Structure & Function of Control Centres

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Approximately 112 hours per semester

The following subjects are prerequisites:

None

Information learned in the prior modules of this course

None

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

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 may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

In essence, an Emergency Animal Disease response has many similarities to that of a military campaign, and formal structures have been developed to manage responses. These structures are based on the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS) and are described in detail in the Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN).

This subject will, through a series of lectures, detail the composition of the various levels of control centres and outline their structure and functions and the roles and responsibilities of those staffing the centres.

On completion of this subject, students will have gained:

• a working knowledge of AIIMS and its application to an emergency animal disease (EAD) response through AUSVETPLAN;
• an understanding of the structures and functions of control centres at various levels and their interactions; and
• some knowledge of AUSVETPLAN roles and responsibilities.

Students will be assessed for participation in weekly forum discussions, group assignment in week 5 and final written exam in week 9 and 10. You will be required to identify a university near you where you can be supervised while sitting the exam.

The assessment components of this subject are:

• Participation in online forum discussions (15%)
• Group assignment 4000 words (25%)
• Written 2-hour final exam (60%)

The Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN), available to be downloaded from the Animal Health Australia website

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students should have developed their:

• ability to respond to EADs in a structured manner; and
• ability to relate an EAD response to a chain of command.

Reliable internet access with at least a medium speed connection and a personal computer are essential for undertaking this 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.