ACE3049 : Companion Animal Behaviour (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Catherine Douglas
- Other Staff: Dr Miguel Velazquez
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
European Credit Transfer System |
Aims
The module is designed to develop an understanding of the general principles of domestic animal behaviour and the field of applied ethology.
Outline Of Syllabus
We explore the factors influencing animal behaviour for example, genetics, learning and personality; behaviours relevant to managed animals such as feeding behaviours, reproductive behaviours, maternal behaviours, communication and social behaviours including human interaction. Applied ethology is informed from multidisciplinary research using many animal species, as such this module is joint taught with livestock (farm) animal behaviour for the first part of the module. The lectures then split to focus on the behavioural problems that arise in companion animals and solutions developed to overcome these. While we predominantly use examples from dogs, horses and cats as companion animals, students are welcome to develop their interests in other more exotic companion animals. The assessed group presentation is on the social behaviour of an animal of the students’ choice.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Preparation for group oral presentation (20 minute talk) |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Semester 2 examination |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Revision for Semester 2 examination |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Seminar with assessed group oral presentations |
Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 1 | 15:00 | 15:00 | Research for seminar presentation topic |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 16:00 | 16:00 | General reading and research on module topics beyond taught material |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Follow up of lecture notes, compilation and background reading |
Total | 100:00 |
Jointly Taught With
Code | Title |
---|---|
ACE3048 | Livestock Behaviour |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures and guided independent reading provide knowledge on the genetic and environmental determinants of animal behaviour in different companion animal species, using videos of behaviour to illustrate particular points. This knowledge is then developed to provide understanding of the causes of abnormal behaviour, using case studies in different species to illustrate remedial strategies. It is intended that preparation for the oral presentations will encourage deep learning, as well as skills in acquiring and presenting information.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 80 | (2/5) |
Oral Presentation | 20 | 2 | M | 20 | Group oral presentation |
Exam Pairings
Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
---|---|---|---|
2 | N/A |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Formal written examination tests knowledge and understanding of the expression of normal and abnormal behaviours in companion animals, their physiological and environmental determinants and the ways in which they can be modified by human intervention. Oral presentations additionally test skills in information sourcing and integration, oral communication, teamwork and planning and organisation.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ACE3049's Timetable