Animal Assisted Therapy
There is a rapidly growing movement to incorporate animals as part of the therapeutic setting. Students will learn about the difference between animal assisted activities, therapy and education (AAA/T/E), working animals and assistance animals. The course will cover working with animals and children, adults, the elderly, and the disabled in various settings including hospitals, nursing homes, schools and prisons. We will also review what is required to start and run a safe and effective program.
Texts (2): "Wanted! Animal Volunteers" by M.R. Burch and "Starting a Visiting-Animal Group" by A.R. Howie
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Animal Behavior
This course builds an evolutionary framework for understanding why animals exhibit particular patterns of behavior. Animal behavior is investigated through both the ecological processes that have driven the evolution of behavior and the physiological mechanisms that allow behaviors to be performed. Topics covered include genetics and behavior, learning, organization of behavior, communication, mating systems, paternal behavior and cooperation. The principle objective of this course is to understand how natural selection has shaped animal behavior.
Text: "Animal Behavior: an Evolutionary Approach" by J. Alcock (2005)
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Animal Enrichment
Behavioral and environmental enrichment will be explored in a comprehensive approach. This will include an overview of animals’ psychological needs, a systematic approach for coupling enrichment solutions to animal problems, practical suggestions on design and application, and a discussion of assessment and long-term application. Major components of enrichment will be reviewed with respect to the Animal Welfare Act and the principles of animal management.
Text: "Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals" by R. Young Optional but recommended: "Second Nature: Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals", D.J. Shepherdson (ed.)
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Animal
Minds & Emotions
Animal lovers and pet owners have long known what behaviorists
have only recently acknowledged: that animals are sentient
beings, possessing minds, emotions, and immense cognitive
abilities. We will explore the evidence for animal cognition
and emotions, particularly with respect to animal training,
enrichment, and improving their quality of life.
Texts (2): "Animals in Translation" by Temple Grandin
and "Minds of Their Own" by Lesley Rogers
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Animal Nutrition, Health & Disease
This course in animal health will review pathology and the disease process. However, prevention is the key to animal health, and proper nutrition is the cornerstone of that process. Thus, we will review general principles of nutrition and then explore the impact of ecology and life history on nutritional requirements across the animal kingdom.
Text: Optional: "Exotic Animal Medicine for the Veterinary Technician", by B. Ballard & R. Cheek, Blackwell Publishing
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Animal Training
We will explore operant conditioning and the basic principles of animal psychology and learning theory. Students will learn how to use these principles to train domestic and exotic animals and improve their captive husbandry and psychological well being.
Text: "Essentials of Conditioning & Learning" (3rd ed.) by M. Domjan and "Don't Shoot the Dog" (2nd ed.) by K. Pryor
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Aquatic Animal Health
The first part of Aquatic Animal Health will introduce you to the basics of water quality control in an aquatic environment. This course will focus on ornamental aquaculture and marine mammal situations. You will develop an understanding of the various water parameters; their significance to health of the animal; and what happens to the animals if these parameters go outside of their normal range. In the second part of this course, you will learn to identify diseases that may affect aquatic animals and some of the more common treatment options.
Text: TBA
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Aquatic Husbandry & Nutrition
In this course you will learn the appropriate requirements for various aquatic systems – from freshwater and saltwater aquaria to extensive marine mammal tanks. We will discuss the types of filtration systems that are available and the advantages and disadvantages of each. The importance of lighting, heating and cooling to an aquatic system will be discussed. In the second part of the course, you will become familiar with the role of nutrition in maintaining aquatic animals, including the various types of diets and feeding methods, as well as nutritional diseases that may occur.
Text: TBA
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Behavior & Enrichment of Primates
Primates are well known for their complex behaviors, social systems and communication. Proper care and management
demands that we understand these behaviors and implement the most effective enrichment strategies possible. We will take a systematic look at the behavioral needs of primate species in captivity and how enrichment can be used to maximize their psychological well being.
Text: TBA
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Behavior & Training of Marine Mammals
We will explore how operant conditioning and training techniques can be used to train a variety of marine mammals, such as dolphins, orcas, sea lions and sea otters. The course will also include a discussion of the field of marine mammal training and guidance on how to break into this competitive field.
Texts (2): "Whales With Fur: How to train any animal using dolphin training techniques" by Pete Davey and "A Dolphin in Front of You" also by Pete Davey
Optional but recommended: "Animal Training: Successful Animal Management Through Positive Reinforcement" by Ken Ramirez
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Behavior of Rabbits & Rodents
Rabbits and rodents are the most widely used models of disease; they occupy a prominent place in the world of research. Despite their prominence, however, animal caregivers are often unfamiliar with the range of behaviors and behavioral needs in captivity. We will review their species-specific behaviors in depth and explore how this knowledge can be used to improve their welfare in captivity.
Text: TBA
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Canine Behavior & Enrichment
The effective training and husbandry of dogs requires that we understand their communication signals, recognize signs of stress and aggression, and take a proactive stance in preventing the development of stereotypical or self-destructive behavior. This course will focus on canine body language, communication and behavior. We will review how enrichment and socialization can be used to address behavioral issues in a variety of captive settings from laboratories to dog day care.
Text: TBA
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Environmental Education & Outreach
Gone is the day when animal care staff could work in isolation, ignoring the public and leaving educational efforts to others. Today's keepers are a vital part of environmental education. Through keeper talks, shadowing, and formal presentations the animal care staff at nearly all institutions contribute to the public's understanding of animal care and conservation. This course will provide guidance in producing effective talks, presentations and graphics - helping you to effectively reach your audience.
Text: "Conservation Education & Outreach Techniques" by S.K. Jacobson et al.
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Exotic Animal Conservation & Management
In this course we will explore population management from a regional and global perspective. Conservation efforts, including Species Survival Plans (SSP), will be reviewed with an emphasis on the roles of zoos and aquariums. Education, captive breeding, natural reintroduction, endangered species protection, and human-animal conflict will be covered with respect to their impact on population management.
Text: "Wild Mammals in Captivity" by D.G. Kleiman, M.E. Allen, K.V. Thompson, and S. Lumpkin Back to top
Feline Behavior & Enrichment
While most species of cat are relatively asocial, they still have social needs. We will take an in-depth look at feline behaviors, communication, and body language. Enrichment and training will be discussed in light of managing cats in the home, lab, or zoo environment. However, emphasis will be on the domestic cat (Felis catus). Specific enrichment strategies will be evaluated for their effectiveness in treating or preventing problem behaviors in captivity.
Texts (2): "The Body Language and Emotion of Cats" by M.M. Milani and "The Behaviour of the Domestic Cat" by J.W.S. Bradshaw
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The Human-Animal Bond
This course explores the history and psychology of human relationships with animals and nature. The student will learn about the relationship between people and animals by discussing domestication, socialization, religion, culture, farming, research, and pets. Other topics include pet overpopulation, relinquishment, bonding, and health benefits from the bond (for people and animals). The principal objective is to gain an understanding of the various roles animals play in our lives.
Text: "The Human/Animal Bond" by Orland Soave (2000).
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Husbandry and Record keeping
Proper management of wild animals in captivity requires a thorough understanding of both general principles of care and specific husbandry practices. Furthermore, proper communication, often via record keeping, is also a key component of animal care and welfare. We will review methods of tracking and maintaining quality data on all aspects of husbandry.
Text: "Wild Mammals in Captivity" by D.G. Kleiman, M.E. Allen, K.V. Thompson, and S. Lumpkin
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Management of Aquatic Birds, Reptiles & Amphibians
While we naturally associate fish and marine mammals with public aquariums, modern facilities are now home to a much wider array of taxa. With an emphasis on ecosystems, aquarium keepers and curators must be familiar with the management and care of birds, reptiles and amphibians. We will review the husbandry of these groups and learn how to accommodate the diverse needs of these species, even within a single exhibit.
Text: TBA
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Practical
Psychology
Careers working with animals also require working with people.
Understanding people and interpersonal relationships is
critical to a successful career of any kind. The focus of
this course is to provide a basic understanding of how people
relate to each other, and how to work successfully with
others. Topics to be discussed include emotions, learning,
motivation, perception and body language.
Text: "Reading People" by Jo-Ellan Dimitrius (1999) and "The Everything Psychology Book" by Lynda L. Warwick (2004).
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Principles of Wildlife Rehabilitation
A comprehensive course covering rehabilitation methods, physiology, housing, treatment, and husbandry of terrestrial vertebrate wildlife (mammals, birds, and herps). Nutrition and disease will be reviewed only briefly as these topics are covered in detail in a separate course. Ethics and standards will also be included and will be an integral part of class discussions.
Text: "Practical Wildlife Care" (2nd edition) by Les Stocker
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Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic riding can provide enormous benefits to individuals with physical, mental, emotional, or developmental
disabilities. In this course you will learn how to identify the qualities and skills a therapy horse needs to have and understand how to train a therapy horse. You will learn how to create lesson plans that include measurable goals and long-term objectives accomplished through exercises and games.This course will prepare you for unmounted components of national certification examinations.
Text: Special Needs, Special Horses: A Guide To The Benefits Of Therapeutic Riding (Practical Guide) by Naomi Scott, 2005
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Wildlife Management
Proper management of wild animals in captivity requires a thorough knowledge of natural history, population management, and habitat management. We will cover these areas with particular emphasis on topics relevant to the release and reintroduction of wildlife, including habitat assessment, carrying capacity and human-wildlife conflict.
Text: TBA
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