Animal Welfare Science, Ethics & Law - MSc

Program Overview

The Animal Welfare Science, Ethics & Law MSc program offers a comprehensive understanding of animal welfare needs, covering scientific, ethical, and legal aspects. Students explore animal biology, ethics, law, and quantitative methods, and undertake a research project to apply their knowledge. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, government, animal welfare organizations, and other sectors related to animal welfare.

Program Outline

Outline:

The Animal Welfare Science, Ethics & Law MSc program provides a comprehensive understanding of animal welfare needs, covering scientific, ethical, and legislative aspects.

Program Content:

• Animal Welfare Science: Explores the biological and behavioral needs of various animals, including farm animals, companion animals, and wildlife.
• Animal Ethics & Law: Examines the ethical considerations and legal frameworks surrounding animal use and welfare in different contexts.
• Quantitative Methods: Develops essential quantitative skills for data analysis and interpretation in animal welfare research.
• Sequence Analysis: Provides training in bioinformatics tools for analyzing genetic data related to animal welfare.

Program Structure:

• 12 months full-time
• Two terms with a total of 180 credits
• 40 flexible credits in the second term
• Core courses: Animal Ethics & Law, Animal Welfare Science, Assessment of Animal Wellbeing, Key Research Skills
• Optional courses in term 2: Animal Identification, Care & Enrichment of Captive Animals, Conservation Genetics, Economic Tools for Conservation, Geographic Information Systems for Ecologists, Molecular Epidemiology and Phylodynamics
• Research Project

Individual Modules:

• Animal Ethics & Law: Explores ethical theories and principles relevant to animal welfare, and examines legal frameworks governing animal use in research, farming, and other industries.
• Animal Welfare Science: Focuses on the scientific basis of animal welfare, covering topics such as animal sentience, pain perception, and stress responses.
• Assessment of Animal Wellbeing: Develops skills in assessing animal welfare using various methods, including behavioral observations, physiological indicators, and animal-based measures.
• Key Research Skills: Equips students with essential research skills, including scientific writing, experimental design, data analysis, and statistical modeling.
• Optional Courses: Students can choose from a range of specialized modules to tailor the program to their interests, such as:
• Animal Identification: Techniques for identifying and tracking animals for research or conservation purposes.
• Conservation Genetics: Applications of genetic tools in conservation biology for understanding population dynamics and managing genetic diversity.
• Economic Tools for Conservation: Using economic principles and tools to design effective conservation strategies.
• Molecular Epidemiology and Phylodynamics: Studying the spread and evolution of diseases in populations using molecular techniques.

Research Project:

Students undertake an independent research project under the supervision of faculty members. This project allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a specific animal welfare issue and to develop their research expertise.

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, presentations, and examinations.
• Strong ties between veterinarians and ecologists offer unique training opportunities in fundamental and applied research.
• Guest lectures by experts from animal welfare organizations provide real-world insights.
• Opportunities for students to carry out research projects in collaboration with zoos, research laboratories, or other relevant organizations.

Careers:

• Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, government agencies, animal welfare organizations, zoos, and other sectors related to animal welfare.

Other:

• The program emphasizes practical approaches to assessing biodiversity and quantitative analysis of ecological and epidemiological data.
• Experience research project placements are available at:
• Cochno Farm in Glasgow for research based on farm animals
• Millport field station on the Isle of Cumbrae for marine projects
• The University field station on Loch Lomond for freshwater or terrestrial-based projects
• Zoos or research laboratories whenever possible.
• The program aims to provide graduates with core skills and knowledge to enhance their selection chances for competitive PhD programs.

MSc: 12 months full-time Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus MSc: 12 months full-time

UK

Full-time fee: £10650

International & EU

Full-time fee: £28260