Bachelor of Animal Science and Management with Honours

The honours year in animal science and management is a very valuable year of study. It comprises advanced coursework and an individual research project designed to extend students' knowledge and skills in solving animal science and management industry research problems.

This course, offered at the Parkville campus, provides an understanding of animals, their biology and ecology, their management in natural and farm production systems and as companions to humans. The course provides grounding in the technical, ethical and welfare considerations attached to human-animal interactions.

Students who have completed this course should have acquired:

• the scientific knowledge required to care for and manage animals across a range of disciplines;
• a high level of understanding and appreciation in a more specialised area of the animal sciences as applied in animal industries, companion animal management and animal models for scientific studies;
• an ability to work within and contribute to the development of ethical practices in all human-animal interactions;
• enhance skills in communication, teamwork, group leadership, IT and the gathering, management, analysis and reporting of information.

BACHELOR OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT (HONOURS)

The honours course is comprised of coursework and a research project. The coursework subjects consist of core subjects, and electives to be selected essentially from 400-level subjects offered by the Melbourne School of Land and Environment and other faculties of the University. They will enable students to gain sufficient familiarity with the fields relevant to their research project. Up to two subjects not appearing on the recommended list can be taken for credit, subject to course coordinator approval. Students may select two 300-level subjects for credit, subject to course coordinator approval. Applicants to the program will need to demonstrate the completion of appropriate prerequisite subjects in their undergraduate courses when selecting coursework subjects. Students will also be expected to participate in research discussion groups or 'journal clubs' and to attend the Faculty's research seminar series.

Honours Research Project

Students will select a project from a list formulated by supervisors through the Honours Research Project subject coordinator. Some of these projects may be offered in collaboration with industry, and collaborating institutions. Project proposals detailing the experimental plan and a literature review will be presented before the Honours Panel for discussion and approval prior to commencing experimental work. Students will be required to present seminars on both their project proposal and the outcomes of their research. The expected length of the thesis (including references) will normally be limited to 20 000 words (approximately 50 A4 pages).

Honours Research Project (202-401 - year long) may be replaced by 202-402 in Semester 1 or Semester 2; or 202-403 Honours Research Project mid-year entry.

FOURTH YEAR

Semester 1

208-411 Research Philosophies and Statistics or 207-414 Social Research Methods

plus two electives in Semester 1 or 2

Electives

Two electives from Semester 1 or Semester 2.

Electives can be chosen from the following list or from approved subjects from other courses.

All applicants must satisfy the following two requirements:

• Applicants must hold a bachelors level degree in either Agricultural Science or Animal Science and Management or approved by Course Coordinator.

• The minimum entry requirement is an average mark of at least 65 in the third year (300-level) subjects of the degree.

Additional information can be found on the Faculty of Land and Food Resources website: http://www.landfood.unimelb.edu.au/courses/honours/

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 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.

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 field excursions and 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 ).

• have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
• reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
• be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning
• be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies

• examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
• expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects
• have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems

• initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces
• have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations
• mentor future generations of learners
• engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community need

• Awareness of and ability to utilise appropriate communication technology and methods for the storage, management and analysis of data
• Capacity for creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge
• Highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
• Highly developed oral communication skills to allow informed dialogue and liaison with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
• Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects