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.
Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Offered By
Animal Behaviour and Welfare
The University of Edinburgh
About this Course
103,932 recent views
Learner Career Outcomes
50%
started a new career after completing these courses
37%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Skills you will gain
AnimalAnimal BehaviorVeterinaryDog
Learner Career Outcomes
50%
started a new career after completing these courses
37%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 10 hours to complete
Suggested: 1-3 hours/week
English
Subtitles: English, Italian, Spanish, French
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
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.
1 hour to complete
3 videos (Total 12 min), 5 readings
5 readings
How To Use This Course10m
Course Syllabus10m
Statement of Ethics10m
Course Team10m
Frequently Asked Questions10m
1 hour to complete
What is Animal Welfare and Why Does it Matter?
Introduction, History and Concepts of Animal Welfare
1 hour to complete
5 videos (Total 26 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
5 videos
What Is Animal Welfare?5m
The Five Freedoms2m
How a Scientific Approach Has Helped Improve the Welfare of Animals: Interview With Professor Lawrence4m
Animal Welfare and Cultural Differences: Interview With Dr MacKay3m
2 readings
About this Module10m
Accompanying Material10m
1 practice exercise
Module 2 - What Is Animal Welfare and Why Does It Matter?26m
2 hours to complete
What We Can Measure We Can Manage
Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare Assessment
2 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 49 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
6 videos
Using An Animal's Behaviour to Assess Welfare9m
Physiological Measures of Animal Welfare9m
New Developments in Animal Welfare 8m
The Impact of Early Life Events on Stress Responsiveness in Animals: Interview with Professor Cathy Dwyer6m
Using Animal Body Language as a Measure of Subjective Experience: Interview with Dr Francoise Wemelsfelder8m
2 readings
About This Module10m
Accompanying Materials10m
1 practice exercise
Module 3 - What We Can Measure We Can Manage32m
2 hours to complete
The Truth About Dogs and Cats
Practical Animal Welfare: Companion Animal Welfare
2 hours to complete
12 videos (Total 70 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
12 videos
Street Cats and Dogs4m
Shelter Cats and Dogs7m
Dog Aggression7m
The Alpha Dog5m
Cat Genetics: Interview With Professor Gunn-Moore9m
Dogs and Their Needs in the Shelter: Interview with Emma-Louise Livingston3m
Dog Genetics: Interview with Dr. Rowena Packer3m
Cats Independent Dependents: Interview with Wendy Johnston 4m
Can We Farm Dogs and Cats Humanely?: Interview With Heather Bacon2m
Rabbits, More Complex Than You Think: Interview With Guen Bradbury5m
Horses Under Pressure: Interview with Gemma Pearson3m
2 readings
About this Module10m
Accompanying Materials10m
1 practice exercise
Module 4 - The Truth About Dogs and Cats28m
Reviews
4.8
TOP REVIEWS FROM ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR AND WELFARE
by AAMar 16, 2016
Interesting, thank you for making this course available. After taking it I transitioned from being pescetarian to vegan and I wish that more controversial animal rights concerns were more focused on.
by SKSep 11, 2019
A Really great course which is interesting, informative and well executed. The video lectures were top notch and the visuals always suited the narration. Great work by the team behind this course.
by MGMar 5, 2020
I volunteer with animals at a local shelter. This class is full of information that will improve an understanding of the needs of animals, or at least help develop some empathy. Wonderful class!
by LANov 26, 2015
Fantastic course, well presented. Easy to take at your own pace, videos allow you to pause and rewind learning at any point.\n\nExcellent content, with knowledgeable presenters. Highly recommend
by ABApr 27, 2017
Definitely a great course to take. As a Animal manager, I see many things I have learned during my own study. And it is interesting, not to say great, to see people whose ideas match mine.
by MJul 20, 2019
I think it is the best online course, I have ever learned.It is very helpful in my study life as a veterinary student and also in my whole life. It is a good effort of Edinburh team.....
by SSDec 26, 2018
Extremely beneficial to anybody who wants to have their questions about animal welfare answered! I have learned so much and wish to use this knowledge to improve the welfare of animals.
by SSMar 26, 2020
Good refresher course, enjoy the ability to see clips from the various places which really reinforced learning. Gave me a few new aspects to consider, not bad considering it is free :)
by WADec 16, 2019
Studying Animal Behaviour and Welfare has allowed me understand animals in their perspectives than my own perspectives, This would support my diagnosis and traetment quality. Thank you
by OKMay 1, 2016
very good course, it focuses on facts rather then our perception or opinions, a little basic but gets to the point and explains everything black on white. i would definitely recommend
by MMApr 23, 2019
This course engages the viewer in many ways. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more on the subject of domesticated animals and am hoping to further my knowledge in farm animals as well.
by SWJan 6, 2017
Thought provoking introduction to the complexities of animal welfare. Thoroughly enjoyed the course and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone interested in welfare issues.
About The University of Edinburgh
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
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