Teaching and Learning strategies employed at the University of Edinburgh consist of a variety of different methods appropriate to the programme aims. The graduate attributes listed above are met through a teaching and learning framework (detailed below) which is appropriate to the level and content of the course.
The MSc AABAW promotes learning using a variety of teaching methods. Within each course we run a series of lectures in which we encourage students to ask questions and we promote debate and discussion. We allow time for individual discussion with lecturers where possible and promote contact with lecturers outside of class time. Some sessions will include break out discussions into smaller groups with groups then reporting back the outcome of their discussions.
In our Introduction to Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare course students work in groups to do a small research project at Edinburgh Zoo. This Peer Group work allows students to investigate an issue relating to a particular species at the zoo, learn from each other and learn how to work together. Students are coached through this research project by two members of the Core Teaching staff.
We use interactive computer sessions in our Animal Cognition and Consciousness course to demonstrate Learning in Animal, and in our Scientific Methodology course to learn how to use software for data handling and statistical analysis.
Visits and practical sessions are used frequently to allow our students to learn. As well as doing a research project at the Zoo, you are also shown around the zoo to discuss behaviour and welfare issues. Some teaching will also take place at Edinburgh Zoo. We takes students to as many farms as possible where we get students to think about the environments the animals are living in, do some behavioural observations and carry out basic animal welfare assessment. Students also visit a slaughterhouse and a live Auction Market. We also take students to a Commercial Laboratory where they can see and discuss the environments in which animals are kept and are able to ask questions and consider animal welfare. We also have facilities within the University of Edinburgh where students can contact staff if they would like additional knowledge and experience of specific elements of the Programme e.g. post-operative analgesia, care of exotics, care of laboratory animals.
We encourage learning through communication by the students. We ask students to improve their communication skills by encouraging oral communication in the form of presentations (individually and as groups), mock press interviews and mock job interviews.
For the dissertation element of the Programme, students have to complete a literature review and carry out and present an experimental paper. Students will work with a specific supervisor during this time. This period contains a lot of self-directed learning and the interaction with the supervisor will vary depending on the complexity and training required for the experimental work. The Programme Director is always available to give advice and guide the student during this time.
The facilities within the Vet School which are beneficial to our teaching methods are: on site library, computer rooms, group discussion areas, small seminar rooms, small (including exotics) and large animal hospital facilities and laboratories.
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