Management of Animals in Animal Assisted Interventions

A.Y. 2023/2024
3
Max ECTS
32
Overall hours
SSD
VET/02
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The main educational goal of this course is to provide students with knowledge concerning the adaptive function of animal physiology and behavior, as well as the scientific methods aimed at designing and conducting studies on the assessment of adaptation to captivity and animal welfare.
Expected learning outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding. Students must acquire a good understanding of the physiology of adaptation to captivity and the specific ethological approach to the management and welfare of wild animals that live in close contact with humans in zoos and wildlife parks.
2. Application of knowledge and understanding. Students must be able to apply observational scientific methods to analyze the behavior of wild animals living in captivity and to integrate the different levels of causal and functional analysis of behavior and welfare.
3. Autonomy of judgment. Students must develop critical thinking skills and autonomy of judgment in describing and interpreting behavioral data used as indicators of stress and/or welfare.
4. Communication skills. Students must be able to communicate the results of animal behavior analysis, both with respect to animal welfare and human-animal coexistence issues in zoos and wildlife parks.
5. Learning skills. Students must be able to learn the meaning, techniques, and methods of the physio-ethological approach to the study of the human-animal relationship and the protection of the welfare of animals that live in conditions of close proximity/dependence on humans.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Role of zoos in biodiversity conservation and international actions for the protection of endangered animals;
What can be considered as a stressor for a wild animal housed in a controlled environment?
How to prevent or mitigate the effects of stressors?
Endocrinology of stress
Reproduction and maternal behavior: how can they vary in a controlled environment?
Methods for assessing animals' adaptation to captivity.
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required.
Teaching methods
The teaching will be delivered through lectures and practical sessions in the classroom or at zoological gardens.
Teaching Resources
The reference material will be provided throughout the duration of the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The written exam will consist of multiple-choice questions and one open-ended question. The exam will have a duration of 60 minutes. There will be no differentiation between the exam for attending students and non-attending students. The exam results will be communicated through the SIFA portal. The evaluation will be based on a thirty-point scale.
VET/02 - VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor(s)