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Production, Herd and Public Health A (VETS90097)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Subject Coordinator: Dr Stuart Barber srbarber@unimelb.edu.au
Unit 1 Applied Animal Production Health A
Dr Stuart Barber srbarber@unimelb.edu.au
Unit 2 Veterinary Epidemiology
Prof. Mark Stevenson mark.stevenson@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject builds on students’ knowledge of the principles of animal health and production in the context of animal production systems.
During placements in animal production industry, animal welfare and zoo settings, students acquire skills in animal handling and observe and participate in a range of animal management practices. Integrating knowledge and understanding derived from other subjects in their course, students evaluate issues relating to animal health, welfare and production and conduct critical analysis of data provided to them.
This subject also applies an understanding of host, pathogen and environmental factors and the way in which livestock are managed to develop a knowledge base that will allow disease and suboptimal productivity at the herd and flock level to be diagnosed and managed. The multifactorial nature of disease is reviewed, and techniques for measurement and prediction of disease prevalence and population health introduced.
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate competency in the handling and restraint of common domesticated animal species
- Describe management systems and practices appropriate for the care and welfare of animals commonly farmed in Australian animal production industries
- Evaluate the productivity and profitability of animal production systems
- Apply epidemiologic principles to understand, control and prevent disease and production losses in animal populations
- Recognise that disease and impaired productivity in animal populations are multifactorial
- Develop interventions that acknowledge the latter principle when faced with disease or suboptimal productivity at the herd or flock level
- Describe the roles of veterinarians in contributing to public health through their involvement in animal production and management, food safety management, humane slaughter of livestock for food, and disease outbreak investigations
- Apply an understanding of animal production systems, management practices and the principal determinants of animal health in reflective and critical analysis of personal industry-based experiences
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should:
- Be able to examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
- Understand the scientific method, and the history and evolution of scientific concepts
- Be intellectually curious and able to apply a rigorous, critical and logical approach to enquiry
- Be able to communicate ideas effectively in both written and verbal formats to both specialists and non-specialists
- Demonstrate skills in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
- Be efficient managers of information
- Be able to apply appropriate technology to the analysis of biological problems
- Demonstrate integrity and honesty in interactions with colleagues, the general public and clients
- Demonstrate empathy and concern for animals, their owners and the general community
- Possess an understanding of both the scientific and vocational aspects of veterinary science
Last updated: 31 January 2024