Animal Systems Analysis (ANSC30009)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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Effective management of animal systems requires an appreciation of the context in which that management is carried out. This context may be predominantly social, environmental or commercial or combinations thereof. The application of scientific knowledge in conjunction with an appreciation of context, individual- or societal-goals is the domain of systems analysis and thinking. This subject aims to develop the skills required to analyse these interactions and support decision-making in animal enterprises. Students will examine real world situations, and align the scientific with the social. Assessment work will see students required to clearly identify problems to be solved, analyse options for solving the problems and then provide evidence-based assessment to support their decisions. It is designed to enable students to work effectively with the owners and managers of animal businesses in bringing about change in their system.

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Implement the core principles of systems theory to real-world applications, including evaluating the ecological, economic, and social sustainability within animal systems.
  • Integrate prior interdisciplinary knowledge to map and solve problems in a way that balances animal welfare, environmental impacts, and the economic viability of animal industries.
  • Employ evidence-based approaches to address complex, multistakeholder problems, specifically aiming to advance sustainable animal practices through informed decision-making.

Generic skills

On completion of the subject the students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • Problem solving, analytical and decision-making skills
  • Capacity to tackle unfamiliar and complex problems to become active global citizens and leaders in the community
  • Ability to think systemically and integrate knowledge from different disciplines
  • Proficiency in written and verbal communication. Specifically, communication skills to manage diverse stakeholder perspectives in the face of competing interests
  • Ability to plan self-directed and collaborative work, be efficient in time management and deliver creative results within a prescribed timeline
  • Reflection. Specifically, the ability to critically assess and analyse learning experiences, personal growth, and academic knowledge, fostering deeper self-awareness and enhancing the ability to apply lessons learned to future endeavours

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ANSC20001 Animal Physiology and Growth
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ANSC20005 Companion Animal Biology
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ANSC20002 Comparative Nutrition and Digestion
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
No longer available

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: 20 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Tutorial worksheets, 5% per tutorial. Five worksheets throughout the teaching period, between 1 - 3 week intervals.

  • 1000 words (equivalent)
Throughout the teaching period25%

Systems analysis map Part A - Individual map (15%) Part B - Peer review of 2 maps (10%)

  • 1000 words (equivalent)
From Week 3 to Week 425%

Group Oral presentation: Grant proposal; 20 minutes

  • 400 words (each)
Week 1210%

Written report: E-Portfolio Part A. Systems analysis group work (25%) Part B – Individual reflection (15%)

  • 1600 words (total)
During the assessment period40%

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorPeta Taylor
    CoordinatorAndrew Cutting
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal of 48 hours, 1 x 1-hour lecture and 1 x 3-hour workshop each week for 12 weeks.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 contact information

    peta.taylor@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.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 20 March 2025