Stress Physiology

Subject DASC90007 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

March, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 48
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this subject.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this subject.
Recommended Background Knowledge: There is no recommended background knowledge for this subject.
Non Allowed Subjects: There are no non-allowed subjects.
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they must actively and safely contribute to laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison Unit (8344 7068 or DLU-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au ).

Health requirements

Q Fever

Students enrolling in the Melbourne School of Land and Environment are advised that some courses of study may put them at an increased risk of contracting Q Fever. Q Fever is a relatively common preventable condition which, while rarely fatal, can cause a severe acute illness and can result in damage to heart valves and chronic fatigue. It is recommended that students consider undertaking screening and vaccination for Q Fever prior to commencement of study. Students may be required to provide proof of vaccination prior to undertaking some coursework. Your course coordinator will advise you of this requirement prior to commencement of the study semester. Vaccine costs for students are not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme, Medicare, or by the University. Some students with full private medical coverage (which has hospital and ancillary cover) may receive partial re-imbursement for vaccine costs.

Coordinator

Prof Frank Dunshea

Contact

Postgraduate Office, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, The University of Melbourne, Phone: +61 3 8344 7834, Email: msle-pgcoursework@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

The aim of this subject is to enable students to undertake advanced study in the area of stress physiology in domestic and companion animals. The major focus will be on the interaction between physiological state and the environment and the consequences for animal performance and production. Specific emphasis will be on developing skills in monitoring physiological stress and being able to manage the environment for improved animal performance and production.

The content will cover contemporary issues related physiological and metabolic adaptations in response to stress during growth, pregnancy and lactation and will include physical, psychological and nutritional factors; energy and water balance and thermoregulation; and management of the environment including aspects of housing.

Objectives:

The objectives of this subject are to:

1. Evaluate the major interactions between physiological state and the environment

2. Identify and develop skills and techniques in monitoring stress responses

Assessment: 3 hours examination (50% asessment); 2 x 2500 word essays (25% each)
Prescribed Texts: none
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills: academic excellence; greater in-depth understanding of scientific disciplines of stress physiology.

The study will develop; critical thinking and analysis; and problem-solving.

Flexibility and level of transferable skills should be enhanced though improved ability to communicate ideas effectively in both written and verbal formats.

Related Course(s): Master of Animal Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Science and Management

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