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  3. Applied Animal Behaviour

Applied Animal Behaviour (ANSC30003)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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This subject allows students to examine the behaviour of farm, companion and laboratory animals and highlights the processes and factors involved in cause and effect manipulating behavioural functionality. The subject will train students to describe, record and measure behaviour, examine the development of behaviour in a range of species; examine the effects of stimuli and communications; motivation, decision making, learning and memory; genetic and hormonal basis of behaviour; organisation, social, sexual, maternal, and dam-neonate interactions.

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
  • Maternal behaviour and dam-neonate interactions; and behavioural problems

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of animal behaviour, and identify factors that are essential in the humane care and efficient management of these domestic animals
  • Describe and examine the behaviour of farm, companion and laboratory animals
  • Demonstrate our understanding of the causation and function of behaviour

Generic skills

On completion of the subject the students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • Academic excellence
  • Greater in-depth understanding of scientific disciplines of animal behaviour and its application to the humane care and efficient management of farm and companion animals
  • The student’s flexibility and level of transferable skills should be enhanced through improved time management and enhanced ability to communicate their ideas effectively in both written and verbal formats

Last updated: 5 December 2024