Welcome to Animal Ethology and Welfare (ANP 6124)
We are delighted to have you enrolled in this important module, which explores the scientific principles of animal behavior, animal health management, welfare, and ethics. Understanding how animals behave and how management practices affect their well-being is fundamental for professionals working in animal production, veterinary medicine, animal health, research, and related fields.
This module examines the principles of animal behavior (ethology), animal handling, animal health management, welfare assessment, and ethical considerations in animal use. The course emphasizes the protection and welfare of farm and companion animals, while also addressing broader applications in areas such as housing, management, transport, exhibition, competition, scientific research, and slaughter.
Students will be introduced to animal welfare legislation, ethical perspectives concerning animals, and scientific approaches used to assess and improve animal welfare. The module also provides opportunities to critically evaluate animal welfare issues and apply evidence-based approaches to animal management and protection.
This course will provide you with advanced knowledge and practical skills to assess animal welfare, understand animal behavior, apply ethical principles in animal use and management, and evaluate welfare challenges in different production and management systems. The knowledge gained will be applicable to farm animals, companion animals, captive animals, and animals used in research.
Learning Units:
Animal Behavior and Handling (3 Credits)
Animal Health Management (4 Credits)
Animal Welfare and Ethics (3 Credits)
Facilitators
Dr. Marie Francoise Mwabonimana, PhD
Dr. Richard Gashururu, PhD
We encourage you to actively participate in all learning activities, discussions, assignments, and practical exercises throughout this module. Your experiences, ideas, and critical reflections will greatly enrich the learning process.
We wish you a rewarding and enjoyable learning experience and hope that this course will be highly interactive, engaging, and beneficial to your academic and professional development.