Animal Production
About the major
Contemporary animal production aims to yield high-quality products in an efficient, sustainable and humane fashion. As a student in the Animal Production major, you will:
- Learn how environment affects livestock productivity, how physiology affects production and reproduction and how to improve animal performance through the application of underpinning animal sciences.
- Study animal behaviour and learn about production systems that promote animal wellbeing and welfare.
- Acquire a sound understanding of resources required to address the challenges associated with achieving sustainable and profitable animal production enterprises.
- Graduate with a recognised industry-oriented and science-based education with a strong focus on enhancing the health, well-being and productivity of animals used in production systems, through innovative approaches.
Requirements for completion
A major in Animal Production requires 48 credit points, consisting of:
(i) 6 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 6 credit points of 1000-selective units
(iii) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iv) 12 credit points of 3000-level core units
(v) 12 credit points of 3000-level selective units
A minor in Animal Production is available and articulates to this major.
First year
Core: AVBS1002 and 6cp from: BIOL1XX6 or BIOL1XX7.
Second year
Core: AVBS2004 and AVBS2006.
Students completing the second year of the Animal Production major will gain detailed knowledge on animal nutrition essential to sustain and optimise various animal production systems.
This will be complemented by a detailed understanding of animal production systems using a comparative approach to illustrate key differences, techniques and issues that need to be considered to optimise health and productivity in the various animal farming industries.
Third year
Core: AVBS3005, ANSC3106, and 12cp from: ANSC3102, AVBS3008, AVBS3009, AVBS3010
Third year students undertaking the Animal Production major will complete two units which will underpin their capacity to tackle an array of animal production challenges through an interdisciplinary project-based problem-solving unit, where issues faced by the animal farming industries are analysed and explored to produce real-world solutions.
Students will also have their experience infused by a unit which will ensure that any farming interventions are explored in an ethical manner with the welfare of the animal as a paramount concern.
Students also have the option of selecting two from an array of four units that can enable the student to gain detailed knowledge in animal reproduction to complement their general knowledge of animal production systems or they may wish to explore in detail the management and production systems used to farm pigs, poultry, ruminant livestock and aquatic creatures.
Fourth year
The fourth year is only offered within the combined Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies course.
Advanced coursework
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies advanced coursework option consists of 48 credit points, which must include a minimum of 24 credit points in a single subject area at 4000-level, including a project unit of study worth at least 12 credit points. Space is provided for 12 credit points towards the second major (if not already completed). 24 credit points of advanced study will be included in the table for 2020.
Honours
Requirements for Honours in the area of Animal Production: completion of 24 credit points of project work and 12 credit points of coursework.
Honours units of study will be available in 2020.
Contact and further information
W http://sydney.edu.au/science/life-environment/
E
T +61 2 9036 5417
Address:
School of Life and Environmental Sciences
Level 5, Carslaw Building (F07)
Eastern Avenue
The University of Sydney NSW 2006
Dr Gary Muscatello
Email:
Phone: +61 2 9114 0790
Example pathways
Those with a strong interest in beef or sheep production may choose the below pathway in this major:
1000-level: AVBS1002, BIOL1006
2000-level: AVBS2004, AVBS2006
3000-level: AVBS3005, ANSC3106, ANSC3102 and AVBS3010
Those with a strong interest in aquaculture may choose the below pathway in this major:
1000-level: AVBS1002, BIOL1007
2000-level: AVBS2004, AVBS2006
3000-level: AVBS3005, ANSC3106, AVBS3008 and AVBS3009
Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate from Animal Production will be able to:
- Describe and understand the nature and working framework that underpin animal farming systems and develop solutions for the many challenges faced by producers.
- Handle production animals in a safe manner to minimise risk and stress for both human and animal.
- Describe and explain animal body systems, specifically maintenance of homeostasis and the animals’ response to environmental factors and stressors.
- Develop an integrated understanding of animal nutrition in relation to animal health, wellbeing and productivity.
- Apply a knowledge of animal husbandry in the context of optimising meat, milk or fibre production for humans and ensure product safety prior to consumption.
- Apply innovative technologies and systems to enhance ethical, efficient and sustainable animal production.
- Demonstrate and communicate ethical animal farming through applied best practices adhering to social demands and acceptance.