Art of Advanced Welfare Assessment

Catalog description

This elective will enhance the application of behavioral observations and methodologies to the evaluation of animal welfare. Experiential evidence-based techniques, such as Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) and clicker training, will be utilized. Initial sessions will engage students in the VTS framework and structured discussions of selected artwork (no prior art experience needed!) to strengthen observational and critical thinking skills. Students will then apply clicker training methodologies to highlight the value of learning and mental enrichment as essential elements of welfare. Using these enhanced skills and insights, the class will visit and evaluate 3 different species (or groups of species) in 3 different settings. Students will learn each of the species’ needs while integrating science-based knowledge and current welfare assessment frameworks. Individual and group work, literature reviews, discussions, and guest lectures by topic experts will be used to guide learning of species-specific information. Student presentations, videos, and other media will be used in conjunction with offsite visits/field trips to observe the species in their habitats / environments (zoo, farm, aquatic, research, shelter, clinic, etc.) and to subsequently evaluate their welfare.