AP2A76-Zoo Animal Management

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Kate Johnson
Email: k.f.johnson@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Ms Holly Vickery
Email: h.m.vickery@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Why do zoo animal collections exist and how are they managed? What does the behaviour of a zoo animal tell us about its welfare? How can we use behavioural observations to understand and improve an animal’s health and welfare? How is zoological research conducted and shared, and how can early career researchers contribute to this? This module helps students develop an understanding of these questions. Students will complete a mini-behavioural research project at a zoo and will develop the required skills to do this, including in behavioural observation, data analysis and data presentation and interpretation.

Aims:

The module has two main aims:

1. To provide insight into, and understanding of, the running and maintenance of zoo animal collections.


2. To understand the science of behavioural observations and understand how it can be used to improve the welfare of animals within zoological collections. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Describe and evaluate selected methods of zoo animal behavioural observation and analyse their use for specific scenarios 


• Analyse, interpret, and present data from zoo animal behavioural observations  

Additional outcomes:

There may be an opportunity for interested students to submit their assessment work to the BIAZA research conference (held at a UK zoo each summer). 

Outline content:

The module is designed to provide the students with a basic understanding of managing animals in the zoo industry as well as practical experience of how to plan, conduct, and present a small-scale behavioural observation-based research project. The module will include up to 3.5-day trips to nearby zoo(s) as well as classroom-based learning at the university.

The Lecture Contents will cover:

• An introduction to zoological collections, their function & management


• Importance of studying behaviour and welfare of zoo animals and relationship between animal husbandry and behaviour


• Behavioural observation techniques


• Approaches to analysis of collected data

Best practice for presenting scientific data

Where possible, guest speakers from the zoo industry may be invited to take part.



The Practical Contents will cover:

• A zoo animal behavioural study

Global context:

Zoological collections exist throughout the world with international cooperation for breeding and conservation purposes. The host countries for zoological collections are often far removed from the animals’ home territories and therefore consideration must be given to how this influences the ethics of their collections and their future directions. This will be considered in the introductory parts of the module covering the function and management of zoos.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A series of seminars will be held at the University of Reading to cover the background context to zoo animal management and the science of behavioural observation.

There will be an initial half day introductory zoo tour and then up to three full days at a zoo to complete a planned small scale research project. These field visits will be complimented by a seminar series at the University alongside guest lectures from zoo staff where possible.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	10
Tutorials	2
Fieldwork	18
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	12
Wider reading (directed)	12
Preparation for tutorials	2
Preparation for seminars	5
Preparation of practical report	12
Essay preparation	20
Reflection	7
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be 2 pieces of assessed work.

1. Individual written report (60%)


2. Group poster presentation (40%)

Formative assessment methods:

During the interactive methodology seminars there will be an opportunity for students to discuss their plans and receive informal guidance. There will also be a pilot day at the zoo where methods can be finalised and feedback given before data collection is completed.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

This is a coursework-based module, reassessment will be by submission of a written assignment

(including data analysis) during the following term.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: Sturdy footwear e.g. walking boots and cold/wet weather gear required for field work.

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022