Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law (Taught)

Animal welfare science and ethics is an expanding topic of international concern. It aims to improve our knowledge and understanding of animals’ needs, which is required to provide a high standard of care to the whole range of animals kept in captivity.

WHY THIS PROGRAMME

• 1st in the UK for Veterinary Medicine (Complete University Guide 2021).

• Learn with the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), a grouping of top researchers who focus on combining ecology and evolution with more applied problems in animal health.

• Taught by research-active staff using the latest approaches in understanding and responding to animal welfare-related issues, legislation related to use of animals, and both theoretical and applied ethics.

• Develop valuable skills in: quantitative methods, sequence analysis, conservation biology, epidemiology and practical approaches to assessing biodiversity.

• Our strong ties between veterinarians and ecologists are a unique strength, offering training opportunities spanning both fundamental and applied research.

• Experience the opportunity to base your independent research projects at:

The University field station on Loch Lomond - for freshwater or terrestrial-based projects
Millport field station on the Isle of Cumbrae - for marine projects
Cochno Farm in Glasgow - for research based on farm animals

We will also assist you to gain research project placements in zoos or research laboratories, whenever possible.

• Gain core skills and knowledge across a wide range of subjects that will enhance your selection chances for competitive PhD programmes.

• Many links with animal welfare-related organisations. We regularly welcome organisation experts to deliver guest lectures to our Animal Welfare students. We also arrange for our classes to visit organisations to obtain a first-hand view of working there is like.

• Many organisations provide our students with opportunities to carry out their independent research project within their company.

• We have currently the following partners involved in this programme:

Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA)
Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie
Blair Drummond Safari Park
Chester Zoo
The Aspinall Foundation (Howletts & Port Lympne)
National Museum Scotland

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The programme provides a strong grounding in scientific writing and communication, statistical analysis, and experimental design. It is designed for flexibility, to enable you to customise a portfolio of courses suited to your particular interests.

You can choose from a range of specialised options that encompass key skills in:

• ethics, legislative policy and welfare science – critical for promoting humane treatment of both captive and wild animals.

• monitoring and assessing biodiversity – critical for understanding the impacts of environmental change.

• quantitative analyses of ecological and epidemiological data – critical for animal health and conservation.

A total of 180 credits are required, with 40 flexible credits in the second term.

Term 1: Core Courses
KEY RESEARCH SKILLS (40 credits)
ANIMAL WELFARE SCIENCE (20 credits)

Term 2: Core Courses
ANIMAL ETHICS
ANIMAL LEGISLATION AND SOCIETAL ISSUES

Term 2: Optional courses
See course page for details

Term 3: Core MSc Component
RESEARCH PROJECT