Prod & Public Safety, Trade & Economics

Subject VETS60002 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 25
Level: 6 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

August, Parkville - Taught online/distance.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 17-Aug-2015 to 06-Dec-2015
Assessment Period End 11-Dec-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 08-Sep-2015
Census Date 11-Sep-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 30-Oct-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
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 and understanding of avian pathology and relevant serology and microbiology.

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

Coordinator

Prof Amir Noormohammadi

Contact

http://www.vet.unimelb.edu.au/contact.html

Subject Overview:

For any agroindustry to be successful, consumers must be able to trust that industry as 'the custodian of food safety'. This subject focuses on food-borne pathogens associated with poultry. An appreciation of food-borne pathogens associated with poultry and standards for their control is central. Principles of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems and their application and implementation in food safety programs in the poultry meat and egg sectors will be studied. This unit will also help students become familiar with import risk assessment, gain knowledge in basic economic concept and marketing of poultry industry, and international trade issues associated with the importation/exportation of poultry products.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

  • Be familiar with the important food borne pathogens significant to human health which can be associated with poultry products,
  • Develop a sound theoretical and practical knowledge of the quality control measures required to ensure safe production and processing of poultry products,
  • Develop sound understandings and abilities to apply the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) System to food safety at all stages,
  • Have sound knowledge of the basic economic concepts of poultry production and global trade,
  • Understand how economic analysis can be employed by veterinarians to improve profitability in key cost areas such as in growth and health, the hatchery and the feed mill, and
  • Undertake analyses of the economic implications of those veterinary decisions that must be considered for poultry flocks while ensuring that high standards of animal welfare are maintained.
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 assessment is:

  • Monthly assessment tests (25% of the final mark)
  • Assignments (10% of the final mark)
  • Class Participation (5% of the final mark)
  • Final Examination (60% of the final mark)
Prescribed Texts:

Students will be provided with excerpts that are required reading.

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 Officeâ„¢ 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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