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Animal Production Systems: Epidemiology (VETS90133)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to apply an understanding of host, pathogen and environmental factors, and the way in which livestock are managed to diagnose and manage disease and suboptimal productivity at the herd and flock level. The multifactorial nature of disease is reviewed, and techniques for measurement and prediction of disease prevalence and population health introduced. An understanding and application of study design and critical appraisal of evidence will enable students to link theory to practice in the management of population health problems.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Apply epidemiological principles to calculate and describe the frequency of disease in animal and/or human populations, and to identify characteristics that place some individuals in a population at greater risk of disease, compared with others
- Explain the major features of the common study designs used in observational epidemiological research and describe the strengths and weaknesses of each
- Use epidemiological tools to evaluate screening and diagnostic tests used in animal health management
- Describe the major classes of disease surveillance programs and explain the strengths and weaknesses of each in order to select and use an appropriate tool in the management of animal and public health
- Describe the different phases of an outbreak investigation and the role and importance of a veterinarian during this process in order to optimise health and minimise productivity losses, comply with legal regulations and accommodate economic realities
- Use scientific databases, select appropriate literature and evaluate research evidence to answer a clinical question and communicate it to a scientific audience in oral and written form
- Apply epidemiological and biostatistical principles to critically appraise the biomedical literature, make arguments relevant to findings to a scientific audience, and make clinical decisions based on the best available evidence
- Interpret data acquired from animal production industry case scenarios, and apply understanding of the determinants of productivity, profitability and sustainability in order to analyse and interpret problems related to these systems
Generic skills
- Have a broad knowledge of science across a range of fields, with an in-depth understanding in one scientific discipline
- Understand the scientific method, and the history and evolution of scientific concepts
- Be intellectually curious and 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
- Reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
- Be efficient managers of information
- Apply technology to the analysis of biological problems
Last updated: 23 February 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Satisfactory completion of all subjects at DVM 1 level
Corequisites
All of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
VETS90131 | Veterinary Parasitology A | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
VETS90130 | Veterinary Virology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
6.25 |
VETS90128 | Vet Bioscience: Integument and Immunity | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Students are to enrol in these corequisite subjects unless directed by the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences.
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: 23 February 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Written test
| From Week 7 to Week 11 | 20% |
Written examination
| During the examination period | 55% |
Evidence-based medicine research activity - Students work collaboratively to address a designated research topic that requires them to research and evaluate the evidence. Students will present their activity orally to their peers in group presentations.
| Due end of Week 11 | 25% |
Aggregate subject mark Hurdle requirement: Students must pass the subject on aggregate mark. | N/A |
Last updated: 23 February 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Mark Stevenson Coordinator Simon Firestone Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 72 hours of lectures, workshops, practical classes and case studies Total time commitment 180 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 Semester 1 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: 23 February 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Last updated: 23 February 2024