Animal Welfare

University of Reading

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Animal Welfare

  • Host University

    University of Reading

  • Location

    Reading, England

  • Area of Study

    Agriculture, Animal Science

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Upper

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    5
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    3
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    4

  • Overview

    Module Provider: Agriculture
    Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
    Level:6
    Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
    Pre-requisites:
    Non-modular pre-requisites:
    Co-requisites:
    Modules excluded:
    Module version for: 2014/5
    Module Convenor: Dr Caroline Rymer
    Email: c.rymer@reading.ac.uk
    Summary module description:
    Aims:
    This module aims to provide a reasoned, objective understanding of the issues raised by a number of human activities which intimately involve animals and where the welfare of the animal is commonly perceived to be compromised by the actions of humans.
    Assessable learning outcomes:
    By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
    ? Evaluate objective methods by which animal suffering may be assessed
    ? Define and discuss sentience in animals
    ? Evaluate the ethical issues related to animal welfare and the legal protection afforded to animals
    ? Critically analyse the extent of animal suffering resulting from human activities
    ? Discuss alternatives to the use of animals (e.g. in research).
    Additional outcomes:
    Outline content:
    The module provides a wide-ranging review of issues related to animal welfare and suffering. Lectures consider the ethics of animal suffering, legal protection provided to animals, and the means by which animal suffering may be assessed. A detailed and analytical consideration is then given to the measurable effects of experimentation, farming and captivity. Much of the course will be of interest to animal scientists, zoologists and biologists.
    The lectures cover:
    ? Animal welfare, ethics and the law
    ? Physiological and behavioural measures of welfare
    ? The animal?s sense of self
    ? The welfare of animals in research
    ? The welfare of farm animals
    ? The welfare of companion animals
    ? The welfare of zoo animals.
    The practical component covers:
    ? Project work, in student teams, researching a specified issue of animal welfare (e.g. welfare issues associated with ferreting) and presenting this topic to the rest of the class.
    ? An individual literature review on a chosen aspect of animal welfare.
    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    There will be a two-hour seminar (with a short break in the middle) each week. Supporting video material may be shown. Information gathering (library and internet sources) for the project.
    Contact hours:
    Autumn
    Lectures 20
    Guided independent study 80
    Total hours by term 100.00
    Total hours for module 100.00
    Summative Assessment Methods:
    Method Percentage
    Written exam 50
    Written assignment including essay 25
    Oral assessment and presentation 25
    Other information on summative assessment:
    A team presentation to be given towards the end of the Autumn term with an individual literature review to be submitted in the first week of the Spring term.
    Formative assessment methods:
    Penalties for late submission:
    The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
    where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
    where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
    You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
    Length of examination:
    One and a half hours examination paper requiring answers from two of four questions.
    Requirements for a pass:
    A mark of 40% overall.
    Reassessment arrangements:
    By re-examination in August/September.
    Last updated: 8 October 2014

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Some courses may require additional fees.

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.

Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.

Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.

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