Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1290 The behavioural biology of the horse, 7.5 Credits

Hästens beteendebiologi

Subjects

Biology Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Horse behaviour and needs	2.5	0302
Animal welfare and legislation	2.0	0303
Horse management, project work	3.0	0304

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1N)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to general entry requirements for higher education.

Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide knowledge of the behaviour and needs of the horse as well as give basic knowledge in how housing and handling influence the horse. On completion of the course, the student should be able to: - describe the evolutionary background of the horse both regarding environment and behavioural adaptations, - describe the behavioural disorders of the horse, how they arise and how they can be prevented and handled - account for the animal welfare legislation that regulates the housing environment, maintenance and handling of the horse at a general level - analyse and discuss the behaviour of the horse from different perspectives and with different target groups - account orally and in writing for the relationship between different horse management systems and how these influence the behaviour of the horse - under supervision review and discuss scientific and popular literature concerning the housing of horses and behaviour - account for ethological methodology with respect to horse at a general level.

Content

The course covers the biology of the horse and evolutionary origin as well as the behavioural adaptations that the horse has developed. The basic and normal behaviours of the horse, the behavioural needs of the horse, how these have been developed, the behavioural disorders and stereotypic behaviours of the horse will also to be highlighted. The course gives an insight in how housing and handling can influence the behaviour of the horse. The course also includes practicing to interpret the signals and behaviour of the horse. The course also covers the legislation that regulates housing environments for horse. 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, study visits 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 presentation of 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. A large part of the reading list is in English. Costs for the student in connection with study visits can occur.

Responsible department

Department of Animal Envrionment and Health