We will critically examine historical and modern aspects of human interactions with non-human animal species, focusing on biological aspects of the causes and consequences of animal domestication. Topics covered will include humans’ shared ancestry with other animals, basic genetics of selective breeding and domestication, the biology of domesticated species, animal cognition and self-awareness, the neural basis for pain and suffering, and the myth of the human-animal boundary. We will use an evidence-based approach to evaluate the biological, ethical, and moral implications of various animal use practices including keeping animals as pets and companions, animals used in sport, animals on display in zoos and wildlife parks, animals as research subjects, and animals in the modern food industry. This course is especially relevant to students considering careers in veterinary medicine, biomedical research involving animals, public health, animal husbandry and food science, and is also relevant to those interested in working in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife parks.