Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Science and Management

Course PD-ANSCMAN (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Year and Campus: 2010 - Parkville
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Duration & Credit Points: 100 credit points taken over 12 months full time. This course is available as full or part time.

Coordinator

Dr Ian Bland

Contact

msle-pgcoursework@unimelb.edu.au
Course Overview:

Candidates will graduate with an excellent understanding of the many factors underpinning animal systems and an awareness of methods for sustainable food and fibre production and their markets. The aims of the Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Science and Management are to further develop an understanding of the biology of domestic and captive animals, their care, management and use as a resource for food, fibre, recreation and companionship. to develop an in-depth knowledge of the biology of animals, the complexities of the ethical and moral issues encompassing care, management and use as a resource will be examined in light of advances in human endeavour. The postgraduate diploma will allow a degree of specialisation based around analysis of animal systems management of a chosen species or classification of animals. The course design comprises theory and technology applications, with a focus on improving current cropping and animal production systems for increased product yields and qualities within Australian and International environments.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Science and Management also comprises many existing and novel emerging areas in the animal and associated sciences, aimed to create opportunities for advances in the manipulation of biological systems for increased productivity. The scientific tools and advances are evolving fast and are being directly applied to food and fibre industries worldwide.

Objectives:

The objectives of this course are to:

  • enable students to explore the interdisciplinary nature of animal science at an advanced level
  • provide students with a sound foundation in the scientific principles and analytical skills behind improved animal systems (farm and companion animals) and their sustainability
  • introduce the student to advanced research topics and practical applications within the disciplines of animal science
  • develop competence in the design, conduct and analysis of experimental work
  • introduce students to industrial applications of animal science and the commercial outcomes
  • develop a critical understanding of environmental, economic, social and ethical factors related to animal-derived food and fibre production in Australia and globally.
Course Structure & Available Subjects: The Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Science and Management consists of 100 credit points of study at level 400 and above and may be undertaken as either full time study over one year or part-time study over two years and will be delivered at the Parkville campus. International students may only enrol in the course on a full-time basis. The program comprises up to eight coursework subjects (12.5 points each), four core subjects and four other subjects. The core subjects include three non-cognate subjects in semester 1 and one cognate subject in semester 2. Students may undertake either two or four elective subjects, dependent on the choice of the Research Project A (25 points) subject.
Subject Options:

Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Science and Management

The course consists of up to eight coursework subjects (12.5 points each), four core subjects and four other subjects. The core subjects include three non-cognate subjects in semester 1 and one cognate subject in semester 2. Students may undertake either two or four elective subjects, dependent on whether they choose to complete Research Project A (25 points).

Core Subjects

Students MUST complete both of these subjects
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

Core Selective Subjects - Group 1

Students MUST complete one of the following two subjects:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

Core Selective Subjects - Group 2

Students MUST complete one of the following two subjects:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
25
Year Long
25

Elective subjects

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Students may apply to take appropriate postgraduate diploma level subjects as electives from other programs in the Melbourne School of Land and Environment subject to approval from the Course Coordinator, Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning). Electives may also be take from other faculties with approval from the home faculty of the elective.
Entry Requirements:

i. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to successfully pursue the course using the following criteria:

  • An honours degree or equivalent qualification. Or
  • Undergraduate tertiary qualification with a weighted average of 65% or better in the final year of study. Or
  • Successful completion of a Graduate / Postgraduate Diploma with a weighted average of 65% or better.

ii. Completion of an Honours program or a Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Science and Management (or equivalent) will give an advanced standing of 100 points into the Master of Animal Science.

iii. The course is primarily designed for students with a science-based background with biology and/or chemistry. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

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). Students enrolling in the Faculty of Land and Food Resources 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 Benefits Scheme (PBS), Medicare, or by the University. Some students with full private health coverage (which has hospital and ancillary cover) may receive partial re-imbursement for vaccine costs.
Further Study: Continuation to the degree of Master of Animal Science.
Graduate Attributes: The graduates from the Postgraduate Degree in Animal Science and Management will have achieved academic excellence in their chosen field(s) of study. They will possess in-depth knowledge in those fields(s) and have been equipped with all necessary tools and skills to become leaders at both national and global levels.

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