Skip to main content

Module

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 StudyAssessment preparation and completion13:003:00Preparation for group oral presentation (20 minute talk)
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion12:002:00Semester 2 examination
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion201:0020:00Revision for Semester 2 examination
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture201:0020:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching22:004:00Seminar with assessed group oral presentations
Guided Independent StudyStudent-led group activity115:0015:00Research for seminar presentation topic
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study116:0016:00General reading and research on module topics beyond taught material
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study120:0020:00Follow up of lecture notes, compilation and background reading
Total100:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
ACE3048Livestock 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 Examination1202A80(2/5)
Oral Presentation202M20Group oral presentation
Exam Pairings
Module Code Module Title Semester Comment
2N/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