B8405 - Ethics of Animal Use

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student is capable of assessing their own and other stakeholders’ perceptions regarding ethical dilemmas related to the use of animals in different contexts, and making informed recommendations. In particular, the student: knows the main ethical frameworks and sources of ethical dilemmas in the veterinary profession, understands their rationale, can identify them when a position on an ethical issue is expressed, and is able to propose a reasonable course of action.

Course contents

This Course is part of the Integrated Course "The Background for the Veterinary Profession".

The Integrated Course aims to provide the student with adequate skills in veterinary biosecurity, an understanding of proper laboratory practices within a quality assurance framework, and techniques for handling and approaching animals that prioritize the safety of both the animal and the operator. Additionally, the student develops zoological knowledge and zootechnical classification of animals relevant to veterinary practice, along with a critical perspective on their ethical use.

The Integrated Course "The Background for the Veterinary Profession" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.9, 1.10, 1.12, 1.17, 1.29.

Specific Course contents of B8405 - Ethics of Animal Use: the course is structured as follows

Theoretical section (lectures) (2h):

• Different scenarios of animal use and the related ethical aspects will be summarized, using the main ethical frameworks (utilitarianism, animal rights, respect for nature, relational, contractarian).

Practical section (8h):

• Assessment of owns’ ethical position: a structured test will be used to allow students to self-assess their perception with respect to ethical dilemmas in animal use (2h);
• Presentation and discussion of an ethical case on animals used for food production (2h);
• Presentation and discussion of an ethical case on animals used in research (2h);
• Presentation and discussion of an ethical case on veterinary responsibility, companion animals or wildlife (2h).

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en).

Required reading/studying materials for the preparation of the exam: teaching slides shown in class and provided on the Virtuale platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en).

Supplementary readings for specific insights (books available in the Ercolani library):

• Mullan, S., & Fawcett, A. (2017). Veterinary ethics: navigating tough cases (pp. 1-5). Sheffield: 5M Publishing.
• Rollin, Bernard E. An introduction to veterinary medical ethics: theory and cases. John Wiley & Sons, 2013.

Websites:

• Animal Ethics Dilemma: http://www.aedilemma.net/home

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical sessions.

Teaching methods:

• In-person teaching and discussion
• Structured and guided peer discussions
• Role play (if possible, due to the number of students)
• Individual/group assignments on case study analysis and discussion

Students with disabilities or special needs requiring adaptations, accommodations, and modifications to the examination should express their needs to the teacher at the beginning of the course and/or contact the UNIBO service for students with special needs (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en).

Assessment methods

The final exam of the Integrated Course "The Background for the Veterinary Profession" consists of two parts.

• The first part is a written test comprising 30 multiple choice questions, covering topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter.

  Each correct question will earn 1 point; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question. The use of supporting material or devices such as calculators, books, notebooks, class notes, etc. is not authorized during the test. If needed, a follow-up discussion will allow the Candidate to comment on the wrong answers.

  The test assignment will last 1h and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30. The results of the written exam will be published within 5 working days on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en) by the designated course contact.

• The second part is an OSPE (Objective Structured Practical Examination) aimed at evaluating the acquisition of practical and verbal competences in specific topics of the Integrated Course. This practical part of the exam will consist in 15 different stations, each testing a specific skill. Each station has a fixed duration of 5 minutes and, if completed successfully, can earn up to 2 points. The result of the OSPE will be communicated at the end of the session. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass the OSPE.

The exam is considered passed only if all parts are successfully completed. The final grade is determined by averaging the scores of the two assessments. A minimum final grade of 18/30 is required.

Students can register for the exam through the online AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

In case of failure, the exam may be retaken after a minimum of three weeks. In accordance with Unibo teaching regulations, Article 16, Paragraph 5, students are entitled to refuse a passing grade on one occasion. This should be done by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days from the exam. The designated course contact for this course is Eleonora Nannoni.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

• Teaching slides, integrated with online polls (Wooclap)
• Videos, online sources, and reading sources
• Collaborative online tools (Whiteboard) for brainstorming
• In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Teaching materials are available on the Virtuale platform and could be reached through the link on the teacher webpage.

Office hours

See the website of Eleonora Nannoni (https://www.unibo.it/sitoweb/eleonora.nannoni2/en)

Office hours

See the website of Eleonora Nannoni