Poultry Path & Diagnosis of Diseases

Subject VETS50002 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

Credit Points: 25
Level: 5 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Estimated time commitment of 20 hours per week
Total Time Commitment:

Approximately 320 hours.

Prerequisites:

Admission to the Master of Avian Health and Medicine.

Completion of the following subject with a result of at least 65.

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

Current and practical experience working in the poultry industry

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

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

Contact

Email: amirh@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Competency in gross pathology is a core skill for the avian practitioner. This Unit will review the diseases affecting chickens, turkeys and ducks, the clinical signs and lesions seen with these diseases, how to construct differential diagnosis lists and what samples are most appropriate to make a definitive diagnosis.

Poultry pathology and diseases are covered by body systems in a series of image rich lectures. An online database of infectious and non-infectious poultry diseases PathMan™ (the Pathology Manual) is the main text for this Unit. Students will apply knowledge learnt throughout this subject by working through exercises and computer assisted case studies. A case of the week, relevant to the body system being studied is presented for discussion by the tutor.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this subject, students will:

  • Have a sound working knowledge of the major disease conditions (infectious and non-infectious) of poultry;
  • Be able to apply an advanced level of skills in diagnosing this diseases;
  • Develop adequate differential and then final diagnoses of disease using the most appropriate confirmatory laboratory testing;
  • Evaluate the relevant professional and scientific literature in avian pathology; and
  • Develop proficiency in the systematic assessment and writing-up of case studies and reports in avian pathology.
Assessment:

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.

Students will be required to arrange an appropriate venue (e.g. a nearby university) to sit this assessment under supervised examination conditions.

The breakdown of the assessment is:

  • Monthly assessment tests (25% of the final mark)
  • Assignments (20% of the final mark)
  • Class Participation (5% of the final mark)
  • Final Examination (50% of the final mark)

Prescribed Texts:

None

Recommended Texts:

Randall, C. J. and Reece, R. L., A Colour Atlas of Avian Histopathology, (1996), Mosby-Wolfe, London.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students 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.
Links to further information: http://www.vet.unimelb.edu.au/futurestudents/avianhealth.html
Notes:

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.

Related Course(s): Master of Avian Health & Medicine

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