Key facts
UNE unit code: ANSC304
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Animal welfare is a controversial and emotive topic, and a wide range of community views exist. It is therefore difficult to achieve consensus on the fair and humane treatment of animals. Debate continues about the extent of our obligations towards animals and standards of animal welfare that society should provide.
This unit provides you with an overview of ethical and biological issues concerning animal welfare.
You will be introduced to the theoretical frameworks within which these issues are typically considered, learning about various ethical frameworks and approaches to welfare and its assessment.
As someone who may be employed in the animal industries or in one of the many scientific disciplines that involve work with animals, your ability to transfer some of our accumulated knowledge about the welfare implications of modern animal practices can add an invaluable dimension to your role.
Note that practical classes may involve exposure to animals being used in experiments.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, Online | The intensive school is mandatory for online students. Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- synthesise principles of animal welfare science and ethics, and evaluate how they apply in animal management settings;
- critically assess animal welfare using validated environmental and animal-based indicators;
- evaluate and justify appropriate solutions to welfare challenges, by integrating scientific evidence, regulatory frameworks, industry requirements and ethical principles; and
- evaluate and apply research methodologies to investigate animal welfare questions.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Seminar - Assurance Task, Research Project - Assurance Task, and Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Practical - Assurance Task | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. To pass this unit you must attend all practicals and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. | |
| Research Project - Assurance Task | Yes | 25% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 and an approximately 5 minute interview. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Seminar - Assurance Task, Research Project - Assurance Task, and Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Seminar - Assurance Task | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Approximately 15 minutes. |
| Sequence of Quizzes | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Animal Welfare
ISBN: 9781786390202
Appleby, M.C., Olsson, I.A. and Galindo, F., CABI 3rd ed. 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Referenced material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
The Animal Ethics Reader
ISBN: 9781138918016
Armstrong, S., Routledge 3rd ed. 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
Understanding Animal Welfare: The Science in its Cultural Context
ISBN: 9781119626442
Fraser, D., Wiley-Blackwell 2nd edition 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
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