BI1289, Dog and cat ethology, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-VH, 2024-04-23
Valid from : Spring semester 2025 (2025-01-20)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Biology

Biology Area

Zoology (animal biology)

Grading Scale

5 / 4 / 3 / U

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 behaviours and needs of dogs and cats as well as how to satisfy these in the best possible way.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- account for the evolutionary background of the dog and the cat
- describe and account for the species-specific behaviours and behavioural needs of the dog and the cat in the local environments of people
- account for underlying reasons for common problem behaviours and behavioural disorders of dogs and cats as well as how these can be prevented
- understand and be able to apply ethological knowledge in maintenance and housing of dogs and cats
- at a general level account for the animal welfare legislation that regulates the keeping of dogs and cats
- under supervision review and discuss scientific and popular literature in dog and cat ethology
- at a general level account for ethological methodology with respect to dogs and cats.

Content

The course gives an insight in the history of the dog and the cat, evolutionary origin, the behavioural adaptations that they have developed as well as the normal behaviours and behavioural needs of the dog and the cat. Training in searching, reading and discussing scientific literature is included in the course. The course covers underlying reasons for behavioural disorders and problem behaviours and how they can be prevented. Further, the course highlights human-animal interactions and animal welfare with relevant legislation.

The course is carried out at distance with two compulsory weekend gatherings (Sat-Sun) 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 presentations and passed individual project work as well as approved participation in compulsory components.

•  If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare

Supplementary information

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Dog and cat ethology, theory	4.0	0402
Dog and cat ethology examination	3.5	0403

The Course Replaces

BI0956

Other Information

The course is designed as a distance learning course with two mandatory on campus meetings. 
A large part of the reading list is in English.
It is a necessity for the student to have access to a computer and an internet connection.

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.