Animal Systems Analysis

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

72 hours in a total contact time of 120 hours

A physiology subject at 200 level such as:

Recommended Background Knowledge:

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/

Effective management of animals requires an appreciation of the context in which management of animals is carried out.This context may be predominantly social, environmental or commercial, but in every case, scientific knowledge must be informed by understanding of individual and societal goals to solve practical problems in the care of animals.This is the domain of systems analysis and thinking.Students will carry out up to 6 case study analyses during the semester, each of which is based on a real world problem or opportunity, and aligns the scientific with the social. Case study analysis will require students to clearly identify the problem to be solved, analyze options for solving the problems and meeting goals, and communicate their findings to the ‘client’.Case study visits are supplemented by lectures and tutorials that develop the theory and practice of systems analysis and thinking.The subject is designed to enable students to work effectively with the owners and managers of animals in bringing about improvements in the way animals are cared for and managed.

On completion of this subject, students should have gained:

• a basic understanding of systems theory and practice;
• experience in practical situation analysis and skills in problem solving, in 'real world' settings;
• recognition of the importance of adult learning and decision-making processes in the management of animal industry businesses and natural resources;
• an understanding of the way technology is adopted in the management of animal industry, businesses and natural resources; and
• the opportunity to apply knowledge gained earlier in their course to the solution of practical problems

Four farm management economics case study reports spaced equally through the semester, each equivalent to 1000 words and worth 25% of total marks. Each case study based on a commercial farm business or rural industry.

Information Not Available

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• 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 of animal systems,their response to constraints for natural resources, finance and education.
• The student’s flexibility and level of transferable skills should be enhanced through improved time management and enhanced ability to communicate their ideas effectively in both written and verbal formats.