BehaviorWorks Moodle

This cornerstone course invites students to explore the ethical foundations that guide high-quality animal care, training, and welfare in modern zoological settings. Taught by world-recognized leaders Ken Ramirez and Dr. Jill Fernandes, the class provides a rigorous and thoughtful framework for making humane, effective, and transparent decisions in everyday practice.

Using real-world case examples, guided discussion, and reflective activities, students will learn to evaluate practices through both scientific and ethical lenses. The instructors integrate decades of field experience with contemporary research to help participants develop a professional ethic rooted in compassion, accountability, and evidence-based reasoning.

Designed to be taken in the first term alongside the How Behavior Works course, Ethics and Wellbeing establishes the moral and scientific compass for the entire Behavior Works Zoo School curriculum. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with a clear, operational understanding of what ethical practice looks like—and how to champion it in their organizations.

Course Objectives:

Grounded in behavior science, the course examines:

·      The difference between animal ethics and animal welfare, and why both are important for good animal care and training practices.

·      The animal’s perspective and how we can use objective behavioural and physical measures to know whether animals’ needs are being met, “ask” them what they want, and respect animal agency.

·      The principles of least intrusive, effective interventions and how they guide responsible teaching strategies.

·      The trainer’s ethical responsibilities in shaping environments, relationships, and conditions that support animal agency and welfare.

·      Welfare-centered problem solving, emphasizing proactive, humane approaches to behavior challenges.

·      Assent, choice, and control as essential elements of ethical training and enriched living.

·      Critical evaluation of common training practices, with attention to unintended effects, reinforcement dynamics, and long-term welfare outcomes.

·      Ethical decision-making models that help professionals navigate complex or conflicting goals.

Alignment with Program Requirements:

·      The content of this course aligns with this specific Program Learning Objective:

·      Behave in accordance with established ethical guidelines regarding changing behavior of animals in your care.

How Research Works (Christy) Capstone piece: finalize research question and select research design

Function-based assessments and intervention design (Christy/Megan)

Capstone piece: Finalize procedures

Video Coaching 1x/month, small groups