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Unit outline_

AVBS1002: Animal Management

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study provides the foundation for a career involving animals with an emphasis on livestock (cattle, sheep, pigs, fish/aquaculture and poultry), horses and wildlife. A clear understanding of animal production systems in the Australian and global environment is developed through online educational resources linked with hands on tutorials and in-field practicals. Online and tutorial topics will include include indigenous animal management, animal husbandry, animal health and welfare, and genetics. Invited industry experts provide their vision and trends for industry alongside the career opportunities available for their respective livestock species. In field practicals will develop capability in the handling and husbandry of animals. Tutorials will be held at the Camperdown Campus in Sydney and practicals at the Camden Campus.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
AGEN2006
Assumed knowledge
? 

AGEN1004 or BIOL1XXX or AVBS1003

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Cameron Clark, cameron.clark@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Wendy Muir, wendy.muir@sydney.edu.au
Joy Becker, joy.becker@sydney.edu.au
Cameron Clark, cameron.clark@sydney.edu.au
Sergio Garcia, sergio.garcia@sydney.edu.au
Jaime Gongora, jaime.gongora@sydney.edu.au
Christopher Grupen, christopher.grupen@sydney.edu.au
Brandon Velie, brandon.velie@sydney.edu.au
Dominique Van der Saag, dominique.van.der.saag@sydney.edu.au
Sabrina Lomax, sabrina.lomax@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Roslyn Bathgate, roslyn.bathgate@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task Online Quiz
Quiz examining week 2 lecture and tutorial content
5% Week 03
Due date: 26 Aug 2021 at 14:00
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO2
Assignment Farm Safety and Animal Handling Resource Guide
Online activity
0% Week 03
Due date: 27 Aug 2021 at 17:00
Until completion
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5
Online task Short answer exam 1
Two short answer questions (turnitin) Assesses week 3 and 4 content
10% Week 05
Due date: 09 Sep 2021 at 14:00
45 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO6 LO3 LO2
Online task Short answer exam 2
Two short answer questions (turnitin) Assesses week 5 and 6 content
10% Week 07
Due date: 23 Sep 2021 at 14:00
45 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO5 LO3 LO2
Assignment Livestock handling guide
Handling guide booklet
40% Week 08
Due date: 08 Oct 2021 at 17:00
Written assignment submitted on turnitin
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO8 LO9
Online task Short answer exam 3
Two short answer questions (turnitin) Assesses week 7 and 8 content
10% Week 09
Due date: 14 Oct 2021 at 14:00
45 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO5 LO3 LO2
Online task Short answer exam 4
Two short answer questions (turnitin) Assesses week 9 and 10 content
10% Week 11
Due date: 28 Oct 2021 at 14:00
45 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO5 LO3 LO2
Online task Online Quiz
Quiz examining week 11 + 12 + 13 lecture and tutorial content
15% Week 13
Due date: 11 Nov 2021 at 14:00
45 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO6 LO5 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.

Distinction

75 - 84

At D level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.

Credit

65 - 74

At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.

Pass

50 - 64

At P level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge of the subject and can accurately identify key theoretical concepts.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Introduction to AVBS1002 2. Introduction to AVBS1002 3. Introduction to AVBS1002 Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO9
Week 1 Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 02 1. Indigenous Systems Week 2. Indigenous Systems Week 3. Indigenous Systems Week Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO9
Week 2 Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 03 Animal management systems week. Multiple snapshots of each species and associated industry Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO9
Week 3 Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 04 1. Soil week 2. Soil week 3. Soil week Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO9
Week 4 Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 05 1. Feed and environment week 2. Feed and environment week 3. Feed and environment week Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO9
Week 5 Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 06 1. Pig week 2. Pig week 3. Pig week Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO9
Week 6 Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 07 1. Poultry week 2. Poultry week 3. Poultry week Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO9
Week 7 Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 08 1. Beef week 2. Beef week 3. Beef week Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO9
Week 8 Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 09 1. Dairy week 2. Dairy week 3. Dairy week Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO9
Week 9 Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 10 1. Wildlife week 2. Wildlife week Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6 LO9
Week 10 Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 11 1. Sheep week 2. Sheep week 3. Sheepweek Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO9
Week 11 Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 12 1. Aquaculture week 2. Aquaculture week 3. Aquaculture week Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO9
Week 12 Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 13 1. Equine week 2. Equine week 3. Equine week Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO9
Week 13 Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Your lectures and tutorials will be provided online in 2021 . Whilst your lectures will be provided online, you will be expected to take your own notes from the tutorial sessions.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Before week 2 read:

Pascoe, B. (2018). Dark Emu : Aboriginal Australia and the Birth of Agriculture. London: Scribe Publications. ISBN: 9781947534087

Other reading resources below:

The Agskills series of booklets, published by the NSW Department of Primary Industries. These booklets are available by mail order at the address: http://www.shop.nsw.gov.au/category.jsp?category=148  

Titles include:

Farm AgSkills #B113 $27

Beef AgSkills # B105 $24

Goat AgSkills # B108 $24

Pastures AgSkills # B110 $11

Sheep AgSkills # B111 $24

  • Anderson, R. S. and Edney, A.T.B. (1991). Practical Animal Handling. Pergamon Press.
  • Battaglia,R.C (2002) Handbook of Livestock management Prentice Hall.
  • Cottle, DJ ed. (1991). Australian Sheep and Wool Handbook. Inkata Press.
  • Gardner, JAA et al ed. (1990). Pig Production in Australia. 2nd edn. Butterworths.
  • Malcolm B, Sale P, Leury B & Barlow S (2009) Agriculture in Australia: an introduction. 2nd edition. Oxford University Press.
  • North M.O. and Bell,D. (1990). Commercial Chicken Production Manual. 4th edition. Heinemann.
  • Reid R.L. (1990). A Manual of Australian Agriculture. 5th edition.
  • POULTRY RESOURCES
  • Jordon, FTW, and Pattison, M (1996) Poultry Diseases. 4th edition. WB Saunders, London
  • Moreng, RE and Avens, JS (1985) Poultry Science and Production. Reston Publishing, Virginia
  • Nowland, WJ (1978) Modern Poultry Management in Australia. Rigby, Sydney
  • Rose, SP (1997) Principles of Poultry Science. CAB International, UK
  • PIG RESOURCES
  • English, PR, Smith, WJ and MacLean, A. (1977) ‘The Sow – improving her efficiency’, Farming Press, Ipswich, Suffolk.
  • Ensminger, ME and Parker, RO (1984) ‘Swine Science’, The interstate Printers, Danville, Illinois.
  • Gardner, JAA, Dunkin, AC and Lloyd, LC (1990) ‘Pig production in Australia, Butterworths, Sydney.
  • Whittemore, C (1993) ‘The science and practice of Pig Production’, Longman Scientific & Technical, London.

Recommended

For excellent and inexpensive help with written English:

Strunk, W. and White, E.B. (2002) The Elements of Style. 4th edition, Longman Publishers.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. describe the characteristics of the management systems of the major domestic species used for production in Australia and in a world-wide context
  • LO2. demonstrate an appreciation of the dependence of living organisms upon their environment
  • LO3. describe the merits of husbandry practices and innovations that have been adopted by the production industries to retain their competitive advantage
  • LO4. use provided online learning resources to describe and explain animal handling and husbandry procedures for both non-domestic, and major domestic production animal species
  • LO5. explain the merits and importance of high standards of animal welfare practice in the management of animals
  • LO6. identify the major breeds of agriculturally important animals
  • LO7. demonstrate skills in written communication
  • LO8. demonstrate skills in independent library research and problem solving
  • LO9. develop an understanding of the animal science employment opportunities available and the associated knowledge base required

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Subjects are now delivered by species rather than major topic - helps with flow and learning to group this way.

Work, health and safety

Q-fever vaccination and completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.