Bachelor of Animal Science

This course is designed for those interested in our relationship with and management of animals in a rapidly changing world.

The course has three specialist majors focussing on:

(1) livestock production;

(2) wildlife management;

and (3) horses and dogs.

Course Aims

The aim of this course is to teach students the principles behind the production and management of animals. The majors specialise in either domesticated, companion or wild animals. The Bachelor of Animal Science with Honours degree aims to produce graduates with the skills listed above, as well as having knowledge of research principles and mentods and the ability to plan and conduct an independent research project.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: BAnimSc: demonstrate a coherent understanding of animal science by articulating the methods of animal science and explaining why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry and by explaining the role and relevance of animal science in society; exhibit depth and breadth of knowledge of animal science by demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one disciplinary area and by demonstrating knowledge in at least one other disciplinary area; critically analyse and solve problems in animal science by gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of sources, designing and planning an investigation, selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation and collecting, accurately recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from data; be effective communicators of animal science by communicating scientific results, information, or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes; and be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by being independent and self-directed learners, working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context and demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practising ethical conduct. BAnimSc with Honours: conceive, plan and implement an independent programme of research; and produce a written dissertation that demonstrates original thinking, a high level of research skills and the ability to write critically.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Students will develop a strong scientific understanding of practical and theoretical aspects of animal science and management, and a well-developed capacity for analysis. They will obtain knowledge from lectures, reading materials and by direct experience in practicals and field excursions. Students will be expected to know key terms and concepts to the extent that they can demonstrate and apply them in assessments. Knowledge will be assessed in examinations for some units, and in online tests, practical tasks, oral presentations, essays and reports. For students completing the degree with Honours, knowledge will be assessed through a literature review and examination of thesis based on an independent research project. Animal science systems are part of the biosphere, the global perspective is drawn upon in all areas involved with understanding, applying and evaluating information related to animal sciences. Knowledge is built upon from information gathered from animal science systems throughout the world. Thus teaching will draw upon case studies and examples from a range of countries. Students develop the global context of the discipline and its ability to minimise or solve problems. Interaction with students from all over Australia and overseas will assist in developing students' understanding of global issues. Communication Skills Students are taught and assessed on a range of different communication types appropriate to science graduates. There is emphasis on the ability to provide clear and accurate descriptions of issues relating to animal science; on writing reports of technical and scientific investigations; and on presenting critical reviews of knowledge. Within the core and prescribed units communication tasks address a range of different audiences and use oral, written and electronic presentation. Students completing the degree with Honours will be required to complete a well-organised, logical and clearly written research thesis. Problem Solving Problem solving is taught in the scientific context of researching the background to a problem, formulating one or more hypotheses in animal science to be tested, and drawing conclusions from the results of those tests. Many practical assignments are based around this approach. Problem solving skills are also developed in field and laboratory settings where students decide the best approach to performing tasks. This will prepare students for dealing with and solving real-world problems that arise in animal science and management. For students completing the degree with Honours, conducting an independent research project will require students to develop and answer critical research questions. Information Literacy Students will be taught how to access the literature (especially online resources), how to evaluate the robustness of literature sources (discrimination skills) and how to critique available information. Students will then practise these skills through the generation of reports, and oral presentations in relation to animal science. Students completing the degree with Honours will be expected to demonstrate high-level research capacity in the production of a research thesis. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Students are taught ethical practices in relation to the discipline, including respecting intellectual property rights, ethical behaviour in fieldwork and assessment tasks, and honesty and trust as the basis of the cooperative endeavour of science. Students will be encouraged to act ethically and be socially responsible. These are underlying principles of the discipline of animal science which enable the production of food and fibre at the same time as protecting the environment. Legal obligations and responsibility will also be integrated into the teaching content. Lifelong Learning Students gain confidence in their ability to search for and find sources of information relevant to the discipline. Students will develop the ability to identify, evaluate and implement personal learning strategies and/or study skills in pursuit of ongoing personal and professional development. Independence and Collaboration Students are encouraged and taught to develop independence of thought and action. Teamwork is used in classes at all levels, especially in practical work in the field and laboratory. Students develop the skills to work cooperatively to define and achieve common goals, to take initiative and to assume responsibility for tasks. Students will learn in a professional forum to discuss, calmly and rationally, ideas and concepts, sometimes controversial and sometimes from different points of view. This, in addition to the ability to use the language of the discipline in reasoned argument, is one of the aims of online discussions.