Outline

Overview

In Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science 3, behavioural theory and the behavioural and physiological responses of animals to stressors related to husbandry, housing, transport and slaughter are explored. This Unit enables students to develop an understanding of applied animal behaviour theory, and the responses of animals to common interventions that arise in the context of interacting with humans, including the domestication of livestock species and the management of wildlife. We introduce a framework for animal welfare assessment, and the principles of animal responses to stress are illustrated with production species as the main examples. An overview of the key behaviour and welfare considerations for performance and companion animals, and wildlife will be provided. Contemporary approaches to the scientific measurement of animal stress and welfare, based on an appropriate selection of scientific disciplines including ethology, psychology, physiology and neuroscience, are assessed with an emphasis on farmed livestock species. Genetic, environmental and evolutionary determinants of pain, stress and fear responses in animals are considered in the light of what is known about cognition and motivation in animals. Methods for assessing and enhancing animal environments and husbandry systems are examined and the impact on animal behaviour and welfare of stockmanship is explored in the context of human-animal interactions. Finally, the design and conduct of scientific experiments are assessed with a focus on animal ethics and current welfare issues.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	48cp of 1000-3000 level units including at least 6cp of (BIOL1XXX or AVBS100X)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sabrina Lomax, sabrina.lomax@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Tiarna Scerri, tsce0635@uni.sydney.edu.au
	Alice Shirley, alice.shirley@sydney.edu.au
	Samantha Rudd, samantha.rudd@sydney.edu.au
Guest lecturer(s)	Shari Cohen, shari.cohen@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Dominique Van der Saag, dominique.van.der.saag@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Samantha Rudd, samantha.rudd@sydney.edu.au
	Tiarna Scerri, tsce0635@uni.sydney.edu.au
	Alice Shirley, alice.shirley@sydney.edu.au
	Shari Cohen, shari.cohen@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Group contract and outline outline of group project (1 page dot points) and group contract	0%	Week 04 Due date: 19 Aug 2024 at 23:59	2 pages dot points
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Behaviour and welfare quiz quiz on canvas requiring demonstration of understanding of theory	10%	Week 04 Due date: 19 Aug 2024 at 17:00	30 min
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Group project poster Poster on allocated zoo animal's natural behaviour and environment	10%	Week 05 Due date: 30 Aug 2024 at 23:59	1 page
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Critical Analysis report Critical analysis of AI generated information on animal welfare topic	15%	Week 07 Due date: 13 Sep 2024 at 23:59	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Bio-ethics assessment Apply bio-ethics frameworks to case study in tutorial	10%	Week 08 Due date: 16 Sep 2024 at 17:00	2 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Scientific report scientific report analysing behavioural data to evaluate animal welfare	15%	Week 10 Due date: 11 Oct 2024 at 23:59	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Group project research report Research methodology for evaluating welfare of allocated zoo animal	15%	Week 11 Due date: 18 Oct 2024 at 23:59	2000
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Behaviour and welfare quiz quiz on canvas requiring demonstration of understanding of theory	10%	Week 12 Due date: 21 Oct 2024 at 17:00	30 min
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group project presentation Group presentation on zoo animal project	15%	Week 13 Due date: 28 Oct 2024 at 17:00	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Group Project - Taronga Zoo

Worth: 40% of overall grade
Due: Formative and summative tasks through semester, final due Week 12
How to complete: Presentation and Report
Learning outcomes: Demonstrate ability to work in a group, collect information through research, and communicate findings orally.

Project outline and group contract week 3 - FORMATIVE
Project poster due week 5 - 10-%
Research report - due week 11 - 15%
Group Presentation - week 13 - 15%

Quizzes

Worth: 20% of overall grade

Due: Weeks 4, 12 (10% each)

How to complete: In class supervised quiz

Learning outcomes: Apply understanding of lecture, tutorial and practical content; open book notes only no laptop

Animal Behaviour and Welfare Content quizzes Weeks 6 and 12

Quizzes in this UoS are focused on assessing how well you understand content through application, as well as participating in the practical and tutorial activities. The questions are focused on themes delivered across the lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Bio-ethics assessment

Worth: 10%
Due: Week 8
How to complete: activity participation in class - fill out a worksheet
Learning outcomes: Applying animal welfare and ethics principles and frameworks

Critical analysis

Worth: 15% of overall grade
Due: Friday Week 7 11:59pm
How to complete: Submit via turnitin on Canvas; 1000 words
Learning outcomes: A critical analysis of AI generated information on animal welfare

Scientific Report

Worth: 15% of overall grade
Due: Friday Week 10 11:59pm
How to complete: Submit via turnitin on Canvas; 1000 words
Learning outcomes: The goal of this assignment is to develop observational skills and analytical abilities by studying the behavior of a chosen animal in its natural or controlled environment (using provided videos). Students will observe the animal, record their findings, and analyze the behavior using the concepts learned in the course. Content will be provided in tutorials in weeks 6 and 7.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	demonstrate deep understanding of the subject area; critical evaluation of the subject is evident. Clear and concise written arguments; grammatically and structurally outstanding
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrated understanding of the subject area; some critical evaluation of the subjects; argmuments are well formuated but could include further interpretation. grammar and structure are good.
Credit	65 - 74	demonstrated understanding of the subject; limited critical evaluation; requires work in grammar and sentence structure.
Pass	50 - 64	surface understanding of subject area; lack of critical evaluation; requires editing to improve flow, sentence structure and grammar.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Penalties of 5% per day will apply for late submissions as per University Policy.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	lectures covering a range of animal behaviour and welfare content	Lecture (25 hr)
	practicals evaluating and assessing animal behaviour and welfare	Practical (9 hr)
	in person tutorials where students apply their learnings from lectures to exercises either individually or in groups to demonstrate their understanding	Tutorial (10 hr)
Week 03	Self-directed visit to Taronga zoo for assignment	Field trip (6 hr)
Week 11	RSPCA shelter animal welfare	Field trip (6 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to participate in at least 80% of the timetabled activities for all units of study in their degree, unless granted an exemption by the Associate Dean. To meet the learning outcomes of this Unit of Study, students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of the practicals and tutorials as defined in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study where inadequate attendance results in learning outcomes not being met. Attendance at practicals and tutorials will be registered through the use of QR codes.

Buses will be organised for practicals at Camden in weeks 5 and 9 and for the field trip to the RSPCA site in week 11.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Readings provided on Canvas and the Library site.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Apply learnings to analyse the behaviour of wildlife, companion, performance and production animals
LO2. Measure and compare behavioural and physiological responses of animals to the challenges under different environmental, production or welfare contexts to provide a scientific assessment of animal behaviour and welfare
LO3. Critically evaluate the use of animals by humans from the perspectives of science and ethics to provide an informed opinion on the welfare of animals
LO4. Critically evaluate the impact of captivity, farming and/or housing systems in which animal behaviour is a limiting factor, and suggest solutions to overcome problems; for example, for farmed species, improve the efficiency of animal production through manipulating animal behaviour, or for captive ‘wild’ species, improve the diversity of behaviour under confinement situations
LO5. Collaborate with your peers to research and solve problems related to animal behaviour and welfare
LO6. Design research methodology to demonstrate understanding of the scientific process in the field of animal behaviour and welfare
LO7. Demonstrate skills in scientific writing and communication
LO8. Demonstrate skills in independent research and problem solving

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Updated assessment information to accommodate the use of AI generative material. Classes changed to in-person on campus

Additional information

Additional costs

Students will be required to pay a subsidised entry to zoo or other animal facility they choose for their major assignment. We are arranging a discounted fee.

Site visit guidelines

Students must be vaccinated for Q fever to attend practicals at Camden. Fully enclosed work boots or gumboots must be worn on farm. Overalls or long sleeve shirt and pants are a requirement for entry, without this you will not be allowed to participate in practicals. COVID PPE requirements will be advised in advance of practicals.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

ANSC3106: Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Group Project - Taronga Zoo

Animal Behaviour and Welfare Content quizzes Weeks 6 and 12

Bio-ethics assessment

Critical analysis

Scientific Report

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

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Useful links

Media

Student links

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