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
The University of EdinburghAbout this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
50%
started a new career after completing these courses
37%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 10 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Italian, Spanish, French
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
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 10 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Italian, Spanish, French
Offered by
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
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 25 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 Welfare8m
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 Johnston4m
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
TOP REVIEWS FROM ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR AND WELFARE
by ASJun 21, 2020
This course was very informative and interesting! I enjoyed the lectures as well as the instructors and also loved that it focused on many different kinds animal welfare issues. Definitely recommend!
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 PRApr 27, 2020
Its a nicely designed course. It sheds light on many animal care practices and welfare. Very well instructions and quiz sessions are arranged. Many important learnings and takeaways from the course.
by SMJun 15, 2020
Very informative and well put forth. Would have enjoyed a little more science to balance out the ethics. Farm animal week was very interesting and the most enjoyable and informative in my opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
- The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
- The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
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?
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.
Is financial aid available?
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