Management of Animals in Animal Assisted Interventions

A.Y. 2025/2026
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 cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The role of zoos in biodiversity conservation and international actions for the protection of endangered species (2 hours)

What can be considered a stressor for a wild animal kept in a controlled environment? (4 hours)

How to prevent or mitigate the effects of stressors (2 hours)

Endocrinology of stress (6 hours)

Reproduction and maternal behavior: how can they vary in a controlled environment? (2 hours)

Methods for assessing animal adaptation to captivity - practical sessions
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required.
Teaching methods
The course will be delivered through lectures and practical exercises conducted in the classroom or at zoological gardens.
Teaching Resources
The reference materials will be provided by the lecturer and uploaded to the Ariel portal over the duration of the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written test consisting of 17 multiple-choice questions, each with only one correct answer (1.5 points for each correct answer), plus one open-ended question (maximum score: 4.5 points). The test will have a duration of 60 minutes. There will be no difference between the exam taken by attending and non-attending students. The results will be communicated through the SIFA portal. The final grade will be expressed in thirtieths.
VET/02 - VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours