Master of Avian Health & Medicine

The Avian Health Online program has been designed to give students a solid grounding in those aspects of poultry husbandry and management which are most relevant to avian health as well as the ability to use poultry pathology, immunology and microbiology as part of the systematic approach to disease or management-related problem investigations. This course is offered on a part-time basis to allow students to study while still continuing to work.

Avian Health Online is an interactive web-based learning environment designed by the University of Melbourne for veterinarians to further their understanding in poultry health and management and enable them to better function in today's global poultry industry. The Master of Avian Health and Medicine (MAHM) is a continuation of studies, building on what was learned in the Postgraduate Certificate in Avian Health. The MAHM will assist students to develop a working knowledge of the use and applications of pathology, serology and microbiology in avian health, product quality, public health and international trade, and critical reading and preparation skills for scientific papers. A 10,000 word dissertation will be produced by the student as part of their studies on a topic in poultry health/management/production that is of interest to them and relevant to their current or future employment.

This course should allow graduates to:

• Develop increased breadth and depth of knowledge in poultry production and avian pathology;
• Attain an advanced level of skills in the recognition and diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious diseases of poultry using poultry pathology, immunology, and microbiology;
• Apply developed professional competencies in poultry health to achieving enhanced health and productivity within the poultry industries; and
• Gain experience in processes involved in filed investigations.

The Master of Avian Health and Medicine requires the completion of four subjects: 250-646 Microbiology & Serology: Disease Control, 250-647 Product and Public Safety, Trade and Economics (Poultry), 250-651 Advanced Studies in Poultry Diseases, and 250-649 Avian Health Online Research Project. Each individual subject runs for 16 weeks and focuses on topics relevant to the modern poultry veterinarian.

A result of at least 65 (H3) in the each subject is required to progress to the next. Each subject has the basic structure of one preparatory week followed by fourteen weeks of lectures and discussions, much like a typical face-to-face university subject. The final exam will take place in weeks 16 and 17. Students will be expected to be able to set aside approximately 20-25 hours per week for reading, assignments and participation in online activities.

The Master of Avian Health and Medicine is comprised of the following four subjects:

Units 3 - 5

Unit 6

250-651 Advanced Studies in Poultry Diseases

Unit 6: Research Project Literature Dissertation

Unit 6 requires students to prepare a 10,000 word research dissertation based on contemporary scientific and technical information on a poultry health or production topic of their choice. Ideally, topics should relate to activities undertaken by the student in his or her workplace. In preparing the dissertation, students will appreciate how to critically read and review scientific literature and prepare a scientific paper in an internationally accepted format.

Objectives:

• Develop a balanced understanding of how best to appreciate and use as professional resources the different types of scientific and technical literature.
• Acquire techniques and analytical abilities to enable preparation of a valid scientific research dissertation on a poultry health or production issue of your choice.
• Develop the ability to critically read and review scientific literature.
• Enhance personal communication and presentation skills.
• Prepare effective presentations for varying types of audiences.

• Completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Avian Health with an average of 70% or greater.

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. Students who feel their disability will impact on their academic performance are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Students' awareness of the economic, environmental, political, social and welfare factors behind the major poultry health, poultry production, public health, animal welfare and international trade issues will be extended through these courses.

The skills and knowledge achieved will allow veterinarians to provide advanced services to the poultry industry.

Students in the Postgraduate Certificate in Avian Health should:

• Possess medium- to high-level computing skills;
• Apply critical and analytical skills to the identification and resolution of problems;
• Communicate effectively; and
• Have good time management skills.