Production Animal Science

This major will provide graduates with a depth and breadth of understanding in production animal science in the context of agricultural systems. Students of this major will study subjects in animal biology, nutrition and physiology, health and welfare. Graduates of this major will also gain a detailed understanding of animal production industries, and how management strategies can optimise growth and product quality.

This major will be available to students enrolling in first year of the B Ag in 2016. The subjects comprising this new major are subject to review in 2016, and may be altered in 2017.

On completion of this major, students will have

• a strong understanding of animal management in agricultural production systems
• an understanding of the determinants of optimal animal health and production
• the ability to critically evaluate management decisions in animal systems, and formulate plans that will ensure industry and environmental sustainability
• an understanding of current issues facing animal agricultural production systems
• skills to effectively analyse, and scientifically evaluate the welfare and environmental implications of animal production systems
• the ability to communicate and discuss scientific and industry information with relevant stakeholders
• the capacity for initiating and maintaining cooperative relationships with colleagues
• the ability to analyse and interpret data generated in agricultural systems

This major is undertaken in Years 2 and 3 of the B-AGR program. To attain the major, students are required to complete 14 subjects in total.

If studying the entire second year of the degree program at Parkville, students in the Production Animal Science major will study 10 core subjects and 4 electives. If students choose to study the second semester of Year 2 at the Dookie campus, they will instead study 12 core subjects and 2 electives.

Core

All students in the major are required to complete:

Elective

All students in the major take 25 points of elective subjects at level 3 (usually two subjects).

Second Semester of Year 2 - Dookie Option

In the Dookie option, there are four compulsory subjects that need to be completed:

Second Semester of Year 2 - Parkville Option

In the Parkville option, students take

• 25 points of elective subjects at level 2 (usually two subjects)
• two compulsory subjects: