Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1291 The behaviour of zoo animals, 7.5 Credits

Djurparksdjurens beteende

Subjects

Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Zoo animal behaviour	5.0	0402
Zoo animal behaviour, examination	2.5	0403

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 behavior, needs and evolutionary origin of wild and domesticated zoo animals with a focus on ungulates as well as predators. On completion of the course, the student should be able to: - account for the behavior, needs and evolutionary adaptations of zoo animals, at a general level - describe and account for the limitations that animals are set before in the zoo environment, - describe and explain how one can use environmental enrichment in zoos, - describe causes behind and measures to prevent the behavioural disorders of zoo animals - account for the animal welfare legislation that regulates the housing environments of the zoo animals at a general level - - assess and account orally and written for the relationship between the welfare and housing environment of the zoo animals, - under supervision review and discuss scientific literature concerning the behaviour of zoo animals - account for ethological methodology with respect to zoo animals at a general level.

Content

The course contains biology, evolutionary origin and behaviour of animals in Swedish zoos. The course further treats behaviours, motivation systems and how these have developed. The course will also highlight the influence of housing, feeding and visitors on the animals’ behaviour and welfare. Furthermore, the course contains enrichment issues and how the environments of the zoos can best be designed as well as its connection to behavioural disorders. Focus during the course will among other things be placed on the limitations that the animals are set before in the zoo environment and how these limitations influence the animals’ behaviour. In the course, the ability to assess the situation of zoo animals in different environments is also trained. Furthermore, you will also obtain an overview of the causes behind and measures to prevent problems of zoo animals as well as an insight in the legislation that controls the activities and public display of wild animals. A project work will be conducted during the course. The course is carried out at distance with two compulsory weekend gatherings (Sat-Sun), one at Nordens Ark and one 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 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. A large part of the reading list is in English. The weekend gatherings of the course is compulsory. The course is given in cooperation with Nordens Ark. Costs for the student in connection with possible study visits can occur.

Responsible department

Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare