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Communication in Disease Emergencies (VETS90084)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2019
Overview
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During emergency situations, effective public communications have been shown to be of crucial importance. Gaining public trust and co-operation during any emergency is a function of ensuring that the right messages are targeted at the appropriate times to the right audiences using the most appropriate media channels. Specifically, in animal disease emergencies, public co-operation is required to maximise good biosecurity and gain maximum compliance with disease management efforts.
This subject will use lecture notes and study materials to educate students on the basics of communications planning, including determining communication objectives, identifying target audiences, messages and media. Practical sessions will expose them to media interview techniques and the drafting of media releases.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students will have gained:
- A basic understanding of the process of drawing up a communication plan
- Experience in working with the media, including drafting of press releases and conducting media interviews
- An appreciation of the need to communicate effectively during an animal disease emergency
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed their:
- Ability to identify communication needs
- Ability to manage communications effectively
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
One of:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
VETS90083 | Selection & Interpretation of Lab Tests | Winter Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
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.
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
Students will be assessed for participation in weekly forum discussions, an individual assignment in approximately Week 5, a group assignment in approximately Week 7 and a final written exam in approximately Week 9 or 10. Students will be required to arrange an appropriate venue (e.g. a nearby university) to sit this assessment under supervised examination conditions.
The assessment components of this subject are:
- Participation in online forum discussions (25%)
- Individual assignment (500 words) (10%)
- Group assignment (500 words per student) (10%)
- 2-hour final written exam (55%)
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2019
Time commitment details
170 Hours
Additional delivery details
Prior to 2017 this subject was VETS50004 Communication in Disease Emergencies
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Students will use a reading list of scientific articles from the current literature, which will be provided online.
- Subject notes
Reliable internet access with at least a medium speed connection and a personal computer are essential for undertaking this online program. The content is accessed through your web browser. Microsoft Office™ and Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent software packages are necessary for assessment tasks, assignments and some class exercises.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Veterinary Public Health (Emergency Animal Diseases)
Last updated: 3 November 2022