Anthrozoology in practice
Course description
Anthrozoology is the science of human-animal interactions. It includes the scientific areas of both biology and the social sciences.
This is a distance course where the main part is done on the learning platform Canvas. However, at three occasions there will be digital lectures and discussions. These meetings are scheduled Saturday-Sundays.
The aim with the digital meetings is to exchange ideas, listen to each other’s views, and to reflect together. The course content is made up of web-based lectures, videos, discussions, reflections, practical exercises and written projects.
Entry Requirements
- Biology or
- Animal Science or
- Veterinary Medicine or
- Veterinary Nursing or
- Equine Science or
- Agricultural Science including 30 credits in Zoology
Knowledge equivalent to the course English 6 from a Swedish upper secondary school.
Course facts
BI1375, Anthrozoology in practice, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: PN-VH, 2024-04-23
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Biology
Biology Area
Zoology (animal biology)
Grading Scale
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.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
- Biology or
- Animal Science or
- Veterinary Medicine or
- Veterinary Nursing or
- Equine Science or
- Agricultural Science including 30 credits in Zoology
Knowledge equivalent to the course English 6 from a Swedish upper secondary school.
Objectives
The aim with this course is to give the students the possibility to use earlier knowledge to develop their competence within the area of human and animal interactions, both scientifically and practically.
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- analyse and discuss relations between humans and animals, in different situations,
- describe the limitations our animals have to deal with living with humans, from the perspective of behaviour, communication, handling and attitudes,
- analyse consequences from interactions between humans and animals. Including farm animals, pet animals, zoo animals and therapy-animals,
- from the perspective of animal welfare legislation describe and discuss human and animal interactions,
- with animal welfare legislation as a foundation, debate ethical dilemmas that can arise within the human and animal interactions in society, in both writing and orally,
- give advice to animal owners, and give feedback on peer students’ presentations,
- analyse how animals are handled in the perspective of different professions, and how the everyday handling may be improved based on the scientific knowledge,
- write a scientifically based action plan for improving animal handling in relevant professional contexts.
Content
Anthrozoology is the science of human-animal interactions. It includes the scientific areas of both biology and the social sciences. The aim of this course is to increase the scientific knowledge in society concerning human and animal interactions, as well as awareness of the consequences of these interactions. The target group is all professionals who work with animals on a daily basis. In the course, students will learn how attitudes affect handling of animals, and consequently the welfare of animals, as well as how working environments may be improved for both humans and animals.
The overall aim is to achieve better animal welfare and safer working environments. The course is founded in the evolutionary background of animals and humans. The basic needs, including behavioural needs, of animals that must be fulfilled by management and husbandry routines to not cause suffering. A profound knowledge of how human behaviour and actions affect animals is necessary as well as knowledge about how behaviour may be changed long term. In the course, students also practice generic skills such as reflection and critical thinking.
Seminars, practical exercises and study visits are compulsory parts in the course.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Passed written and oral examination. Passed participation in compulsory course modules.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare
Supplementary information
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Anthrozoology theory | 5.0 | 0202 |
| Anthrozoology seminar | 5.0 | 0203 |
| Anthrozoology examination | 5.0 | 0204 |
Other Information
Practical exercises occurs in the course, as well as study visits. Additional costs can be included.
This is a distance course with three digital occasions Saturday-Sundays, two of the occasions are mandatory.