Applied Animal Behaviour

Subject 208-324 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Twenty-four hours of lectures and 24 hours of tutorials and practical work
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: 202-103 Biology for Land and Food Resources or 650-141 Biology of Cells and Organisms
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Professor Paul Hemsworth
Subject Overview:

Domestic animals, such as farm, companion or laboratory ­animals, play a prominent and important role in society providing a range of benefits to humans including improvements in human health and welfare. A thorough understanding of animal behaviour is essential in the humane care and efficient management of these domestic animals. This subject describes and examines the behaviour of farm, companion and laboratory animals and highlights our understanding of the causation and function of behaviour.

Topics covered include:

  • describing, recording and measuring behaviour; development of ­behaviour;

  • stimuli and communication;

  • motivation and decision making;

  • learning and memory;

  • genetic influences on behaviour;

  • hormonal influences on behaviour;

  • organisation of behaviour;

  • social behaviour; sexual behaviour; and

  • maternal behaviour and dam-neonate interactions; and behavioural ­problems.

The subject provides students with the opportunity to understand the behavioural requirements of domestic animals that are fundamental to their welfare and their ability to efficiently grow and reproduce and remain healthy. Such an understanding is a prerequisite for the efficient and humane management of domestic animals.

Assessment: A 3-hour examination, which may include essay and short-answer sections (50%), one written presentation (2000 words, 35%) and one oral presentation (15%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

  • Farm Animal Behaviour and Welfare (A F Fraser and D M Broom), CAB International, 1990
  • The Behaviour of Domestic Animals (B L Hart), W H Freeman & Co, 1985
  • An Introduction to Animal Behaviour (A Manning and M S Dawkins), 4th edn, CUP, 1993
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Information Not Available
Notes:

This subject involves the use of animals. Students should be aware that this is an essential part of the course and exemption from this component is not possible.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Animal Science and Management

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