PROGRAMME HANDBOOK
MSc/Diploma in
Applied Animal Behaviour & Animal Welfare
2015-2016
The University of Edinburgh
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies & SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College)
Easter Bush Veterinary Campus, Roslin EH25 9RG
Tel. 0131-6513914 / Fax 0131-6506588
http://www.vet.ed.ac.uk/animalbehaviour/
This programme handbook has been published by the
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this
Handbook was correct at the time of going to press. We would be grateful if staff and
students are prepared to be flexible if minor problems arise.
CONTENT
Foreword
1. Introduction and contact details……………………………………………….
1.1. Introduction
1.2. Contact details
2. Our and Your responsibilities …………………………………………………
2.1. Responsibilities of the programme director and team
2.2. Responsibilities of the students
3. Learn …………………………………………………………………………..
4. Important dates …………………………………………………………………
5. The programme aim, structure and content ………………………………….
5.1. Aims of the programme
5.2. Learning outcomes
5.3. Programme structure
5.3.1. The taught element
5.3.2. The dissertation element
5.4. Programme content
5.5. Additional programme fees
6. Assignments and exams, dates and feedback ………………………………….
6.1. Assignments and exams, dates and feedback
6.1.1. The taught element
6.1.2. Late submission of assignments
6.1.3. Examination of the dissertation
6.1.4. Late submission of dissertation
6.2. Progression to the dissertation
6.3. Award of degree
6.3.1. Requirements for award of MSc
6.3.2. Requirements for award of Diploma
6.4. Award of MSc with Merit / Award of MSc with Distinction
6.5. Academic misconduct / plagiarism
6.6. Complaints
6.7. Appeals
6.8. Illness
6.9. Special circumstances
6.10. Interruption and extension of studies
6.11. Student Disability Service
6.12. Dignity and Respect
7. The different committees: description and roles …………………………….
7.1. Board of examiners
7.2. Name and role of the External Examiner
7.3. Teaching committee
7.4. R(D)SVS postgraduate staff/student liaison committee
7.5. MSc AABAW Postgraduate staff/student liaison committee
8. Main Research Institutes and core staff ………………………………………
8.1. University of Edinburgh
8.2. The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies / Jeanne Marchig
International Centre for Animal Welfare Education
8.3. SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College)
8.4. Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
8.5. Core staff of MSc
9. Pastoral support and University Support Services ………………………..
10. Facilities ………………………………………………………………………….
1
2
2
2
3
3
4
5
6
6
6
6
7
7
8
9
10
11
11
11
12
12
12
13
13
13
13
13
13
14
14
14
15
15
15
15
15
15
16
16
16
16
17
17
17
17
18
18
19
22
i
10.1. Library facilities
10.2. Computing facilities
10.3. Telephone/faxes/postage
10.4. Meals/coffee breaks
10.5. Parking space
11. Health and safety ………………………………………………………………
11.1. University Health Centre
11.2. Insurance
11.3. Safety procedures
11.4. Smoking
11.5. Disabled Students
12. Contact points for students holding a Tier Visa ……………………………..
13. Graduation……………………………………………………………………...
13. Class room ……………………………………………………………………...
Annexes
Annex 1
Annex 2
Annex 3
Annex 4
Annex 5
Annex 6
Annex 7
Annex 8
Annex 9
Annex 10
Annex 11
Annex 12
22
23
23
23
23
23
23
24
24
24
24
25
26
26
28 onwards
Rules with respect to absence of studies
Blackboard Learn
Exam Regulations
Excerpts from Regulation and Rules
Map: The University and the City
Computer help
Institute for Academic Development
Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education
Advice on using Social Media Networks & Confidentiality of Information
PGT Personal Tutoring Statement
Request for Special Circumstances form
Marking Scheme
ii
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Foreword
Welcome to the 2015/2016 MSc/Diploma programme in Applied Animal Behaviour &
Animal Welfare. You are joining us in the 26th year of the programme, which was
initiated by the late Professor Wood-Gush in collaboration with his colleagues and
the many Research Institutes and University Departments around Edinburgh in
October 1990. This Programme is run as a collaboration between the Jeanne
Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education (JMICAWE) within the
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, http://www.ed.ac.uk/schoolsdepartments/vet/jmicawe, and SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College),
http://www.sruc.ac.uk.
The programme has a strong international reputation and has received the support of
many well-known animal welfare organisations in the UK, including the Douglas
Houghton Memorial Fund and the Universities' Federation for Animal Welfare.
The programme is run by Susan Jarvis, Tamsin Coombs and Willie van Wijde, and
we are available to give help and guidance.
We do hope that you will enjoy your time at Easter Bush and in Edinburgh and that
you will take full advantage of the many opportunities open to you.
Susan, Tamsin and Willie
1
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
1. INTRODUCTION AND CONTACT
1.1. Introduction
This Handbook has been compiled for your information and guidance and should be
read in conjunction with the University Degree Regulations and Programmes of
Study, the University’s Assessment Regulations and the Code of Practice for
Taught Postgraduate Programmes.
The University's Code of Practice for Taught Postgraduate Programmes is
available at:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/academic-services/policiesregulations/codes
The Programme Handbook does not supersede the University Degree Regulations
and Programmes of Study, which are available at:
http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/15-16/
The Postgraduate Assessment regulations can be seen at:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/academic-services/policies-regulations/regulations
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/academic-services/students/postgraduatetaught/assessment
The formal requirements for the programme are set out in the University’s
Postgraduate Study Programme.
Finally, please also see http://www.postgrad.ed.ac.uk/ for information for
postgraduate students, including an overview of regulations and other key
documents.
This handbook should also be read in conjunction with our MSc assessment
information, the timetable and the dissertation guidelines. These documents can be
found on Learn.
1.2. Contact details
The MSc’s postal address is mentioned on the front cover of this handbook. Contact
details of the programme director and administrators are mentioned in the next
section.
Contact details for the Postgraduate Office are as follows: College of Medicine and
Veterinary Medicine, Postgraduate Section, The Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little
France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SF. Tel: 0131 242 6460; Fax: 0131 242 6479;
email: mvmpg@ed.ac.uk.
The School Postgraduate Director is Professor Bernadette Dutia, her email address
is: Bernadette.dutia@ed.ac.uk and her telephone number is 0131-6506152.
The School Taught Postgraduate Director is Professor Anna Meredith, her email
address is: Anna.meredith@ed.ac.uk and her telephone number is 0131-506247.
2
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Emergency contacts within the Roslin Institute Building and the Vet School
building:
- dial 2222 (this number is only available when phoning from a University internal
telephone system; no need to dial 9 first).
- or
- dial 0131 650 2257 (if you do not have access to a University internal telephone
(like students in residences, or when you’re outside or phoning from a mobile phone).
Another emergency contact number is: Nightline:
- dial 0131 557 4444 (please see paragraph 9 in this handbook for more information).
2. OUR AND YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 Responsibilities of the Programme Director and the team
The Programme Director, Dr Susan Jarvis, and the Programme Co-ordinator, Dr
Tamsin Coombs are responsible for the smooth running of the MSc/Diploma
Programme in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare, and this includes
promotion and admission, co-ordination of teaching inputs, examinations, programme
evaluation and curriculum development. Dr Jarvis is charged with facilitating your
orientation and progression through the degree, from initial induction to transition into
the dissertation stage to successful completion. Dr Jarvis and Dr Coombs are also
available as a first line of pastoral support (see section 9). At the start of the year, Dr
Jarvis is usually designated as the supervisor for all students on the Programme;
when you progress to the dissertation stage, a new supervisor suitable for your
chosen dissertation topic will be allocated.
All year long, Mrs Willie van Wijde will help you with day to day issues and will refer
you to Dr Jarvis and Dr Coombs if necessary.
Course organisers are here to help on any specific issue to do with the content of
their course, and remember that at no point should they be involved in authorising
extensions for your assignments. Requests for extensions should be put directly to
Dr Jarvis.
Your Programme Director is Dr Susan Jarvis. Her office is at the Royal (Dick) School
of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS) (Easter Bush Campus), room 2.51. Her telephone
number is 0131-6517326 and her email address is: Susan.Jarvis@sruc.ac.uk.
Susan works part-time and flexible hours but will normally be available Mon – Fri,
9.30 – 2.30. Your Programme Co-ordinator is Dr Tamsin Coombs. She can be found
in room 2.59, her telephone number is 0131-6517396 and her email address is:
Tamsin.Coombs@sruc.ac.uk. Tamsin works part-time and flexible hours but will
normally be available on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (9.00-17.00). Your
Programme Administrator is Mrs Willie van Wijde and she can be found in room 2.37
in the R(D)SVS. Willie also works part-time and will normally be present on Monday,
Wednesday and Thursday. Her telephone number is 0131-6513914 and her email
address is: willie.van.wijde@ed.ac.uk. For an appointment with Susan, Tamsin or
Willie, please send us an email. One of us will aim to be in class every morning
before the start of the sessions during the taught element.
Finally, email addresses of all course organisers can be found on page 18 of this
document.
3
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Student Support Team
There is a team in place to look after your academic development and pastoral care.
This team consists of the following people:
* Senior Tutor: Dr Geoff Pearson (Geoff.pearson@ed.ac.uk) is your Senior Tutor.
.
* Personal Tutor (PT):
All taught students at Edinburgh University are assigned a Personal Tutor. Your
Personal Tutor is either your programme director, Susan Jarvis or your programme
co-ordinator, Tamsin Coombs Their role is to:
 help you to review your academic progress
 provide opportunities for you to reflect on how your learning can help you pursue
your future development
 foster in you a sense of belonging to a community of learners
Your Personal Tutor is available if you have any concerns or problems that might
affect your studies, for example when there are special circumstances affecting your
studies.
There will be two class meetings with the Personal Tutor. The Personal Tutor will
also invite you three times for a one-to-one meeting of approximately 15 minutes.
You are welcome to contact Susan, Tamsin or Willie if additional meetings are
required, either in person or by email. The team will reply to emails within a week
(but quite often within a day or two).
You are welcome to contact Professor Bernadette Dutia if you would like to request
to change your Personal Tutor.
* Student support officer (SSO): Willie van Wijde
 provide a point of contact for students in order to provide information in response
to routine queries
 maintain appropriate records and make sure that these are made available to
staff who need updates
 provide administrative student support
The SSO, the personal tutor and the senior tutor will collaborate to provide pastoral
care for students, referring students to central services and other specialist sources
of information and guidance as and when appropriate.
You are welcome to contact any member of the team at any time during the year.
Personal Tutoring information
Further information and resources (including FAQs) can be found at:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/institute-academicdevelopment/postgraduate/taught/apsupport/faq Please also see Annex 10.
2.2 Responsibilities of the students
 At all times, maintain your own personal details in EUCLID, accessed via your MyEd
‘Student Personal Details’ channel.
- Personal email address and mobile phone number
- Preferred first name (the name they like to be known as)
- Current and future home and semester addresses
- Details of who the University should contact in the event of an emergency
4
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
You also have access in EUCLID to basic Programme information and details of the
Additional Achievements that will appear on your Higher Education Achievement
Report (HEAR).
The user guide for student self-service is available at:
http://www.euclid.ed.ac.uk/student/Student_Self_Service.htm
 Email is the formal means of communication by the University with its students,
therefore you must access and manage your University email account regularly as
we will send you vital information, and failure to do so will not be an acceptable
excuse or grounds for appeal.
 It is your responsibility to take lecture notes and to print your hand-outs (each one of
you has been allocated a printing credit of £70 (for the full MSc), though hand-outs
may sometimes be provided at the start of the lecture. Be aware that some lecturers
prefer to give hand-outs after the lecture or they don’t provide them at all.
 Inform the Programme Director/Co-ordinator/Administrator about any change in your
circumstances – address, illness, etc. If you are ill and your work has been affected,
see a doctor and get a medical certificate. Medical certificates are required to
support requests for extensions and special circumstances (if appropriate).
 Check the examination timetable (http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/studentadministration/exams). Attend all your exams. If you are ill, see a doctor and get a
medical certificate.
 Hand in all assessments as all of it is compulsory (online submission via
Learn) (see part 6.5. for more details).
 Stick to the rules with respect to absence of studies (Annex 1).
 Anonymity – Anonymous marking is important and we encourage students to keep
all work anonymous, so do not add your name to any assignments/exams. If you
would like to get feedback after you have received your mark then please ensure
your exam number is covered up before showing an assignment to the marker. Also
please do not discuss content of your assignment with a marker prior to receiving
your mark.
 Social network sites – Please be very careful as to how you use social network
sites in relation to your own safety and also disclosing information about
Programme content and details of research. University policies apply:
Students must not post materials about their work and locations if doing so
would carry a risk to themselves and/or others, including the University as an
organisation (see section 5 University policies). Please read Annex 9 on Advice
on using Social Media Networks & Confidentiality of Information.
 Familiarise yourself with the rules and advice contained in this Handbook.
3. LEARN
This Programme Handbook – the main text as well as the annexes – will be available
on Learn. Learn is our main MSc site where information about timetable, handouts,
forms, assignments etcetera can be found. Any additional information that becomes
5
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
available after printing the Handbook, and any Amendments, will also be uploaded
on Learn (please see Annex 2 for more details about how to use Learn).
4. IMPORTANT DATES
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
August
14-18
21
23
25-30
2
4
7-18
11
15 – 19
22 – 26
29
(29 Febr) – 4
4
7 - 11
13
Freshers’ week
Start of teaching Block 1
End of teaching Block 1
Revision week
Start of teaching Block 2
End of teaching Block 2
Revision and exams
Start of teaching Block 3;
start of first 5 weeks of teaching of block 3
Revision and exam week
Revision and exam week
Start of teaching week 6
Teaching week 6
End of teaching Block 3
Assignments and presentation week
Hand in dissertations
* Note: dates for block 3 still to be confirmed with Susan and Tamsin
Specific dates for assignments and feedback will be given in paragraph 6.1 and in
the course assessment documents (on Learn and handed out on the first day of each
course). Please also see the detailed timetable (on Learn and handed out on the
induction day).
The University Academic Year can be found at http://www.ed.ac.uk/news/semesterdates/201516
Timetables detailing the time and venue of exams will become available nearer the
time at: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-administration/exams
(under examination timetable). We will also send you an email with detailed
information about dates / times / venues and other useful information about the
exams.
5. THE PROGRAMME AIM, STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
5.1. Aims of the programme
The aim of the programme is to provide you with a knowledge and understanding of
animal behaviour and welfare that can be applied effectively in science and in
practice.
We also aim to help you develop interpersonal and problem-solving skills, and we
give instruction in communication skills and computing.
6
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
5.2. Learning outcomes
-
Increased understanding and awareness of the application of scientific principles to
the study of animal behaviour and welfare.
Ability to apply this knowledge in research and practical context, and in any species.
Ability to utilise effective/modern methods for describing and analysing scientific
data.
Enhanced ability to interpret and communicate scientific results and information in
research and other forms of debate.
Sufficient understanding of applied animal behaviour and animal welfare to
undertake independent research or a PhD research programme in this field.
Knowledge to be able to apply a rigorous framework for assessing the welfare of
animals in captivity and in the natural environment.
The skills (dependent on practical experience) to be able to offer advice on applied
animal behaviour and animal welfare issues.
Capacity for considering philosophical debate relating to the use of animals by
humans.
Awareness of the global issues that have an impact upon animal welfare, including
economics and cultures.
5.3. Programme structure
The programme has two elements:
(1) The taught element (120 credits)
(2) The dissertation element (60 credits).
5.3.1. The taught element
The taught part consists of 5 compulsory courses, four courses of 20 credits and
one course of 40 credits. Courses 1, 2, 3 and most of course 4 are taught in block 1
and 2 (September/December) and a small part of course 4 and course 5 are taught in
block 3 (January/February/March). The examinations take place in December and
February/March (see section 4. Important dates). If any changes are made to the
timetable, you will always be informed.
The courses are (See section 5.4. for a description):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Introduction to Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Biology of Suffering
Animal Cognition and Consciousness
Scientific Methodology
Animal Welfare Applications
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
40 credits
You will be expected to spend a large proportion of time in “out of class” study. Skills
in computing and statistics are required in order to successfully complete the
programme. Whilst these skills are taught in Course 4, a basic knowledge is
assumed. If you have not received basic training in computing you should inform the
Programme Director of this at the start of the programme.
Each of the courses contains a mix of formal lectures, seminars, group workshops,
practicals and/or visits. You are expected to prepare for each session by reading
7
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
recommended texts and/or papers. The course lecturers are encouraged to make
use of interactive teaching methods, and you will be expected to discuss your own
ideas, as well as those of other scientists working in the relevant field. Independent
study is encouraged during courses through problem-based learning initiatives, and
you are expected to work in groups as well as alone.
5.3.2. The dissertation element
During the dissertation element of the MSc programme, you will have the opportunity
to further develop your scientific skills and utilise scientific theory, in a less structured
environment. The supervisor plays an important role during this time and it is
important that you understand your rights and responsibilities during the project stage
(see the Code of Practice for Taught Postgraduate Students (see Introduction for
web address); see also information on Learn).
The dissertation consists of a short literature review (1000 words) and an
experimental paper (between 6,000 and 7,000 words), both written in the style of
Applied Animal Behaviour Science (for dissertation guidelines see Learn).
The research project is planned in consultation with Dr Susan Jarvis or Dr
Tamsin Coombs and the project supervisor. The project is carried out over the
spring/summer months (March – August), and a list will be made available in week 1
of block 1. In choosing your projects, you are expected to work within an established
research group. If you choose to design your own project, you must in any event
ensure that the work is done with a supervisor who is recognised by the University.
For all projects an outline proposal (P1 form, see Learn) prepared in consultation with
the project supervisor must be presented to the Programme Director by the 26th of
January 2016 (note: date to confirmed with Susan/Tamsin), together with the relevant Health
and Safety forms (please also see 11.3 and Learn). Finally, during the revision and
presentation week in March (note: date to be confirmed with Susan/Tamsin) you will be asked
to do a 10 min presentation (which includes time for questions from the audience) of
your proposal in front of your peers and members of the teaching committee. You are
encouraged to start your dissertation as soon as the March assessments are over
(some projects have specific start dates). However, please note this will mean that
you are starting your projects prior to your taught marks being ratified by the
Exam Board. Because of this, there is a possibility that if you do not achieve
sufficient marks to progress to the MSc you will be considered for a Diploma. Despite
this possibility, you are encouraged to start as soon as possible after your March
assessments in order to maximise the amount of time for your project.
You are to conduct your project according to your proposals; it is of course
understood that unforeseeable events may happen. If major changes are envisaged,
please inform the Programme Director.
To help you towards the cost of your research projects, you are allowed to claim back
expenses up to £450 which can be spent on travel, visas, vaccinations, research
costs, etc. Conferences and books are generally not eligible for reimbursement.
If visas and/or vaccinations are required you MUST show evidence to Susan, Tamsin
or Willie that you have gained these. You will not be allowed to travel until these
have been seen.
In addition the Programme will also cover travel insurance for everyone and medical
insurance (for those travelling outside the UK). For insurance purposes and also
8
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
for Student Administration we need to know when you are not based in
Edinburgh.
Information about how to claim back expenses will be given you to at the start of the
programme.
For more details on study away from Edinburgh, please see the Code of Practice for
Taught Postgraduate Programmes. Finally, all students are asked to fill in the
relevant Health and Safety forms and hand in with their P1 form (see above). –
see Learn.
5.4. Programme Content
Please find below a short description of each course and, when specified, the
knowledge we assume you have. There is also in on Learn a reading list.
1. Introduction to Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
This course will demonstrate how the study of behaviour can be applied to animal
welfare. The course will also provide an understanding of the application of behaviour
to common practical problems. The second part of this course will give the basis of
current issues relating to animal welfare. The development of UK/EU animal welfare
legislation will be put in a global context. Animal welfare will be discussed from an
economics perspective and in the context of global trade issues. Emerging issues will
also be tackled.
Course leader: Prof. Alistair Lawrence; Dr Simon Turner;
http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/15-16/dpt/cxawab11014.htm
2. Biology of Suffering
The importance of an understanding of the principles of endocrinology and
neuroscience will be highlighted in relation to behaviour. Students will be made
aware of the impact of genes, genetics and breeding on behaviour expression. In
addition an understanding of how the environment, as well as experience may affect
behavioural biology will be discussed, so that an understanding of how different
biological factors integrate to produce behaviour is formed. Then students will learn
what is meant by stress and the relationship between stress and animal welfare.
Attention will be given to physiological and behavioural responses to a range of
stressors, pain in particular. The course will discuss the scientific measurement of
these responses and how they can be used in animal welfare assessment.
Assumed knowledge before module starts:
Basic principles of endocrinology: Major endocrine organs, Types of hormones and
biological action, Hormone receptors and function, Basics of hormonal release and
regulation. (Introduction to Behavioural Endocrinology, Chapters 1 & 2. Nelson
(2005), 3rd Edition. Sinauer Associates Inc.; Applied Animal Endocrinology, Chapter
1. Squires (2003). CABI Publishing).
Basics principles of neural organisation: Basic neurophysiology, Nerve impulses,
synapses and neurotransmitters, Motor systems, Basic brain and neural anatomy.
(Simmons & Young (1999) Nerve cells and animal behaviour (2nd Edition).
Cambridge University Press; Chapter 2. Scott (2005) Essential Animal Behaviour.
Blackwell Publishing).
Course leaders: Prof. Cathy Dwyer, Dr Kenny Rutherford;
http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/15-16/dpt/cxawab11015.htm
9
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
3. Animal Cognition and Consciousness
Motivation, learning and cognition are all fields that provide an underpinning to the
study of animal behaviour and animal welfare. The students will be presented with
the scientific basis of these areas, with particular reference to animal welfare. This
course will also focus on historical and current interpretations of the concept of
animal consciousness as well as on experimental approaches to the study of animal
consciousness. Implications of the study of animal consciousness for models of
animal welfare will be studied as well as basic principles of the moral evaluation of
animal use.
Course leader: Dr Marie Haskell and Dr Françoise Wemelsfelder;
http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/15-16/dpt/cxawab11016.htm
4. Scientific Methodology
Topics include: scientific methodology, experimentation, use of Minitab, data
summary and distribution and both parametric and non-parametric statistical
methods. At the end of this course, students will be able to apply scientific and
statistical methods to actual research projects. Students will also be able to discuss
reasonably complex statistical issues with a statistician. Attention will also be given to
communication skills (oral and written).
Course leaders: Dr Rick D’Eath and Dr Susan Jarvis;
http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/15-16/dpt/cxawab11034.htm
5 Animal Welfare Applications
This course will bring together all of the fundamental knowledge gained in courses so
far and will apply this knowledge to real issues affecting the welfare of animals kept
for various purposes. Themes will cover the welfare of animals from conception
through to death, including the influence of the environment, husbandry practices,
veterinary or other procedures, breeding and euthanasia across farm, zoo,
companion, laboratory and wild animals. We will consider the moral and ethical
aspects of keeping animals for differing uses and discuss where animal welfare
issues may arise, their potential impact and possible solutions. The knowledge
gained in scientific methodology will also be applied to develop skills in how to
assess welfare in real life situations and to consider ethical implications of animal use
in society.
Module leaders: Dr Fritha Langford, Dr Matt Leach and Rob Thomas;
http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/15-16/dpt/cxawab11032.htm
5.5. Additional Programme Fees
When registering, you have been asked to pay an extra £900 on top of your tuition
fees. This money is used to pay for visits, research expenses (see point 5.3.2),
insurance, printing credits and any miscellaneous costs related to the proper running
of the MSc.
10
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
6. ASSIGNMENTS AND EXAMS, DATES AND FEEDBACK
6.1. Assignments and Exams, Dates and Feedback
For more details about the marking scheme, please refer to Annex 12 and for details
on exam regulations see Annex 3.
Dates/deadlines and feedback dates for summative assignments for the courses
for the taught part of the programme are as follows:
Course
Assignment/Exam
Date/deadline
Date Feedback
Introduction to
Applied Animal
Behaviour and Animal
Welfare
Biology of Suffering
o
o
o
Zoo project - oral
Zoo project - written
Report
11 Dec tbc
11 Jan
7 Dec
15 Jan
1 Febr
11 Jan
o
o
o
o
Pain assessment
Research proposal
Exam
Clinical Behaviour
essay
Consciousness
essay
Exam
2 Nov
7 Dec
15 Dec
11 Jan
23 Nov
11 Jan
tbc
1 Febr
10 Dec
15 Jan
17 Dec
tbc
Oral presentation of
dissertation project
Exam
Write Editorial
Mid-March tbc;
Early April tbc
Feb tbc
23 Nov
tbc
14/12
Market assessment
Ethical Approval
Poster and
presentation
22 Feb
11 March
12 Feb and 26
Feb
14 March
4 April
Animal Cognition and
Consciousness
o
o
o
Scientific
Methodology
o
o
Animal Welfare
Applications
o
o
o
21 March
Tbc = to be confirmed
Please also see details for summative and formative assessments for each course,
including dates, on Learn. Please also see the Taught Assessment Regulations, the
Code of Practice for Taught Postgraduate Programmes and the University
Regulations for detailed information about assessment regulations, borderlines,
appeals and academic misconduct; excerpts of some rules and regulations have
been added in Annex 4.
6.1.1. The taught element
The marking is carried out anonymously. All marks reported prior to the meeting
of the Board of Examiners are provisional until ratified by the Board. Full
transcripts of all the marks (including the dissertation mark) are issued by Student
Administration following the second meeting of the Board of Examiners in
September/October only if you register to the graduation ceremony.
11
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
For each assignment, the programme director will give you the guidelines for the
work requested (number of words, layout, etc.) during week 1 of teaching. For advice
on writing essays see Learn. Hand-in dates must be strictly adhered to and penalties
are imposed for late submission (see section 6.1.2.). Only your exam number
should appear on assignments (for anonymous marking).
There will also be two exam sessions (December and February/March). To prepare
for exams please read the advice given on Learn.
Marks and feedback (oral and/or written) are to be expected 15 days after the
hand in date except for those assignment/exams in December where the
expected time will be a bit longer.check
The final mark for each course is calculated according to the weight of assignment
and/or exam (this varies for each course (see Learn for more details)).
6.1.2. Late submission of assignments
Submission dates for assignments must be strictly adhered to and the following
penalties are imposed for late submission:



Up to 24h late – The mark will be reduced by 5 points.
Any subsequent day (up to 5 days) will also induce a loss of an additional 5
points per day.
More than 5 days late – a 0 will be awarded for the assessment.
These penalties do not apply to students who have informed the Programme Director
of difficulties prior to the deadline and have received permission to submit late.
6.1.3. Examination of dissertation
The dissertation will be marked by 2 examiners (one of whom will be the student's
direct supervisor), and may also be marked by a third examiner and the External
Examiner. The marking sheets used are presented on Learn. Once all dissertations
are marked, the Board of Examiners meets and makes the recommendations for the
degree award.
If a dissertation is judged by the examiners to be of less than satisfactory level then
the candidate may be awarded the Diploma at the discretion of the Board of
Examiners.
6.1.4. Late submission of dissertation
If you, for reasons of ill health or other circumstances beyond your control, anticipate
that you will be unable to submit the dissertation by the required date, you must
report this to the Programme Director at the first possible opportunity, giving full
details of the reasons and providing supporting written evidence (including a letter
from the supervisor). If the reasons are considered to be sufficient for an application
to the College Postgraduate Studies Committee for an extension of time, then this
application will be made on your behalf. However, there is a limited time frame in
which to submit if you wish to graduate in the same year. Anyone continuing study
beyond the period for which annual fees are payable, is required to pay an annual
matriculation fee until the date of submission.
12
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
If no prior arrangement has been made with the Programme Director, the same
penalties as for the assignments will be applied.
6.2. Progression to the dissertation
Progression to the dissertation element of the MSc programme depends upon
 Achieving 120 credits, with a minimum mark of 50% for at least 80 credits,
 A final average mark for the taught element of the programme of 50% or above.
 All courses must be passed at 40% or above
Please note there are no re-sit examinations at postgraduate level for this
programme.
6.3. Award of degree
6.3.1 Requirements for award of MSc
In order to be awarded an MSc, candidates must obtain 180 credits:
 120 credits from the taught element of the programme with (1) an average
minimum mark of 50%, (2) a minimum mark of 50% for at least 80 credits and (3)
all courses must be passed at 40%.
 60 credits from the dissertation with a minimum mark of 50%.
Failing to do so, students may be awarded a Diploma as per Edinburgh University
regulations.
Candidates who have been permitted to progress to the dissertation and fail to obtain
a 50% mark for it will be considered for a Diploma.
6.3.2 Requirements for award of Diploma
In order to be awarded a Diploma, candidates must obtain 120 credits
 120 credits from the taught element of the programme with (1) an average
minimum mark of 40%, (2) a minimum mark of 40% for at least 80 credits
6.4. Award of MSc with Merit; award of MSc with distinction
Taught postgraduate degrees may be awarded with merit. To achieve an award with
merit, a student must be awarded at least 60% on the University’s Postgraduate
Common Marking Scheme for the dissertation, if the programme has a dissertation
element, and must achieve an average of at least 60% for the taught element.
Taught postgraduate degrees may be awarded with distinction. To achieve a
distinction, a student must be awarded at least 70% on the University’s Postgraduate
Common Marking Scheme for the dissertation, if the programme has a dissertation
element, and must achieve an average of at least 70% for the taught element.
Borderlines, for both the dissertation and taught element, are considered for both
merits and distinction by the Exam Board.
6.5. Academic Misconduct / Plagiarism
The University’s degrees and other academic awards are given in recognition of the
candidate’s personal achievement. Plagiarism (is the act of including in one’s
work the work of another person without providing adequate acknowledgement
13
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
of having done so, either deliberately or unintentionally) is academically
fraudulent and an offence against University discipline.
When assignments and the dissertation are submitted through Learn, they are also
assessed by Turnitin (a plagiarism detection software programme). Your Turnitin
originality report for your first assignment will be made available to you so you can
see how Turnitin works. For all other assignments and for the dissertation any
detection of plagiarism will have to be reported to the college.
Plagiarism, at whatever stage of a candidate’s degree, whether discovered before or
after graduation, will be investigated and dealt with appropriately by the University.
Any failure to adequately acknowledge or properly reference other sources in
submitted work could lead to lower marks and to disciplinary action being taken.
Guidance for avoiding plagiarism, together with the University's policy on plagiarism
and the regulations covering cases of suspected plagiarism, are available on the
University web site at:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/academic-services/students/postgraduatetaught/discipline/plagiarism
Please also read what is mentioned about plagiarism in the Guidelines for MSc
Supervisors & Students (see Learn) carefully and please read Annex 4.
At the start of the year an ‘Own Work Declaration’ (plagiarism form) (see Learn)
MUST be handed in for all assignments and for the dissertation.
6.6. Complaints
For information about the University Complaints Policy, please see :
http://www.ed.ac.uk/university-secretary-group/complaint-handlingprocedure/procedure
6.7. Appeals
Your rights in relation to appeals are set out in the Code of Practice for Taught
Postgraduate Programmes. Further guidance and information about the appeals
procedure can be found in Annex 4 and at Academic Services website http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/academic-services/students/postgraduatetaught/academic-appeals
6.8. Illness
You are required to inform the Programme Director, Co-ordinator or Administrator, at
the earliest possible opportunity, when you are suffering from any illness likely to
affect your academic performance (see Annex 1). If you are unable to complete any
part of the programme, any assessment or any examination due to illness, accident
or any other reason beyond your control, you are required to submit a correctly
dated doctor’s certificate/letter (or equivalent) verifying the reason for non-attendance
or non-submission. This information may then be brought to the attention of the
Special Circumstances Committee meeting (please also see the next paragraph).
14
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
6.9. Special circumstances
If your performance has been affected due to illness or any other circumstances, you
should send a request to be considered for special circumstances. This request
should describe the circumstances, stating dates, and any evidence (doctor’s notes
or any other paperwork) should be included.
Meetings to discuss Special Circumstances take place prior to each Exam Board,
therefore requests should be sent to the Programme Director as soon as possible but
not later than beginning of March for the taught part and the middle of August for the
dissertation part (specific dates will be given) Please see Annex 11.
6.10. Interruption and extension of studies
An interruption or an extension of study is possible where a student is unable to
study for a significant period of time due to circumstances that are largely beyond
their own control. Please note that the University will not accept retrospective
interruptions of studies, and in all circumstances you need to inform the Programme
Director that you are facing difficulties.
Please see the University of Edinburgh Degree Regulations & Programmes of Study
6.11. Student Disability Service
If you suffer from any disability affecting performance in examination, assignment or
dissertation (e.g. dyslexia) you should register with the Student Disability Service
(see 11.5) at the start of the programme who will inform the Programme Director.
This information will only be available to members of Staff directly involved in the
Programme.
6.12 Dignity and Respect
The University is currently developing a framework on Dignity and Respect – please
see http://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity/innovation-development/dignity-respect
7. THE DIFFERENT COMMITTEES: DESCRIPTION AND ROLES
7.1 Board of Examiners
The Board is made up of a Convenor (Dr Darren Shaw), the External Examiner (Prof.
Xavier Manteca), the Programme Director, the Programme Co-ordinator, a School
Regulations expert and most members of the Teaching Committee, with the
Programme Administrator in attendance. The Board meets twice during the academic
year to:
a)
Determine progression to the dissertation element. This meeting takes place
after the second examinations and after the External Examiner has scrutinised the
exam scripts and assignments. The Board will consider performance during the
taught part of the programme, External Examiner’s comments, and any other
relevant matters brought to its attention that may assist in coming to a decision.
Following the Board’s deliberations the final summary sheet of results is prepared
15
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
and agreed by the Board, and notification of recommendation for award of Diploma
or progression to MSc dissertation is given to the students (March/April).
b)
Determine final degree classifications, after the dissertations have been
examined and having taken into account all available relevant information
(September/ October).
The conclusions of the Board are fully minuted and the results sheet agreed and
signed by the Convenor of the Board and the External Examiner.
7.2. Name and role of External Examiner
Our External Examiner is Professor X. Manteca of the Department of Animal and
Food Science at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the Universitat Autònoma de
Barcelona (UAB) Spain. The External Examiner is appointed, usually for a period of
5 years, to ensure that the high standards of the programme are maintained. For
further information: see the Postgraduate Assessment Regulations. Students should
NOT contact the External Examiner directly.
External Examiners for Taught Programmes Policy:
http://www.docs.sasg.ed.ac.uk/AcademicServices/Policies/External_Examiners_Tau
ght.pdf
Handbook for External Examiners of Taught Programmes:
http://www.docs.sasg.ed.ac.uk/AcademicServices/Guidance/External_Examiner_Han
dbook.pdf
7.3. Teaching Committee
All course organisers and principal lecturers on the programme form the Teaching
Committee. This Committee meets twice a year to consider the programme content
and all other matters relating to teaching and running of the programme. The
Teaching Committee is chaired by the Programme Director.
7.4. R(D)SVS Postgraduate Staff/Student Liaison Committee
This Committee meets at least once a year (more often if necessary) to discuss
matters of concern to all postgraduate students and staff of the R(D)SVS. Each MSc
degree nominates 1 or 2 student representatives to join the Committee. The
Committee is chaired by Dr Darren Shaw.
7.5. MSc AABAW Postgraduate Staff/Student Liaison Committee
This Committee is made up of MSc students, the Programme Director, the Convenor
of the Exam Board, the teaching committee, and an Independent Advisor (IA),
Professor Bernadette Dutia, (external to the MSc); the students should outnumber
the lecturers. This Committee meet mid January and will review the whole
programme; students set up the agenda, chair and minute this meeting. At the end of
the meeting, students will be given an opportunity to raise issues with respect to the
MSc in a confidential set-up with the IA after all other attendants have left. The IA will
follow up any raised issues directly with the MSc Programme Director or with suitable
member of staff within the School Post Grad Studies Committee. Minutes of this
meeting and action taken will be passed on to the following cohort of students.
16
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
8. MAIN RESEARCH INSTITUTES AND CORE STAFF
The programme is offered by members of staff of the University of Edinburgh, SRUC
(Scotland’s Rural College), the University of Newcastle and of the Royal Zoological
Society of Scotland. Guest lecturers contribute on a regular basis and come from the
RSPCA, Humane Slaughter Association, University of Glasgow, University of
Aberdeen, INRA, Paris, British Association for Shooting and Conservation and the
University of Copenhagen.
8.1. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583 by the Town Council of Edinburgh
and is the youngest of the four ancient universities of Scotland. In 1790 Edinburgh
established the first Chair in Agriculture in the English-speaking world. The University
has expanded to become one of the largest universities in Britain, with a worldwide
reputation for excellence in research and teaching in a very wide range of traditional,
high-tech and professional disciplines. Today the University has 3 Colleges with
6,670 staff and 20,293 undergraduate and postgraduate students, and maintains its
long tradition of educating students from overseas. Famous former students include
Charles Darwin, Peter Mark Roget (Roget’s Thesaurus), Arthur Conan Doyle, Walter
Scott, and Julius Nyerere.
The University of Edinburgh is based on 3 Colleges containing a total of 21 schools.
One of the Colleges is the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. This College
has four schools, one of which is the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies where
the MSc is hosted.
8.2. The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies / Jeanne Marchig
International Centre for Animal Welfare Education
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is the continuation within the
University of the Edinburgh Veterinary School founded by William Dick in 1823,
under the auspices of the Highland Society. The School of Veterinary Studies has an
international reputation for its research, teaching and clinical services. It is based at
the Easter Bush Veterinary Centre (EBVC), which is 10 km south of Edinburgh city
centre.
The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education was opened
at the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in May
2011. Integrated within the R(D)SVS the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for
Animal Welfare Education (JMICAWE), is a venture with ambitious objectives
committed to improving the health and welfare of animals through education, training
and research and by influencing policy at the highest level. Please see Annex 8 for
more detailed information about the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for
Animal Welfare Education.
8.3. SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College)
Scotland's Rural College delivers comprehensive skills, education and business
support for Scotland’s land-based industries, founded on world class and sectorleading research, education and consultancy. SRUC has been formed by the merger
of Barony, Elmwood and Oatridge College and SAC, the Scottish Agricultural
College.
17
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
The College undertakes applied research and development work, tertiary education
at technological and science levels, and consultancy work in the agriculture and
allied industries. It has special interest in animal welfare matters and the relationship
between animal behaviour and welfare.
The main research themes of the Animal Behaviour and Welfare team are
understanding behavioural development in animals and the development of
scientifically valid, practical and reliable methods of welfare assessment.
The team has close links with academic and industrial collaborators and can access
a range of farm systems operated by SRUC which are equipped for behavioural and
welfare studies, including a purpose built pig unit.
Current areas of interest include:
 Improving adaptation of animals to the production environment through improved
understanding of behavioural development
 Maternal behaviour and neonatal mortality in sheep and pigs
 Development of temperament using pigs as a model species
 Genetics of aggression in animals (focusing on pigs and beef cattle)
 Adaptation of dairy cows to diverse production environments
 Development of science based and practical approaches to welfare assessment
 Scientific validation of developing methodology
 Evaluation of qualitative assessment as a practical tool for on-farm welfare
surveillance and as a participatory approach to on-farm welfare management
 Evaluating relationships between different scientific measures of welfare
(qualitative and quantitative)
 Welfare of dairy cows in organic and non-organic production system
8.4. Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
Established in 1909, by an Edinburgh lawyer Thomas Gillespie, the Royal Zoological
Society of Scotland has been working to promote the awareness and conservation of
rare and endangered animals for over 100 years.
In its original charter, granted in 1913, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland had
the principle objective 'To promote, facilitate and encourage the study of zoology and
kindred subjects and to foster and develop amongst the people with an interest in
and knowledge of animal life.'
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has continued to uphold the principle
through our work in education, conservation and research.
RZSS operates Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park and supports a
number of research and conservation projects here in the UK and around the world.
8.5. Core staff of MSc
Dr Susan Jarvis
Dr Tamsin Coombs
Mrs Willie van Wijde
Heather Bacon
Programme Director
susan.jarvis@sruc.ac.uk
Programme Co-ordinator
tamsin.coombs@sruc.ac.uk
Programme Administrator
Willie.van.wijde@ed.ac.uk
Veterinary Welfare Education and Outreach
Manager
Heather.bacon@ed.ac.uk
18
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Dr Rick D'Eath
Prof Cathy Dwyer
Ms Anne Gallagher
Dr Marie Haskell
Dr Fritha Langford
Prof. Alistair Lawrence
Dr Matt Leach
Dr Kenny Rutherford
Rob Thomas
Dr Simon Turner
Prof Natalie Waran
Dr Francoise Wemelsfelder
Animal Welfare Researcher
rick.death@sruc.ac.uk
Animal Welfare Researcher
cathy.dwyer@sruc.ac.uk
Pet Behaviourist and Trainer
anne.animaled@talk21.com
Animal Welfare Researcher
marie.haskell@sruc.ac.uk
Animal Welfare Researcher
fritha.langford@sruc.ac.uk
Lecturer in Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Alistair.Lawrence@sruc.ac.uk
Research Scientist (Laboratory Animal Welfare)
Matthew.Leach@newcastle.ac.uk
Animal Welfare Researcher
kenny.rutherford@sruc.ac.uk
Conservation and Research
rthomas5@staffmail.ed.ac.uk
Animal Welfare Researcher
simon.turner@sruc.ac.uk
Professor of Animal Welfare, Director of the Jeanne
Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare
Education
Natalie.waran@ed.ac.uk
Animal Welfare Researcher
francoise.wemelsfelder@sruc.ac.uk
9. PASTORAL SUPPORT and University Support Services
The Programme Director, Programme Co-ordinator and Programme Administrator
are available as a first line of pastoral support and advice for any academic or
personal issues which may arise whilst you are on the Programme. It is your
responsibility to inform the Programme Director immediately of any problems that
are interfering with your assessment or progress through the Programme, including
any religious or medical requirements that might affect your participation in any
aspect of the Programme.
The Programme Director will, if necessary, inform you of potential concerns she has
about your progress. All options will be discussed, and support given to help you to
overcome any difficulties. Anyone who is not able to contact the Programme Director,
or does not feel (s)he wishes to contact the Programme Director, is free to approach
the School Postgraduate Director (or Head of Graduate School), or, if appropriate,
the chair of the R(D)SVS staff-student liaison committee. Below are a few of the
University of Edinburgh support services we may refer you to or you may wish to
consider approaching.
Please also see for further information about all kinds of student services available
for you: : http://www.ed.ac.uk/staff-students/students/student-services

Student Counselling Service
The Student Counselling Service is open Monday to Friday 9 am to 4.45 pm (closed
for staff meetings on Wednesday 9-10:30). Qualified counsellors are available to
19
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
help students with personal problems which may or may not be related to their
studies.
An experienced University of Edinburgh Student Counsellor is now based at Easter
Bush on specific days. If you would like to meet with a counsellor at Easter Bush, you
can contact the Student Counselling Service (see below). Further information about
SCS is available on their webpage http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/studentcounselling
Student Counselling Service
3rd Floor, Main Library, 30 George Square
Tel: 0131 650 4170
Email: Student.Counselling@ed.ac.uk

Institute for Academic Development (IAD)
The Institute for Academic Development (IAD) provides a number of workshops and
resources for University of Edinburgh postgraduate taught students, to help you gain
the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for studying at postgraduate level.
The workshops are free of charge to students and are organised by the IAD or in
conjunction with the Schools and Colleges. Please see Annex 7 for further
information.
 The Chaplaincy Centre
The Chaplaincy Centre offers pastoral care and support to all students irrespective of
religious allegiance. The University’s ethnic and culture diversity reflects that of the
city itself and there is the opportunity to meet socially or worship together. The
Chaplain, Rev Dr Harriet Harris is assisted by Rev Ali Newell (Associate Chaplain),
and a team of Honorary Chaplains representing most major religions.
Chaplaincy Centre
1 Bristo Square
Edinburgh
EH8 9AL
Tel: 0131 650 2595
Email: chaplaincy@ed.ac.uk; website: http://www.chaplaincy.ed.ac.uk/
 Nightline
Nightline is an independent service run by students. The telephone line is open all
night from 8pm to 8am, and you can telephone simply to talk to someone who is
willing to listen, on an anonymous and confidential basis.
The Pleasance Courtyard,
Phone 0131 557 4444.
Website: http://www.ednightline.com
 English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC)
In-session English language support is provided free under the University’s English
Language Testing and Tuition (ELTT) programme.
Further information about ELTC services can be found on the ELTC website:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/english-language-teaching
Telephone: 44 (0) 131 650 6200
Email: eltcinfo@ed.ac.uk
Please see Learn for more information.

EUSA (Edinburgh University Students Association
20
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
You may also turn for advice on a variety of matters to the Students' Association at
Bristo Square, please see http://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/
The Advice Place
The Advice Place, run by Edinburgh University Students Association, operates a
drop-in centre where you can drop in to pick up or look through useful leaflets, or to
enquire about housing or financial matters. They also hold information about
alternative advice services and specialised advice/counselling services in the city. If
you have a problem (big or small) or need any information, just call in.
website: http://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/advice/
The advice place has three locations:
Central Area Bristo Square (Student Centre) Tel: 650 9225
Holyrood Campus Patersons Land (Lower ground floor) Moray House Tel: 651 6060
Kings Buildings Campus KB House (ground floor) Tel: 650 5822
Peer Proofreading
Powered by student volunteers, EUSA’s Peer Proofreading provides free writing
support for non-native English speaking students and those registered with disability
service as dyslexic.
www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/proofreading
Tandem
Launched in Edinburgh in 2007, Tandem is a popular language exchange
programme run by EUSA. All students are welcome! Tandem is designed to help you
meet people and learn languages in a fun, relaxed, social environment without tutors,
exams or lectures. Tandem can be accessed remotely online through Skype, and
also includes many face-to-face events, from a weekly Language Café, to monthly
speed language matching.
Students create a profile on the Tandem Partner Database, and can then connect
with thousands of other language partners, who may be on-campus, or elsewhere.
For more details about Tandem, check out tandem.eusa.ed.ac.uk
21
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Class Reps
Class Reps are the link between students and staff at course and departmental level.
They play a crucial role in ensuring the University listens to, and learns from,
students’ academic experiences so that the quality of teaching can be continually
monitored and improved.
In the first or second week of teaching, your course organiser will ask for volunteers
to take on the role of class rep, giving details of the number of class rep positions
available, and the way in which you can put your name forward.
Class Reps are asked to find out any issues coming from their peers and feed them
back to the teaching team. This can be done through a variety of methods (emails,
forums etc.) and Class Reps should discuss with their peers and course organiser
the most effective ways of gathering and feeding back opinion. Being a class rep
should be a very rewarding experience for students, with plenty of scope to gain and
develop a whole host of skills.
Further information about the class rep system, including a role description and
details of training and support offered to class reps, can be found here:
http://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/getinvolved/yourvoice/classreps/
Email: class.reps@eusa.ed.ac.uk

Careers Service
Our postgraduates have long been highly regarded by employers from industry and
commerce, as well as the public sector. Our award-winning Careers Service offers
information, advice, guidance and job-seeking support for postgraduates in any year
of study. More information can be found at http://www.ed.ac.uk/schoolsdepartments/careers
Other sources of specialist academic and pastoral support are listed in the Code of
Practice for Taught Postgraduate Programmes. If you are unsure of where to turn
then please ask the Programme Director, Co-ordinator or Administrator.
10. FACILITIES
10.1. Library facilities
In addition to the main University Library in George Square (see Annex 15 for a
map), which has a wide range of literature on the behavioural sciences, other useful
libraries are: the Easter Bush Campus Library or the Sotland’s Rural College library
(at Scotland’s Rural College at Kings Buildings). Opening times during term time of
the SRUC library are: Monday -Thursday from 08.45-21.00, Fri from 08.45-17.00 and
Sat and Sun from 10.00-17.00. For more information and also an overview of all
University libraries and opening times, please see http://www.ed.ac.uk/schoolsdepartments/information-services/library-museum-gallery/using-libraries. (The library
at Easter Bush is called ‘the lady Smith of Kelvin Veterinary Library). If you are new
to the library or want to refresh your memory on the library services and how to use
them, have a look at the website above which has useful information. You will receive
a Library Guide and have an induction in the beginning of term. This will give you
detailed useful information about all University Libraries (addresses, opening hours,
22
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
rules and regulations, etc). If you have questions or have problems you can always
contact the service desk staff. The Liaison Librarian for Veterinary Medicine is Ms
Fiona Brown (F.Brown@ed.ac.uk);
10.2. Computing Facilities
A computing teaching laboratory is available for all students (undergraduate and
postgraduate) at Easter Bush. More computer laboratories are available in town
(Annex 6) some open 24h 7 days a week.
You will get more information and a demonstration on your induction day at Easter
Bush.
On registration you will be given a username and a password, as well as the
University computer regulations. Please also see http://www.ed.ac.uk/schoolsdepartments/information-services/about/policies-and-regulations/computingregulations
See Annex 6 for information on where to get computer help.
More information on computing regulations in the University can be found at:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/information-services/home (see policies
and regulations).
10.3. Telephone/faxes/postage
Please see the Programme Administrator if telephone/fax facilities are required. Mail
sent to you at Easter Bush must be addressed to: (Your name), MSc Applied Animal
Behaviour and Animal Welfare, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter
Bush Veterinary Campus, Roslin EH25 9RG.
10.4. Meals/coffee breaks
Meals (lunches/sandwiches/snacks) are available at the canteen at the Easter Bush
Campus. The canteen – called ‘The View’ - is open from 07.45 to 16.30. During
semester time the opening time is extended to 20.00, serving a limited range of
drinks and snacks. You are allowed to use the canteen to eat your packed lunch. No
food/drinks are allowed in the lecture rooms.
10.5. Parking space
When parking at Easter Bush a parking permit is required. You can apply online for a
parking permit. See the information about Parking in your Welcome Pack.
11. HEALTH AND SAFETY
11.1. University Health Centre
Any student who is staying in Edinburgh for more than 3 months should register with
a doctor (General Practitioner (GP)).The University Health Service is available to all
University students and is situated at the Richard Verney Building, 6 Bristo Square.
For those of you unfamiliar with the UK medical services, the National Health Service
23
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
(NHS) provides medical care free of charge to anyone resident in the UK. Therefore
you can see a GP and receive most medication free of charge. A GP can refer you to
a Consultant doctor if specialist treatment is required. You are also able to attend
Accident and Emergency in a Hospital (if required) and there is no charge for
treatment received.
You may also turn for advice on a variety of matters to the Students' Association at
Bristo Square, please see http://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/
11.2. Insurance
For insurance purposes you are strongly advised to contact the Programme Director
as soon as possible if you are going abroad for your dissertation project, so that
personal and travel insurance can be arranged. If you are staying in the UK you are
also asked to contact the Programme Director to discuss appropriate insurance
arrangements.
11.3. Safety Procedures
For emergency service, dial 2222 on any internal telephone. Please read the fire
safety notices in lecture theatres and note the fire safety points, and note further
advice on health and safety in the Code of Practice for Taught Postgraduate
Programmes.
More information on health and safety in the University can be found at:
www.safety.ed.ac.uk
You are responsible for your own safety when doing your research project and
working with animals. A general Health and Safety form, a form for those who
do their projects in the UK; a form for those who do their projects outside the
UK, and a lone worker form can be found on Learn. Please also see paragraph
5.3.2. All animals, even when domesticated, are potentially dangerous and you must
take all reasonable measures to protect yourself and must ensure that you have
been appropriately vaccinated. The Student Health Service will give advice on
relevant vaccinations and will also administer the injections, some of which are free.
Vaccinations may also be necessary when travelling overseas on dissertation project
work. These should be organised well in advance of the required date as some
vaccinations require a booster several weeks after the initial injection.
11.4. Smoking
There is a no smoking policy at the Easter Bush Campus as in all other University
buildings.
11.5 Disabled Students
Please note, if you have a disability that may affect your studies the University of
Edinburgh Student Disability Service can offer support to students with a wide range
of impairments and difficulties, including dyslexia, autism, sensory impairments,
mobility impairments, mental health problems and medical conditions like asthma
and diabetes. The Student Disability Service can assess your requirements and
request adjustments and support you may need or negotiate specific assessment
and exam arrangements. Assistance can only be offered if you have declared a
condition or disability on your application form or have contacted the Student
Disability Service at
24
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
- Third Floor
- Main Library Building
- George Square, Edinburgh,
tel: 0131 650 6828
e-mail: disability.service@ed.ac.uk
Website: www.ed.ac.uk/student-disability-service
12. INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS HOLDING A TIER 4 VISA
 Contact points:
Changes with UK Border Agency mean that the University is responsible for the
‘attendance monitoring’ of students holding a Tier 4 Visa. The following 10
consecutive contact points are required:
with the programme team:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Induction Day – confirmation of attendance
Assessment hand-in 1st semester
Assessment hand-in 2nd semester
Formal Exam 1st semester
Formal Exam 2nd semester
Dissertation supervision contact
with student administration:
7. Attendance Census point 1 (date to be confirmed)
8. Attendance Census point 2 (date to be confirmed
9. Attendance Census point 3 (date to be confirmed)
10. Attendance Census point 4 (date to be confirmed)
For information, if you are to miss two consecutive contact points, we will have to
report you to the College Office.
Further information:
As a Tier 4 student, the University of Edinburgh is the sponsor of your UK visa. The
University has a number of legal duties to manage our sponsorship of your visa.
These include:


monitoring your attendance on your programme and
reporting to the Home Office where you suspend or withdraw from your studies,
complete them early, fail to register or are repeatedly absent to the point of being
excluded from studies.
As a student with a Tier 4 visa sponsored by the University of Edinburgh, the terms of
your visa require you to, (amongst others):

Ensure you have a correct and valid visa for studying at the University of
Edinburgh, which, if a Tier 4 visa, requires that it is a visa sponsored by the
University of Edinburgh;

Attend all of your University classes, lectures, tutorials, etc where required. This
includes participating in the requirements of your course including submitting
assignments, attending meetings with tutors and attending examinations .If you
cannot attend due to illness, for example, you must inform your School. This
25
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
includes attending Tier 4 Census sessions when required throughout the
academic session.
Please note that any email relating to your Tier 4 sponsorship, including census
dates and times will be sent to your University email address - you should therefore
check this regularly.
Further details on the terms and conditions of your Tier 4 visa can be found in the
“Downloads” section at www.ed.ac.uk/immigration
Information or advice about your Tier 4 immigration status can be obtained by
contacting the International Student Advisory Service, located at the International
Office, 33 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh EH8 9JS
Email: immigration@ed.ac.uk
13. GRADUATION
Information about graduation, such as how to register, deadline for registration, dress
code, how to order your academic robes, how to check-in, what to do if you do not
plan to attend the ceremony, can be found on the Student Administration website
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-administration/graduations/overview
(Please also see ‘frequently asked questions’.
Some important steps:



Step 1: read the graduation information
Step 2: register by submitting the online registration form if you want to attend
the graduation ceremony.
If you do not want to attend the ceremony, you do not have to register. If you
have not registered and change your mind and decide that you do want to
attend, you must complete the online form before the deadline.
Step 3: order academic dress if attending a ceremony; apply for extra tickets
if required (form not yet available)
Those who have not attended the ceremony, but who are eligible to graduate will
have their award sent to their home address as held on the student record.
Please check your address details in MyEd and update your details if needed (please
also see the information about updating your details in the Introduction) and tell
Registry if your permanent home address has changed.
Please do email Student Administration if anything is not clear or if you have further
questions.
14. Class room
Last but not least we would like to give you the following information with respect to
our class room. Most MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare classes
will take place in Room F26. This room is located on the first floor of the Small
Animal Hospital. We are very fortunate to be able to use this room and would
please like to ask you to respect staff, clients and animals in the Hospital at all times
and not to cause any hindrance or disturbance. Please do wear your student
badge and lanyard at all times.
26
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
We would like to urgently ask all students to always enter the Small Animal Hospital
via the side door only (swipe access, using your student card) and go directly to the
classroom.
Please do not use the main door so that you do not have to disturb staff, clients
and animals in the reception area, corridors and other areas of the Hospital.
Please remember that we only have access to the classroom, please do not enter
any other area in the Hospital.
You will receive a tour so will see what’s all happening in the Hospital but, apart from
this tour, you should really just go to your classroom (and out again) via the shortest
way (that is via the stairs and the side door).
We hope enjoy your classes in this beautiful room.
27
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
ANNEX 1
MSc
Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal
Welfare
Rules with respect to absence of studies
1. Unless authorised leave of absence has been granted, or an alternative place
of work has been arranged, full-time students are required to be resident in
Edinburgh for the full period of their programme.
2. Students must inform supervisor and programme administrator in advance if
they have to leave Edinburgh for 3-5 working days.
3. Students must give reasons to, and have formal permission in advance, from
both programme director and supervisor, if they wish to leave Edinburgh for
more than one week.
4. If a student has to be away for more than a few days because of
illness/situation beyond their control, they must inform programme
administrator ASAP and if they are unwell for more than seven days they
must submit a medical certificate.
5. If a student wants to apply for an extension or Special Circumstances due to
illness then a medical certificate is required irrespective of the length of
illness.
6. If a situation arises beyond the students control which means the student has
to be away without advance permission, the student should inform the
programme director or administrator as soon as possible.
7. No concessions for late submissions will be granted unless there is a
documented evidence that the student has followed the above rules.
28
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
ANNEX 2
MSc
Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal
Welfare
Blackboard Learn
Learn is the University's main centrally-supported virtual learning environment (VLE).
Like other VLEs at the University, it is used by course teams to provide students with
documents, notes, discussion spaces and other activities for their courses. All
Schools in the University make some use of Learn to provide online information,
readings, activities and shared workspaces. It provides the programme with a set of
tools that support primary activities, promote communication and encourage
community interaction. These tools include:

Information resources about the University, College, School and programme
of study;

A notifications dashboard;

Announcements;

Discussion boards;

Course specific items, incorporating:
o
Course materials including timetables, notes from lectures and other
resources
o
A formal submissions area for dissertations, annual reports,
presentations, etc.
o
An informal submissions area for items such as notes of experimental
techniques, experiences, ideas or influences or points of interest.

Access to external resources such as RSS newsfeeds and library records
(accessed via Shibboleth);

Links to additional resources will be added during the year.
Learn is supported by the University Information Services (IS) team. The team are
always willing to help and can be reached at is.helpline@ed.ac.uk or via the selfservice helpdesk available at: http://ed.unidesk.ac.uk/tas/public (EASE login
required).
It is important that everyone is able and used to using Learn as it is the main focus
for information on the whole programme and has many valuable resources
embedded within it. In some cases, there will be a formal requirement for electronic
submission of course work using Learn.
Visit the University webpage for more information: http://edin.ac/13mkeUe
29
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
You can login via MyEd as described in the University link (http://edin.ac/13mkeUe).
Alternatively, you can log in via EASE:
1)
Go to http://www.learn.ed.ac.uk and click “Login with EASE”.
2)
Use your EASE username and password to log-on and start exploring.
3)
The MSc course will be available in your course list.
30
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Annex 3
MSc
Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal
Welfare
Exam Regulations
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
An examination attendance sheet is laid on the desk for each candidate to complete
upon arrival. These are collected by the invigilator after 30 minutes have elapsed
from the start of the examination. Candidates are not normally allowed to enter the
examination room more than fifteen minutes after the time at which the examination
is scheduled to begin.
Candidates arriving more than 15 minutes after the start of the examination are
required to complete a "Late arrival form" which invites the candidate to provide a
reason for being late and requires him/her to sign a statement that they understand
that they are not entitled to any additional time. Candidates are not allowed to leave
the examination room less than 30 minutes after the commencement of the
examination.
Books, papers, briefcases and cases must be left at the back or sides of the
examination room. It is an offence against University discipline for a candidate to
have in his/her possession in the examination any material relevant to the work being
examined unless this has been authorised by the examiners.
Candidates must take their seats within the block of desks allocated to them and
must not communicate with other candidates either by word or sign, nor let their
papers be seen by any other candidate.
Candidates wishing to attract the attention of an invigilator shall do so without
causing a disturbance. Any candidate who causes a disturbance in an examination
room may be required to leave the room, and shall be reported to the Secretary of
the University.
Personal handbags must be placed on the floor at the candidate’s feet; they should
be opened only in full view of the Invigilator.
Candidates may start the examination without waiting for a special announcement,
but must stop writing immediately when the end of the examination is announced.
Candidates must write their Exam Number in the appropriate place on each script
book used.
Answers should be written in the script book provided. Rough work, if any, should be
completed within the script book and subsequently crossed out.
During an examination, candidates will be permitted to use only such dictionaries,
other reference books and calculators as have been issued or authorised by the
examiners. The use of hand held personal technology such as "Personal Organisers"
and mobile telephones is not permitted. Calculators that have a QWERTY, AZERTY
or similar keypads are not permitted unless their use is expressly authorised by the
examiners. Such authorisation will be stated on the front page of the examination
paper.
It is an offence against University discipline for any candidate knowingly to:
(i)
make use of unfair means in any University examination,
(ii) assist a candidate to make use of such unfair means,
(iii) do anything prejudicial to the good conduct of the examination, and
31
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
(iv) impersonate another candidate or allow another candidate to impersonate
him/her.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Candidates will be required to display their University Card on the desk throughout all
written degree examinations and certain other examinations. If a card is not
produced, the candidate will be required to make alternative arrangements to allow
his/her identity to be verified before the examination is marked.
Smoking and eating are not allowed inside the examination room.
If an invigilator suspects a candidate of cheating, she/he shall impound any
prohibited material and shall inform the Examinations Office as soon as possible.
Cheating is an extremely serious offence, and any candidate found by the Discipline
Committee to have cheated or attempted to cheat in an examination may be deemed
to have failed that examination or the entire diet of examinations, or be subject to
such penalty as the Discipline Committee considers appropriate.
In the event of fire alarms being sounded during an examination, or other such
emergency situation making abandonment of the examination necessary, candidates
should stop writing, check that their name is on at least one script book, and
evacuate the room and/or building, taking personal belongings but leaving script
books on the desk. The examination will not subsequently be resumed, but the script
books will be collected if practicable
A candidate may be expelled from an examination for gross disorder or flagrant
breach of the rules.
32
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
ANNEX 4
Excerpts from Regulations and Rules and some further information
 Taught Assessment Regulation 27 Academic Misconduct
It is an offence for any student to make use of unfair means in any University
assessment, to assist a student to make use of such unfair means, to do anything
prejudicial to the good conduct of the assessment, or to impersonate another student
or allow another person to impersonate him or her in an assessment. Any student
found to have cheated or attempted to cheat in an assessment may be deemed to
have failed that assessment and disciplinary action may be taken.
Further information: For further guidance on the Application of the regulation see the
Taught Assessment Regulations at, http://www.ed.ac.uk/schoolsdepartments/academic-services/staff/assessment/assessment-regulations
The University takes plagiarism very seriously and is committed to ensuring that so
far as possible it is detected and dealt with appropriately.
College Policy is that as a minimum the 1st piece of a student’s coursework should be
put through TURNITIN software and feedback given to the student.
For further information on plagiarism, including how to avoid plagiarism, please refer
to the following link
http://www.ed.ac.uk/academic-services/staff/discipline/plagiarism
 Taught Assessment Regulation 25 Late submission, including late
submission of script books
Students need to submit assessed work and examinations by the published deadline
and to hand in their examination scripts before leaving the examination venue.
 Regulation 41 Borderlines
Boards of Examiners must consider students whose marks are borderline for passing
a course, and for progression, award or classification purposes. Undergraduate
Progression Boards must consider students whose marks are borderline for
progression purposes. Borderline marks are defined as marks from two percentage
points below the class or grade boundary up to the boundary itself, e.g. 58.00% to
59.99% for an undergraduate 2.1 classification or 38.00% to 39.99% for a pass.
Boards of Examiners and Progression Boards must use the University borderline
definition and must not set and use a different
definition.
 Regulation 53 Postgraduate assessment progression
For programmes where there is an identifiable taught component followed by a
project or dissertation component, students must pass the assessment requirements
of the taught stage at an appropriate level at the first attempt before progression to
the dissertation.
In order to progress to the masters dissertation students must:
33
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
(a) pass at least 80 credits with a mark of at least 50% in each of the courses which
make up these credits; and
(b) attain an average of at least 50% for the 120 credits of study examined at the
point of decision for progression; and
(c) satisfy any other specific requirements for the masters degree programme, that
are clearly stated in respective programme handbooks.
When all the marks for the taught components of the programme (120 credits) are
available, if the student has achieved PASS marks in at least 80 credits and has an
overall average of 40% or more over the full 120 credits, then they will be awarded
credits on aggregate for the failed courses. For programmes where the taught and
project or dissertation components are taken in parallel, or where there are not
identifiable taught and project or dissertation components, the requirements for
progression are determined at programme level, stated in the Programme Handbook.
 Regulation 54 Postgraduate degree, diploma and certificate award
In order to be awarded the certificate students must:
(a) pass at least 40 credits with a mark of at least 40%; and
(b) attain an average of at least 40% for the 60 credits of study examined for the
certificate; and
(c) satisfy any other specific requirements for the named certificate that are clearly
stated in respective programme handbooks.
In order to be awarded the diploma students must:
(a) pass at least 80 credits with a mark of at least 40%; and
(b) attain an average of at least 40% for the 120 credits of study examined for the
diploma; and
(c) satisfy any other specific requirements for the named diploma that are clearly
stated in respective programme handbooks.
In order to be awarded a masters degree students must:
(a) have satisfied any requirements for progression, as laid out in taught assessment
regulation 5 3 above, and
(b) attain an additional 60 credits, by achieving a mark of at least 50% for the
dissertation or project component and
(c) satisfy any other specific requirements for the masters degree programme, that
are clearly stated in respective Programme Handbooks.
When all the marks for the taught components of the programme or diploma are
available, if the student has achieved PASS marks in at least 80 credits and has an
overall average of 40% or more over the full 120 credits, then they will be awarded
credits on aggregate for the failed courses, up to a maximum of 40 credits. For a
certificate, a maximum of 20 credits may be awarded on aggregate.
 Regulation 54 Postgraduate dissertations
Resubmissions of revised dissertations are not permitted for postgraduate masters
programmes unless this has been approved by CSPC on the basis of a case
submitted by the relevant College Committee.
34
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
ANNEX 5 Maps (note: there are more maps on Learn; also note that bus services
sometimes change so always check with Lothian Buses)
for
LRT City
Bus
Med. School Library
Psychology Library
Old vet med :
Summerhall
bbuilding
Main Library
Bus 15
MVM post-graduate office
Bus 8, 33, 49
JBM Computer Lab.
Bus 37
Darwin library
3 International Student office and Student Union
SAC library
35
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
The new Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is located at the Easter Bush Veterinary Campus
Adam Ferguson Building
226
McEwan Hall
114
Adam House
5
Medical School
113
Appleton Tower
201
Minto House
8
Buccleuch Place, 07 - 25
237-255 New College
401
Chaplaincy Centre
108
Old College
1
David Hume Tower
228
Old High School - Archaeology
310
DHT Lecture Theatre
229
Old Infirmary - Geography
311
Disability Office 3 S College St 132
Pleasance, 48
329
George Square Lecture Theatre 225
Pleasance, 60
330
George Square, 01
208
Reid Concert Hall
115
George Square, 07
113
Roxburgh Place Hall
321
George Square, 16 - 29
214 - 221 St Cecilia's Hall
301
Hugh Robson Building
210
E science Centre
131
Main Library
224
William Robertson Building
227
36
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Ashworth Laboratories
640 Joseph Black Building (Chemistry)
632
Daniel Rutherford Building
608 KB Centre
639
Darwin Building
610 KB House
637
Engineering Lecture Theatre
602 Sanderson Building
601
Grant Institute (Geology)
633 Scottish Agricultural College
620
Hudson Beare Building
602 Swann Building
612
James Clerk Maxwell Building (JCMB) 613 Weir Building (College Office)
622
37
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
ANNEX 6
MSc
Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Computer help
Where to get help:
First point of contact is the Computing Support Officer (CSO).
Information on all computing services available to students like for example where the
computer labs are, how to locate their home directories on the network, how to change
passwords and how generally to use the lab desktop computers, useful information about
what services are available, quick links to help and advice, online help and support can be
found at www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/information-services
The email address for the Information Services helpline is: IS.Helpline@ed.ac.uk, their
telephone number is 0131 6515151.
There is a help desk in the main library; just past the turnstiles.
Other useful websites:
http://www.myed.ed.ac.uk
http://www.ease.ed.ac.uk
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/accommodation-services/currentstudents/facilities/it-coms
38
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Institute for Academic Development
The Institute for Academic Development (IAD) provides a number of workshops and
resources for University of Edinburgh postgraduate taught students (online distance learners
and on-campus students), to help you gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for
studying at postgraduate level.
On-Campus and Online Workshops
The IAD offers a range of on-campus and online workshops/events and one-to-one study
skills sessions.
Examples of on-campus and online workshops are highlighted below and a comprehensive
list and booking details can be found on the IAD website, MyEd or on the blog.









Critical: reading, essay planning and writing
Getting started with your scientific writing: who’s afraid of the big blank page
Time management
Project planning
Dissertation planning and writing
Introduction to the online library for online distance learners
Getting started with Endnote (bibliographic tool)
Preparing for exams
Managing your digital footprint (online presence)
Resources
There are various resources available on the IAD website, including:










Preparing for your studies
Studying at postgraduate level
Developing your English
Literature searching
Managing research workloads
Writing a postgrad level
Assignments: planning and drafting
Critical thinking
Digital media
Guides and codes
Institute for Academic for Academic Development
Website: www.ed.ac.uk/iad/postgraduates
Blog: http://iad4masters.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iad4masters
Email: iad.masters@ed.ac.uk
Digital Footprint: www.ed.ac.uk/iad/digitalfootprint
Annex 8
39
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Jeanne Marchig International Centre
for Animal Welfare Education
Animal Welfare at the Dick Vet in Edinburgh
The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education was opened at the
University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in May 2011. Integrated
within the R(D)SVS the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education
(JMICAWE), is a venture with ambitious objectives committed to improving the health and
welfare of animals through education, training and research and by influencing policy at the
highest level.
The JMICAWE not only promotes the need for education in animal welfare science and ethics
but also emphasizes the important role of veterinarians in promoting animal welfare along
with their involvement in protecting public health. International concern for animal welfare
continues to grow with increasing demand for measures to protect animals and improve
animal quality of life. In a number of surveys, eight out of ten respondents believe that animal
welfare is a key priority for a civilised society. Animals are an important part of our world,
relied upon for food, used as research models, companions, working animals, for sport and in
recreation.
To date, our educational and outreach activities have involved the development and delivery
of a number of successful workshops provided at the invitation of collaborating Chinese and
Indian Universities. The aim of the workshops has been to aid in the development of a
veterinary UG curriculum that promotes the responsibility of veterinarians as ambassadors for
animal health and welfare and addresses the recognized need for incorporating critical
thinking and ethical analysis as well as clinical skill acquisition and a thorough understanding
of infectious disease control.
Closer to home, the JMICAWE is involved with both undergraduate and postgraduate students
who have an interest in animal welfare, behaviour, ethics and law. The Centre’s staff are
involved in teaching throughout the AHWFS course for the BVM&S and are also pivotal in the
developments of the MSc AABAW and MSc IAWEL, as well as contributing to the MVetSci
Conservation Medicine and MSc One Health.
We also hope to empower long term veterinary development internationally through the
delivery of on-site veterinary training in animal welfare and ethics, development of animal
welfare lectureships and help with capacity-building in the areas of Animal Welfare science,
ethics and policy.
If you would like to learn more about animal welfare science, ethics and law - visit the Jeanne
Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education on the 2nd floor of the R(D)SVS
Teaching Building or view the website at www.ed.ac.uk/vet/jmicawe - or make an
appointment to come and chat to the Centre Director, Professor Natalie
Waran (natalie.waran@ed.ac.uk).
Why not follow our activities, through blogging or tweeting? Our current activities are blogged each week (www.jmicaweactivities.blogspot.co.uk) and
there are daily tweets (follow @JMICAWE on Twitter)
40
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
There is also now a R(D)SVS student led animal ethics group, which we support - you can get
in touch with them through Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/vetethics/
41
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
ANNEX 9
Advice on using Social Media Networks & Confidentiality of Information
Facebook, Twitter and other social media networks have changed the way we interact with
each other and like them or not, they are a part of our society. As some of you will carry out
research where animals are involved, we remind you to respect the animals and to ensure
that you continue to follow procedures to ensure our work continues to be ethical, credible
and professional. Sharing images of animals outside of the context of academic discourse is
not appropriate. This not only applies to posts on social network sites but also can be
discussions in the pub or on the bus, of a particular research project which is equally
inappropriate.
Carrying out research involving animals is a sensitive subject. If someone did post
animal research materials and these caused clear disrepute or damage to individuals
or the University of Edinburgh, your Programme Director would need to inform
College.
Please remember you must not post the following information:






scientific research information, analysis, results or any other information and / or
images relating to your dissertation papers
location details of research buildings or organisations you may be working with during
trials
information and/or images about research staff and colleagues
information and / or images of any farm visits, lab visits or abattoir excursions
unresolved grievances
non-public or not-yet-approved documents or minutes, news or information.
Be mindful of your responsibilities
- Under Data Protection legislation - do not disclose other people’s personal
information without prior permission.
Be aware that any posts you make in a professional capacity (even private posts) are
subject to data protection and freedom of information and may need to be disclosed.
- University policies apply: Students must not post materials about their work and
locations if doing so would carry a risk to themselves and especially to others, including
the University as an organisation (see section 5 University policies )
Please use the Programme’s Learn discussion forum to discuss latest news articles or
your own research – as this is a safe, secure environment.
If in doubt, then please ask your Programme Director for advice or refer to the
University of Edinburgh’s Social Media guidelines:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.78322!/fileManager/111201%20UoE-Social-MediaGuidelines.pdf
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/communications-marketing/resources/webpublishing - note: still to check this, link incorrect
42
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Annex 10
PGT Personal Tutoring Statement
Personal Tutoring Statement
College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Postgraduate Taught On Campus Programmes
2013/14 - note: still to check if this is correct for 15-16
The Benefits of the Personal Tutor system
By working in partnership with your Personal Tutor you will:
 Become a confident learner in your discipline and play an active part in your academic
community.

Reflect on your academic progress and your effective use of academic feedback.

Develop the range of skills and attributes required for success at university and beyond.
More extensive details on all aspects of the Personal Tutoring system, as well as other
sources of support at the University, can be found at the following link:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/academic-services/personal-tutors
How your School will deliver these Benefits – Postgraduate Taught Students
One-to-one Meetings:
As a postgraduate taught student you will have at least two individual meetings with your
Personal Tutor in the taught part of your degree programme and one individual meeting in the
research part.
 The timing of meetings and how to book meetings with your Personal Tutor will depend
on your Programme of study. Please refer to your Programme Handbook for more details,
such as when the meetings are scheduled, how long scheduled meetings are likely to
last, who arranges the meetings, how to request any additional meetings, and the
structure, purpose and content of each meeting.

If you are not on campus (e.g. studying abroad for a period, or on placement, or studying
an online degree) then your meetings may take place by telephone, live internet call, or a
web conferencing application. Email exchanges are not considered to be meetings unless
they take place within a pre-agreed timeframe to enable you to have a “conversation”
(e.g. if you are overseas and emailing within a 24-36 hour period to take account of time
differences).
Group Meetings:
You will also be involved in at least two group meetings (in the taught part of your degree
programme) and other activities designed to support your development as a member of an
academic community.
 The timing of group meetings will depend on your Programme of study. Please refer to
your Programme Handbook for more details, such as when the meetings are scheduled,
how long scheduled meetings are likely to last, who arranges the meetings, the structure,
purpose and content of each meeting, and the size of your group meetings.
43
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Student Support Organisational Structure – Who to Contact?
All taught students have a Personal Tutor, a Senior Tutor, and a Student Support Team. You
can find out who your Personal Tutor is through MyEd.
 Please refer to your Programme Handbook for full contact details, including:
 Academic and Pastoral support – details of your Senior Tutor and your
Personal Tutor.
 Administrative Support – The Student Support Team, including their drop-in
or office hours
 Your first point of contact
 Explanation of who to go to with specific types of queries
 Response time expectations
 Who to contact if you need to change your Personal Tutor
44
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Annex 11 Special Circumstances Form
R(D)SVS Special Circumstances Form
This form should be completed by a Personal Tutor and returned to
the appropriate administrator. It may be appropriate for the student
to complete the section which summarises the Special Circumstances. Normally,
the student would give consent to their circumstances being
documented.
STUDENT NAME:
MATRIC. NO.
Degree Programme
School
Year
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Studies Affected
Course/Assignment details
How affected e.g. ability to study, preparation for an
examination, missed course-work deadline etc.
Student’s Consent
Date
Personal Tutor’s name
Student signature or PP by
PT/Administrator
FACTUAL INFORMATION
Nature Of Special Circumstances
Please tick the most appropriate boxes to record the nature of the Special Circumstances
Physical illness or injury.
Depression or similar mental or emotional illness
Excluding conditions for which formal adjustment has already been made.
Specific learning difficulty
Excluding conditions for which formal adjustment has already been made.
Bereavement or serious illness of a person with whom the student has a close relationship.
Bereavement / illness where the impact or relationship with the person is less direct.
Serious financial, accommodation or similar problems.
Other personal or domestic circumstances which might have had an impact on the student’s
academic performance. Examples: end of a relationship, assault, burglary.
Events which diverted the student from studying for a specific period,
but did not cause significant emotional upset.
Other
45
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Dates
Date first reported to Personal Tutor/Administrator
Period(s) covered by medical certificates/supporting evidence (if applicable)
Sources Of Evidence : Please tick all that apply
Student’s own word
Personal Tutor’s assessment
Medical Certificate
Letter from parent, etc.
Evidence from other University staff
Documentary evidence from other professional,
e.g. counselling service (please state who)
All documents (originals or photocopies) which the PT and student agree are necessary and
appropriate, should be attached to this form as an Appendix with numbered pages.
State how many numbered pages (sides) in total are appended
DESCRIPTION / ANALYSIS
Summarise the Special Circumstances, as briefly as possible.
The Special Circumstances Committee(SSC) aims to be sympathetic, fair and consistent. To assist the SSC in their
deliberations, please describe the nature and seriousness of the case. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.
……………………………………… below is for completion by SSC
…………………………………………
Decision of Special Circumstances Committee
Special Circumstances to be awarded:
Yes
No
Further details relating to decision:
46
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Signature of SCC convener
_____________________________ Dr G T Pearson
date
____________
47
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Annex 12 University Postgraduate Common Marking Scheme
University Postgraduate Common Marking
Scheme
R(D)SVS Marking guidance - elements
% Mark
Range
Description
Standard
Knowledge and understanding:
Range and understanding of
sources; synthesis and focusing of
ideas and topic
Critical analysis:
Organisation & coherence of critical
discussion; support through
example, detail, references and,
where relevant, experience.
Structure and presentation:
Clarity: layout; word limit; spelling &
grammar; correct use of diagrams
and figures
Project work:
Questions, rationale, theoretical
background, data collection, critical
analysis
80 – 100 %
A
An excellent
performance
Eligible for
consideration
for distinction
Excellent coverage of theories and
sources. An outstanding
demonstration of knowledge and
understanding of the topic.
A very high standard of presentation.
Complies with all academic
conventions. Logical and extremely
well written.
Perceptive identification of research
question, critical appreciation of
underlying theory and rationale;
insightful and critical analysis of data
and interpretation of implications.
70-79 %
A
An excellent
performance
Eligible for
consideration
for distinction
Excellent coverage of sources,
evidence of scholarship in
understanding
Effectively argued, within the length
allowed, skilled use of academic
conventions, accurate proof reading.
An accurate identification of research
question. A thorough understanding
of the theory to underpin analysis of
data. Demonstrates a competent
ability to relate findings to theory
60-69 %
B
A very good
performance
Proceed to
MSc
Competent control of length, skilled
use of academic conventions; almost
all errors eliminated in proof reading
50 – 59 %
C
A good
performance,
satisfactory for
a Master's
Degree
Proceed to
MSc
Competent coverage of major
sources; shows depth of
understanding of the topic;
relationships between ideas
cogently made.
Provides an adequate
understanding of key concepts
and issues from a range of
sources. Ideas synthesized and
related to topic.
An excellent analysis and critique of
the subject area, demonstrating
originality of thought underpinned by
rationale. An outstanding evaluation
and robust discussion of findings and
implications
Systematic critical questioning of
received ideas and suggestion of
alternative perspectives; thorough
and supported analysis. A very
competent evaluation and discussion
of implications.
Critical review & synthesis of ideas;
coherent, realistic and wellsupported
argument; appropriate use of ideas;
perceptive appraisal of implications
Ideas that are well discussed.
Application of examples and some
critical analysis demonstrated.
Length requirements observed;
appropriate use of academic
conventions; several errors in
spelling, grammar etc. A fluidity of
sense and argument throughout
work.
40 – 49 %
D
A satisfactory
performance
for the Diploma
but inadequate
for a Master's
Degree
Proceed to
Diploma
Poorly organized and a poor
discussion of ideas.
No attempt to critically analyse.
Mainly descriptive in style
Word limit ignored. Poor
demonstration of comprehension,
grammar and spelling.
Identification of research question;
cogent & theoretically –based
rationale; good research design,
critical analysis of data; careful
appraisal of implications.
Rationale for research question
provided. Aims and objectives stated.
Critical analysis of data
demonstrated. Appropriate
conclusions drawn from study. Lacks
critical thinking and integration of
ideas.
Vague research question. Aims and
objectives not clear. Poor attempt at
critical analysis of data. Lack of
conclusions from study.
Superficial treatment of topic.
Inability to demonstrate an
adequate understanding of key
concepts and issues.
1
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
0 – 39 %
E
An inadequate
performance
for a Master’s
Degree and for
the Diploma.
Fail Diploma
Limited range of ideas; shows
weak
acquaintance
with
sources; ideas unfocused.
Unsupported arguments; little use of
theory; descriptive and without
critical analysis.
Length requirements not observed;
use of unattributed material;
incomplete referencing; presentation
consistently marred
Research question unclear; rationale
weak; theoretical underpinning
limited; research methods not
wellchosen or misapplied; analysis
sketchy or unjustified by data;
implications asserted are untenable
MARKERS - PLEASE SEE NOTES :
•
•
•
•
Please ensure the wording in your feedback given to students reflects the mark given
For general coursework, markers should refer to the Knowledge and Understanding, Critical Analysis and Structure and Presentation
For examinations, it is expected that Knowledge and Understanding and Critical Analysis will be the predominate elements used in assessment.
For research projects (inc dissertations), all four elements should be considered when assessing the work.
2
MSc/Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
Please do not hesitate to contact the programme team if you have any questions or if
you would like to receive further information.
You are always welcome.
-o-o-o-o