Topics in Animal Health

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

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

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

This subject explores major topics on animal health or relevance to the agricultural industries, domestic animal management and society in general. It focuses on the roles and perspectives of the personnel involved i.e. farmers, horse stud and stable workers, animal enterprise managers, laboratory workers and veterinarians. The topics include disease risks to humans (zoonotic diseases), organisational responses to disease outbreaks, bio-security, the epidemiology approach to eradication and control programs, evaluating diagnostic procedures, monitoring animal health, implications for animal enterprise management.

On completion of this subject students should have gained:

• an understanding of the role of non-veterinary graduate in prevention, detection and management of health disorders in animals
• understand the biological basis of disease causality
• understand the processes of disease including inflammation and healing
• be familiar with diagnostic procedures
• be familiar with therapeutic techniques
• be familiar with epidemiological concepts and terminology, and
• understand the application of strategies of bio-security.

Two-hour examination at the end of semester (50%); two practical reports 750 words each submitted during the semester in weeks 4 and 10 (35%); and a half hour mid-semester examination in approximately week 10 (15%).

N/A

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 of the practical and ethical aspects of working in animal health
• flexibility and level of transferable skills should be enhanced through improved time management
• enhanced ability to communicate their ideas effectively in both written and verbal 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.