Physiology, Behaviour and Welfare of Dogs and Cats in Their Interactions with Humans.

The course Physiology, behavior, and welfare of dogs and cats in their relationship to humans (3 CFU) provides students with essential knowledge and skills in canine and feline physioethology. By the end of the course, students will be able to evaluate and manage animal behavior, especially in contexts involving interaction with people, and to identify appropriate strategies to promote and protect animal welfare. Students will develop the ability to observe and interpret behavioral signs, recognize signs of distress or discomfort, and implement targeted activities aimed at enhancing the animals' overall quality of life.

1. Knowledge and understanding: by the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the physiological foundations of canine and feline behavior, with a specific focus on underlying mechanisms, cognition, and communication. They should also be able to observe and study animal behavior using scientific methods.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding: students should be able to apply the physioethological knowledge acquired during the course to ensure or improve the welfare of dogs and cats in contexts that involve interaction with humans.

3. Making judgments: students are expected to approach the subject matter critically, including the ability to articulate and evaluate the information they have learned. This objective is supported through dedicated activities such as fieldwork focused on behavioral observation and proper animal handling, as well as work on cognition and training.

4. Communication: students should be able to use appropriate terminology to effectively communicate the knowledge acquired. This may be demonstrated through active participation in class or field discussions, where they are encouraged to articulate their reasoning in response to case examples presented by the instructor.

5. Lifelong learning skills: students are expected to develop the ability to expand their understanding of topics related to physioethology and animal welfare independently over time. This will be fostered through the practical application of course content during fieldwork, aimed at strengthening their problem-solving and applied skills.