Study animal perspectives alongside experts in psychology, biology and philosophy. Learn how we can create a better, more harmonious world for all species.
About the Animal Wellbeing & Conservation Area of Concentration
In this AOC we take an interdisciplinary approach that includes theory and practice to learn about other animals’ biological and psychological worlds and humans’ responsibilities and roles in relation to these other species. Students who graduate in this area of concentration pursue career paths in animal training, national park and other educators, graduate school, medical school, veterinary school, zoo or aquarium technicians or managers, animal lab technicians, natural resource government agency officers (e.g., NOAA, Fish and Wildlife, USDA), animal protection, and animal-oriented policy advisors and advocates.
“I’m working with some of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Animal Care Team to prepare one of their dolphins (Nicholas) for a behavioral study. I think the most rewarding aspect of this, for me, has been all the invaluable experience. I get to watch every day as people work with dolphins, otters and pelicans. The fact that Dr. Harley specifically asked me to do this internship is such an honor. I think that being exposed to such valuable work as an undergraduate at New College has prepared me for a future career in the field of animal behavior.”
Hannah Nations, `22
Featured Course
PHIL 2475
Animal Minds and Ethics
How do other animals experience the world? What is a mind, which animals have minds, and how can we learn about them? These questions are theoretically important but also guide our practical interactions with other animals. This course has two aims. First, it aims to provide an introduction to two philosophical fields: the philosophy of animal minds and animal ethics. We’ll discuss the empirical and conceptual underpinnings and the implications of behavior, consciousness, anthropomorphism, well-being, agency, moral status, and rights. Second, the course will explore the relations between animal minds and behavior, animal welfare, and animal ethics, as well as the ethics of animal science and research. Your dog may feel anxiety and chimps have impressive tool-building skills, but what exactly follows from that? Learning about animals is fun, but what, if any, are the ethical boundaries we should follow in studying them?
Recent Courses
- Introduction to Animal Wellbeing
- Animal Behavior
- Wildlife Behavior & Management
- Goldfish Learning & Cognition
- Cognitive Psychology
Career Pathways
- Animal care specialist
- Veterinarian
- Veterinary technician
- Animal trainer
- Animal Policy Advisor
- Animal Protection Advocate
- Wildlife Educator
- Researcher
- Laboratory technician
- Zoo or Aquarium technician
- Natural Resource Government Officer
- Agricultural manager
Faculty
Samuel Bedgood, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Johanna Jauernig
Assistant Professor of Philosophy – Applied Ethics
Jose Soto-Shoender, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology and Ecology
Samantha Levell, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Marine Biology
Christina Toms, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology