Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Agriculture and Food Sustainability School
This course is no longer offered after Semester 1 2025. Please contact agriculture@enquire.uq.edu.au.
This course provides an understanding of equine health and welfare as it relates to the maintenance of the horse's health and wellbeing, prevention of disease, biosecurity and management of the horse and its environment.
This course emphasizes self-directed learning, encouraging students to take initiative in exploring the subject matter. To support your learning, there will be regular online sessions where you can engage in discussions, ask questions, and seek clarification on course content. Additionally, staff will be available to address any queries or provide guidance throughout the duration of the course.
The course is thoughtfully designed to enhance students' understanding of equine behaviour and the welfare of horses. Through independent study and interactive sessions, you will develop a deeper appreciation of the factors influencing horse behaviour and learn to apply this knowledge to promote the welfare of equines in various contexts.
Course contact
Lecturer
Course staff
Guest lecturer
Dr Angela Lees
Dr Danielle Fitzgerald
Timetable
Additional timetable information
Information regarding online sessions will be communicated via the course Blackboard site and Blackboard announcements. Students are encouraged to check Blackboard, and email, regularly to stay up to date.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to investigate aspects of equine health and welfare and to develop an understanding of influential factors. This knowledge is applied to current industry issues and aspects of the management of young horses.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Source and critically evaluate the scientific literature on topics related to equine health, behaviour and welfare.
LO2.
Apply scientific methods to assess the behaviour and welfare of horses.
LO3.
Effectively communicate knowledge via written and oral pathways.
LO4.
Develop skills in independent, self-directed research and learning.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Behaviour Assignment - objective evaluation of weaning
|
35% |
7/04/2025 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique |
Ethical discussion papaer
|
35% |
16/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Observations of Weaning Presentation
|
30% |
30/05/2025 2:00 pm
Poster will be due for upload on 23/05/2025 |
Assessment details
Behaviour Assignment - objective evaluation of weaning
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
7/04/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
INTRODUCTION
There are several different methods used in the breeding industry to wean foals from mares. The method selected by any particular enterprise is dependent on many factors, and the impacts of weaning on the health and welfare of both mares and foals have been extensively evaluated in the scientific literature.
TASK
You are provided with two 10-minute videos documenting the behaviour of two foals: one recorded immediately after the removal of the mare and the other recorded 24 hours following an abrupt weaning event. Using the behaviour observation techniques taught during the animal behaviour module, you will systematically collect and record relevant data. Based on your observations, you will analyse and evaluate the data, discussing the results in the context of stress responses to weaning and the associated welfare implications.
Assessment guidelines are provided on Blackboard.
AI Usage
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence 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.
Submission guidelines
Submission: 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 (https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=149) and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please use the official pathway for applying for an extension (https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-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.
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).
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard before the due date of the assessment item.
Ethical discussion papaer
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
16/05/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
Background.
The equine industry is a multifaceted sector encompassing everything from racing and breeding to therapy, recreation, and agricultural labour. Across these varied roles, horses have served humans for centuries, contributing to livelihoods, economies, and cultural traditions. However, the close relationship between humans and horses has also created complex ethical dilemmas, as the needs and welfare of horses often intersect with economic pressures, cultural practices, and societal values.
Ethical concerns arise in many aspects of equine industries, reflecting broader questions about human responsibility toward animals. These dilemmas challenge us to think critically about how to balance human interests with the welfare of horses and the preservation of ecosystems. Such issues are rarely black and white, requiring consideration of multiple perspectives, including the ethical, economic, and cultural dimensions of equine use and management.
Task
In this assignment, you will examine a specific ethical dilemma within the equine industries, using critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning to analyse the issue and propose practical, ethically sound solutions. Through this process, you will develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of equine management and their role as advocates for responsible and sustainable practices in the industry.
Further guidelines and detail on this assessment item will be provided on the course Blackboard site.
AI use
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence 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.
Submission guidelines
Submission: 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 (https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=149) and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please use the official pathway for applying for an extension (https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-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.
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).
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard before the due date of the assessment item.
Observations of Weaning Presentation
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
30/05/2025 2:00 pm
Poster will be due for upload on 23/05/2025
Task description
You will prepare a conference style poster and present a 3-minute presentation at the UQ Equine Science Student Conference, held on 30th May, 2025.
You will be required to upload your poster via the link on Blackboard no later than 14:00h on 23rd May, 2025.
Presentation
The UQ Equine Science Conference is a forum for all students undertaking ANIM Equine specific courses to attend and present (compulsory). Exemption from presentation and participation will only be granted in the most exceptional circumstances. External students have the option of attending and presenting live OR presenting live via Zoom.
Presentations are to be no longer than 3-minutes each, and you are limited to 1 slide (your poster). If your presentation runs overtime, you will be cut off, so rehearsed timing is essential.
Presentations will be marked by two staff members, and further marks will be awarded for participation. This requires you to be present for the presentations of all other students in the group.
More information about your poster presentation and associated formatting will be provided on Blackboard.
AI use
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence 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.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your Poster portion of the assessment task, in Blackboard, via the specific 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 (https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=149) and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Extensions will only be granted for legitimate reasons, as this presentation is part of the student conference, which is scheduled for a fixed date and time. In such cases, the student must submit a recorded presentation, ensuring their face remains visible throughout for identity verification.
Late submission
1) The presentation component of this assessment item - students are unable to submit late as the assessment is conducted in class.
2) The poster component of this assessment item - students who submit their poster after the identified due date and time listed above OR where students have been approved for an extension (see 'Deferral or extension'), and submit your assessment item(s) after your approved due date and time, your assessment submission will be subject to the following late submission penalty:
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.
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).
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard before the due date of the assessment item.
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% |
| 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% |
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 Assignmentsﾠﾠ
Assignments that are required to be submitted through TurnItIn, 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.ﾠ ﾠ
Release of marks
Unless specifically indicated by the course coordinator,ﾠevery attempt will be madeﾠto haveﾠthe results for progressive assessment available within 3 weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will not be available until grades release day.ﾠResults 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 in 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
Before applying for a remark, students should consider the following:
- You have consulted the course coordinator for feedback
- Your academic grounds for remark have been discussed and are valid
- Wanting a higher grade is not grounds for a remark. A remark can decrease your grade.
Remark applications will not be considered without first having contacted your course Co-ordinator.ﾠ
Deferred and Supplementary assessment (including Deferred In-Semester Examinations)
Deferred and Supplementary information can be located on theﾠmy.UQﾠwebsite
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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course 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 |
|---|---|---|
| ANIM7119 Course Blackboard Site | Blackboard is the main method of communication for this course. | |
| ANIM7119 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. |
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 |
|---|---|---|
Not Timetabled |
Week 1. Course overview Overview of how the course will run, assessment expectations, and communication advice (Anne Beasley). |
|
Not Timetabled |
Week 2. Animal behaviour module During this week, you should complete the self-directed module on observing and recording animal behaviour. These skills will be required for completing your animal behaviour assignment. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Week 3. Weaning and welfare This week we will explore some content and literature on equine weaning practices that is relevant for your animal behaviour assignment (Anne Beasley). |
|
Not Timetabled |
Week 4. Equine stereotypies This week we will explore content and literature related to equine stereotypies (Danielle Fitzgerald). |
|
Not Timetabled |
Week 5. Assignment workshop This week is set aside for you to seek guidance on your animal behaviour assignment (Anne Beasley). |
|
Not Timetabled |
Week 6. Welfare issue 1 This week we will explore a topical equine welfare issue - specific topics to be advised on course Blackboard site (Anne Beasley). |
|
Not Timetabled |
Week 7. Welfare issue 2 This week we will explore a topical equine welfare issue - specific topics to be advised on course Blackboard site (Anne Beasley). |
|
Not Timetabled |
Week 8. Welfare issue 3 This week we will explore a topical equine welfare issue - specific topics to be advised on course Blackboard site. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Week 9. Discussion paper workshop This week is set aside for you to seek guidance on your discussion paper assessment item (Anne Beasley). |
|
Not Timetabled |
Week 10. Welfare issue 4 This week we will explore a topical equine welfare issue - specific topics to be advised on course Blackboard site. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Week 11. Welfare issue 5 This week we will explore a topical equine welfare issue - specific topics to be advised on course Blackboard site (Angela Lees). |
|
Not Timetabled |
Week 12. Welfare issue 6 This week we will explore a topical equine welfare issue - specific topics to be advised on course Blackboard site. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Week 13. Equine conference presentation This week you will give your presentation at the arranged student conference. |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.