Master of Animal Science

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 Masters of Animal Science (coursework) 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 masters 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.

Animal science masters 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.

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.

The Master of Animal Science (coursework) consists of 200 credit points of study at level 400 and above. The Master course may be undertaken as either full time study over two years or part time study over four years and will be delivered at the Parkville campus. International students may only enrol in the course on a full time basis.

Year 1 comprises five core subjects (two of which are selectives and including a 25 point research project subject) and two other elective subjects. Students will be able to choose elective subjects from a range of subjects offered in the Master of Agricultural Science, Master of Food Science and Master of Agribusiness as well as from a list of approved subjects offered by other University of Melbourne faculties, subject to approval by the Course Coordinator.

Year 2 comprises a further four core subjects and a 50 point research project. The core subjects are 'systems based subjects' that evaluate critical areas of the animal industries. The electives can be drawn from a range of bespoke subjects that are cognate to animal science. Students must complete a masters' research project of 50 points in their final year of study.

Core Subjects

Core Selective Subjects 1

Core Selective Subjects 2

Elective subjects (Animal Science Discipline)

The following subjects are electives within the Master of Animal Science (Coursework) program.

Elective subjects from within the Melbourne School of Land and Environment

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.

The Melbourne School of Land and Environment (MSLE) welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and School policy to take reasonable steps to make reasonable adjustments so as to enable the student’s participation in the School’s programs. MSLE contributes to the New Generation degrees and offers a broad range of programs across undergraduate and post-graduate levels many of which adopt a multi-disciplinary approach.

Students of the School’s courses must possess intellectual, ethical, and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the School. Candidates must have abilities and skills in observation; motor in relevant areas; communication; in conceptual, integrative, and quantitative dimensions; and in behavioural and social dimensions.

Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability, however students need to be able to participate in the program in an independent manner and with regard to their safety and the safety of others.

I. Observation: In some contexts, the student must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic and applied sciences. More broadly, observation requires reading text, diagrams, maps, drawings and numerical data. The candidate should be able to observe details at a number of scales and record useful observations in discipline dependant contexts.

II. Communication: A candidate should be able to communicate with fellow students, professional and academic staff, members of relevant professions and the public. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing.

III. Motor: Candidates should have sufficient motor function necessary for participation in the inherent discipline-related activities. The practical work, design work, field work, diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests, require varying motor movement abilities. Off campus investigations may include visits to construction sites, urban, rural and/or remote environments.

IV. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of professionals in land and environment industries, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, the candidate should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.

V. Behavioural and Social Attributes: A candidate must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

Students who feel their disability will prevent them from meeting the above academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit.

• A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the
  ethics of scholarship
• Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed
  learning and research
• An ability to derive, interpret and analyse social, technical or economic
  information from primary and other sources
• 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
• Ability to integrate information across a relevant discipline to solve problems in
  applied situations
• Highly developed computer - based skills to allow for effective on-line learning and
  communication.
• 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.
• Appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context
• Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects