VET TECH 2040RW - Advanced Animal Husbandry for Veterinary Technologists II

Roseworthy Campus - Semester 2 - 2024

Humans keep and care for domestic animals so that they can grow, reproduce and thrive, and provide food, fibre, and companionship to their human owners. Raising animals in a safe and humane environment is the practice of animal husbandry and the best animal managers possess skills and knowledge across a very broad range of disciplines. Veterinary technologists - responsible for the health and welfare of domestic animals raised in animal husbandry systems - must be familiar with the art and science of animal management in order to help, advise and guide the animal managers. This course explores animal husbandry from the beginnings of life - with topics of genetics, breeding programs and reproduction - to birth and neonatal care and the management and care of adult animals. A basic familiarity with animal production systems and basic level of competency in animal handling from prior study is assumed and this course will further develop knowledge and skills used in the care of a range of animal species from the individual household pet to species involved in large scale intensive food production systems.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code VET TECH 2040RW
    Course Advanced Animal Husbandry for Veterinary Technologists II
    Coordinating Unit School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s Roseworthy Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 7 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites VET TECH 2015RW
    Restrictions Available to Bachelor of Veterinary Technology students only
    Assessment Assignment, practical proficiency, quizzes and final exam
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Mandi Carr

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students should be able to:
    1 Explain the principles of genetics and inheritance and their utilisation in breeding programs for a range of animal species.
    2 Apply knowledge of reproductive physiology, reproductive technologies and obstetrics to the development of breeding programs in the common domestic animal species.
    3 Investigate neonatal care management systems and provide advice on prevention and control of important diseases of neonates of a range of animal species.
    4 Demonstrate advanced handling skills in a variety of animal species utilising low stress handling techniques and integrating knowledge of
    these skills to provide instruction to other individuals.
    5 Understand processes required to evaluate management systems in a range of animal species and provide advice on improvements within those management systems.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,2,3,4,5

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,2,3,4,5

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    2,3,4,5

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    2,3,4,5

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    3,4

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    .

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    .

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    4,5
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course will be delivered as a program of 36 lectures and 12 practicals and/or tutorials/workshops. The format of course delivery each week will be tailored to the content being taught, and will included lectures plus either a practical or tutorial/workshop or a combination in the allocated 4 hr lesson.

    Approximately half of the course will address the principles of genetics, animal breeding management programs and systems, neonatal care management systems and reproductive and obstetrical problems. The other half of the course will address the husbandry and management systems utilised at an individual and population level in household pets, intensively managed food producing animals and wildlife.
    Practicals and tutorials/workshops will build on handling skills, husbandry and management requirements, and disease prevention and control in healthy and injured/ill animals.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    contact hours (semester) - 36 hours of lectures and 48 hours of practicals/tutorials/workshops
    non-contact hours (semester) - 78 hours of preparation time for lectures, practicals/tutorials/workshops and assessments
    average workload per week = 12.5 hours
    Learning Activities Summary
    The course will be delivered as a program of 36 lectures and 12 practicals and/or tutorials/workshops. The format of course delivery each week will be tailored to the content being taught, and will included lectures plus either a practical or tutorial/workshop or a combination in the allocated 4 hr lesson.

    Approximately half of the course will address the principles of genetics, animal breeding management programs and systems, neonatal care management systems and reproductive and obstetrical problems. The other half of the course will address the husbandry and management systems utilised at an individual and population level in household pets, intensively managed food producing animals and wildlife.
    Practicals and tutorials/workshops will build on handling skills, husbandry and management requirements, and disease prevention and control in healthy and injured/ill animals.
    Specific Course Requirements
    Due to the nature of the core knowledge and skills that are being imparted during the practicals and tutorials/workshops, and the fact that these sessions are interactive and include problem solving skills and critical thinking, attendance at all practical classes and tutorials/workshops within this course are considered compulsory.

    Any practical class or activity involving the handling of animals will require students to wear protective boots and overalls (or equivalent PPE for the species being handled). Failure to wear these items will preclude the participation in that practical class. Long hair should be tied back or covered, jewellery removed and long nails trimmed. It is recommended that hats be worn for outdoor activities.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Hurdle?
    Yes/No
    Learning Outcome Approximate timing of assessment
    Practicals and Tutorials/Workshops Formative and Summative 10% No 3, 4 Throughout semester
    Written assignment Formative and Summative 30% No 1, 2, 3 Week 10
    In-course test Formative and Summative 30% (2 x 15%) No 1, 2, 3, 5 Week 5 and 11
    End of course exam Summative 30% Yes 2, 3, 5 Exam week
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Assessment Task % needed to meet hurdle requirement
    Is additional assessment available if hurdle not met?
    Additional assessment if available
    End of course exam 50% Yes Additional exam
    Practicals and Tutorial/Workshops Maximum of 2 absences (with approval) Yes Additional practical or tutorial/workshop
    Assessment Detail
    Practicals and Tutorials/Workshops (10%)
    The practical and tutorial/workshop classes will integrate theoretical knowledge with the development of practical and technical skills. Assessment will be via a combination of participation, MCQs, written and oral communication, and demonstration of practical proficiency.

    Written assignment (30%)
    The 2000 word written assignment will require the student to clearly articulate an understanding of a topic related to an animal management system and support this understanding with reference to published scientific literature. This will require a multidisciplinary evidence-based approach and demonstrate independent and critical thinking.

    In-course test (30%)
    Students will complete 2 in course tests (2 x 15%) during the semester to test the student’s understanding and ability to apply knowledge in the area of animal management

    End of course exam (30%)

    The three hour final written theory exam will test the student’s understanding and ability to apply knowledge to problems in the area of animal management with all components (lectures, practicals, tutorials and workshops) which address Learning Outcomes 2,3 and 5 of the course being examined. The questions may include MCQs, short answers and/or short essays.
    Submission
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted, then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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