Veterinary Professional Studies - Animals & Human Society
Social Sciences, Animal Health and Contemporary Issues
Aims of Module
The overall aims of this module are:
• to critically understand key topics relevant to animal health and veterinary science from a broad social perspective;
• to be able to critically evaluate evidence relevant to Aim 1 and necessary for planning and implementing independent research of these topics.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module successful candidates will be able to:
1. evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in social research relevant to animal health and human-animal interactions;
2. demonstrate a systematic understanding of the nature and scope of social perspectives of health and illness as it applies to animals and human-animal interactions;
3. demonstrate a detailed and practical knowledge of methodological traditions and approaches in social research relevant to animal health;
4. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the roles, benefits and risks associated with animals across different societal and cultural groups;
5. critically evaluate contemporary biomedical animal health research within a broader social science context;
6. demonstrate a detailed understanding of the contexts in which animal health and veterinary science exist in low- and middle-income countries;
7. critically appraise the role of research in policy and decision-making;
8. demonstrate initiative and personal responsibility, as well as be able to manage time, work deadlines and prioritise workload.;
9. demonstrate critical awareness of ethical and data protection issues in social research studies.
Module Structure
The module provides an introduction to the role of social sciences in the study of animal health related issues and of the impact of animals in societies (focusing on contemporary issues in Europe and Africa). It covers key concepts, qualitative research methods and ethical issues related to application of social sciences to animal health issues. It also explores issues related to the roles of animals in different societies, differing scientific paradigms and the role of research in policy and decision-making. The teaching and learning strategy allows students to study at a distance in an online forum that encourages communication and interaction between professional peers as well as the teaching staff while maintaining flexibility to be available to working professionals on a part time basis. The module comprises introductory lectures, and tutorials that build on and enable debate based on guided and self-directed preparatory reading and an online, reflective learning log.
This module will cover the following key themes:
1. Human-Animal Interactions
2. Science, Evidence & Policy
3. Animals & Livelihoods
Fees
Animals & Human Society - £1000
How to Enrol
Applications are invited from candidates who have already completed 60 credits towards a Veterinary Professional Studies award at the University of Liverpool (i.e. as per the Certificate in Veterinary Professional Studies), and who are continuing to study towards the Diploma or MSc.
For more information on enrolment, please contact us.