Dog and cat ethology
The aim of the course is to provide knowledge of the behaviours and needs of dogs and cats as well as how to satisfy these in the best possible way.
Information from the course leader
Datum för två obligatoriska helgträffar på plats (SLU Skara, campus):
27-28/9 och 6-7/12
Course evaluation
Additional course evaluations for BI1289
Academic year 2024/2025
Dog and cat ethology (BI1289-10042)
2024-09-02 - 2025-01-19
Academic year 2023/2024
Dog and cat ethology (BI1289-10024)
2023-08-28 - 2024-01-14
Academic year 2022/2023
Dog and cat ethology (BI1289-10318)
2022-08-29 - 2023-01-15
Academic year 2021/2022
Dog and cat ethology (BI1289-10294)
2021-08-30 - 2022-01-16
Academic year 2020/2021
Dog and cat ethology (BI1289-10139)
2020-08-31 - 2021-01-17
Academic year 2019/2020
Dog and cat ethology (BI1289-10228)
2019-09-02 - 2020-01-19
Academic year 2018/2019
Dog and cat ethology (BI1289-10219)
2018-09-03 - 2019-01-20
Academic year 2017/2018
Dog and cat ethology (BI1289-10291)
2017-08-28 - 2018-01-14
Academic year 2017/2018
Dog and cat ethology (BI1289-10293)
2017-08-28 - 2018-01-14
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
BI1289 Dog and cat ethology, 7.5 Credits
Hund- och kattetologiSubjects
BiologyEducation cycle
Bachelor’s levelModules
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Dog and cat ethology, theory | 4.0 | 0402 |
| Dog and cat ethology examination | 3.5 | 0403 |
Advanced study in the main field
First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirementsBachelor’s level (G1N)
Grading scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Language
SwedishPrior knowledge
Knowledge equivalent to general entry requirements for higher education.Objectives
The aim of the course is to provide knowledge of the behaviours and needs of dogs and cats as well as how to satisfy these in the best possible way.
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- account for the evolutionary background of the dog and the cat
- describe and account for the species-specific behaviours and behavioural needs of the dog and the cat in the local environments of people
- account for underlying reasons for common problem behaviours and behavioural disorders of dogs and cats as well as how these can be prevented
- understand and be able to apply ethological knowledge in maintenance and housing of dogs and cats
- at a general level account for the animal welfare legislation that regulates the keeping of dogs and cats
- under supervision review and discuss scientific and popular literature in dog and cat ethology
- at a general level account for ethological methodology with respect to dogs and cats.
Content
The course gives an insight in the history of the dog and the cat, evolutionary origin, the behavioural adaptations that they have developed as well as the normal behaviours and behavioural needs of the dog and the cat. Training in searching, reading and discussing scientific literature is included in the course. The course covers underlying reasons for behavioural disorders and problem behaviours and how they can be prevented. Further, the course highlights human-animal interactions and animal welfare with relevant legislation.
The course is carried out at distance with two compulsory weekend gatherings (Sat-Sun) at SLU in Skara. Apart from lectures e g compulsory seminars, exercises and project work are included.
Grading form
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.Formats and requirements for examination
Passed written and oral presentations and passed individual project work as well as approved participation in compulsory components.
If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Other information
The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Additional information
The course is designed as a distance course with two physical meetings with the emphasis placed on distance education. It is a necessity that the student has access to a computer and possibility to Internet connection. The course is given over a semester (part-time). A large part of the reading list is in English.Responsible department
Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare
Further information
Litterature list
Turner, D.C. & Bateson, P. 2014. The domestic cat: The biology of its behavior. Third edition. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, ISBN 978-1-107-02502-8.
Serpell, J. 2017. The domestic dog: Its evolution, behavior and interaction with people. Second edition. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, ISBN 978-1-107-69934-2.