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Certificate of Animal Behaviour

The Certificate of Animal Behaviour is a professional development program that will help you to understand, anticipate and modify animal behaviour, which is vital for animal psychologists, veterinary assistants, dog groomers, animal trainers, park rangers, pet owners, and farmers. In this professional development course, you will discover various theories and models of animal behaviour and specific characteristics of different species. You will learn to identify animal behaviour types, understand what drives behaviour and recognise the psychological impact of different handling techniques.
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Start Anytime
Yes
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Delivery Method
100% Online
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Study Hours
40 hours
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Course Access
12 Months

Animal behaviour is a fascinating field, whether you own pets or work in a voluntary or professional capacity. It’s also an important study area for animal enthusiasts or professionals working with animals, as managing animals is safer when you understand them.

The Certificate of Animal Behaviour explores the scientific principles behind why animals behave as they do, focusing on natural instincts, learned behaviours, and interactions with humans and other species.

In this animal behaviour course, you will discover behavioural ecology, ethology, and animal psychology, with an emphasis on ethical animal care and welfare.

You will also study biological factors influencing behaviour, such as the nervous system, hormones, and genetics, and how they interact with environmental and social elements. You will also learn about animal training, classical and operant conditioning, and communication methods used by animals.

You will explore animal social structures and behaviours, including those of dogs, cats, horses, and exotic species. You will learn strategies for addressing stress and anxiety and the impact of human activity on animal behaviour, including domestication and environmental changes, along with ethical and conservation concerns.

On completion of this course, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to enhance animal welfare and promote positive human-animal interactions.

Printed learning materials may be available free to print for this course. Requests can be made by contacting us. 

Course Structure
Unit - Animal Behaviour

Unit 1 – Introduction to Animal Behaviour

  • Introduction to animal behaviour studies
  • Ethology
  • Behavioural ecology
  • Animal psychology
  • Evolutionary basis of behaviour
  • Natural selection and behaviour
  • Adaptation and fitness
  • Innate versus learned behaviour
  • Behavioural strategies
  • Animal welfare
  • Human-animal relationships

Unit 2 – Biology and Physiology of Behaviour

  • Anatomy of the nervous system
  • Anatomy and behaviour
  • Autonomic nervous system
  • Hormonal influences on behaviour
  • Genetics and inherited traits
  • Understanding sensory perception in animals

Unit 3 – Learning and Behavioural Conditioning

  • Theories of learning
  • Classical conditioning
  • Operant conditioning
  • Social learning
  • Modelling
  • Habituation
  • Desensitisation
  • Counterconditioning
  • Applications in animal training and rehabilitation

Unit 4 – Communication in Animals

  • Animal communication
  • Visual communication
  • Auditory communication
  • Chemical communication
  • Tactile communication
  • Communication in social structures
  • Communication in mating
  • Miscommunication and its behavioural implications
  • Human-animal communication

Unit 5 – Social Structures and Group Behaviour

  • Pack, herd and flock dynamics
  • Pack dynamics
  • Herd dynamics
  • Flock dynamics
  • Comparing social structures
  • Social hierarchies
  • Dominance behaviours
  • Cooperative behaviours
  • Symbiosis
  • Wolves, primates, and social birds

Unit 6 – Behaviour Across Different Species

  • Behavioural characteristics of dogs
  • Behavioural characteristics of cats
  • Behavioural characteristics of horses
  • Understanding wildlife behaviour
  • Unique behaviours in birds
  • Unique behaviours in reptiles
  • Unique behaviours in amphibians
  • Adapting knowledge for exotic pets

Unit 7 – Problematic Behaviours and Solutions

  • Identifying causes of behavioural issues
  • Signs of behavioural issues
  • Steps to identify causes of behavioural issues
  • Common behavioural issues
  • Stress, anxiety, and fear in animals
  • Strategies for behavioural modification
  • Working with professionals

Unit 8 – Human Impacts on Animal Behaviour

  • Effects of domestication on behaviour
  • Behavioural trade-offs of domestication
  • Domestication in specific species
  • History of dogs
  • Influence of environment and captivity
  • Ethics of working with animals
  • Ethical challenges
  • Ethical frameworks
  • Conservation and wildlife behaviour
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Estimated Duration
40 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment

Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.

Printed Materials – Free to Print

Course materials for this program are available to print at no extra cost.

Career Outcomes
  • Kennel Workers
  • Pet Shop Assistants
  • Farm Workers
  • Animal Charity Workers
  • Veterinary Assistants
  • Animal Psychologists
  • Animal Trainers
  • Dog Groomers
  • Park Rangers
Enrol & start today
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Certificate of Animal Behaviour
$499.00
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About Us

At Australian Online Courses, we are passionate about helping individuals from diverse backgrounds achieve their career goals. Since 2008, we have created opportunities for people in Australia and around the world.

Our Difference

What sets us apart is that we genuinely care about your career development. That’s why flexible study schedules, competitive pricing and exceptional customer and student support are at the heart of what we do. Our comprehensive courses, developed in consultation with industry employers, provide the skills and knowledge necessary for success in your current role or to pursue new opportunities.

Our state-of-the-art eLearning platform means you can study anywhere, anytime. So, enrol today and get the skills and confidence you need to achieve your career dreams, big or small.

Graduation

A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.

How to Enrol

You can enrol online by clicking Get Started on any course page under Enrol & Start Today. Follow the prompts to complete your enrolment as an individual, business, or service provider.

Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)

Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)

Payment Options

Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.

Course FAQs

Why choose Australian Online Courses?
  • Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
  • Improve your employment opportunities;
  • Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
  • High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
  • All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
  • Unlimited tutor support via email;
  • We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
  • Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.

There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18 with a competent level of English. For those under 18, please complete the Parent/Guardian Consent Form before enrolling.

To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.

You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!

Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.

BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.

Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.

Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.

This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.

No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.

Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.

Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.

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  • Enter the coupon code JUNE when enrolling.
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