Course coordinator
Dr Anne Beasley
Consultation is by appointment.ﾠTo make an appointment to see me, please email a.beasley@uq.edu.au
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Agriculture and Food Sustainability School
This course explores the basic and applied principles of animal behaviour and welfare, emphasising how these principles guide the safe handling, management, and care of companion, farm, recreational, and wild animals.
Evidence of immunity to Q fever is mandatory for this course. Refer to UQ Student Immunisation Requirements for more information.
Course introduction and description
Animal welfare and behaviour studies sit at the critical intersection of science, ethics, and practical management. This course explores how understanding an animal's natural behaviours and welfare needs leads to more effective, ethical, and productive human-animal interactions. Students will discover how behavioural principles inform everything from facility design and handling techniques to optimising animal production while safeguarding welfare. We examine how knowledge of species-specific behaviour patterns enhances our ability to interpret animal communication, reduce stress during management procedures, and develop positive human-animal relationships. By integrating fundamental behavioural science with practical applications, this course prepares students to address contemporary challenges in companion animal care, livestock management, wildlife conservation, and recreational animal settings. Whatever career path you follow, these principles provide an essential foundation for evidence-based, welfare-centered animal management.
This course has mandatory immunisation requirements due to an increased risk of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) for students working with animals or in agricultural environments. Students will be asked to provide evidence of immunity to Q fever via my.UQ My Requests as a condition of enrolment in this course. Refer to UQ Student Immunisation Requirements for more information.
At the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, we are committed to creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students. We value and respect the diverse range of experiences our students bring to their education, and we believe that this diversity is crucial for fostering a rich culture of knowledge-sharing and meaningful exploration. We hold students and staff accountable for actively contributing to establishing a respectful and supportive learning environment.
Bullying, harassment, and discrimination in any form are strictly against our principles and against UQ Policy, and will not be tolerated. If you have any concerns about your experience in this course, we encourage you to tell a member of the course teaching team. Your well-being and a positive learning atmosphere are of utmost importance to us.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ANIM1007
Restrictions
Restricted to students who meet mandatory immunisation requirements.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Anne Beasley
Ms Donna Marchiori
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course consists of lectures and practical sessions.
Lectures:
- Lectures will be delivered live (face to face). In the event that a live lecture needs to be cancelled, students will be advised via Blackboard announcement and email.
Practical sessions:
- Students will be assigned to groups during Weeks 1 and 2 (dependant on Q Fever immunity status).
- Each group will attend a customised practical schedule - students must remain in their designated group.
- Practical sessions occur on Fridays in either the 8:30am - 11:30am time slot and/or the 12:30pm - 3:30 pm time slot.
- Each student will attend only 6-7 practical sessions throughout the semester - no attendance is required in any of the other sessions.
- Each group's specific practical schedule will be published on the course Blackboard site.
All timetabled practicals have been identified as high-risk activities for Q-fever exposure.
Location and requirements:
- Practical session locations and required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be posted on Blackboard.
Communication:
- Any schedule changes will be announced via Blackboard.
- Students must check Blackboard announcements regularly.
If you have any concerns regarding your official timetable or course allocations, contact Faculty of Science Timetable science.mytimetable@uq.edu.au for advice.
If you have any questions about missing class activities, please contact your course coordinator.
Aims and outcomes
This course introduces the basic and applied principles of animal behaviour, and provides for the application of these principles to the handling, management and wellbeing of companion, farm, recreational and wild animals.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain the principles of animal behaviour as they apply to the husbandry, handling and wellbeing of a variety of livestock and companion animals.
LO2.
Observe, record and interpret animal behaviour using scientific protocols, and present findings in a scientific report.
LO3.
Apply knowledge of behaviour in an objective manner to particular husbandry and handling situations for a range of species.
LO4.
Handle a variety of domestic animals in a manner which ensures safety of human and animal.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz, Reflection |
Sequential Practical Reflections 1 - 6
|
20% Best 4 reflections out of 6 (5% each) - for a total of 20% |
Practical Reflection 1 - submit at the end of your practical Practical Reflection 2 - submit at the end of your practical Practical Reflection 3 - submit at the end of your practical Practical Reflection 4 - submit at the end of your practical Practical Reflection 5 - submit at the end of your practical Practical Reflection 6 - submit at the end of your practical |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project |
Animal Behaviour Report
|
30% |
16/04/2026 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
End-of-Semester Examination
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Sequential Practical Reflections 1 - 6
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz, Reflection
- Weight
- 20% Best 4 reflections out of 6 (5% each) - for a total of 20%
- Due date
Practical Reflection 1 - submit at the end of your practical
Practical Reflection 2 - submit at the end of your practical
Practical Reflection 3 - submit at the end of your practical
Practical Reflection 4 - submit at the end of your practical
Practical Reflection 5 - submit at the end of your practical
Practical Reflection 6 - submit at the end of your practical
Task description
During the semester, you will attend six practical sessions.
At the end of each session, you will have 10–15 minutes of class time to complete a short Reflection Task. This task is an online form accessed via a unique QR code that is only available during the practical session. Reflections can only be completed during class time — they cannot be completed before class, after class, at home, or if you miss the session. If you do not attend a practical session, you will not be able to complete that session’s reflection.
Each reflection will ask you to demonstrate your understanding of key principles or concepts covered in the session and may also include a small number of quiz-style questions.
Each reflection is worth 5%, and your best four (4) out of the six (6) reflections will count toward 20% of your final grade.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Reflections must be submitted within the practical session before leaving. An electronic form will be the primary platform for submission, however, paper submissions will be accepted in the case of technical issues.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
The reflection tasks are designed to assess student understanding of activities and principles covered during the practical class. Reflections can only be accessed and submitted during class time at the end of each practical session. No extension or deferral is available for these tasks.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Students are required to complete these reflection tasks in class time only (which requires attendance). This ensures that students are present during the sessions, and are participating and paying attention (essential skill building for later courses in program). Students cannot complete the reflection after the session has concluded, and as such, there is no late submission allowed (non-submission will receive nil marks).
Animal Behaviour Report
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
16/04/2026 2:00 pm
Task description
Task: Students will complete a video-based behavioural observational study. The skills and protocols required for completion of this assessment will be provided in a self-directed tutorial, made available on the course Blackboard site from week 1. Data collected from the observation will be presented in a scientific format.
Please note: A document providing specific guidelines for the completion of this assessment piece is also provided on Blackboard. Please refer to this for specific instructions.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Translation (MT) tools, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which AI or MT will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
The use of AI or MT must be acknowledged appropriately. Please see assessment guidelines in blackboard course site for specific instructions.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Legal Declaration:
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and understand its implications.
Results: Students will be advised by email, or via an announcement on the course Blackboard site when results and feedback for this assessment item are available.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard, in accordance with the University's Assessment Procedure (located in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile) which outlines the requirements for requesting extensions to assessment due dates. Extensions require the correct evidence/documentation to support the requested length of time of the extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
End-of-Semester Examination
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
Task description
The final exam will cover all course content and will be Closed Book, with no materials permitted.
The exam will be an on-campus exam. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams.
Students enrolled in In Person delivery must attend the exam in-person.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Refer to Additional Course Grading for more information.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 0 - 34% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 35% - 46% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 47% - 49% OR failure to meet the identified assessment hurdle below. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50% - 64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65% - 74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75% - 84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85% - 100% |
Additional course grading information
Course Grading rules and Assessment Hurdles
- Students are required to pass the End-of-Semester Exam in order to pass this course, in addition to an overall pass mark in the course.
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of progressive assessment and the End-of-Semester Exam and the student does NOT score a passing mark in the End-of-Semester Exam, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
To obtain a grade for a practical reflection, students must attend and complete the associated practical class. If you do not attend a practical class, or do not provide evidence of your attendance (i.e. signing attendance sheet), your practical reflection for that particular practical will not be marked/graded.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Please note the following when writing assignments
You must not re-use past work from previous assessments in your assignments.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
All reported work must be done by the individual student. Assignments that look and sound alike will be reported as plagiarism – a serious offence at UQ. Please note the university’s policy on academic integrity and plagiarism which can be accessed at Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
Turnitin
Assignmentsﾠthat are required to be submitted throughﾠTurnItIn, must only be uploaded to the assessment specific Turnitin link on the relevant course Blackboard site. If you submit any version of your assessment item to any alternative Turnitin link, this is considered cheating and you will be held liable for this action.
Release of marks
Unless specifically indicated by the lecturer involved, every attempt will be made to have the results for progressive assessment tasks available within 3 weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will be available before the day of your end of semester examination in the course, unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. Results and feedback availability will be advised to you by email or announced via the course Blackboard site.ﾠ
Feedback in this course
Feedback is welcome (positive or negative) on this course as any information on how students find this learning experience is constructive.
Please use the evaluation form provided to you at the end of semester - or if you are enrolled internally, a course evaluation process will occur in the last few weeks of semester.
Re-mark Applications – refer to the University's Re-mark Policy to check your eligibility.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| ANIM1014 Course Blackboard Site | Blackboard is the main method of communication for this course. | |
| ANIM1014 Course Profile | Provides details of specifications, rationale, aims and structure of the course. It also informs you of the assessment for this course, including weighting and due dates. | |
| PPE | Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Veterinary Technology students: Must wear overalls to all livestock practical sessions. All other students: Must wear appropriate PPE to practical sessions, including: Long jeans, closed sturdy boots, sun-safe clothing (long sleeves, hat, sunscreen) Please check the course Blackboard site for more specific information about PPE. | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
Chastain CB (2018) Animal Handling and Physical Restraint. CRC Press, Boca Raton.... eBook available from library
Fowler ME (2008). Restraint and Handling of Wild and Domestic Animals, 3rd edition. Wiley-Blackwell, Ames... available from library
Houpt KA (2010). Domestic Animal Behavior for Veterinarians and Animal Scientists, 5th edition. Blackwell Publishing, Ames... available from library
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Lecture |
Animal Behaviour, Handling and Wellbeing Lectures Lectures will be delivered in person as per the course timetable. We begin with the fundamental principles of animal behaviour and welfare science - these principles will be common threads throughout the subsequent modules. We then move into species-specific behaviour, and its relationship to handling and well-being. The order of lecture modules will be provided on the course Blackboard site. We have species experts delivering lecture content into this course. |
Practical |
Behaviour and Handling Practical Sessions The class will be divided into groups of approximately 20-25 students. Each group will attend practical sessions according to their allocated schedule, which will be detailed on the course Blackboard site. Groups will rotate through a variety of animal units and gain hands-on experience. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Researching Animal Behaviour From week 1, you will have access to an online tutorial that demonstrates how to observe and record animal behaviour in an experimental setting. On completion of this tutorial, you will have the necessary tools to complete your animal behaviour assignment. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
Course guidelines
Student immunisation requirements
The University policy Vaccination and Immunisation (Vaccinations and Immunisation Guideline / Document / Policy and Procedure Library) provides information about immunisation and screening requirements related to programs and courses. Failure to comply with student immunisation requirements can lead to an increased risk of serious illness occurring. Therefore, non-compliance will result in the relevant course/s being dropped from your enrolment under Section 3 of the Enrolment policy (Enrolment Procedure / Document / Policy and Procedure Library).