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 EducationTaught by: Miss Hayley Walters, RVN
Welfare and AnaesthesiaTaught 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
- 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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
- Reading: Emotive Welfare Issues
- Reading: Additional Learning Resources
FAQs
How It Works
Trabajo del curso
Cada curso es como un libro de texto interactivo, con videos pregrabados, cuestionarios y proyectos.
Ayuda de tus compañeros
Conéctate con miles de estudiantes y debate ideas y materiales del curso, y obtén ayuda para dominar los conceptos.
Certificados
Obtén reconocimiento oficial por tu trabajo y comparte tu éxito con amigos, compañeros y empleadores.
Creators
The University of Edinburgh
Influencing the world since 1583, The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked as one of the world's top 50 universities. Today, we are an established and global leader in online learning, providing degree-level education to 3,000 online students in addition to 36,000 students on-campus. We also offer a wide range of free online courses in a variety of subjects. To find out more about studying for one of our online degrees, search for ‘Edinburgh online’ or visit www.ed.ac.uk/studying/online-learning/postgraduate
Ratings and Reviews
Very informative and comprehensive
Very informative, and it helped me see aspects of everyday life that were definitely "out of sight, out of mind" as it often is with lifestock (for those not in farming or thinking about what they eat/where it comes from), wild animals in zoos and conservation sites, as well as animals used in lab testing which I had always been curious about since I work at a cancer research journal. I'm interested in learning more and advocating for animals in any way I can while still trying not to anthropomorphize them so much (as humans are wont to do).
Very informative, I felt like I learned a lot, but at times it was a bit boring and repetitive.
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BA
I have learned so much about animal welfare issues that I'm better able to articulate my own thoughts and perspectives on it. I've also used what I've learned to create a philosophical framework for my pet sitting business.