Companion Animal Biology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Estimated total time commitment (including non-contact time): 170 hrs.

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

Animals such as dogs, cats and horses were once predominantly working animals but increasingly they are seen now as companion animals. This change in relationship has brought benefits and challenges to both owner and animal alike. Alongside traditional companion animal species, more exotic animals are also becoming popular in society. These may include reptiles, amphibians and even native Australian species.

Given the almost complete control we have over companion animal species, it is important that we understand how to care for them correctly. Housing, nutrition, health and behaviour all interlink and impact on the welfare and value of our “companions”.

To examine the housing, health, nutrition and behaviour of a range of companion animal species to allow students to gain an improved understanding and multi-species comparison, with the aim of maximising the welfare of animals kept as companions.

• One 2 hour end of semester examination - 50%.
• Written assignment (2000 words) due week 6 - 50% - a species specific piece based on a given topic, with the addition of a one A4 side dissemination summary.

N/A

Campbell, J.R., Kenealy, M.D. and Campbell, K.L. (2002) Animal Sciences: the biology, care and production of domestic animals. McGraw-Hill, London.

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• 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 and their application to the humane care and efficient management of companion animals.
• Flexibility and level of transferable skills should be enhanced through improved time management.
• Enhanced ability to communicate their ideas effectively in different written formats.

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (new degree only).

Q Fever

Students enrolling in this subject are advised that some courses of study may put them at an increased risk of contracting Q Fever. Q Fever is a relatively common preventable condition which, while rarely fatal, can cause a severe acute illness and can result in damage to heart valves and chronic fatigue. It is recommended that students consider undertaking screening and vaccination for Q Fever prior to commencement of study. Students may be required to provide proof of vaccination prior to undertaking some coursework. Your course coordinator will advise you of this requirement prior to commencement of the study semester. Vaccine costs for students are not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme, Medicare, or by the University. Some students with full private medical coverage (which has hospital and ancillary cover) may receive partial re-imbursement for vaccine costs.