University of Sydney Handbooks - 2012 Archive

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Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience Units of Study

Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience

Year 1

AFNR1001 The Rural Environment

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Peter Ampt Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/week; 1x3-hr laboratory practical/week on weeks 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13; 1x7-hr field excursion week 3; 2x6hr field practical on weeks 7 and 12. Assessment: 1x2hr exam (40%), problem-based learning (20%), practical assessment (20%), group participation (10%), plant collection (10%) Practical field work: Field practical sessions allow 'hands-on' experience with agronomy and animal husbandry
This unit allows students to discuss Australian rural production and the Australian environment, their interrelation, the issues agriculture and the environment face for the future and the context in which this takes place. It is a core unit for students in BScAgr and BAnVetBioSc and is the main introductory unit for further studies in the Faculty. For studies in the area of Agriculture and Natural Resources, it is important to be able to identify and describe common domestic animals, crops and weeds, broad acre production systems, key environmental issues and to be able to discuss their significance. Students completing this unit of study will be able to relate the Australian environment to opportunities and limitations for agronomy, animal husbandry and native animal and plant species, partly through problem based learning (PBL) in relation to a topical rural issue. In addition students will practice the identification of economic plant species and explore the ecology of pests and weeds and related integrated management practices. Through the problem based activities, students will learn valuable research skills and how to critically assess sources of information through library and database research. Through the production of reports and essays, students can demonstrate academic writing and recognise the importance of academic honesty.
Textbooks
Malcolm B, Sale P, Leury B, Barlow S (2009). 'Agriculture in Australia - An Introduction (2 edn).' (Oxford University Press: South Melbourne)
AVBS1002 Concepts of Animal Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mrs Irene Van Ekris Session: Semester 2 Classes: 6 hrs/week (lectures and practicals) Prerequisites: 6 credit points of junior Biology Assessment: practical class testing (20%), annotated bibliography (15%), mid-semester exam (15%), written exam (50%) Practical field work: There will be several whole day practical classes at the Camden campus
This unit will explore the management of animals in natural and man-made environments. At the end of this unit of study, students will understand: the characteristics of the management systems of the major domestic species used for production in Australia and in a world wide context; the characteristics and principles underpinning sustainable management of native animals in natural and man-made environments; an appreciation of the dependence of living organisms upon their environment; an appreciation of the husbandry practices and innovations that have been adopted by the production industries to retain their competitive advantage; a demonstrated capability in handling and husbandry of the major domestic production animal species, and an appreciation of the application of these skills to non-domestic species; a demonstrated understanding of the importance of high standards of animal welfare practice in the management of animals.
Textbooks
There is no single text that adequately covers the unit content and for this reason no formal text is required. Where appropriate, relevant reference material will be identified for specific areas of the course.
BIOL1001 Concepts in Biology

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Summer Main Classes: 2x1 hr lectures and 1 x2.5 hr practical per week and tutorials every few weeks. Prohibitions: BIOL1911 Assumed knowledge: None. However, semester 1 students who have not completed HSC Biology (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take the Biology Bridging Course (in February). Assessment: 1x2 hr exam, assignments, quizzes (100%)
Note: It is recommended that BIOL (1001 or 1911) be taken concurrently with either BIOL1003 or BIOL1903. Students who have completed HSC Biology and scored 80+ should enrol in BIOL1911. Students who lack 80+ in HSC Biology but have an ATAR of 95 or greater may enrol in BIOL1911 with permission from the UEO. The completion of MBLG 1001 is highly recommended.
Concepts in Biology is an introduction to the major themes of modern biology. The unit emphasizes how biologists carry out scientific investigations, from the cellular/molecular level to the level of ecosystems. Topics covered in lectures and practicals include: introductory cell biology, with particular emphasis on how cells obtain and use energy; the diversity and biology of microorganisms; an introduction to molecular biology through the role of DNA in protein synthesis, including current developments in DNA technology; genetics or organisms; theories of evolution and phylogenetic analysis, and how they are used to interpret the origins of the diversity of modern organisms; and interactions between organisms in biological communities, with emphasis on Australian ecology.
Textbooks
Knox R B et al. Biology, An Australian Focus. 4th ed. McGraw-Hill. 2010
BIOL1002 Living Systems

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1 hr lectures and 1 x2.5 hr practical per week and tutorials every few weeks. Prohibitions: BIOL1902 Assumed knowledge: HSC 2-unit Biology. Students who have not completed HSC biology (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take the Biology Bridging Course (in February). Assessment: 1x2 hr exam, assignments, quizzes (100%)
Note: It is recommended that BIOL (1001 or 1911) be taken before this unit of study. This unit of study, together with BIOL (1001 or 1911) provides entry to all Intermediate units of study in biology in the School of Biological Sciences.
Living Systems deals with the biology of organisms as individuals, within populations and as part of communities and ecosystems. A broad range of taxa are covered,, from bacteria to large plants and animalss, and emphasises is placed upon understanding the ways in which they can live in a range of habitats. Behaviour is discussed as a key process linking organismal-level processes to population and community dynamics. . The importance of energy in living systems, and how elements are used and recycled in biological communities, are introduced as the basis of ecosystems. The unit of study includes lectures and laboratory classes on the physiology and behaviour of animals and plants, the ways in which organisms control and integrate their activities and the processes controlling dynamics of populations and community. These themes are revisited within applied contexts to discuss issues such as management and conservation.
Textbooks
Knox R B et al. Biology. An Australian Focus. 4th ed. McGraw-Hill. 2010.
BIOL1902 Living Systems (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1 hr lectures and 1 x2.5 hr practical per week and tutorials every few weeks. Prerequisites: Distinction or better in the BIOL1001/1911 OR HSC Biology equal to 90 or greater OR an ATAR equal to 95 or greater Prohibitions: BIOL1002 Assessment: 1x2 hr exam, assignments, quizzes, independent project (100%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit of study will cover generally the same topics as BIOL1002 but material will be discussed in greater detail. Roughly 50% of the material in lectures and practicals will be different from BIOL1002. Students enrolled in BIOL1902 will have separate lectures and practical sessions from BIOL1002.
Textbooks
As for BIOL1002.
BIOL1911 Concepts in Biology (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1 hr lectures and 1 x2.5 hr practical per week and tutorials every few weeks. Prerequisites: 80+ in HSC 2-unit Biology (or equivalent) or Distinction or better in a University level Biology unit, or an ATAR of 95 or greater Prohibitions: BIOL 1001 Assessment: 1x2 hr exam, assignments, quizzes (100%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: It is recommended that BIOL (1001 or 1911) be taken concurrently with all other Junior units of study in Biology. The completion of MBLG1001 is highly recommended.
Concepts in Biology (Advanced) builds on the main themes introduced in HSC Biology, with emphasis on current research in biology. Topics covered in lectures and practicals include: cell biology, with particular emphasis on how cells obtain and use energy; the diversity and biology of microorganisms; current developments in molecular biology, including recombinant DNA technology and the human genome project; inheritance, genetics and the origins of diversity of modern organisms; and interactions between organisms in biological communities, with emphasis on Australian ecology. Research-based lectures will expand on the general lecture topics and include current investigations of such diverse topic areas as cancer therapies, metabolic malfunction, anarchy in beehives, evolutionary studies of snake reproductive strategies, plant phylogeny and global environmental change.
Textbooks
As for BIOL1001.
CHEM1001 Fundamentals of Chemistry 1A

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Three 1 hour lectures and one 1 hour tutorial per week; one 3 hour practical per week for 10 weeks. Prohibitions: CHEM1101, CHEM1901, CHEM1109, CHEM1903 Assumed knowledge: There is no assumed knowledge of chemistry for this unit of study, but students who have not undertaken an HSC chemistry course are strongly advised to complete a chemistry bridging course before lectures commence. Assessment: Theory examination (60%), laboratory work (15%), online assignments (10%) and continuous assessment quizzes (15%) Practical field work: A series of 10 three-hour laboratory sessions, one per week for 10 weeks of the semester.
The aim of the unit of study is to provide those students whose chemical background is weak (or non-existent) with a good grounding in fundamental chemical principles together with an overview of the relevance of chemistry. There is no prerequisite or assumed knowledge for entry to this unit of study. Lectures: A series of 39 lectures, three per week throughout the semester.
Textbooks
A booklist is available from the First Year Chemistry website. http://sydney.edu.au/science/chemistry/firstyear
CHEM1002 Fundamentals of Chemistry 1B

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Three 1 hour lectures and one 1 hour tutorial per week; one 3 hour practical per week for 10 weeks. Prerequisites: CHEM (1001 or 1101) or equivalent Prohibitions: CHEM1102, CHEM1108, CHEM1902, CHEM1904 Assessment: Theory examination (60%), laboratory work (15%), online assignments (10%) and continuous assessment quizzes (15%) Practical field work: A series of 10 three-hour laboratory sessions, one per week for 10 weeks of the semester.
CHEM1002 builds on CHEM1001 to provide a sound coverage of inorganic and organic chemistry. Lectures: A series of 39 lectures, three per week throughout the semester.
Textbooks
A booklist is available from the First Year Chemistry website. http://sydney.edu.au/science/chemistry/firstyear
CHEM1101 Chemistry 1A

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: Three 1 hour lectures and one 1 hour tutorial per week; one 3 hour practical per week for 10 weeks. Corequisites: Recommended concurrent units of study: 6 credit points of Junior Mathematics Prohibitions: CHEM1001, CHEM1109, CHEM1901, CHEM1903 Assumed knowledge: HSC Chemistry and Mathematics Assessment: Theory examination (60%), laboratory work (15%), online assignments (10%) and continuous assessment quizzes (15%) Practical field work: A series of 10 three-hour laboratory sessions, one per week for 10 weeks of the semester.
Chemistry 1A is built on a satisfactory prior knowledge of the HSC Chemistry course. Chemistry 1A covers chemical theory and physical chemistry. Lectures: A series of 39 lectures, three per week throughout the semester.
Textbooks
A booklist is available from the First Year Chemistry website. http://sydney.edu.au/science/chemistry/firstyear
CHEM1102 Chemistry 1B

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: One 3 hour lecture and 1 hour tutorial per week; one 3 hour practical per week for 10 weeks. Prerequisites: CHEM (1101 or 1901) or a Distinction in CHEM1001 or equivalent Corequisites: Recommended concurrent units of study: 6 credit points of Junior Mathematics Prohibitions: CHEM1002, CHEM1108, CHEM1902, CHEM1904 Assessment: Theory examination (60%), laboratory work (15%), online assignments (15%) and continuous assessment quizzes (10%)
Chemistry 1B is built on a satisfactory prior knowledge of Chemistry 1A and covers inorganic and organic chemistry. Successful completion of Chemistry 1B is an acceptable prerequisite for entry into Intermediate Chemistry units of study. Lectures: A series of 39 lectures, three per week throughout the semester.
Textbooks
A booklist is available from the First Year Chemistry website. http://sydney.edu.au/science/chemistry/firstyear
ENVX1001 Introductory Statistical Methods

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Thomas Bishop Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1 hr lectures/wk, 1x1 hr tutorial/wk, 1x2 hr computer practical/wk Assumed knowledge: 70 or more in HSC Mathematics Assessment: Practical exercises (30%), Practical Exam (20%), Theory Exam (50%)
This is a core first year unit for the BEnvSys, BScAgr and BAnVetBioSc degrees. It provides the foundation quantitative skills that are needed in other units in the degrees and for further study in applied statistics. In the first half of the unit the emphasis is on statistics, topics covered include: describing biological data and variability, sampling and estimation, framing biological hypotheses; estimating a single treatment mean via a confidence interval and testing for a particular mean via a z-test or t-test; estimating or testing the difference between two treatment means. In the second half of the unit the focus is on single variable calculus, the topics being differentiation and integration, with an emphasis on linear and non-linear functions that can be used for modelling biological and environmental data. In the practicals the emphasis is on applying theory to analysing real datasets using the spreadsheet package Excel and the statistical package Genstat.
Textbooks
No textbooks are recommended but useful reference books are:
VETS1018 Cell Biology 1B

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Paul Sheehy Session: Semester 2 Classes: lectures: 40 hrs practicals: 18 hrs tutorials: 1 hr Prerequisites: VETS1032 or BIOL1001 or BIOL1911 Assessment: intrasemester: 1 x Inquiry Task (20%); 1 x exam (20%) end of semester: 1 x 2 hr written paper (50%) other: Group Learning Activities (10%)
In this unit the study of the molecular biology of the cell is extended to include gene expression, recombinant DNA technology, membrane structure and function, cell cycle, cell differentiation and cancer. Clinical material is used to illustrate normal structure and function.
Textbooks
VETS1018 Cell Biology 1B Handbook

Year 2

AGEC1006 Economic Environment of Agriculture

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms LA Henry Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3x1-hr lectures/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week commencing week 2 Prohibitions: AGEC1003, AGEC1004 Assumed knowledge: HSC Mathematics Assessment: 1x2hr exam (55%) and 1x50 min mid-semester exam (25%) and workshop papers (20%)
To give students an overview of the structure, viability and importance of the agricultural sector in the Australian economy. It is a core unit of study in the BScAgr, BHortSc and BAnVetBioSc degrees. It is designed to give an understanding of the basic economic principles and how they relate to Australian agriculture. Students will look at basic economic theory and concepts and then apply these concepts to solve simplified versions of real problems faced by the agriculture and resource sectors. Students will look at the relationship between these concepts and the concepts learnt within their science related courses. Students will be able to analyse economic concepts and apply these concepts to real world scenarios. They will be able to synthesis and comprehend the relationship between the economic and science disciplines. The students will gain skills through workshop based tasks, information literacy and communication skills through the presentation of the workshop reports and discussion throughout the workshop.
Textbooks
HE Drummond and JW Goodwin, Agricultural Economics, 3rd edn (Prentice-Hall, 2011)
AGCH2004 Agricultural Chemistry

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3x1-hr lectures/week, 1x3-hr laboratory session, weeks 1 to 12 Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Junior Chemistry Prohibitions: AGCH2003, PLNT2001 Assessment: 1x2-hr exam (50%), 1x1-hr quiz (10%), 1x1-hr theory of practical test (10%), laboratory reports (30%)
This introductory unit of study consists of aspects of chemistry relevant in studies of basic and applied biological sciences including agriculture, food and the rural environment. Lecture topics include an introduction to quantitative aspects of bio-analytical chemistry; the principles of basic analytical methods such as spectroscopy, chromatography and electrochemistry; environmental aspects of water and its behaviour as a solvent of hydrophobic solutes, surfactants, neutral hydrophilic solutes, salts and other electrolytes, and gases. A component of the unit will be devoted to basic biological chemistry and enzymology having particular emphasis on biochemical processes in animals. Six laboratory sessions will demonstrate aspects of analytical chemistry including: elemental analysis of foods and natural waters, spectrophotometry, chromatographic techniques, preparation of buffers, fundamentals of pH measurement. A further five laboratory sessions will involve experiments in the preparation and/or properties of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and DNA. One session will examine some fundamental properties of enzymes.
ANSC2004 Animal Conservation Biology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jaime Gongora Session: Semester 2 Classes: variable consisting of up to 6hrs/week of lectures (students advised to consult weekly timetable), tutorials, computer simulation and practical classes, lectures will involve guest speakers from specialist areas Prerequisites: (BIOL1001 or BIOL1911) and ( BIOL1002 or BIOL1902) and GENE2001 Prohibitions: VETS2015 Assessment: Written mid-semester and final exam (43%) and class contributions/written assignment/library search/quiz/poster (57%)
This unit will cover the identification, anatomy, and physiology of Australia's unique native birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. The course also details the threatening processes that are impacting Australia's environment and ecosystems. Processes discussed include climate change, urbanisation, drought, agricultural practices, bush fires, invasive animal species, and disease. The third major focus of the course covers various aspects of in situ, and ex situ conservation, ethical issues related to wildlife conservation, and working with the media. The unit provides an introduction to wildlife and conservation genetics. Assignments will build on the knowledge gained in lectures and practical classes and allow students to investigate topics related to this unit that may be of special interest to them as individuals and a group.
Textbooks
Burgman, MA & Lindermayer, DB 1998, Conservation biology for the Australian environment, Surrey Beatty & Sons Pty Ltd
ANSC3103 Animal Structure and Function A

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Peter White Session: Semester 1 Classes: lectures 3hrs/wk, laboratories/tutorials 3hrs/wk (note these will vary depending upon the week) Prerequisites: 12 credit points of junior Biology Assumed knowledge: AVBS1002 Assessment: assignments/presentations (50%) and examination (50%)
Animal Structure and Function A will develop an understanding of the role of the body systems in maintaining homeostasis in an animal's internal environment. In ASFA the structure and function of the cardiovascular, respiratory, central nervous and urinary systems of the body are explored in depth particularly with reference to the maintenance of homeostasis and an animal's perception of, and response to, its environment. The developed understanding of the normal functioning of these systems allows identification of the impact on the animal of abnormal function of these systems. A study of the structure and function of muscle will include its role in movement and as meat in a production setting. The overall goals of the Unit are (i) to enable students to develop a rich understanding of the relationships between body systems and structures (to be continued in ASFB). (ii) to develop generic skills particularly in oral presentation,(iii) to develop an appreciation of the links between structure and function and their relevance to animal disease and production that will be further developed in Veterinary Pathogenesis as well as in advanced, applied studies in Behaviour in third year and in 4th year Animal Production.
Textbooks
For the animal structure component of the unit:
ANSC3104 Animal Structure and Function B

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Cathy Herbert Session: Semester 2 Classes: lectures 3 hrs/wk, laboratories/tutorials 3 hrs/wk, activities will vary on a weekly basis Prerequisites: ANSC3103 Assumed knowledge: AVBS1002 Assessment: anatomy dissection project (20%), topic test (10%), assignment (20%), final exam (50%)
In this Unit students will complete the study of the structure and function of organ systems in animals started in ANSC3103. The role of hormones and the immune systems will be investigated in relation to maintenance of internal homeostasis. An introduction to digestion and male and female reproductive anatomy and physiology will form the basis for further applied studies in these areas in third year Units of Study in Animal Nutrition and Animal Reproduction. There will be development of the generic skills of critically reading and writing.
Textbooks
For Animal Structure:
AVBS2001 Introductory Veterinary Pathogenesis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Damien Higgins Session: Semester 2 Classes: 6 hrs/week (lectures and practicals) Prerequisites: (BIOL1001 or BIOL1911) and (BIOL1002 or BIOL1902) and ANSC3103 Corequisites: ANSC3104 Assumed knowledge: (CHEM1101 or CHEM1001) and (CHEM1102 or CHEM1002) Assessment: Prac class exercises (15%), mid-semester exam (20%), practical exam (15%), written exam (50%)
The overarching theme for this unit of study is the concept of the interaction between the host (or the animal), the agent of disease (genetics, physical, chemical and infectious agents) and environmental factors. In disease states, the host responds to the aetiological agent of disease and the environment through one of the basic five pathological processes that occur in tissues. These include inflammation and repair, degeneration and necrosis, circulatory disturbances, tissue deposits and pigments, and disorders of growth. A case based approach will be used whenever possible to illustrate these principles and enable the student to develop a problem solving approach and the skills of critical thinking.
Textbooks
McGavin, MD & Zachary JF 2007, Pathologic Basis of Disease 4th ed., Mosby
ENVX2001 Applied Statistical Methods

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Thomas Bishop Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2×1 hr lectures/wk, 1×1 hr tutorial/wk, 1×2 hr computer practical/wk Prerequisites: ENVX1001 or BIOM1003 or MATH1011 and MATH1015 Assessment: Practical exercises (30%), Practical Exam (20%), Theory Exam (50%).
This unit of study is a core 2nd year unit for students in the BEnvSys, BScAgr and BAnVetBioSc degrees. It consists of three parts. In the first part students will investigate how to use an ANOVA to analyse experiments with more than 2 treatment levels, multiple factors and different blocking designs. In the second part an introduction to a branch of mathematics called linear algebra is given with an emphasis on the applications to statistics and modelling. In the final part students will learn to model relationships between response and predictor variables using regression. During the practicals two software packages; Genstat and Excel, will be used to analyse real datasets. At the end of this unit, students will have learnt how to analyse data using ANOVA and regression, the basic methods needed for their future studies and careers. The students will gain research and inquiry skills through completion of weekly computer assignments. Information literacy and communication skills will be developed through weekly computer work.
Textbooks
No textbooks are recommended but useful reference books are:
GENE2001 Agricultural Genetics 2

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Peter Sharp Session: Semester 1 Classes: (3 lec, 3 prac/problem set)/wk Prerequisites: At least one of (BIOL1001, BIOL1002, BIOL1101, BIOL1901, BIOL1911) Assessment: 1x2.5hr exam (60%) and 1x assignment of problem-type questions (20%) 4x on-line quizzes (4x5%)
This lecture and practical unit of study provides an introduction to the genetics and breeding of plants and animals. It provides an understanding for parallel and following courses. Lectures cover the basics of gene transmission and interaction, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, population and quantitative genetics, as well as the more applied aspects of plant and animal breeding and biotechnology. Practicals emphasise, with agricultural examples, the procedures of genetic and cytogenetic analysis, and the use of computers in simulation procedures in population genetics, quantitative inheritance and selection programs, and provide exposure to current plant and animal breeding and biotechnology.

Year 3

Core Units

ANSC3101 Animal Nutrition 3

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Alex Chaves Session: Semester 2 Classes: lectures 3 hours/week and laboratories 3 hours/week Prerequisites: AVBS1002 Assumed knowledge: Fundamentals of Biochemistry Assessment: Assignments, including presence and participation in class (5%), 3 individual online quizzes (30%), 1 online middle term exam (30%), 1 oral or video presentation (20%), and 1 online final exam (15%)
This Unit of Study builds upon principles discussed in AVBS1002 Concepts of Animal Management. The Unit is broadly divided into four sections, namely: estimating the nutritive characteristics of feeds; defining the nutrient requirements of animals; diet formulation; errors in feeding. The focus is on coming to an understanding of the assessment of nutritional adequacy and the avoidance and solving of nutritional problems, with a particular emphasis on animals used in agricultural production systems and wildlife. The principles discussed in this course will be expanded in the following year, in which species-specific systems will be described. The basis of successful feeding management is an understanding of the following: the composition of feeds; the digestibility and efficiency of utilisation of nutrients by the animal; the nutrient requirements of the animal; interactions between nutrients that influence health and production. And following from this, students will have the ability to formulate diets to meet animal requirements for a variety of purposes and under a variety of constraints; identify deficiencies, excesses and imbalances in diets and so avoid a decline in productive efficiency and/or a decline in health.
Textbooks
There is no required text for the course. A number of textbooks are available on reserve at the library. These include:
ANSC3102 Animal Reproduction

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Chris Grupen Session: Semester 1 Classes: lectures 2 hrs/week, tutorials 1 hr/week, practicals 3 hrs/week Assumed knowledge: ANSC3104 Assessment: written and oral assignments (30%), mid-semester written exam (10%), end of semester written exam (60%) Practical field work: There will be several half day practical classes held at the Camden Campus
This unit of study provides a comprehensive programme on basic and applied aspects of male and female reproductive biology, with particular emphasis on livestock and domestic animals. The fundamental topics include reproductive cycles, sexual differentiation, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, gestation and parturition. An understanding of the applications of advanced reproductive technologies is developed through lectures, tutorials and the assignments. In addition, practical instruction is given on semen collection and processing, manipulation of the reproductive cycle, artificial insemination, and pregnancy diagnosis in sheep and pigs. Classes are held at the Camperdown Campus in Sydney and at the Camden Campus Animal Reproduction Unit and Mayfarm piggery.
Textbooks
Hafez, B & Hafez, ESE (eds) 2000, Reproduction in farm animals, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
ANSC3107 Animal Genetics 3

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Claire Wade Session: Semester 2 Classes: lectures 3 hrs/wk, practicals 3 hrs/wk Prerequisites: GENE2001 or MBLG2072 or MBLG2972 Assessment: 1hr test on practicals (25%), 1500wd essay (25%), 1.5 hr exam (50%)
The unit of Study explores in detail genetic aspects of commercial animal populations and investigates options for the practical application of genetics to improve animal productivity. It is designed to provide the background material, fundamental concepts and data analysis methods for breeding strategies in each of the animal industries. The unit of study develops basic principles of population and quantitative genetics from Agricultural Genetics. It provides essential background and context to the molecular principles expanded in Animal Biotechnology. Animal Genetics provides the justification for the application for advanced reproductive technologies presented in Animal Reproduction.
At the end of this Unit of Study, students will demonstrate an understanding of: the principles of population genetics and the concepts of relationship and inbreeding, and adverse effects of this inbreeding; the principles of quantitative genetics including the concepts of genetic variance, heritability and repeatability, and methods for the identification and selection of superior livestock; the use of multitrait selection procedures to increase the overall economic value of populations of animals; the constraints to production gains using genetic selection programmes and advantages obtained through crossbreeding; the practical application of selection and crossing in animals; the genetical implications of reproductive technology such as embryo sexing, splitting and cloning, artificial insemination and MOET.
Textbooks
Falconer, DS and Mackay, TFC 1995, An introduction to quantitative genetics, 4th edn, Longman Chesire, London
AVBS3000 Professional Development

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Russell Bush Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6 preparatory workshops/seminars (throughout years 1-3), 4x1 hour industry seminars for case studies (year 3) Assessment: professional experience reports (65%), case studies (20%), essay on current animal issues (15%) Practical field work: 60 days of professional work experience including a faculty field trip to be completed by the commencement of fourth year
Students are required to undertake professional development in University vacations as an integral and essential part of their overall training in the degree of Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience. Students will complete 60 days of professional work experience throughout their program by the commencement of fourth year, including a minimum of 20 days spent on commercial animal production enterprises and one faculty professional development field trip. Students will visit at least three different farming enterprises in the major and emerging animal production industries. The remaining 40 days will include at least one placement with an animal-related business or service provider, and experience in either a scientific research organisation or short scientific volunteer position. Students will undertake additional placements at relevant animal or animal-related businesses, farms or organisations as required to complete 60 days. A professional consultant-style report must be submitted after each placement. Seminars to promote awareness of career options and current issues in animal science will be provided on a regular basis by past graduates and other professionals working in the animal industries. Students are encouraged to attend as many of these as possible throughout their degree program, and are required to submit four case studies based on material presented in these seminars. Attendance at seminars is compulsory during third year. Students will also submit an essay on a current issue in the animal science area of their choice.
Textbooks
On-line resource material will be available

Elective Units

AGCH3025 Chemistry and Biochemistry of Foods

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Meredith Wilkes, Prof Les Copeland, Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3x1-hr lectures/week, 1x4-hr practical fortnightly Prerequisites: AGCH2004 or BCHM2071 or BCHM2971 or BCHM2072 or BCHM2972 or PLNT2001 or PLNT2901 or 6 credit points of Intermediate units in Chemistry Assessment: 1x2hr exam (50%) and lab reports (50%)
This unit of study aims to give students an understanding of the properties of food constituents, and the interactions between these constituents during food processing, storage and digestion. The unit will develop an understanding of the relationship between form and functionality of constituents and the concept of fitness-for-purpose (ie, quality) in converting agricultural products into foods. Students will gain an appreciation of the relationship between chemical composition and properties of macroconstituents (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids) and microconstituents (vitamins, minerals, flavour and antinutritional chemicals) and their functions in plant and animal based foods. The material presented in lectures and practical classes will enable students to develop research and inquiry skills and an analytical approach in understanding the biochemistry of foods, food processing and storage. On completing this unit, students will be able to describe the chemical and biochemical properties of major food constituents, and demonstrate an understanding of the functionality of these constituents in food processing and nutrition. Students will have gained experience in laboratory techniques used in industry for the analysis of some food products, and information literacy and communication skills from the preparation of practical reports.
Textbooks
Laboratory notes will be available for purchase from the Copy Centre in the first week of semester and lecture notes and readings will be made available through WebCT. There is no recommended textbook.
AGCH3032 Land and Water Ecochemistry

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Feike Dijkstra Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1-day field trip; 2x1-hr lectures/week, 1x3-hr laboratory classes/week Prerequisites: AGCH2003 or AGCH2004 or PLNT2001 or CHEM24XX or BCHM2XXX or ENVI2001 Prohibitions: AGCH3030, AGCH3031 Assessment: 1x2hr final exam (50%), laboratory reports (30%), field trip report (10%), oral presentation (10%).
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This course provides fundamentals of land and water ecochemistry. The chemical components of soil and water are investigated in relation to their ecological functions and sustainable management. AGCH3032 is an elective unit suitable for the BSc, BScAgr, BEnvSys, BResEc and BAnVetBioSc degrees, building on intermediate units in chemistry and biology. It will promote knowledge and professional skills related to key chemical processes in ecosystems causing risks to soil and water resources, the quality of agricultural produce and to ecological biodiversity. Topics that will be covered in the lectures include the impact of UV-B, ozone and climate change on agricultural and natural systems, the cycling of nutrients and their effect on soil and water resources, and the behaviour of heavy metals, pesticides, and nanoparticles in the environment. Laboratory classes will complement lectures through structured exercises in relevant analyses of soil and water chemistry using gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and total organic carbon analyses (TOC analyser). During the one-day field trip, students will make measurements in the field and take plant and soil samples for further analyses in the laboratory to construct a carbon budget in two contrasting ecosystems. Students will be asked to prepare and give a PowerPoint presentation about a specific environmental issue to further enhance their skills in problem definition, assessing sources of information, and effectively communicating a balanced view of an environmental problem.
Textbooks
Baird, C. and M. Cann. 2005. Environmental Chemistry. 3rd edition, W.H. Freeman, New York.
AGEC2101 Market and Price Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr. Shyamal Chowdhury Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2-hr lectures/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week commencing week 2 Prerequisites: AGEC1006 or (AGEC1003 and AGEC1004) or AGEC1002 or AGEC1102 or RSEC1031 or AGEC1031 Prohibitions: AGEC2001 Assessment: 1x1hr in-class mid-term exam (20%), 1x3000wd assignment (20%), 1x2hr final exam (60%)
This unit focuses on the nature of agricultural and resource commodity markets, market demand relationships, market supply relationships, price determination under alternative market structures, marketing margin relationships, derived demand for inputs, spatially and temporally related markets, market dynamics, price expectations, commodity futures markets and other pertinent topics. Applied examples from the agricultural and resource industries and the overall economy will be used throughout the semester as illustrations of the principles involved.
N.B. Available to 2nd year students in Faculty of Economics and Business.
Advised prerequisite: AGEC2105 or ECMT2110
AGEC2102 Agribusiness Marketing

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mrs Elizabeth Nolan Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/wk in weeks 6-10 Prerequisites: AGEC1006 or AGEC1102 or RSEC1031 Assessment: Group presentation (15%), 1x2000wd case study (25%), and 1x2hr exam (60%)
This unit of study is designed to provide an introductory understanding of agribusiness marketing in a modern context. The unit will provide students in the Sciences degrees with an understanding of how the economic theory taught in first year in AGEC1006 can be treated in an applied context. For BAgrEc students, it is an intermediate level unit in the Agribusiness major.
Students will study the theory relating to the firm-level marketing mix and marketing strategy. The emphasis will be on the organisation and trends of agribusiness marketing including value-adding and market power in the supply chain, market efficiency and international marketing by agribusiness firms.
The unit content is analytical, and draws on applied microeconomics to demonstrate how marketing decisions are made along the marketing chain. At the end of this unit students will be able to use marketing theory to analyse the steps in the marketing chain and be aware of the forces for change within that chain.
By completing this unit, students should have improved their ability to master key theories, identify and frame problems, organise knowledge, carry out individual and group research, and synthesise information. They should also have improved their information literacy skills, and communication skills through group presentations and individual research.
AGEC2103 Production Economics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Greg Hertzler Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/week, 1x2-hr tutorial/week commencing week 2 Prerequisites: ECON1001 or AGEC1006 or ( AGEC1003 and AGEC1004) or RESEC1031 Prohibitions: AGEC2003 Assessment: 2 x assignments (40%) and 1x2hr exam (60%)
This unit builds on microeconomic principles studied in first year and applies them to the analysis of firms' decisions. Emphasis is put on the formalization of the firm's problem and in the use of duality. The topics include: production functions (single and multi-output); distance functions and their use in the measurement of productivity; the decomposition of productivity and productivity changes; production under risk; cost and profit functions.
N.B. Available to 2nd year students in the Faculty of Economics and Business
Textbooks
Collection of readings
AGEC3101 Agribusiness Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms LA Henry Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/week, 1x2-hr tutorial/week commencing week 2 Prerequisites: AGEC2103 or AGEC2003 or AGEC1006 Prohibitions: AGEC3103, AGEC3001 Assessment: 1x2hr exam (50%) and 1x50 min mid-semester exam (15%) and 1 assignment (25%) and workshop reports (10%)
This unit of study is designed to introduce decision making problems encountered by firms and agribusiness firms and general methods of solving microeconomic decision making problems. It is unit of study that builds on knowledge gained in junior units of study in particular AGEC1006, AGEC2103 and AGEC2102. Students will review production economics and activity analysis and show how budgeting methods can be used to relate them. They will extend these budgeting techniques to problems of time and risk, using capital and parametric budgeting. Students will also be introduced to linear programming and show how this tool is a practical method of solving decision making problems. Students will learn to consider methods for solving decision making problems where the outcomes are not known with certainty. The students will gain skills through workshop based tasks, an assignment, information literacy and communication skills through the presentation of the workshop reports and discussion throughout the workshop.
AGRO3004 Managing Agro-Ecosystems

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Carina Moeller, Prof. Jeff Amthor, Dr Brett Whelan, Dr Lachlan Ingram Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/week except week 5, 1x3-hr tutorial/week except week 5 (commencing week 2), 1x3-hr field practical in week 1, 1x full day field practical in week 5. Prerequisites: AFNR1001, AFNR1002, PLNT2003, SOIL2003 and (BIOM2001 or ENVX2001) Assessment: 1x2.5hr exam (50%), 5xshort-answer quizzes (5x4%) and 2000wd field report (30%)
The most critical and interesting questions managers of natural resources face deal with the inherent complexity of agricultural systems. Long- and short-term interactions exist between physical (e.g. climate, soil) and biological (crops and other organisms) factors, and the agricultural management, among others. Understanding these interactions and their impacts on production and environmental outcomes in dryland agricultural systems is the overall aim of this unit. AGRO3004 is a core unit for BScAgr students and builds on knowledge and skills gained in the junior units AFNR1001, AFNR1002, AVBS1002, PLNT2003, SOIL2003, and BIOM1003. This unit investigates dryland agro-ecosystems, which can be defined as ecosystems modified for the purpose of producing crops in environments where water limits productivity during part of the year. During the semester, principles of crop and pasture production, integrated pest management, approaches to managing climate variability and precision agriculture are introduced. There will be a focus on understanding effects of climate and weather in dryland systems, especially on understanding crop-water relationships. Attention will be paid to biodiversity and the sustainability of agro-ecosystems. The unit provides an opportunity to develop key graduate attributes for agricultural scientists in information literacy, field experimentation, critical analysis, written expression, and team work.
Textbooks
Pratley J (Ed.) (2003) 'Principles of field crop production (4 edn).' (Oxford University Press: Melbourne, Australia).
ANSC3105 Animal Biotechnology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Chris Moran Session: Semester 2 Classes: lectures 3 hrs/wk, tutorials 1 hr/wk, seminars/workshops 0.25 hrs/wk, laboratories 0.5 hrs/wk Prerequisites: AVBS1002 and GENE2001 Assessment: seminars (20%), essay (20%), 2 hr exam (60%) Practical field work: excursions, self-directed learning, supervised reading, computer aided instruction 1.25 hrs/wk
Lectures, tutorials, laboratories (PCR, DNA sequencing and bioinformatics), seminars and supervised reading and directed learning instruction will cover the application of biotechnology to animal productivity, disease control, the development of new products from animals and the impact of altered micro-organisms and plants on animals. A firm foundation in molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology is provided, with an emphasis on relevance in animals. Regulation of gene expression in vivo and in expression systems, monitoring of gene expression including microarrays and proteomics, gene mapping, genomics, including nextgen sequencing, and gene discovery are all discussed in contexts relevant to domestic animals. Genetic modifications of animals including transgenesis and gene knockout, and methods for achieving these modifications including cloning by nuclear transfer are detailed. Basic skills in bioinformatics are developed to access and utilise the vast information resources available. Legal methods of protecting intellectual property are described. Finally animal biotechnology is reviewed from an ethical perspective. Animal Biotechnology explores alternative and complementary technologies to the breeding technologies covered in the core Animal Genetics unit of study.
ANSC3106 Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science 3

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Greg Cronin Session: Semester 1 Classes: 6 hrs/wk (including lectures, demonstrations, discussions and practical activities) Prerequisites: AVBS1002 Prohibitions: VETS3018 Assessment: assignments/presentations (50%), theory exam (50%) Practical field work: A full day excursion to the Camden campus, and full day excursions to Symbio wildlife zoo and a centre involved in training racehorses
Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science 3 builds on the understanding of animal form and operation that students have developed in prior Units. In Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science 3, the behavioural and physiological responses of mammals, birds and fish to stressors related to husbandry, housing, transport, slaughter, training and performance are explored in some detail. This Unit enables students to develop a three-dimensional appreciation of the responses of animals to common interventions that arise in the context of interacting with humans, including the domestication of livestock species and the management of wildlife. The principles of animal responses to stress are illustrated with production species as the main examples.
Contemporary approaches to the scientific measurement of animal stress and welfare, based on an appropriate selection of scientific disciplines including ethology, psychology, physiology and neuroscience, are assessed with an emphasis on livestock species. Genetic, environmental and evolutionary determinants of pain, stress and fear responses in animals are considered in the light of what is known about cognition and motivation in animals. Methods for assessing and enhancing animal environments and husbandry systems are examined and the impact on animal welfare of stockmanship is explored in the context of human-animal interactions. Finally, the design and conduct of scientific experiments are assessed with a focus on animal ethics and current welfare issues.
Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science 3 includes a compulsory library-based assignment that provides students with an opportunity to select one species on which they report a summary of scientific advances that may contribute to animal welfare.
Other assessment tasks involve the preparation of written or oral reports of the practical class activities. Students are expected to be familiar with press articles and scientific papers on the topic of animal welfare and to contribute to classroom discussions.
Textbooks
The recommended textbook for the animal structure component of the unit is:
AVBS3001 Agents of Disease

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Gary Muscatello Session: Semester 1 Classes: lectures 3hrs/wk, laboratories/tutorials 2hrs/wk, group work 1hr/wk Prerequisites: AVBS2001 Assumed knowledge: Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-2 Assessment: 1500wd individual review (25%), 1000wd scenario-based group assignment (15%), 2hr exam (50%), MCQ (10%)
The aim of this unit is to examine and appreciate the diversity of various disease causing agents (microbiological and parasitological) of significance to animal industries and the various strategies employed by those agents in the host-pathogen-environment interaction. This study is based on an understanding of the physical, chemical and genetic characteristics of infectious agents of disease and builds on the pathological and immunological processes taught in AVBS2001 Introductory Veterinary Pathogenesis. A scenario/case based approach will be used whenever possible to enable the students to develop problem solving approaches and skills in critical thinking. Cases selected will be those that best illustrate particular concepts and/or are of particular significance to the animal/veterinary industry. Research and industry focus activities will infuse the subject content and student learning outcomes of this unit. This unit is located at the Camperdown campus.
Textbooks
A unit of study handbook and CE6 e-learning site will contain detailed information and notes for this unit.
AVBS3002 Laboratory Disease Investigation

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Damien Higgins Session: Semester 2 Classes: lectures 2 hrs/wk, laboratories/tutorials 4 hrs/wk (note these will vary depending upon the week) Prerequisites: AVBS2001, AVBS3001 Assumed knowledge: (CHEM1101 or CHEM1001) and (CHEM1102 or CHEM1002), BIOL1001 and BIOL1002, ANSC3103 and ANSC3104 and (BIOM2001 or ENVX2001) Assessment: assignments (60%), quiz (15%), theory exam (25%)
The aim of this unit is to develop an investigative approach and familiarity with laboratory techniques, ethics and safety in preparation for honours or postgraduate training in disease research or disease investigation. Students will work through actual disease research or investigation scenarios via directed and self-directed, individual and group tasks.
Textbooks
There is no set text for this unit. Students will use primary literature and source various library texts as required for their investigations.
BIOL3007 Ecology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof D Hochuli Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1 hr lectures/week, 1x3 hr practical/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL, and one of ENVI (2111 or 2911) or GEOS(2115 or 2915). Prohibitions: BIOL3907 Assumed knowledge: Although not prerequisites, knowledge obtained from BIOL3006/3906, and BIOL3008/3908 and/or BIOL3009/3909, is strongly recommended. Assessment: 1x2hr exam, group presentations, 1xessay, 1xproject report (100%)
This unit explores the dynamics of ecological systems, and considers the interactions between individual organisms and populations, organisms and the environment, and ecological processes. Lectures are grouped around four dominant themes: Interactions, Evolutionary Ecology, The Nature of Communities, and Conservation and Management. Emphasis is placed throughout on the importance of quantitative methods in ecology, including sound planning and experimental designs, and on the role of ecological science in the conservation, management, exploitation and control of populations. Relevant case studies and examples of ecological processes are drawn from marine, freshwater and terrestrial systems, with plants, animals, fungi and other life forms considered as required. Students will have some opportunity to undertake short term ecological projects, and to take part in discussions of important and emerging ideas in the ecological literature.
Textbooks
Begon M, Townsend CR, Harper JL (2005) Ecology, From individuals to ecosystems. Wiley-Blackwell.
BIOL3009 Terrestrial Field Ecology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr G Wardle Session: Int August Classes: Note: 1x6 day field trip held in the pre-semester break and 4x4 hr practical classes during weeks 1-4 in Semester 2. Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology or (ANSC2004 and (BIOM2001 or ENVX2001). Prohibitions: BIOL3909 Assumed knowledge: BIOL (3006 or 3906). Prior completion of one of these units is very strongly recommended. Assessment: Discussions and quiz (10%), research project proposal and brief presentation (10%), sampling project report (20%), specimen collection (10%), research project report (50%).
Note: One 6 day field trip held in the pre-semester break (22- 27 July 2012), and 4x4 hr practical classes during weeks 1-4 in Semester 2.
This field course provides practical experience in terrestrial ecology suited to a broad range of careers in ecology, environmental consulting and wildlife management. Students learn a broad range of ecological sampling techniques and develop a detailed understanding of the logical requirements necessary for manipulative ecological field experiments. The field work incorporates survey techniques for plants, small mammals and invertebrates and thus provides a good background for ecological consulting work. Students attend a week-long field course and participate in a large-scale research project as well as conducting their own research project. Invited experts contribute to the lectures and discussions on issues relating to the ecology, conservation and management of Australia's terrestrial flora and fauna.
BIOL3010 Tropical Wildlife Biology and Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr J Webb Session: Int February Classes: 5 day Field School, followed by 5 days of classes at Sydney University. Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology (BIOL/ENVI/PLNT), or equivalent. Prohibitions: BIOL3910 Assumed knowledge: None, although BIOL2012/2912 (Vertebrates and their Origins) would be useful. Assessment: 1x2 hr theory exam, 1x1 hr practical exam, 1x2000 word report, 1x3000 word paper, 1x15 minute oral presentation (100%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Dates: 19 February - 24 February 2012 Northern Territory, followed by tutorials and practical classes at the University of Sydney 27 February - 2 March 2012.
Australia has a unique terrestrial vertebrate fauna, but also has the worst record of recent mammalian extinctions. Because of Australia's unusual climate, landforms, and the rarity of many species, the management of our native wildlife presents special challenges for biologists, conservationists and land managers. This unit of study addresses the biogeography, ecology and management of Australia's terrestrial fauna. The subject comprises of a five-day field course at Mary River Park in the Northern Territory. During the course, students will learn how to carry out wildlife surveys, how to identify animals, how to track wildlife, and how to design and complete a field experiment. The field trip will be complemented by guest lectures from experts in the fields of evolution, ecology and wildlife management. A one day field trip to Litchfield National Park will be held on the last day of the field course.
ENTO2001 Agricultural Entomology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Sarah Mansfield Session: Semester 2 Classes: (2x1hour lecture, 1x3hour practical, 1x1hour insect collection)/week, commencing week 1. Prerequisites: 12 credit points of first year biology Assessment: 1 x 2hr exam (50%), lab quizzes and manual (20%), 1 x insect collection (30%).
This unit is an introduction to insects, the most abundant group of organisms. The course begins with insect external and internal anatomy, feeding modes, life cycles and behaviour. Real world examples are used to demonstrate the ecological roles insects play in natural and agricultural ecosystems (e.g. pollinators, herbivores, predators, parasitoids, disease vectors). This knowledge is then linked to aspects of applied entomology: insecticides, biological control, habitat manipulation, integrated pest management, medical entomology and insect conservation. Practical sessions focus on insect morphology and taxonomy, so that students learn to identify common insect orders and families. Students must make a representative insect collection. This course forms the basis of students' entomological knowledge for BScAgr and BHortSc degrees and lays the foundation for future study in entomology.
Textbooks
Required: Zborowski, P. & Storey, R. 1995. A field guide to insects in Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney. 207 pp.
ENVI3111 Environmental Law and Ethics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Leta Webb Session: Semester 1 Classes: Two 2 hour lectures per week. Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Science or Agriculture units. Prohibitions: ENVI3001, ENVI3003 Assumed knowledge: Intermediate Environmental Science. Assessment: Essays, tutorial papers (100%)
This unit of study covers topics in environmental law and ethics. The environmental law component provides an overview of laws in Australia pertaining to environmental matters and looks at a number of environmental issues at the various levels of analysis, policy making, implementation of policy, enforcement, and dispute resolution. It also provides a broad background to the political and economical issues as they relate to the legal issues involved. It also examines international environmental law, particularly examining how these influence and affect our local policies. The ethics component helps students develop thoughtful and informed positions on issues in environmental ethics using arguments derived from traditional ethics as well as environmentally specific theories. Ethical conflicts are often inevitable and difficult to resolve but using the resources of philosophical ethics and regular reference to case studies, students can learn to recognize the values and considerations at stake in such conflicts, acknowledge differing viewpoints and defend their own well considered positions.
ENVI3112 Environmental Assessment

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr John Dee Session: Semester 2 Classes: Two 2 hour lectures per week. Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Science or Agriculture units. Prohibitions: ENVI3002, ENVI3004 Assumed knowledge: Intermediate Environmental Science. Assessment: Essays, tutorial papers, report (100%)
This unit of study is composed of two components: environmental impact assessment and risk assessment. The former is generally concerned with issues related to environmental impact assessment and builds toward the process of producing an EIS/EIA. More specifically it seeks to establish a critical understanding of the theory and practice of environmental impact studies/statements (EIS) and environmental impact assessment processes (EIA) from both the positive (scientific) and normative (value) perspectives. Emphasis is placed on gaining skills in writing and producing an assessment report, which contains logically ordered and tightly structured argumentation that can stand rigorous scrutiny by political processes, the judiciary, the public and the media. The risk assessment component considers a more chemical approach to the assessment of risk and issues of safety with respect to chemicals, ecotoxicology and the environment. It draws on current environmental management practice to investigate what constitutes risk and to demonstrate how risk may be managed.
ENVX3002 Statistics in the Natural Sciences

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Thomas Bishop Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1×2 hr workshop/wk, 1×3 hr computer practical/wk Prerequisites: ENVX2001 or BIOM2001 or STAT2012 or STAT2912 Assessment: Major Project (20%) Practical exercises (30%), Exam (50%).
This unit of study is designed to introduce students to the analysis of data they may face in their future careers, in particular data that are not well behaved, they may be non-normal, there may be missing observations or they may be correlated in space and time. In the first part, students will learn how to analyse and design experiments based on the general linear model. In the second part, they will learn about the generalisation of the general linear model to accommodate non-normal data and data that is correlated in time. A major project will focus on the analysis of a dataset from an existing research project. At the end of this unit, students will have learnt a range of advanced statistical methods and be equipped to apply this knowledge to analyse data that they may encounter in their future studies and careers. The students will gain research and inquiry skills through completion of a major project. Information literacy and communication skills will be developed through weekly computer work.
Textbooks
No textbooks are recommended but useful reference books are:
PLNT2002 Aust Flora: Ecology and Conservation

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Glenda Wardle, Dr Murray Henwood. Session: Semester 1 Classes: (2 hrs lec & 3 hrs prac)/wk, audiovisual. Prerequisites: 6 credit points of a Junior unit of study Prohibitions: PLNT2902 Assessment: One 2-hr exam (40%), laboratory reports (20%) herbarium (20%), one 2-hr practical exam (20%).
This unit provides a broad understanding of the evolution, classification and diversity of terrestrial plants, and the principles of plant ecology in an Australian context. The major types of Australian vegetation are discussed across a range of temporal and spatial scales, and their current distribution related to their environment and origins. Selected contemporary issues in plant conservation from Australian natural and managed systems are explored. There is a strong emphasis on practical skills such as phylogenetic inference, plant identification and the collection and analysis of ecological data. The practical component of the unit of study uses examples taken from the Australian flora (including plants of horticultural significance) and major crop plants. Important elements of this unit are half-day field trips to the Royal National Park, and the construction of student herbaria. The practical sessions and interactions with staff encourage students to develop their own learning style and enhance a strong sense of self-reliance. Critical thinking, effective communication and other vocational and generic skills are emphasized. The content is well suited to students with interests in botany, plant science and ecology, and is often combined with units of study offered through the School of Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. This unit of study also complements a wide range of units of study from: science (e.g. plant science, earth and environmental science, animal science, bioinformatics, molecular and cell biology, genetics and biotechnology); agriculture (e.g. horticulture, land and water science, and natural resources); and broader disciplines (e.g. education, arts, and environmental law).
Textbooks
A Laboratory Manual for the unit will be available for purchase from the Copy Centre during the first week of Semester.
PLNT2003 Plant Form and Function

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rosanne Quinnell Session: Semester 2 Classes: 24 lectures; 10 tutorials; 8 x 2 hr and 2x3hr labs; 2x6 hr field trips Prohibitions: PLNT2903, BIOL2003, BIOL2903, CROP2001 Assumed knowledge: 12 credit points of Junior Biology, or equivalent eg BIOL (1001 or 1101 or 1901 or 1911) and BIOL (1002 or 1902 or 1003 or 1903) Assessment: One 2hr theory exam (40%), prac exam (20%), anatomy project (10%), quizzes (5%), physiology report (10%), field report (15%).
This unit of study investigates the structure of cells, tissues and organs of flowering plants and relates them to function. Topics include; how photosynthesis, translocation, water transport and nutrition relate to the structures that carry out these processes. Most of the information on plant structure will be provided in self-instructional audio-visual sessions augmented by small group discussions. This is integrated with experiments carried out in the laboratory or on field excursions to investigate the physiological aspects of plant structures. There is a focus on recent advances in plant molecular biology where they have been critical in enhancing our understanding of the form and function of plants. The physiological and anatomical responses of plants to extreme environments such as drought and salinity will also be addressed. Attention will be paid to the anatomy and physiology of crop, horticultural and Australian native plants. This unit of study complements Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Australian Flora: ecology and conservation and Cell Biology and leads onto senior units of study in plant sciences, including Plant Growth and Development. It is essential for those seeking a career in plant molecular biology.
Textbooks
Taiz L, Zeiger E (2006) Plant Physiology 4th ed. Sunderland, Mass Sinauer
SOIL2003 Soil Properties and Processes

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Balwant Singh (Coordinator), Prof Alex McBratney, A/Prof. Stephen Cattle Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3x1hr lectures and 1x3hr practical/week, commencing week 1, and a compulsory field excursion to be held on the Thursday and Friday in the week preceding the first semester. Assessment: Soil description report (10%), Quizzes (or Essay) (15%), Practical exercise book (20%), Practical exam (15%) and Written exam (40%).
This unit of study is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts within pedology, soil physics and soil chemistry. These concepts are part of the grounding principles that underpin crop and animal production, nutrient and water cycling, and environmental sustainability taught by other units of study in the Faculty. Students will participate in a two-day field excursion in the first week of semester to examine some common soils of the Sydney Basin, they will also learn to describe soil, and measure soil chemical and physical properties in the field. Referring to common soil profiles of the Sydney Basin, students will concentrate on factors affecting soil formation, the rudiments of soil description, and analysis of soil properties that are used in soil classification. Students will also develop knowledge of the physics of water and gas movement, soil strength, soil chemical properties, inorganic and organic components, nutrient cycles and soil acidity in an agricultural context. At the end of this unit students will become familiar with the factors that determine a soil's composition and behaviour, and will have an understanding of the most important soil physical and chemical properties. Students will develop communication skills through essay, report and practical exercises. The final report and laboratory exercise questions are designed to develop team work and collaborative efforts.
Textbooks
Campbell, K.O. & Bowyer, J.W. (eds) (1988). The Scientific Basis of Modern Agriculture. Sydney University Press.

Year 4

AVBS4001 Animal Health and Disease

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Wendy Muir Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3.5 hrs/wk lectures, 0.5 hr/wk tutorials, 2 hrs/wk practical (on average) Prerequisites: ANSC3104, AVBS3001, (Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3 OR Bachelor of Science in Agriculture years 1-3) Assessment: participation in field trips (pass/fail), assignments (50%), 1.5 hr exam (50%) Practical field work: 2 day field trip to Arthursleigh farm
This Unit of Study extends your understanding of animal health from knowledge gained in units completed in earlier years, including AVBS2001 Introduction to Veterinary Pathogenesis and AVBS3001 Agents of disease. In particular we look at general aspects of animal health and disease in terms of epidemiology, exotic/emergency diseases of risk to Australia and principles of vaccines and vaccinations. Health and disease issues relevant to various species, including sheep, cattle, pigs, poultry, fish and wildlife are presented by experts in these fields. A range of management and interventional strategies that are currently in use to minimise the impact of disease are also discussed. After completing this Unit of Study, students will demonstrate an understanding of:
the principles of animal management that are implemented to optimise health and to reduce the incidence and severity of disease; the fundamental principles of disease in animal populations; specific infectious diseases of consequence for growth, reproduction and for the production of meat, wool, milk and eggs; approaches to their control and prevention through environmental and nutritional management, and interventional techniques such as vaccination programmes. These are considered in the context of commercial animal production and the health of wildlife animals. A two day field trip to Arthursleigh farm which focuses on the management of sheep, cattle and wildlife, and a visit to the research and development field station of an international animal health company reiterate many aspects of the unit of study.
Textbooks
Students are advised to consult lecturers for recommended texts
AVBS4002 Dairy Production and Technology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc. Professor Sergio Garcia. Other staff: Dr Kendra Kerrisk, Dr Pietro Celi Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lectures up to 3 hrs/wk, practicals 3 hrs/wk Prerequisites: ANSC3101, (Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3 OR Bachelor of Science in Agriculture years 1-3) Assumed knowledge: Enrolled students are expected to have some understanding of key components of the dairy production system, including basic knowledge of animal physiology and nutrition. Assessment: Whole farm professional report (30%), Pracs assessments, (30%), 1 hr exam (40%) Practical field work: Visit to commercial dairy farms and different systems of production in 3 or 4 regions of NSW (a minimum of 8 commercial farms will be visited during the semester)
This unit will explore the various aspects of dairy farming and the dairy industry from a scientific point of view. The lectures are a mix of the principles on which sound dairy farming is based and practical examples of how this operates in practice. Focus is placed on integrating knowledge to gain understanding on the system of production as a whole.
At the end of this unit of study, students will demonstrate a solid understanding of: the characteristics of the dairy industry in Australia and in a world wide context; the key components of pasture-based dairy systems; principles and practices of pasture and feeding management; the application of new technologies to improve efficiency and productivity (particularly automatic milking).
In addition, students will demonstrate an appreciation of key aspects of reproduction and lactation physiology; the integration of knowledge of genetics and reproduction into the type of herd improvement structure set up in the dairy industry; the application of ruminant physiology knowledge to developing feeding programs for dairy cows; the extension of basic reproductive physiology onto the dairy farm using case studies as examples; the economics of the dairy farm business. Practical classes include milking cows; grazing and feeding management of dairy cows; calf rearing; and visits to commercial farms ranging from small pasture-based dairy farms to a feed-lot operation milking over 2,000 cows.
Note 1: Pracs assessments marks will be a combination of assistance (0.4) and completion of short questionaries about the prac or the farm visit (0.6)
Note 2: the professional report is basically a dairy system planning exercise reported in a professional (non academic) style. Students will be given budgeting tools and full explanations to assist with this task at the beginning of the course. The report is individual although this may depend on number of students enrolled.
Textbooks
There is no single text that adequately covers the course content and for this reason no formal text is required. However, the following books can be used as basic bibliography for consultation during the course:
AVBS4003 Wildlife and Evolutionary Genetics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jaime Gongora Session: Semester 2 Classes: Variable consisting of up to 6hrs/week (students advised to consult weekly timetable) of lectures, tutorials, computer simulations and practical classes. This unit will be taught at the Camperdown campus Prerequisites: ANSC3107, Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3 Assessment: written and oral assignment (30%), practical reports/class contribution (20%), final written exam (50%) Practical field work: Field trip to the Blue Mountains
This unit of study focuses on the role and animal and veterinary biosciences in the field of wildlife management. The unit encourages an approach that spans management, wildlife biology and laboratory sciences. In recognition of the power of genetics as a tool in wildlife management and research, a large component of this course reviews fundamental genetic principals and their application in the disciplines of molecular, evolutionary and conservation genetics and focuses on how we use genetic theory and knowledge to better understand and conserve our wildlife.
At the end of this unit of study, students will demonstrate an understanding of: important issues in wildlife management in Australia and the Asia-pacific region; project management as it applies to multifaceted wildlife research and management issues; application of a range of genetic and physiological methods to the study of ecological issues; the use of appropriate analytical methods and molecular markers in wildlife conservation and management; the underlying genetic structural design of the natural world and how this reflects and influences evolutionary processes in healthy and diseased populations; the use of molecular information to test hypotheses about evolutionary, ecological and social structure of species; how to critically review the ways in which genetic principals are applied to the management and conservation of species; the use of appropriate analytical methods and molecular markers in wildlife conservation and management; how to conduct an investigation into a management problem in wildlife including project design and management recommendations.
Students are expected to immerse themselves into the field of conservation, evolutionary genetics and wildlife to develop the ability to critically evaluate the subject. There will be a substantial amount of reading required for the course. There is no formal text; students will be directed to a recommended reading list of both primary and secondary literature.
Textbooks
Primary reading material (Journals):
AVBS4004 Food Safety Assessment and Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Gary Muscatello Session: Semester 2 Classes: lectures 3 hrs/wk, tutorial/practicals 2 hrs/wk Prerequisites: AVBS3001, AVBS4001, Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3 Assessment: 1000wd individual report (20%), 1000wd group assignment (20%), 2hr exam (50%), MCQ (10%) Practical field work: 2 field trips (compulsory) 16 hrs total
This Unit of Study focuses on the issues and practices in the animal industry relevant to food safety and zoonotic disease. This unit will cover general food safety issues, including risk assessment and hazard analysis of microbes and chemicals. Food-borne diseases of animal origin and their impact on public heath will be explored through the examination of zoonotic diseases in scenario-based learning activities. In these processes diagnostic and strategic methods of investigating, controlling and preventing food-borne disease outbreaks will be explored. Students will be introduced to national and international animal and human health policy pertaining to food safety regulations and surveillance initiatives and strategies that underpin these policies. Students in this unit will be introduced to the issues regarding emerging food-borne pathogens and current industry driven topics. By the end of the unit, students should have global and local perspective on the major food-borne diseases, surveillance and control programs. This unit is located at the Camden Campus.
Textbooks
Torrence ME & Isaacson RE (eds) 2003, Microbial food safety in animal agriculture current topics, Iowa State Press, Ames, Iowa
AVBS4005 Feed Technology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Aaron Cowieson Session: Semester 1 Classes: lectures 3 hrs/wk Prerequisites: ANSC3101, (Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3 OR Bachelor of Science in Agriculture years 1-3) Assessment: poster (10%), oral presentation (10%), article (20%), lab book and feed formulation exercise (20%), two hour written exam (40%) Practical field work: Practicals/field work 3hrs/wk
Feed accounts for approximately 70% of the input costs associated with animal industries, including both monogastric (poultry and pigs, laboratory animals) ruminants (feedlot cattle and sheep) and caecal fermenters (horses, rabbits). The "feed industry" is described as the largest supporting industry for animal agriculture and is a major employer of graduates (undergraduate and postgraduate). Feed technology is a broad topic and includes aspects of feed ingredient characteristics, feed manufacturing, feed additive biotechnology and applied nutrition. The course will provide in-depth understanding of the feed industry, factors influencing ingredient variability and availability (physical and economic), methods and applications of processing of ingredients to increase nutritional value, assessment of digestibility, and feed additives and supplements. All facets of the production and regulation of feed production will be discussed relative to their importance in animal agriculture and food production. Expect applied practical information as well as fairly detailed nutritional biochemistry.
Textbooks
Leeson, S & Summers, JD Commercial Poultry Nutrition
AVBS4008 Intensive Animal Industries

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jeff Downing Session: Semester 2 Classes: 6 hrs/wk Prerequisites: (Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3) OR (Bachelor of Science in Agriculture years 1-3) Assessment: Written exam (50%) (Poultry and Pigs 50:50), in course evaluations and case study - Pigs (25%), Broiler growth study report and in course evaluations - Poultry (25%) Practical field work: Visits to an intensive pig farm, feed mill and poultry production and processing units when biosecurity restrictions allow.
This unit of study is composed of two parts, a Poultry Production component and a Pig Production component. The course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the production of eggs and poultry meat and pork. The individual components examine various aspects of the poultry and pig production systems important in maintaining efficiency and profitability. It investigates aspects of breeding, nutrition, housing, growth performance, heath, welfare, reproductive capability, waste management, marketing and current industry issues. This unit will expand on some aspects of previous year 3 units of study in animal structure and function, nutrition and reproduction. There is a broiler growth study which comprises a significant part of the practical work in the Poultry component. There is a strong emphasis on assessment being built into the course work as this is considered to be more relevant to learning in the final year. The poultry unit has a newly commissioned pelleting mill and this will provide a wider range of opportunities for students interested in nutrition and feed processing.
Textbooks
There is no single text that adequately covers the Australian pig industry and for this reason no formal text is required. There are many sites (industry, academic institutions and government departments) on the Web which provide excellent information. Links to these will be provided. Where appropriate, relevant reference material will be identified for specific areas of the course. Often poultry specific text books are obsolete very quickly, it would be important to use trade information. The library subscribes to breeder management guides and general poultry production journals as well as specific poultry scientific journals.
AVBS4009 Aquaculture

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Joy Becker Session: Semester 1 Classes: Lectures 2hrs/wk, tutorials 1hr/wk, practicals 3hrs/wk Prerequisites: Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3 OR Bachelor of Science in Agriculture years 1-3 Assessment: written and/or oral assignments (35%), written practical report (30%), exam 2 hrs (35%)
The Unit of Study explores in detail aspects of commercial aquaculture, including global trends in aquaculture development. Other topics include water quality, feeding, management, health and disease, genetics and reproduction, environmental impact and economic constraints to production. The unit of study emphasises methods to improve aquacultural productivity. It builds on basic principles of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, genetics and health and disease presented in other units of study in BAnVetBioSc. At the end of this Unit of Study, students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of: the context of aquaculture in global food production; husbandry, management and welfare of aquaculture species; comparative aspects of husbandry in aquaria, domestic, commercial; health and disease relevant to aquaculture; nutrition of aquaculture species; reproduction and genetics of species in aquaculture; water quality and environmental impact of aquaculture; economics and marketing of aquaculture products.
AVBS4012 Extensive Animal Industries

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Russell Bush Session: Semester 1 Classes: lectures 3hrs/wk, practicals 3hrs/wk Prerequisites: Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3 OR Bachelor of Science in Agriculture years 1-3 Assessment: case study (10%), practical report (15%), meat grading (15%), excursion report (20%) and written exam (40%) Practical field work: 5 day study tour to the Riverina
This unit introduces the concepts of sheep (wool and meat) and beef cattle production in the Australian environment within the context of world food and fibre consumption and production. The key products as well as domestic and export markets for these are presented. The course provides an historical perspective of the basis for each of these industries and describes each of the production systems designed to meet the demand for these products.
Production in both the tropical and temperate regions of Australia will be covered and include the key elements of extensive grazing and intensive feedlot systems. Major issues will include breeds and breeding systems, basic nutrition and production practices and animal welfare issues as they affect the quality and quantity of product marketed.
The concepts of first stage processing of both meat and fibre products in abattoirs and top-making plants respectively will be presented. The major factors that influence the quality of product and therefore grading and market demand will be presented.
Lecture material will be supported with appropriate practical classes and a 5 day study tour to the Riverina to evaluate different commercial production systems. Students will also have an opportunity to compete in the annual Inter Collegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) competition as a member of the University of Sydney team. This competition involves teams from numerous universities throughout Australia as well as Japan and the USA.
Textbooks
Anderson RS, Edney ATB 1991 Practical animal handling, Pergamon Press
AVBS4013 Research Project B1

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Wendy Muir Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Students must attend the compulsory course "Introduction to Animal Research" which is usually held in the week prior to the start of semester. Relevant workshops, for example on writing a literature review, will be completed during enrolment in AVBS 4013. There is no regular face-to-face teaching. The equivalent of 6 hours of course work time will be allocated each week to this unit of study for research project activity. Prerequisites: Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3 Corequisites: AVBS4014 Prohibitions: AVBS4015, AVBS4016, AVBS4017, AVBS4018 Assessment: Submit a written literature review on a research topic and give an oral presentation on some aspect of this topic
Research Project B is composed of 12 credit points and consists of units AVBS4013 (Research Project B1) and 4014 (Research project B2). AVBS4013 and AVBS4014 must be completed in separate semesters, and unit AVBS4013 must be completed prior to unit AVBS4014. In AVBS4013, students, after consultation with academic(s) and/or researcher(s) choose an area of research interest and investigate various sources of information to produce a written literature review in the chosen research area. Students will also be required to give an oral presentation on some aspect of the research area chosen. In most cases there will be strong alignment between this unit and the activities undertaken in unit AVBS4014.
At the end of this Unit of Study, students will:
identify a research area, define a problem that impacts on animals and analyse this problem using information from various sources; critically evaluate current research (experimental design, statistical analysis, technical limitations) and identify where the present knowledge is limiting for the chosen research topic; assimilate and manage information from within and across disciples to provide new concepts or understanding in the area of research; become familiar with scientific principles of research and the ethical use of animals in research; produce a written review, after effectively resourcing the appropriate information, that is clearly written and which abides to accepted principles of scientific writing; develop competency at structuring and delivering an oral presentation on some research topic; apply the range of interpersonal skills necessary to work with peers and researchers.
Textbooks
No textbooks are required
AVBS4014 Research Project B2

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Wendy Muir Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: There is no regular face-to-face teaching, the equivalent of 6 hours of course work time will be allocated each week to this unit of study for research project activity. Relevant workshops, for example on statistical analysis, will be completed during the sessions when the student is enrolled in AVBS4013 and AVBS 4014. Prerequisites: (Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3) and AVBS4013 Prohibitions: AVBS4015, AVBS4016, AVBS4017, AVBS4018 Assessment: The students will be assessed on their research capabilities and will submit a report (Written/poster/oral)
Research Project B is composed of 12 credit points and consists of units 4013 (Research Project B1) and 4014 (Research Project B2). AVBS4013 and AVBS4014 must be completed in separate semesters, and unit AVBS4013 must be completed prior to unit AVBS4014. In AVBS4014, students, after consultation with an academic(s) and/or researcher(s) choose to:
Undertake the evaluation and analysis of existing experimental data and produce a report (written/ oral);in conjunction with a student undertaking units of study in Research Project A, participate in a defined component of this project and produce a report (written/ oral); undertake a laboratory project or small project involving animal experimentation and produce a suitable report (written/ oral); produce a desktop review of an animal industry problem or issue; participate in a group project with other students undertaking Unit 4014 and produce a report (written/ /oral); undertake some other activity that meets the learning outcomes for this unit of study and produce a report (written/poster/oral). This activity will need to be sanctioned by the Program Coordinator and the year 4 coordinators of the BAnVetBioSc course as well as supervising academic(s)/researcher(s).
AVBS4015 Research Project A1

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Wendy Muir Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Students must attend the compulsory course "Introduction to Animal Research" which is usually held in the week prior to the start of semester. There is no regular face-to-face teaching. The equivalent of 6 hours per week will be allocated from the course work timetable for research project activity. Relevant workshops, for example on scientific writing and statistical analysis will be completed during the sessions when the student is enrolled in AVBS4015, AVBS4016, AVBS4017 and AVBS4018. Prerequisites: Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3. Students need to have obtained a second/third year WAM commensurate with obtaining a first class honours grade, and must have the approval of the faculty to enrol. Corequisites: AVBS4016, AVBS4017, AVBS4018 Prohibitions: AVBS4013, AVBS4014 Assessment: written preliminary research proposal, literature review on the research topic, oral presentation on the research proposal, oral presentation on the research at the end of the project, research capabilities, written manuscript (assessment tasks scheduled throughout the four units comprising Research Project A (AVBS4015, AVBS4016, AVBS4017, ABVS4018) with the final grade averaged over all four units)
Research Project A is composed of 24 credit points and consists of units AVBS4015 (Research Project A1), AVBS4016 (Research Project A2), AVBS4017 (Research Project A3) and AVBS4018 (Research Project A4). The units need to be taken in chronological order, commencing with enrolment in unit AVBS4015, which must be completed in a semester prior to unit AVBS4018. All four units are connected to the overall completion of the research project. Prior to start of this unit of study, students after consultation with an academic(s) and/or researcher(s) choose an area of research interest and this will form the basis of the entire Research Project A program (24 credit points in total). In unit AVBS4015 students will be required to undertake assessment tasks and conduct research activities.
At the end of this Unit of Study, students will:
Identify a research area, define a problem that impacts on animals and analyse this problem using information from various sources; critically evaluate current research (experimental design, statistical analysis, technical limitations) and identify where the present knowledge limiting for the chosen research topic; assimilate and manage information from within and across disciples to provide new concepts or understanding in the area of research; become familiar with scientific principles of research and the ethical use of animals in research; undertake research related to the project; meet set assessment tasks designed to develop written and oral presentation skills; apply the range of interpersonal skills necessary to work with peers and other researchers; meet deadlines and maintain accurate records related to the project.
Textbooks
No textbooks are required
AVBS4016 Research Project A2

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Wendy Muir Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: There is no regular face-to-face teaching. The equivalent of 6 hours per week will be allocated from the course work timetable for research project activity. Relevant workshops, for example on scientific writing and statistical analysis will be completed during the sessions when the student is enrolled in AVBS4015, AVBS4016, AVBS4017 and AVBS4018. Prerequisites: Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3. Students need to have obtained a second/third year WAM commensurate with obtaining a first class honours grade, and must have the approval of the faculty to enrol. Corequisites: AVBS4015, AVBS4017, AVBS4018 Prohibitions: AVBS4013, AVBS4014 Assessment: See AVBS4015
Students will actively work on the research projects identified at the start of unit AVBS4015. This is will include, where appropriate, undertaking animal and laboratory studies, collection and analysis of samples and data, recording of data, continue to evaluate information from various sources and meet set assessment deadlines.
See under AVBS4015 for further information.
AVBS4017 Research Project A3

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Wendy Muir Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: The equivalent of 6 hours per week will be allocated from the coursework timetable for research project activity. Relevant workshops, for example on scientific writing and statistical analysis will be completed during the sessions when the student is enrolled in AVBS4015, AVBS4016, AVBS4017 and AVBS4018 Prerequisites: Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3. Students need to have obtained a second/third year WAM commensurate with obtaining a first class honours grade, and must have the approval of the faculty to enrol. Corequisites: AVBS4015, AVBS4016, AVBS4018 Prohibitions: AVBS4013, AVBS4014 Assessment: See AVBS4015
See under AVBS4015 and AVBS4016.
AVBS4018 Research Project A4

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Wendy Muir Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: There is no regular face-to-face teaching. The equivalent of 6 hours per week will be allocated from the coursework timetable for research project activity. Relevant workshops, for example on scientific writing and statistical analysis will be completed during the sessions when the student is enrolled in AVBS4015, AVBS4016, AVBS4017 and AVBS4018. Prerequisites: AVBS4015, Animal and Veterinary Bioscience years 1-3. Students need to have obtained a second/third year WAM commensurate with obtaining a first class honours grade, and must have the approval of the faculty to enrol. Corequisites: AVBS4016, AVBS4017 Prohibitions: AVBS4013, AVBS4014 Assessment: See AVBS4015
See under AVBS4015 and AVBS4016. Students must complete unit AVBS4018 in a separate semester to unit AVBS4015, and AVBS4015 must be completed prior to AVBS4018.
BIOL3018 Gene Technology and Genomics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr B Lyon Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1 hr lectures/week, 1x4 hr practical/week. Prerequisites: 12 credit points from MBLG2071/MBLG2971, MBLG2072/MBLG2972 and Intermediate Biology units. For BMedSc students: 36 credit points of Intermediate BMED units including BMED2802. Prohibitions: BIOL3918 Assessment: 1x2 hr exam, practical reports, assignment/seminar (100%)
A unit of study with lectures, practicals and tutorials on the application of recombinant DNA technology and the genetic manipulation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Lectures cover the applications of molecular genetics in biotechnology and consider the impact and implications of genetic engineering and genomics. Topics include biological sequence data and databases, comparative genomics, the cloning and expression of foreign genes in bacteria, yeast, animal and plant cells, novel human and animal therapeutics and vaccines, new diagnostic techniques for human and veterinary disease, the transformation of animal and plant cells, the genetic engineering of animals and plants, and the environmental release of genetically-modified (transgenic) organisms. Practical work may include nucleic acid isolation and manipulation, gene cloning and PCR amplification, DNA sequencing and bioinformatics, immunological detection of proteins, and the genetic transformation and assay of plants.
GENE4015 Cytogenetics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Peter Sharp; animal component coordinator, Dr Jaime Gongora Session: Semester 2 Classes: Equivalent of 2 lecture/tutorials & 3 practicals/week Prerequisites: (BIOM2001 or ENVX2001), GENE2001 Assessment: 1x1500wd Essay (25%), 1x750wd Practical report (10%) and 1x1000wd Fact Sheet (15%) 1x1200wd Laboratory report (20%), 1x2000wd Assignment (30%)
This is a final year elective in the two degrees, BScAgr, and BAnVetBiosci. Approximately a half of the face-to-face contact hours will be given as an intensive, and this section of the unit will be held during the mid-year break before semester 2. Lecture and practical work in cytogenetics, especially of plant and animal species of applied interest in plant agriculture, animal agriculture and other applied interest in animal genetics, such as companion, native and endangered species. The lecture component covers the molecular nature of chromosomes and their transmission, variation in chromosome behaviour, both normal and disease related. In addition, the uses of chromosome engineering to produce variation in plants and animals will also be covered. The practical component covers the technologies used to study chromosomes or both plants and animals, both mitotic and meiotic chromosomes, and molecular techniques such as in situ hybridisation, gene activity and chromosomal protein localisation. On completion, students will be able to apply cytogenetic knowledge and technologies to species of eukaryotes of economic significance, and know how cytogenetic processes have affected the development of these species.