used to assess an animal¿s welfare: 2
identify the issues that can lead to ¿problem¿ behaviour in a range of animal species and assess common methods to prevent and remedy these behaviours: 2
recognise pain from behavioural and physiological signs: 1

Study hours

Lectures - 24 hours
Tutorials - 24 hours
Independent Learning - 102 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment