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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Develop a conditioning plan | 1.1 Identify a range of desirable and undesirable behaviours for specific animals 1.2 Identify the trainable behaviour in consultation with supervisor 1.3 Identify appropriate positive reinforcement to be used 1.4 Identify conditioned reinforcer in consultation with supervisor 1.5 Compile the conditioning plan in consultation with the supervisor and according to WHS, animal welfare and organisation policies and procedures |
2. Condition a behaviour | 2.1 Establish a conditioned reinforcer with the animal under supervision 2.2 Demonstrate approximations under supervision, to condition an animal 2.3 Show that behaviour when demonstrated under stimulus control meets animal welfare and ethics requirements 2.4 Maintain record of behaviour being conditioned according to organisation policies and procedures |
3. Monitor and review a conditioning plan | 3.1 Review the short-term and long-term objectives of the conditioning plan regularly in consultation with the supervisor and other relevant personnel 3.2 Update the conditioning plan regularly according to organisation policies and procedures |
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.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Research the behaviours of different animals and species Research training techniques for different animals and species |
Get the work done | Undertake problem solving techniques to determine the animals condition to assist in the formulation of the conditioning plan |
Sectors
General Animal Studies (GAS)