Are you an animal lover with a passion for making a difference in the animal welfare space? If so, you can turn your concern for animals into a career.
The Certificate of Animal Welfare is a professional development program that covers a wide range of animal welfare topics, such as how animal welfare is implemented in society and what protection, rescue and health services are available in Australia.
In this online program, you’ll also gain knowledge in animal psychology and sentience, and understand how laws and regulations protect pets and companion animals, work animals and animals in sport.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident to act as an animal welfare activist or to pursue a career working with animals, such as an animal shelter attendant, animal welfare inspector or many other professions where animal welfare is a priority.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Scope and nature of animal welfare
- History
- Nature of animal welfare
- Definitions
- Scope of animal welfare
- Widely accepted animal ethic theories
- Animal rights
- Animal welfare
Unit 2 - Psychology and sentience
- The science and philosophy of psychology and sentience
- Sentience
- Sapience
- Anthropomorphism and transference
- Compassionate conservation
- Sense and perception
- Cognition
- Animal emotion
- Animal psychopathology
- Behavioural disorders
- How an understanding of sentience can influence animal welfare
Unit 3 - Animal communication and perception
- How do animals perceive things
- Types of stimuli
- Sensory reception
- Stimulus filtering
- Monocular and binocular vision
Unit 4 - Animal behaviour
- Orientation to the environment
- Homeostasis
- Motivation
- Time orientation (biological clocks)
- Sun compass
- Migration
- Tolerance
- Acclimatisation
- Hibernation
- Sex/reproductive behaviours
Unit 5 - Social behaviour
- Animal societies
- Sexual behaviour
- Courtship and social behaviour in birds
- Communication between dogs
Unit 6 - Conditioning and learning
- Conditioning and learning
- Shaping
- Extinction and habituation
- Thorndike’s Law of Effect (1913)
- Cognition and learning
- Early learning in dogs (neonatal, transitional and socialisation periods)
- Early learning and communication in cats (development stages, Sensory abilities and communication)
- Comparative intelligence
Unit 7 - Handling animals
- Domestication of animals
- Animal handling problems
- Different handling techniques
- Preventing problems with pets
- Training an animal
- Handling horses
- Cattle
- Cage birds
Unit 8 - Behavioural problems
- Abnormal behaviour
- Domestication
- Diagnosing abnormal behaviour
- Psychotic disorders
- Behavioural problems in cats
- Training cats
- Behavioural problems in dogs
- Behavioural problems in pigs
- Relationships with humans
- Managing behaviour
Assessment
When you study with Australian Online Courses you will be assessed using a competency-based training method. Competency-based training focuses on a learner’s ability to receive, respond to and process information to achieve a competency result. As such, skills-based and knowledge assessments are geared towards attainment to meet industry-defined standards.
Assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, including short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 100 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:-
- Animal Shelter Staff
- Rescue Officers
- Pet Resort Attendant
- Pet Trainer
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