THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2023/2024

Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change.

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies : Animal Welfare and Animal Behaviour

Postgraduate Course: International Animal Welfare Dissertation (AWAB11035)

Course Outline
SchoolRoyal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course typeDissertation AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits60 ECTS Credits30
SummaryThe International Animal Welfare Dissertation is self-directed and supported by supervisors. This involves an independent project incorporating a literature review and analytical elements in which students are expected to carry out a formal academic study of their chosen topic. Students can choose to carry out an empirical study, ethical analysis, legal analysis or strategic policy planning exercise. Depending on the format this can include: experimental design, observational studies, data collection, data analysis and interpretation; ethical analyses and interpretation; strategy plan, forecasting, production of policy position statements and interpretation; or breakdown of legislation, case studies and interpretation. This will be presented in the format of a dissertation containing a review of the literature, a paper as if to be published in the appropriate field, a criticism of the methodology, and an analysis of animal welfare implications as well as presentation to peers.
Course description The International Animal Welfare Dissertation is self-directed and supported by supervisors allowing students to really explore the chosen topic deeply. This involves an independent project incorporating a literature review and analytical elements in which students are expected to carry out a formal academic study of their chosen topic. Students can choose to carry out an empirical study, ethical analysis, legal analysis or strategic policy planning exercise. Depending on the format this can include: experimental design, observational studies, data collection, data analysis and interpretation; ethical analyses and interpretation; strategy plan, forecasting, production of policy position statements and interpretation; or breakdown of legislation, case studies and interpretation. This will be presented in the format of a dissertation containing a review of the literature, a paper as if to be published in the appropriate field, a criticism of the methodology, and an analysis of animal welfare implications as well as presentation to peers.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Students MUST have passed: Research Planning and Methodology in Animal Welfare (AWAB11040)
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2023/24, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Quota:  None
Course Start Flexible
Course Start Date 05/08/2023
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 600 ( Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 12, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 588 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Oral Presentation 1 - 20%
Dissertation thesis - 80%

Formative elements:
Revised project proposal
Attend live/recorded sessions
Feedback Written feedback to be provided on summative presentations within 15 working days of presentation diet.

Written feedback from examiners and programme team on thesis to be given after final exam board.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Critically evaluate a wide range of relevant sources based on an in-depth understanding of the principal theories, concepts and principles in Animal Welfare, Animal Ethics or Animal Law.
  2. Execute a significant project of research in Animal Welfare, Animal Ethics or Animal Law using a range of specialised skills, techniques, and practices.
  3. Develop creative solutions to problems and issues in Animal Welfare, Animal Ethics or Animal Law through critically reviewing, consolidating and extending knowledge, skills and practices.
  4. Communicate effectively with specialist and academic audiences on a topic in Animal Welfare, Animal Ethics or Animal Law.
  5. Take responsibility for their own work, by demonstrating autonomy and initiative, and making an innovative contribution to the field of Animal Welfare, Animal Ethics or Animal Law.
Reading List
Reading list will be available via University of Edinburgh resource lists
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Knowledge and skills will include:

A. Research and Enquiry
Graduates of the University will be able to create new knowledge and opportunities for learning through the process of research and enquiry. This may be understood in terms of the following:
- be able to identify, define and analyse problems and identify or create processes to solve them
- be able to exercise critical judgment in creating new understanding
- be ready to ask key questions and exercise rational enquiry
- be able to critically assess existing understanding and the limitations of their own knowledge and recognise the need to regularly challenge all knowledge
- search for, evaluate and use information to develop their knowledge and understanding
- have an informed respect for the principles, methods, standards, values and boundaries of their discipline(s) and the capacity to question these
- understand economic, legal, ethical, social, cultural and environmental issues in the use of information

B. Personal and Intellectual Autonomy
Graduates of the University will be able to work independently and sustainably, in a way that is informed by openness, curiosity and a desire to meet new challenges. This may be understood in terms of the following:
- be independent learners who take responsibility for their own learning, and are committed to continuous reflection, self-evaluation and self-improvement
- be able to make decisions on the basis of rigorous and independent thought, taking into account ethical and professional issues
- be able to use collaboration and debate effectively to test, modify and strengthen their own views
- be intellectually curious and able to sustain intellectual interest
- be able to respond effectively to unfamiliar problems in unfamiliar contexts

C. Communication
Graduates of the University will recognise and value communication as the tool for negotiating and creating new understanding, collaborating with others, and furthering their own learning. This may be understood in terms of the following:
- make effective use of oral, written and visual means to critique, negotiate, create and communicate understanding
- use communication as a tool for collaborating and relating to others
- further their own learning through effective use of the full range of communication approaches
- seek and value open feedback to inform genuine self-awareness
- recognise the benefits of communicating with those beyond their immediate environments
- use effective communication to articulate their skills as identified through self-reflection

D. Personal Effectiveness
Graduates of the University will be able to effect change and be responsive to the situations and environments in which they operate. This may be understood in terms of the following:
- appreciate and use talents constructively, demonstrating self-discipline, motivation, adaptability, persistence and professionalism
- be able to manage risk while initiating and managing change
- be able to flexibly transfer their knowledge, learning, skills and abilities from one context to another
- understand social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities and issues
- be able to work effectively with others, capitalising on their different thinking, experience and skills
KeywordsReview,Design,Presentation,Critical analysis,Evaluation
Contacts
Course organiserDr Laura Dixon
Tel:
Email: Laura.Dixon@sruc.ac.uk
Course secretaryMr Stephen Mitchell
Tel: (0131 6)51 7112
Email: stephen.mitchell@ed.ac.uk
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