At the end of this course, the student will be able to recognise problematic behaviour in domestic animals (Behavioural diagnosis, especially in horses, cats and dogs). They will have the tools for behavioural modification (Behavioural therapies). He will be able to assess the well-being of animals, in particular by means of their behavioural expressions (livestock in particular). Particular attention is paid to the well-being of the sick animal and to the loss of an animal.
The course covers the concepts of learning mechanisms (classical conditioning, operant conditioning, habituation, other complex learning including diversions or delayed response) in more depth than in SVET B101 : Ethology of Domestic Animals and is firmly oriented towards practice, that of behavioural therapies (systematic desensitisation, deconditioning, reinforcement and punishment, extinction, habituation), animal welfare (with a view to assessing the animal's adaptation to its environment) and develops the behavioural problems of the livestock animal, the dog, the cat and the horse. Prerequisites A good knowledge of normal domestic animal behaviour (from the student's own experience) as well as the content of the Domestic Animal Ethology course (SVET B101) is required to take this course.
The examination is oral (exchanges with the teacher) based on a written preparation (questionnaire composed of 5 questions). The first 3 questions are illustrated with a photo that puts them in context. The first question requires a detailed answer and calls upon some of the concepts developed in the course. Questions 2 and 3 deal with specific behavioural issues. Questions 4 and 5 are of the 'definition' type and relate to other parts of the course than those covered in the previous questions. The student has 1.5 hours to prepare written answers. This document is used as a basis for a 15-minute discussion with the teacher.
Recommended reading: A rich and regularly updated library is available to students, both in the BUMP and in the Department of Veterinary Medicine (URVI).
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine | Standard | 0 | 3 | |
| Master in Biology of Organisms and Ecology, Research focus | Standard | 0 | 3 | |
| Master in Biology of Organisms and Ecology, Teaching focus | Standard | 0 | 3 | |
| Master in Biology of Organisms and Ecology, Teaching focus | Standard | 1 | 3 | |
| Master in Biology of Organisms and Ecology, Research focus | Standard | 1 | 3 | |
| Master in Biology of Organisms and Ecology, Research focus | Standard | 2 | 3 | |
| Master in Biology of Organisms and Ecology, Teaching focus | Standard | 2 | 3 | |
| Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine | Standard | 3 | 3 |