Course Catalogue

Animal Welfare and Conservation 4 VETSCI4023

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Biodiversity One Health Vet Med
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course is designed to give students an understanding of animal welfare, animal ethics and concepts of conservation. The course will use a range of teaching methods and field exercises to explore welfare issues and conservation and will allow students to reflect on ethical questions relating to biodiversity and the different human uses of animals.

Timetable

Weekly lectures, tutorials and seminars; several field trips/excursions throughout Semester

Requirements of Entry

Students must have attained the minimum requirements for entry into level 4 of the Veterinary Biosciences [Hons]/MSci Programme as specified in the Veterinary Biosciences [Hons]/MSci Programme Supplementary Regulations.

Excluded Courses

None

Assessment

In course assessment: welfare assessment (25%), field logbook (35%)

 

End of course assessment: exam comprising questions which may include the following types: MCQ, SAQ, SEQ, DIQ (40%).

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

Aims

The aims of this course are:

■ To facilitate an understanding of the aims, approaches and limitations of welfare research.

■ To introduce the concepts of biodiversity loss, describe the current issues surrounding threats to wildlife populations and increase awareness of the role of zoos and wildlife parks.

■ To provide students with tools to recognise and reflect on ethical questions relating to the different human uses of animals.

■ To increase awareness of the legislative framework protecting animal welfare in different contexts.

■ To explore practical conservation strategies and the use of new technology to help solve applied wildlife conservation problems.

■ To provide practice in ethical reasoning and informed discussion of ethical issues relating to animal welfare and biodiversity.

■ To facilitate an appreciation of and respect for the validity of different ethical arguments relating to animals

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

• Discuss welfare research strategies and the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches

• Evaluate the causes of biodiversity loss and species extinction in the context of the current evidence base

• Critically evaluate distinct ethical frameworks

• Demonstrate knowledge of welfare issues, citing associated legislation, relating to different forms of animal use

• Reflect on relevant practical skills gained though field exercises

■ Critically review welfare outcomes in relation to a suitable topic, and defend an ethical position

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions