208-108 Animals in Society

This subject involves the use of animals. Students should be aware that this is an essential part of the course and exemption from this is not possible.

202-103 Biology for Land and Food Resources or 650-141 Biology of Cells and Organisms

The objective of this subject is to examine and evaluate society's use of domestic animals, and highlight the ethical, scientific and economic impact of human interactions with animals in production, research and amenity systems.

Topics covered include origins, history and domestication of domestic animals; world distribution and use of domestic animals; animal ethics vs personal and social ethics; society expectations and their implications; human-animal relationships vs development and their effects on both humans and animals; and ethical dilemmas in livestock production, research education and amenity systems.

On completion of this subject students should:

• understand the prominent roles in modern society of farm, companion and laboratory animals;

• understand the nature of global focus on animals in relation to modern farming practices and biotechnology; and

• understand issues in food safety, human health and the quality of life for both humans and animals.

Two practical assignments (10% each of final marks), one written presentation of 2000 words (20% of final marks), one 10-minute oral presentation (10% of final marks) and 3-hour written essay or short-answer style examination (50% final marks).

• L R Scott, Careful How You Hold Me: An Insight into Caring for Laboratory Animals. MUP Multimedia Program.
• NH&MRC, Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.