Key facts
UNE unit code: ANSC304
*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
Animal welfare is a controversial and emotive topic, and a wide range of community views exist. It is therefore difficult to achieve consensus on the fair and humane treatment of animals. Debate continues about the extent of our obligations towards animals and standards of animal welfare that society should provide.
This unit provides you with an overview of ethical and biological issues concerning animal welfare.
You will be introduced to the theoretical frameworks within which these issues are typically considered, learning about various ethical frameworks and approaches to welfare and its assessment.
As someone who may be employed in the animal industries or in one of the many scientific disciplines that involve work with animals, your ability to transfer some of our accumulated knowledge about the welfare implications of modern animal practices can add an invaluable dimension to your role.
Note that practical classes may involve exposure to animals being used in experiments.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08 April 2024 | 10 April 2024 | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, Online |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a basic understanding of common moral frameworks and how these relate to our relationships with other animal species;
- knowledgeably discuss the concept of animal welfare and how "welfare" might be scientifically assessed in species other than our own;
- critically appraise the effect of various animal husbandry practices and the biology of stress on animals and the consequent obligations of animal workers;
- identify common problems experienced when working with animals on farms, in new and emerging animal industries, in laboratories, as companions and in the area of conservation and biodiversity;
- generate appropriate and culturally sensitive strategies for resolving these problems; in terms of formulating best practice approaches informed by scientific research, codes of practice, welfare audits and legislation; and
- transfer this knowledge to the general community via industry education and training and public education strategies.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Project | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
| Open Book Examination | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Time limited, case-based, open book examination. No. Words: 2000 |
| Practical | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. | |
| Writing Assessment | Yes | 30% | All offerings | ... No. Words: 2000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Animal Welfare
ISBN: 9781786390202
Appleby, M.C., Olsson, I.A. and Galindo, F., CABI 3rd ed. 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Referenced material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
The Animal Ethics Reader
ISBN: 9781138918016
Armstrong, S., Routledge 3rd ed. 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
Understanding Animal Welfare: The Science in its Cultural Context
ISBN: 9781405136952
Fraser, D., Wiley-Blackwell 2008
Text refers to: All offerings
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