Applications in Animal Health 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2014:

All students are to enrol in the Year Long availability of this subject, unless directed by the Faculty of Veterinary Science.

360 Hours

Admission into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Completion of an approved five day residential course in animal handling, environmental safety and management (may be undertaken concurrently).

All students are to enrol in the Year Long availability of this corequisite, unless directed by the Faculty of Veterinary Science.

This course assumes prior knowledge in one or more discipline of science. All students will be expected to be familiar with the principles of scientific thinking, hypothesis development, experimental design, data collection, analysis and interpretation.

Students should refer to the Core Participation Requirements statement for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine:

http://www.vet.unimelb.edu.au/docs/CoreParticipationReqs.pdf

VETS70006 Applications in Animal Health 1 provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the principles of animal health in individual animals and in populations of animals. Each of the six determinants of health ( genetics, environment, nutrition, welfare, infectious disease and exposure to toxic agents) is explored with reference to authentic case studies. Appreciation of the multifactorial nature of health determination is then developed as students apply their understanding to cases that require integration of multiple principles in the analysis of animal health issues. Through industry based placements as well as case based syndicate work, students apply their understanding of animal health principles to the examination and analysis of animal production industries of importance both within Australia and internationally.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Describe the role of genetics, environment, nutrition, welfare, infectious disease and exposure to toxic agents in determining the health of individual animals or populations of animals.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate animal production systems with reference to the complex interplay of multiple determinants of health.
• Apply an understanding of the principle determinants of animal health in reflective and critical analysis of personal industry based experiences.
• Describe the interdependence of animal health and productivity in animal production industries.

• One written exam (two hours duration) at the end of semester one (22.2%)
• Two written exams (each of two hours duration) at the end of semester two (44.4%)
• Eleven (11) intra semester tests (less than 60 minutes duration) (total 28.4%)
• Students must produce a 1,000 word research report on one property that they visit demonstrating their understanding and research as to how the enterprise operates, integrating concepts taught in the subject (5%)

Satisfactory completion of two weeks of industry based placement in a rural enterprise, or two weeks of placement in an animal shelter or zoo (hurdle requirement). Approved placements may be local, regional, interstate or international.

Students must complete a brief written (one page) summary of each extramural placement they visit.

None

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students should be able to:

• examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
• expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects
• be able to seek solutions to problems through the application of knowledge, the ability to initiate and integrate new ideas, an appreciation of the broad picture of science, and an understanding of the importance and application of scientific method
• demonstrate empathy and concern for animals and people
• be aware of the global society and be equipped to contribute to it