BI1291, The behaviour of zoo animals, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-VH, 2024-04-23
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

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

Swedish

Entry Requirements

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.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written and oral presentation of project work as well as approved participation in compulsory components.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare

Supplementary information

Module set

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

The Course Replaces

BI0945

Other 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.