Human-Animal Interactions

Vetmeduni Vienna launches a new, interdisciplinary master programme in the academic year 2012/13. It will be taught mainly in English by members of the new Messerli Research Institute which was founded under the aegis of Vetmeduni Vienna, in cooperation with the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna. Students will receive comprehensive, research-oriented training in many areas of humananimal interactions. By providing students with theoretical and methodological expertise in the relevant fields of the humanities and natural sciences and by equipping them with the ability to consider information they acquire, the course will improve interactions and relationships between humans and non-human animals.

Relevance for society
In view of the fact that the status of animals in (human) society changes, a scientific approach to humananimal interactions takes on greater significance.

Internationality
The Master’s Studies are conducted (mainly) in the English language and place a particular focus on an international context in the field of human-animal interactions as well as connecting students worldwide.

Due to the low number of students, intensive support by faculty is guaranteed.

The interdisciplinary approach to issues of high societal and ethical relevance is a novel challenge for all students. To help them meet the demands of the course, students will enjoy the benefits of an attractive research infrastructure, an excellent learning environment and an up-to-date curriculum:

• Introductory courses in philosophy, philosophy of science and ethics
• Advanced courses in animal behavior and cognition; comparative medicine, animal husbandry and animal welfare ethics
• Legal basis of human-animal interactions, animal protection and experimentation laws
• Further, detailed courses to help students acquire specialist knowledge
• Transfer and acquisition of general skills required for academic careers (such as presentation and publication techniques, scientific English, PR skills, acquisition of third-party funding, project management, marketing skills etc.)

The Master’s Studies aims at educating the next generation of experts, providing students with the necessary scientific skills and ethical background to assume responsibility for structuring human-animal interactions.

Resulting competences:

• Detailed knowledge and understanding of fundamental issues
• Ability to cope with different scientific practices, languages and traditions
• Ability to participate in interdisciplinary research projects
• Specialized knowledge of one field of humananimal interactions
• Ability in ethical evaluation and systemic reflection of topics of human-animal interactions that are relevant to society
• Independent conduct of research projects