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Animal Production Systems (AGRI10049)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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This subject is the third of a suite of three first year subjects that are core to the Bachelor of Agriculture. (Agricultural Production Systems 1-3). These subjects introduce students to the major Australian agricultural production systems (plant and animal) and to the social and business principles that underpin them. Using examples that provide a concrete overview of the workings of each production system, students will develop an understanding of the range of drivers of that system- economics and market drivers; sustainability, including resource, financial and environmental sustainability; the structure of agricultural communities and the farming context; environmental and welfare issues; and the policy and political issues that underpin decision making in agricultural production industries.
In this subject, students will explore Australian animal production industries, for both food (eg meat, milk & eggs) and fibre (wool) production in both extensively and intensively managed systems. Production systems discussed will include beef cattle and sheep, dairy cattle, pigs and poultry. Issues considered will include inputs and outputs of the system, on-farm husbandry and management, and the chain of production from on-farm to consumer.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who have satisfactorily completed this subject will:
- Have a developing understanding of the structure and operation of agricultural production industries of Australia, as well as an understanding of Australia’s role in global food and fibre production
- Have an understanding of the principal factors that determine location, environmental impact, sustainability, profitability and international trade competitiveness in animal production systems
- Be able to describe the major extensive animal production systems in Australia: beef cattle and sheep, and dairy cattle
- Be able to describe the major intensive animal production systems in Australia: pigs and poultry, including free range and conventional farming systems
- Understand the major inputs and products for each of the major animal production systems
- Be able to describe productivity benchmarks in the major production animal systems
- Be able to explain the chain of production from on-farm to consumer
- Be able to describe the differences and similarities between intensive and extensive production systems, in terms of infrastructure, productivity and impacts on animal health
- Understand the basic principles of codes of practice and laws governing production animal systems
- Understand the principles of animal welfare and be able to identify situations where there is a particular welfare concern
- Describe how animal production systems impact on the environment
Generic skills
A student who satisfactorily completes this subject should be able to:
- Explain their understanding of agricultural production systems lucidly, both in writing and orally
- Review and evaluate readings relating to global food issues and agricultural production
- Participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions, and study groups, and in working as part of a team to complete a group assignment
- Think independently and analytically, and direct his or her own learning
- Manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular tutorial classes, tests and the examination
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
This subject assumes little background knowledge in science. Reading of rural press (eg newspapers and journals) will provide valuable background knowledge of Australian farming systems.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
This subject includes a compulsory residential field trip to the University’s Dookie campus. Students will require appropriate clothing and footwear, including work boots (indicative cost $60 per pair). Students are also required to contribute to the cost of accommodation and meals at the Dookie campus- indicative cost $50 per day for two days.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- Intra-semester test (500 words) due in Week 6 (30%)
- Practical report based on a field trip (1000 words), due in Week 8 (20%)
- 2-hour end-of-semester written examination (50%)
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum 80% of scheduled workshops/practical classes
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Vern Bowles Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Approximately 74 hours including 3 hours of lectures and 2 hours of workshops each week and a two-day field trip Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 23 July 2018 to 21 October 2018 Last self-enrol date 3 August 2018 Census date 31 August 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 21 September 2018 Assessment period ends 16 November 2018 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Additional delivery details
This subject includes a compulsory residential field trip to the University’s Dookie campus. Students will require appropriate clothing and footwear, including work boots (indicative cost $60 per pair).
Students are also required to contribute to the cost of accommodation and meals at the Dookie campus- indicative cost $50 per day for two days. Further information about intensives at Dookie can be found at: http://students.fvas.unimelb.edu.au/fvas-programs/intensive-subjects-at-dookie#Dookie-intensives.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Bachelor of Agriculture - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 3 November 2022