Advanced Studies in Poultry Disease

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

This subject is delivered on-line.

Students must be admitted to the Master of Avian Health and Medicine and have successfully completed the following prerequisite in order to be eligible for this subject:

None

Current and practical experience working in the poultry industry

None

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.

In “Advanced Studies in Poultry Diseases,” Unit 5 of Avian Health Online, students will utilise the knowledge gained in previous subjects to investigate major disease syndromes including respiratory disease, immunosuppression, neoplasia, production decline and lameness.

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• Integrate knowledge of pathology, microbiology and serology, food safety, public health and economics and apply it to major disease syndromes;
• Obtain data from poorly performing flocks and undertake analysis to identify causative factors of poultry diseases; and
• Analyse data and assess results to implement cost-effective decisions.

Assessment is carried out at the end of each month. Student progress is monitored through class exercises and case studies. The final examination is a three-hour written and online exam held in weeks 16 and 17. You will be required to identify a University near you where you can be supervised when sitting the exam.

The breakdown of assessment is:

• Three monthly assessment tests (25% of the final mark)
• Major class assignment (10% of the final mark)
• Class participation (5% of the final mark)
• Final examination (60% of the final mark)

Students will be provided with excerpts that are required reading.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students in the Master of Avian Health and Medicine 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.