Stress Physiology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

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. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they must actively and safely contribute to laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison (http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability).

The aim of this subject is to enable students to undertake advanced study in the area of stress physiology in domestic and companion animals. The major focus will be on the interaction between physiological state and the environment and the consequences for animal performance and production. Specific emphasis will be on developing skills in monitoring physiological stress and being able to manage the environment for improved animal performance and production.

The content will cover contemporary issues related to physiological and metabolic adaptations in response to stress during growth, pregnancy and lactation and will include physical, psychological and nutritional factors; energy and water balance and thermoregulation; and management of the environment including aspects of housing.

The objectives of this subject are to:

• Evaluate the major interactions between physiological state and the environment
• Identify and develop skills and techniques in monitoring stress responses

• A 1000 word essay due in approximately Week 5 worth 20%
• A 2000 word essay due in approximately Week 7 worth 40%
• Two oral presentations of 10 minutes each held in approximately Week 2, worth 20% each; 40% in total

None

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

• Academic excellence
• Greater in-depth understanding of scientific disciplines of stress physiology

The study will develop:

• Critical thinking and analysis
• Problem-solving

Flexibility and level of transferable skills should be enhanced though improved ability to communicate ideas effectively in both written and verbal formats.