Animal Production Systems (AGRI10049)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2
Coordinator: A/Prof Ian Bland
Contact: ibland@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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, poultry and aquaculture. 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. The subject also contains a 2-day compulsory field trip to the University’s Dookie campus so that students are able to gain a greater understanding of some of the animal productions systems located at Dookie.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Understand 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
- Understand the principal factors that determine location, environmental impact, sustainability, profitability and international trade competitiveness in animal production systems
- Describe the major extensive animal production systems in Australia: beef cattle and sheep, and dairy cattle and the major intensive animal production systems in Australia: aquaculture, pigs and poultry, including free range and conventional farming systems noting the differences and similarities between these different production systems
- Understand the major inputs and products for each of the major animal production systems and be able to describe productivity benchmarks in the major production animal systems
- Describe the differences and similarities between intensive and extensive production systems, in terms of infrastructure, productivity and impacts on animal health and the environment
- Understand the basic principles of codes of practice and laws governing production animal systems including understanding the principles of animal welfare and be able to identify situations where there is a particular welfare concern
- Demonstrate the ability to facilitate and participate in group discussions to analyse and interpret data that relates to issues and challenges affecting the sustainability of animal production systems
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
- 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: 4 March 2025
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Intra-semester test
| Week 6 | 30% |
Report based on the Dookie farm
| Week 8 | 20% |
Written examination
| End of semester | 50% |
| Hurdle requirement: Participation in the Dookie field trip in Week 6 | Week 6 | 0% |
| Hurdle requirement: Participation in 80% of workshops from Week 1 to Week 12 | From Week 1 to Week 12 | 0% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Ian Bland Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total of 66 hours - 1 x 2-hour and 1 x 1-hour lectures per week for 12 weeks, 1 x 2-hour workshop per week for 11 weeks and an 8-hour field trip in week 6. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Coordinator: A/Prof Ian Bland
Contact: ibland@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
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: https://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/students/experience/intensive-subjects-at-dookie.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 4 March 2025