Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to:

  • analyze the various components of the animals' environment that may interfere with their well-being, health, and production levels;
  • to determine, based on this analysis, whether the living environment offered to the animals meets their needs;
  • discuss environmental issues related to domestic animals.

Goals

This course aims to i) provide the general principles of ecology, ii) present the characteristics of the living environment of domestic animals in specialized farms, showing how these characteristics can influence their well-being, health, and production levels, and iii) discuss the influence that the presence of animals can have on the overall quality of the environment.

 

Content

The course includes 30 hours of theory and 12 hours of practicals/exercises.

It deals with :

  • general principles of ecology;
  • animal housing in general: air quality, lighting, noise, bioclimatology, insulation, ventilation, heating... ;
  • specific housing modalities for the different categories of domestic animals;
  • the impact of the environment on animal health and of the animal on environmental health.

Practicals/exercises provide an overview of the course by integrating the data from the different chapters.

 

Exercices

There are 4 hours of practical/tutorial sessions scheduled. They are also conducted online.

 

Teaching methods

This course is not subject to an audience presentation, both for the theoretical part and for the associated practical work/exercises. It is offered to each student via online support designed and hosted at ULiège and accessible to the students from ULiège, UCLouvain, and UNamur who are following the Bachelor's degree course in veterinary medicine.

It is an online course with live or recorded lessons, exercises, practicals, forum, … via the website eCampus at ULiège: https://www.ecampus.uliege.be

An information session on the objectives and content of the course, as well as on the modalities of the course, is organized at the beginning of the 2nd four-month period.

A forum is available to all students who follow this course so that they can ask questions on the matter.

Formative quizzes are provided so that students can check their level of understanding of the course as they progress through the course.

 

Assessment method

The final exam is written in a "multiple-choice questions" (MCQ) and/or "multiple-response questions" (MRQ) form. If the exam is online, "short open-ended questions" (SOQs) will also be used. It is organized simultaneously for all veterinary students in ecology from ULiège, UCLouvain, and UNamur. The practical work will be evaluated during this final exam; the questions will assume that this subject has been seen and understood.

The pass grade for the course is 10.00/20, and grades below 10.00/20 will not be rounded up.

 

Sources, references and any support material

The syllabus (currently being prepared), PowerPoint presentations, and multimedia materials will be available on Web Campus.

 

Language of instruction

French
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine Standard 0 4
Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine Standard 2 4