Advanced Diploma Applied Animal Behaviour (Feline) Level 5

Course modules
Module 1 - Learning Theory

• What is learning? An introduction to learning theories.
• The different ways cats learn.
• Habituation.
• Classical and operant conditioning.
• Stimulus generalisation and stimulus discrimination.
• Types of reinforcement.
• Vicarious learning.
• Learning through experience, trial and error learning and one-trial learning and the effects on future behaviour.

Module 2 - The Genetics and Evolution of Feline Behaviour

• The genetics of the cat, and how genes can affect behaviour.
• Biological principles; cell division, types of reproduction.
• The principles of inheritance of genes.
• The links between cats and their ancestors, similarities and differences.
• How domestication and artificial selection have changed the physical and behavioural characteristics of cats.

Module 3 - Biochemistry of the brain

• The differences between the divisions of the nervous system.
• The different neural pathways between voluntary and involuntary behaviour.
• The structure of the nervous system.
• Overview of the brain and the functions of the various parts.
• Neurotransmitters and how they affect feline behaviour.
• The senses of the cat and how they differ from other species.
• A detailed look at the sense of smell and how this affects feline behaviour.

Module 4 - Pharmacology

• The classes and types of veterinary drugs.
• Different ways that drugs act on the body.
• The ways that drugs can impact upon feline behaviour.
• Some common medical disorders and the ways that these can influence
the behaviour of a cat.
• For the project a chemical that might be found within the environment is
selected and researched to find out how this could impact upon the
health and behaviour of the cat.

Module 5 - The internal environment

• Homeostasis and the normal physiology of the body.
• How health and physiology can affect feline behaviour.
• Various medical conditions are covered, and their behavioural effects.
• The physiological and behavioural effects of stress, and the hormones
involved.
• Other biological factors, for example how hormones or nutrition can
influence behaviour.

Module 6 - The external environment

• The external factors that can affect the behaviour of a cat.
• The environment in which the cat lives, and the experiences it has had.
• The interactions between other cats, and also with people.
• The importance of socialisation in early life.
• Scientific research that has been carried out into the social development
of kittens.
• The problems that can occur due to poor socialisation.
• The importance of consistency when training cats.
• The effects of a cattery environment on behaviour and stress levels.
• This module introduces some case studies for analysis to identify causes
of problem behaviour.

Module 7 - Intelligence and Theory of Mind

• Do animals think?
• Do they experience emotions?
• Do they recognise themselves in a mirror?
• Are they aware of the intentions of others?
• Can we define intelligence and what it means?
• A review of the scientific research that has been carried out on animal
emotions.
• An analysis of the selfish gene theory.

Module 8 - Behavioural Diagnostics

• The many possible causes of a particular behavioural problem (root
causes of behaviour).
• Environment, nature, nurture, pharmacological, physiological causes, and
how more than one of these could be the cause of a problem.
• How we can diagnose the cause of behaviour, by asking questions and
analysing the situation.
• Drawing on knowledge gained from the previous modules to discuss all
the possible reasons why a cat is behaving in a certain way.
• Designing history sheets to use during client consultations.

Module 9 - Professional Conduct

• Maintaining a professional image when dealing with clients and the
veterinary profession when working as a behaviourist.
• The importance of excellent communication skills.
• The business aspects of working as a behaviourist, such as insurance
and code of conduct.
• Dealing with clients, using tact or sympathy when dealing with clients
and difficult situations.
• Designing promotional material.
• Writing letters to veterinary professionals.

Module 10 - Application of Theory

• The way we interact when dealing with cats, and how our own behaviour
can potentially influence theirs.
• Fear and how to deal with it.
• Aggression and why it might occur and how to deal with it.
• The scientific study of behaviour, including presenting reports,
interpreting data and graphs.
• Carrying out an observational study of your own on feline behaviour.
• Analysing different methods of dealing with a behavioural problem
to determine the likely success of different approaches.

Module 11 - The Law

• Legislation affects anyone working with cats and their owners.
• The legal position and the laws that affect felines and those working
with them.
• The Animal Welfare Act.
• Responsibility for animals in your care.
• The law regarding behavioural treatment of animals, and how this
relates to the Veterinary legislation.

Module 12 - Case Studies

• Analysis of case studies to pull together all the knowledge gained
throughout the course.
• The examination of ten different behavioural problem case studies.
• Suggesting how you would go about assessing and solving the problems.
• Demonstrating knowledge of all factors that might affect feline behaviour,
including learning, genetics, and biological and environmental
factors.
• Suggestions for solving problem behaviour.
• Production of professional reports and letters to clients and veterinary
professionals.