THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2020/2021

Information in the Degree Programme Tables may still be subject to change in response to Covid-19

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies : Veterinary Sciences

Postgraduate Course: Bioethics and Animal Welfare (VESC11158)

Course Outline
SchoolRoyal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThis course introduces the concepts of animal welfare and ethics from both a society and science viewpoint
Course description This course introduces the concepts of animal welfare and ethics from both a society and science viewpoint. We will cover the main ethical theories that are discussed in animal ethics. Taking into account the One Health perspective the course looks at ethical and welfare implications of studying the interactions between humans, animals and the environment. The scientific assessment of welfare and the main indicators of suffering will be discussed. The course will also look at how animal behaviour influences the spread of disease.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2020/21, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  None
Course Start Semester 1
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 100 ( Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 98 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Coursework 100%
Feedback Feedback and marks for all items will be given within fifteen working days of the submission date where possible. Opportunities for feedback arise within timetabled classes (tutorials, practicals, lectures) as well as more formally through comments on specific pieces of work. Feedback can be provided not only on coursework assignments, tests and exam answers, but also on activities that are not formally assessed such as class discussions, group exercises, problem solving, and in the course of developing project plans and proposals. Course staff will endeavour to provide timely feedback on all activities.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Explain the multi-dimensional nature of the study of animal welfare, involving society, science and ethics.
  2. Explain the basic economic, ethical and legal principles that apply to animal welfare and how these relate to, research, trade, sustainability and One Health concepts.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic biological mechanisms of animal suffering, including pain perception and the behavioural and physiological responses to stress, and apply this knowledge to the assessment of animal welfare.
  4. Critically review scientific research to be able to consider and communicate the role that science has within animal welfare, and to develop ideas about potential solutions using scientific evidence.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
Keywordsethics,animal welfare
Contacts
Course organiserDr Tamsin Coombs
Tel:
Email: tamsin.coombs@sruc.ac.uk
Course secretaryMr Stephen Mitchell
Tel: (0131 6)51 7112
Email: stephen.mitchell@ed.ac.uk
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