Outline

Overview

This Unit enables students to develop an understanding of applied animal behaviour theory, and the responses of animals to common interventions that arise in the context of interacting with humans and the environment. We introduce a framework for animal welfare assessment, and apply it across a range of contexts for domesticated, wildlife and captive animals. Animal welfare will be critically evaluated through the integration of behavioural, physiological, cognitive and emotional responses. Methods for assessing and enhancing animal environments and husbandry systems are explored. Finally, the design and conduct of scientific experiments are assessed with a focus on animal ethics and current welfare issues. Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses. Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an inherent requirement for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than week one of the enrolled teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete. Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment. Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally. Please refer to the University’s website https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/q-fever-vaccinations.html for more information on student vaccinations.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	48 credit points of 1000-3000 level units including at least 6 credit points of (BIOL1XXX or AVBS100X)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sabrina Lomax, sabrina.lomax@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Zoonosis Awareness module A mandatory work health and safety induction online Canvas module	0%	Week 01 Due date: 04 Aug 2025 at 17:00	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Group contract and outline outline of group project (1 page dot points) and group contract	0%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59	2 pages dot points	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Group project poster Poster on allocated zoo animal's natural behaviour and environment submitted to canvas	10%	Week 05 Due date: 05 Sep 2025 at 23:59	1 page	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Behaviour and welfare quiz in class written test, requiring demonstration of understanding of theory open book notes only no laptops or devices	15%	Week 06 Due date: 08 Sep 2025 at 14:00	45min	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Bio-ethics assessment Apply bio-ethics frameworks to case study in tutorial	10%	Week 08 Due date: 22 Sep 2025 at 02:00	2 pages	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Scientific report scientific report analysing and interpreting animal behavioural data	20%	Week 10 Due date: 17 Oct 2025 at 23:59	1000 words/ 2-3 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Group project research report Research methodology for evaluating welfare of allocated zoo animal	15%	Week 10 Due date: 17 Oct 2025 at 23:59	2000	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Behaviour and welfare quiz in class written test requiring demonstration of understanding of theory of animal welfare open book, notes only no laptops or devices allowed	15%	Week 12 Due date: 27 Oct 2025 at 14:00	45min	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Group project presentation Q&A component of presentation	10%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2025 at 09:00	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Project Presentation Group presentation on zoo animal project	5%	Week 13	--	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Group Project - Taronga Zoo

Worth: 40% of overall grade
Due: Formative and summative tasks through semester, final due Week 12
How to complete: Presentation and Report
Learning outcomes: Demonstrate ability to work in a group, collect information through research, and communicate findings orally.

Project outline and group contract week 3 - FORMATIVE
Project poster due week 5 - 10-%
Research report - due week 11 - 15%
Group Presentation - week 13 - 15% (5% presentation, 10% Q&A responses)

Quizzes

Worth: 30% of overall grade

Due: Weeks 4, 12 (15% each)

How to complete: In class supervised quiz written on paper, 45min

Learning outcomes: Apply understanding of lecture, tutorial and practical content; open book notes only no laptop or devices

Quizzes in this UoS are focused on assessing how well you understand content through application, as well as participating in the practical and tutorial activities. The questions are focused on themes delivered across the lectures, practicals and tutorials.

The quizzes are compulsory. Students must attempt the quiz to pass the unit of study - attendance will be recorded. Special consideration is required if a student is unable to attend on the day of the quiz.

Adjustments will be applied for students with a disability plan as required.

Bio-ethics assessment

Worth: 10%
Due: Week 8
How to complete: activity participation in class - fill out a worksheet
Learning outcomes: Applying animal welfare and ethics principles and frameworks

Scientific Report

Worth: 20% of overall grade
Due: Friday Week 10 11:59pm
How to complete: Submit via turnitin on Canvas; 1000 words
Learning outcomes: The goal of this assignment is to develop observational skills and analytical abilities by studying the behavior of animals. Students will observe behaviour, record, and analyze and interpret the behavior using the concepts learned in the course.

Zoonosis Awareness Module

This is an online Canvas module which provides introductory content on zoonoses—diseases transmitted from animals to humans.
This module is an essential part of your work health and safety induction for practical activities requiring frequent contact with animals. It must be completed before you begin any practical activities and is mandatory for this unit of study.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	demonstrate deep understanding of the subject area; critical evaluation of the subject is evident. Clear and concise written arguments; grammatically and structurally outstanding
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrated understanding of the subject area; some critical evaluation of the subjects; argmuments are well formuated but could include further interpretation. grammar and structure are good.
Credit	65 - 74	demonstrated understanding of the subject; limited critical evaluation; requires work in grammar and sentence structure.
Pass	50 - 64	surface understanding of subject area; lack of critical evaluation; requires editing to improve flow, sentence structure and grammar.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Penalties of 5% per day will apply for late submissions as per University Policy.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	lectures covering a range of animal behaviour and welfare content	Lecture (25 hr)
	practicals evaluating and assessing animal behaviour and welfare	Practical (9 hr)
	in person tutorials where students apply their learnings from lectures to exercises either individually or in groups to demonstrate their understanding	Tutorial (10 hr)
Week 03	Self-directed visit to Taronga zoo for assignment	Field trip (6 hr)
Week 11	RSPCA shelter animal welfare	Field trip (6 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to participate in at least 80% of the timetabled activities for all units of study in their degree, unless granted an exemption by the Associate Dean. To meet the learning outcomes of this Unit of Study, students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of the practicals and tutorials as defined in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study where inadequate attendance results in learning outcomes not being met. Attendance at practicals and tutorials will be registered through the use of QR codes.

Students must attend and attempt the quizzes in weeks 4 and 12 to pass the unit. Failure to attend or attempt the quizzes may result in an absent fail. Special consideration must be applied for if unable to attend on the day of the quiz.

Buses will be organised for practicals at Camden in weeks 5 and 9 and for the field trip to the RSPCA site in week 11.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Readings provided on Canvas and the Library site.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Apply learnings to analyse the behaviour of wildlife, companion, performance and production animals
LO2. Measure and compare behavioural and physiological responses of animals to the challenges under different environmental, production or welfare contexts to provide a scientific assessment of animal behaviour and welfare
LO3. Critically evaluate the use of animals by humans from the perspectives of science and ethics to provide an informed opinion on the welfare of animals
LO4. Critically evaluate the impact of captivity, farming and/or housing systems in which animal behaviour is a limiting factor, and suggest solutions to overcome problems; for example, for farmed species, improve the efficiency of animal production through manipulating animal behaviour, or for captive ‘wild’ species, improve the diversity of behaviour under confinement situations
LO5. Collaborate with your peers to research and solve problems related to animal behaviour and welfare
LO6. Design research methodology to demonstrate understanding of the scientific process in the field of animal behaviour and welfare
LO7. Demonstrate skills in scientific writing and communication
LO8. Demonstrate skills in independent research and problem solving

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Updated assessment information to accommodate the use of AI generative material. changed critical analysis report to a practical report. increased weighting of in class secure quizzes to 15% each to increase secure assessment weightings.

Additional information

Additional costs

Students will be required to pay a subsidised entry to zoo. We are arranging a discounted fee.

Site visit guidelines

Students must be vaccinated for Q fever to attend practicals at Camden. Fully enclosed work boots or gumboots must be worn on farm. Overalls or long sleeve shirt and pants are a requirement for entry, without this you will not be allowed to participate in practicals. COVID PPE requirements will be advised in advance of practicals.

Work, health and safety

Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses.

Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an inherent requirement for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than week one of the enrolled teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete.

Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment.

Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally.

Please refer to the University’s website here for more information on student vaccinations.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

ANSC3106: Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Group Project - Taronga Zoo

Quizzes

Bio-ethics assessment

Scientific Report

Zoonosis Awareness Module

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links