Animal Production Systems 1 (VETS30031)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject examines the major extensive animal production systems in Australia and internationally, with a focus on the impact of management practices on the health and welfare of animal populations. Through case-based syndicate work relevant to the major extensive production systems (beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, camelids and goats), students will develop an appreciation of the major determinants of profitability, productivity and sustainability of these industries, be able to describe the basic principles of breeding, management, nutrition, animal welfare and disease control as they relate to extensive animal production systems, and be able to specify where veterinary input may be important. Students will gain an understanding of the ethical and legal frameworks that govern the major extensive livestock industries in Australia, assuring the safe, ethical and legal production of food and fibre products.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Use knowledge of major Australian and international extensive animal production industries (beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, camelids and goats) to be able to analyse and influence the common production systems within them and the major determinants of profitability, productivity and sustainability
  • Describe the basic principles of breeding, management, nutrition, animal welfare and disease control as they relate to extensive animal production systems and specify where veterinary input may be important
  • Apply the ethical and legal frameworks that govern the major extensive livestock industries in Australia in assuring the safe, ethical and legal production of food and fibre products by industry stakeholders, including veterinarians

Generic skills

  • Be able to examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
  • Have enhanced analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects
  • Have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems
  • Be able to seek solutions to problems through the application of knowledge, the ability to initiate and integrate new ideas, an appreciation of the broad picture of science, and an understanding of the importance and application of scientific method.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Permission of the Faculty of Science is required to enrol into this subject. Enrolment is limited to BSc students who have been selected into the Veterinary Bioscience major, leading to articulation into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Students must have successfully completed the following subjects:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
VETS20019 Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

AND

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BCMB20002 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOM20001 Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 25
AGRI20043 Biochemistry in Agricultural Systems
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

All of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
VETS30016 Veterinary Bioscience: Digestive System
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
VETS30029 Veterinary Bioscience: Cells to Systems
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
VETS30030 Introduction to Professional Practice
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

Students must comply with the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Fitness to Practice Rules, which are accessible from Schedule 1 of the Student Fitness to Practice Policy (MPF1345).

Current vaccinations for tetanus and/or documented immunity to Q Fever are requirements for enrolment. 

 

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: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Up to four online assessments (each equally weighted)

  • 15 minutes (each)
Throughout the semester15%

Written test

  • 1 hours
Mid semester25%

Written examination

  • 2 hours
During the examination period60%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorStuart Barber
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours100 hrs of lectures, practical classes and case studies
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    srbarber@unimelb.edu.au 

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.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 4 March 2025