Master of Avian Health & Medicine

The Avian Health Online program has been designed to give students a solid grounding in those aspects of poultry husbandry and management which are most relevant to avian health as well as the ability to use poultry pathology, immunology and microbiology as part of the systematic approach to disease or management-related problem investigations. This course is offered on a part-time basis to allow students to study while still continuing to work.

Avian Health Online is an interactive web-based learning environment designed by the University of Melbourne and the University of Georgia (USA) for veterinarians to further their understanding in poultry health and management and enable them to better function in today's global poultry industry.

The MAHM will assist students to develop a working knowledge of the use and applications of pathology, serology and microbiology in avian health, product quality, public health and international trade, and critical reading and preparation skills for scientific papers. A 10,000 word dissertation will be produced by the student as part of their studies on a topic in poultry health/management/production that is of interest to them and relevant to their current or future employment.

This course should allow graduates to:

• Develop increased breadth and depth of knowledge in poultry production and avian pathology;
• Attain an advanced level of skills in the recognition and diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious diseases of poultry using poultry pathology, immunology, and microbiology;
• Apply developed professional competencies in poultry health to achieving enhanced health and productivity within the poultry industries; and
• Gain experience in processes involved in filed investigations.

The Master of Avian Health and Medicine requires the completion of the six subjects listed below. Each individual subject runs for 16 weeks and focuses on topics relevant to the modern poultry veterinarian.

A result of at least 65 (H3) in the each subject is required to progress to the next. Each subject has the basic structure of one preparatory week followed by fourteen weeks of lectures and discussions, much like a typical face-to-face university subject. The final exam will take place in weeks 16 and 17. Students will be expected to be able to set aside approximately 20 hours per week for reading, assignments and participation in online activities.

There are no majors, minors, or specialisations

All applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

1. A professional veterinary science degree (at least four years duration) or an equivalent qualification from a veterinary school listed in the World Health Organisation Directory of Veterinary Schools, and
2. At least one year of documented, professional veterinary experience in the poultry industry OR at least two years of documented veterinary experience with large or small animals (or other category of veterinary professional practice.*) and
3. English language proficiency, as determined by the University of Melbourne. This requirement may be met in a number of ways. For more details, please refer to English Language Requirements; and
4. Other requirements as specified by the University of Georgia

* For those veterinary graduates who do not have prior, relevant and documented experience from working in the intensive poultry industry, their reading and practical involvement in fieldwork MUST be supplemented by undertaking a formal mentorship period, for a minimum of six months, with an avian veterinarian who is practising with a commercial poultry company. Arrangements must be approved by the Faculty through course coordinators, prior to commencement.

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

Students' awareness of the economic, environmental, political, social and welfare factors behind the major poultry health, poultry production, public health, animal welfare and international trade issues will be extended through these courses.

The skills and knowledge achieved will allow veterinarians to provide advanced services to the poultry industry.

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.