Topics in Animal Health

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Computer requirements that apply to this subject:

• Internet enabled computer
• Microsoft Excel or compatible spreadsheet program

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject explores major topics on animal health or relevance to the agricultural industries, domestic animal management and society in general. It focuses on the roles and perspectives of the personnel involved i.e. farmers, horse stud and stable workers, animal enterprise managers, laboratory workers and veterinarians. The topics include disease risks to humans (zoonotic diseases), organisational responses to disease outbreaks, bio-security, the epidemiology approach to eradication and control programs, evaluating diagnostic procedures, monitoring animal health, implications for animal enterprise management.

On completion of this subject students should have gained:

• an understanding of the role of non-veterinary graduate in prevention, detection and management of health disorders in animals
• understand the biological basis of disease causality
• understand the processes of disease including inflammation and healing
• be familiar with diagnostic procedures
• be familiar with therapeutic techniques
• be familiar with epidemiological concepts and terminology, and
• understand the application of strategies of bio-security.

Three-hour examination (60%) at the end of semester, practical and tutorial work submitted during the semester, equivalent to 3000 words (40%).

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of the subject the students should have developed the following generic skills:

• academic excellence
• greater in-depth understanding of scientific disciplines and of the practical and ethical aspects of working in animal health
• flexibility and level of transferable skills should be enhanced through improved time management
• enhanced ability to communicate their ideas effectively in both written and verbal formats