Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to condition animals in order to modify their behaviour through assisting with formulating and demonstrating a conditioning plan, based on operant conditioning techniques.

This unit applies to individuals working as animal keepers and carers, who are expected to perform tasks under supervision. These individuals work under broad supervision and use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources. Work routines must meet organisational and compliance requirements for ethical handling and welfare of animals, work health and safety, and biosecurity appropriate to the work role.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Unit Sector

General Animal Studies (GAS)

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Unit Mapping Information

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has assisted with conditioning at least one animal each of at least two different breeds or species, including:

• formulated a conditioning plan, in consultation with others, that complies with WHS and animal welfare requirements
• applied principles of learning in relation to conditioning techniques
• applied positive reinforcement methods and used appropriate techniques and tools to condition behaviour
• maintained accurate records of behaviour being conditioned.

Knowledge Evidence

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

• normal and abnormal animal behaviour and behaviour patterns
• techniques and tools used to condition behaviour
• the principles of and reasons for animal learning and operant conditioning techniques
• the principles of animal welfare and ethics
• organisation policies and procedures, including WHS and emergency procedures, hygiene standards and other industry guidelines.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of skills must take place under the following conditions:

• physical conditions:

• a workplace setting or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

• resources, equipment and materials:

• live animals
• rewards for reinforcing desirable behaviours in the animals
• personal and protective equipment.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103