Learn How Animals Think
Animals are complex beings. For many years they were studied to see how they could be of maximum benefit to humans through farming or they were forced to undergo experiments in the laboratory to better our understanding of human physiology and behaviour. In recent decades the emergence of ethology has encouraged the study of animals in their natural environment and most people now appreciate animals for the wonderful creatures they are.
In this course we examine the many and varied behaviours of animals and how they interact with their environment - from simple to complex types of learning to how they understand their world. We'll review social animals as well as solitary species and how animals and humans can live together harmoniously. Of course, animal health and wellbeing is also of interest to us and so a review of common psychological problems is also included.
What this Course Covers
This course is comprised of eight lessons, outlined below:
1. Introduction: Influences and motivation
2. Genetics and Behaviour
3. Animal Perception and Behaviour
4. Behaviour and the Environment
5. Social Behaviour
6. Learning
7. Handling Animals
8. Behavioural Problems
Workload
Study when, where and however much you want. For most students, the course can be completed with a total of around 100 hours of study; and a commitment close to that may be needed to achieve desired learning outcomes.
Extra Reading
The following books, available through this web site are relevant supplementary reading for this course
- Animal Psychology
- Working with Animals
Assessment
Self Assessment Tests are presented throughout the course. These are essentially an automated quiz. When you undertake a "SAT" or "Self Assessment Test", you will be able to see what you got correct, and what was incorrect; and in that way, you can identify your weaknesses.
Assignments are given at the end of each lesson. You should complete this assignment, paying careful attention to follow what is asked of you. It can be just as important to learn to work to specification, as it is to learn about the topic you are studying. Graduates who develop a habit of working to specification in the field of animal behaviour, will impress employers, and will be more efficient when self employed.
A Final Exam is offered upon satisfactory completion of all assignments. This is optional. If you choose to apply for and do this exam, you will have the possibility of obtaining a "formal credit" or "Pass Certification" for this course. A fee applies. The exam may be sat under prearranged conditions anywhere in the world. This college will award you a formal transcript, upon successful completion of the exam, as proof of your results.
Recognition and Ethics
This college is a member of the ACS Affiliates Network; a group of colleges from several countries, affiliated with each other through ACS Distance Education.. Courses are developed with input from all of these colleges, aspiring to reflect internationally accepted standards and needs.
A strict "No Plagiarism" and "No fraud" policy exists. Assignments are checked for plagiarism, and assignments will not be deemed to have been completed, if work is not your own original creation, and is found to have been copied from elsewhere. If the person doing the course is discovered to be different to the name enrolled, the enrolment and any results will be recorded as invalid and any fees paid will be forfeited.
Refund Policy
A full refund less expenses (up to 15% of fees applied) is provided to anyone wishing to withdraw from a course, within 2 weeks of enrolment. This does not apply after the first assignment has been submitted and marked; or after the two weeks has expired.
WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS INSTITUTION?
We believe that we have an ethical responsibility to make good use of the fees you pay and the time you invest into an education through our college. To this end, our first priority is always your learning. This comes before issues such as formal accreditations, speculative marketing and bureaucratic processes which all too often add considerable costs to the running of colleges, and take resources away from the provision of more valuable services to the student.
This college focuses on facilitating your learning and support to optimise that learning. We recognise that learning is all about improving knowledge and skills in your long term memory. While some colleges may focus on getting you to pass exams, by committing knowledge to short term memory; we understand that such an approach is not true education, and does little to improve your long term career or business prospects.
How This Course Could Help You
Whether because you are a pet owner who wishes to understand more about your animal, you work or would like to work with animals, or you'd just like to understand more about the animal kingdom - this course will provide you with a foundation upon which to build your knowledge.
Use it to open doors to working in wildlife parks, nature reserves, farm work or as a veterinary assistant. Combine it with other studies or experience to take things further.