Postgraduate Certificate in Avian Health

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 Postgraduate Certificate in Avian Health course 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 as part of the systematic approach to disease or management problem investigations. This course is offered on a part-time basis to allow students to study while still continuing to work.

This course is suitable for veterinarians currently working in the poultry industry, and for those who are seeking to enter the industry and want to develop a sound foundation of professional competencies. For those without prior industry experience, it is recommended that you develop a mentorship program with an experienced poultry veterinarian close to you. This will build up your practical poultry experience and hands-on skills. The course coordinator will discuss with you how to set up the mentorship before the commencement of your studies so that the arrangement is in place while you are studying your first subject.

This course will 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;
• Apply developed professional competencies in poultry pathology to achieving enhanced health and productivity within the poultry industries, and
• Be considered for progression to undertake the Master of Avian Health and Medicine.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Avian Health requires the completion of two subjects: 250-500 Poultry Industry Fieldwork and 250-501 Poultry Pathology and Diagnosis of Diseases. Each individual subject runs for 16 weeks and focuses on topics relevant to the modern poultry veterinarian.

The subjects must be taken in sequential order and a result of at least 65 (H3) in the first subject is required to progress to the second. 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 Week 16 or 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 following subjects comprise the Postgraduate Certificate in Avian Health:

• A professional Veterinary Science degree (at least four years in duration), or an equivalent qualification from a veterinary school listed in the World Health Organisation Directory of Veterinary Schools, and
• Professional veterinary practice: at least one year of documented veterinary experience in the poultry industry or at least two years of documented veterinary experience with small or large animals, or other category of professional practice in veterinary disciplines.

Please note that all students must meet the University's English language requirement.

The Master of Avian Health and Medicine is a continuation of studies in the Avian Health Online program, building on what has already been learned in the Postgraduate Certificate.

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the poultry industry;
• Have the potential to work successfully as a poultry veterinarian; and
• Be able to consider economic, environmental, welfare and public health issues facing 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.

Reliable internet access with at least a medium speed connection and a personal computer are essential for undertaking the Avian Health Online program. The content is accessed through your web browser. Microsoft Office™ and Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent software packages are necessary for assessment tasks, assignments and some class exercises.