Health & Disease in Wildlife Populations (VETS30033)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
The health of wildlife populations is determined by the presence and absence of diseases, and also by the population’s resilience in environments affected by climate change, habitat degradation and destruction, and direct conflict with human interest.
This subject will discuss the factors that determine disease and health in wildlife populations, examine disease impacts on wildlife populations and how they are measured, consider case studies of some of the most significant current diseases of wildlife (including diseases of veterinary and human public health significance), and investigate the principles of managing health and disease in wildlife populations.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Identify and explain the determinants of health and causes of disease in wildlife populations, and how these are detected, described and measured
- Explain the spread and maintenance of disease in wildlife populations and relate this to disease in domestic animals and humans
- Research, analyse and integrate the interconnections between ecosystem health, animal health and human health
- Research and analyse the impacts of disease on wildlife populations
- Apply the principles of wildlife health management to make recommendations for disease outbreak and conservation interventions
Generic skills
- Critical assessment of scientific literature
- Advanced ability for self-assessment regarding learning, knowledge and technical skills
- Ability to work collaboratively and in multi-disciplinary teams
- Leadership skills and contributing to a sustainable future
- Communication skills
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECOL20003 | Ecology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| VETS20019 | Frontiers in Veterinary Science | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ZOOL20004 | Australian Wildlife Biology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ZOOL20005 | Animal Structure and Function | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ZOOL20006 | Comparative Animal Physiology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Two quizzes, equally weighted
| From Week 3 to Week 11 | 25% |
Weekly contributions to discussion of learning materials
| From Week 1 to Week 10 | 10% |
Case study analysis
| Week 5 | 12% |
Assignment proposal given as a short (10 minutes), recorded group oral presentation (3-4 students per group)
| Week 8 | 12% |
Peer review of two assignment proposals
| Week 9 | 5% |
Group project in form of a written report (3,500 words total) 3-4 students per group.
| During the examination period | 36% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinators Lee Berger and Jasmin Hufschmid Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours It's 54 contact hours – 30 hours online lectures, videos and reading materials; and 2 hours tutorial/workshop per week. 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
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
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- Breadth options
- 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.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025