(AB) Animal Behavior

AB 110. Human-Animal Bond: Animal Beh, Evolution & Therap Appli. 3 Hours.

In this course students study the evolution of human-animal relationships and the emotional and health benefits of the human-animal bond, animal behavior, and common methods of animal training. Students also explore human social and cultural factors relevant to Animal-Assisted Therapy to maximize safe interactions between clients and animals in professional settings. Students complete Part 1 of their Certificate Manual in AAI during this course.

AB 201. Animal Behavior. 3 Hours.

In this course, students study animal behavior through biological and psychological lenses. Deep exploration into the behavior of a species of the student’s choosing complement examples of many species through the coursework. Students design and conduct an ethogram study on their species informed by factors that impact behavior, types and categories of behavior, applied behavior, and animal emotion and cognition. The course project includes the ethogram study as well as an animal behavior timeline, behavior graphics, and a behavior management plan all specific to their focus species.

AB 210. Emotional Support and Service Animals. 3 Hours.

The unique bond between people and animals is a powerful tool for healing. This course examines the different ways animals can be used to support human health and explores the role of pets and other animals in the treatment and rehabilitation of persons with a variety of physical and psychological disabilities. Students examine case studies such as correctional institutions and “cell dogs”, therapeutic riding, child development and pets, mental health canines, animal therapy with homeless populations, and animal therapy in substance abuse programs. Students are encouraged to engage with a program within their own community, or connect with one online. Prerequisite: AB 110 The Human-Animal Bond Students complete Part 2 of their Certificate Manual in AAI during this course.

AB 211. Animal Cognition. 3 Hours.

In this course, students study the philosophy and research in concepts of cognition, reasoning, learning, communication, memory, and emotions as they apply to both wild and domestic animals. Students explore the research and philosophy of cognition in different species and the application of these principles to the management, welfare, and care of animals in a variety of environments. Students also create a Species Cognition Handbook for a species of their choosing. Prerequisite(s): PY 111.

AB 221. Animal Comparative Anatomy. 3 Hours.

In this course, students study the structure and function of anatomy and physiology across multiple vertebrate species and explore the implications for animal health and welfare. Students identify connections between species’ physical characteristics and niches and assess the relationship between evolution, phylogeny, and anatomy and physiology. Students also utilize terminology relevant for effective communication about anatomy and physiology in fields such as veterinary medicine. Prerequisite(s): SC 191 and SL 191.

AB 234. Animal Health and Nutrition. 3 Hours.

In this course, students study important factors impacting the health and welfare of animal species and the implications of nutrition. Students explore factors that impact health and wellness, and the role of digestive systems, nutrition, home and veterinary preventative care, and exercise in health. Through visual and text explorations, students dive deeply into the application of the five domains of welfare for a focus species of their choice. Students also complete Part 1 of their Animal Wellness Manual during this course. Prerequisite(s): SC 191 and SL 191.

AB 301. Animal-Human Interactions. 3 Hours.

In this course, students study the history of animal-human interactions, current research in anthrozoology, and the application to practices in domestic, wild, and captive environments. Students also study the effects of animals on humans and of humans on animals with specific focus on animals and environments of the student’s choosing. Students create an Evaluation of Animal-Human Interactions in Practice for a species and environment of their choosing. Prerequisite(s): AB 201.

AB 310. Animal-Assisted Thrpy:Understanding Techniques, Regs & Risks. 3 Hours.

Professional animal-assisted therapies demonstrate how the human-animal bond can create lasting social, emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual and psychological changes. Animal-assisted therapeutic activities and learning are found in many settings. It is important that psychology practitioners understand how to safely, legally, and ethically integrate animals into their practice. Students study various techniques specific to animal-assisted therapy and understand best practices for working with animals during counseling sessions. Students also complete Part 3 of their Certificate Manual in AAI during this course. Prerequisite(s): AB 210.

AB 333. Animal Disease. 3 Hours.

In this course, students study how infectious and non-infectious diseases impact animals, inclusive of causes, transmission, symptoms, and treatments. Students explore relationships between host and parasite species and how certain species are vectors for zoonotic disease. Students also continue to focus on their species from the animal health and nutrition course and complete Part 2 of their Animal Wellness Manual during this course. Prerequisite(s): SC 191 and SL 191.

AB 334. Animal Breeding and Genetics. 3 Hours.

In this course, students study animal reproduction and genetics across a variety of species while also completing a focused study on one species of choice. Students also explore potential genetic outcomes of reproduction, gestation and development timelines, and reproductive care. Additionally, students consider the ethics of population management through breeding programs and sterilization techniques. Students complete an Animal Reproductive Care Manual during this course. Prerequisite(s): SC 191 and SL 191.

AB 341. Animal Care and Wellness. 3 Hours.

In this course, students study theories around the physical, psychological, and social needs of animals as they apply to positive wellness. Students develop care plans and husbandry plans for specific animals based on these needs and explore species-specific requirements for nutrition, veterinary care, and recognizing indicators of positive wellness and wellbeing. Students also develop a Care Manual for a species and environment of their choosing. Prerequisite(s): SC 191 and SL 191.

AB 401. Animal Training. 3 Hours.

In this course, students study the basic concepts of learning theory, associative and non-associative learning, classical and operant conditioning, and social and observational learning as they apply to animal training. Students explore the application of different training techniques to a variety of species and examine the effects of stress and environments on training goals. Students also complete a Training Manual for a species and environment of their choosing. Prerequisite(s): AB 201.

AB 410. Canine- and Feline-Assisted Interventions. 3 Hours.

In this course, students study the history, current research, and new practices of canine- and feline-assisted interventions, activities, and therapies. Topics include the examination of models and applications of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) with small animals, animal welfare in AAI, and various methods associated with integrating animals into therapeutic environments. Students also create a Model Analysis based on the research and analyze a model/method of canine- or feline-assisted intervention. Prerequisite(s): AB 301 or AB 310.

AB 411. Equine-Assisted Interventions. 3 Hours.

In this course, students study the history, current research, and new practices of equine-assisted interventions, activities, and therapies. Topics include the examination of models and applications of equine-assisted activities, therapies, and interventions (EAAT), equine welfare in AAI, comparisons between mounted (including hippotherapy) and unmounted work, and various methods associated with integrating equines into therapeutic environments. Students also create a Model Analysis based on the research and analyze a model/method of equine-assisted intervention. Prerequisite(s): AB 301 or AB 310.

AB 441. Animal Welfare. 3 Hours.

In this course, students study the domains of welfare, laws and regulations as they relate to requirements of animal welfare, and the human interactions components of animal wellbeing. Students also apply concepts from the Five Domains and One Welfare by developing a practical assessment protocol targeted to a species and environment of their choosing. Students also develop a Welfare Assessment Protocol during this course. Prerequisite(s): AB 201.

AB 491. Animal Care and Behavior Capstone. 3 Hours.

This course serves as the capstone for students enrolled in animal-focused majors. Students carry out a capstone project along an area of inquiry defined and approved during the first week of the course. Students are expected to conduct their project in a self-directed manner and are expected to come to the course with a drafted project idea to discuss with the instructor/supervisor for approval. The types of projects vary based on student interest and availability of options. Students hoping to work on research projects or internships for their capstone are expected to contact and gain approval from appropriate organizations or individuals prior to the start of the course. The course culminates in a final project and presentation in the field of animal care and behavior. Prerequisite(s): AB 301 or AB 341.