Outline

Overview

Animal production industries play important roles in global food security and they are facing ongoing challenges due to increased demand for affordable high quality, environmentally-friendly dietary protein for humans. This unit of study will explore Aquaculture and Poultry Production, the two most efficient animal protein industries in terms of feed conversion efficiency and least greenhouse gas emission. The aquaculture module will introduce the husbandry of broodstock and larval and juvenile culture techniques of finfish, molluscs and crustaceans, the biological principles of aquaculture including aquatic animal physiology, species selection, hatchery breeding and rearing and grow-out practices and aquaculture farming systems. The poultry module will explore chicken-meat and egg production in Australia and overseas, poultry nutrition, feed technology, management of hatchery, breeder and broiler flocks, poultry meat processing. Both aquaculture and poultry modules will focus on animal health, welfare, disease and environmental impact and how these considerations determine current on-farm practice. By the end of this unit, you will be able to: evaluate the benefits of different production systems in aquaculture and poultry with consideration in animal welfare and sustainability; understand profits and pitfalls when managing production and provide potential solutions to on-farm problems. Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses. Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an inherent requirement for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than week one of the enrolled teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete. Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment. Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally. Please refer to the University’s website https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/q-fever-vaccinations.html for more information on student vaccinations.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	6 credit points from (AVBS1002 or BIOL1XXX) and 6 credit points from (AVBS2XXX or BIOL2XXX)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AVBS3008 or AVBS4008 or AVBS3009 or AVBS4009
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Mehdi Toghyani, mehdi.toghyani@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam 2 hours closed-book exam	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Zoonosis Awareness Module Zoonosis Awareness Module: This is an online Canvas module which provides introductory content on zoonoses—diseases transmitted from animals to humans.	0%	Week 01 Due date: 04 Aug 2025 at 17:00	30 Minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Aquaculture infographic or poster One page infographic or a poster on the production of an aquaculture specie	15%	Week 05 Due date: 05 Sep 2025 at 23:59	one page	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Critical review Written report focused on identifying and critiquing scientific literature	15%	Week 07 Due date: 19 Sep 2025 at 23:59	800 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Feed formulation case study Case study students need to produce a feed mill batch sheet	15%	Week 10 Due date: 17 Oct 2025 at 23:59	2 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Manager report A performance report for a virtual farm based on the practical class.	15%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	2 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

There are five assessments in this unit including the final exam (40%). The four in-semester assessments include:

Aquaculture infographic or poster on the production of an acquaculture species (group work and 15%)
Written report focussed on identifying and critiquing scientific literature (15%)
Case study students need to produce a feed mill batch sheet (15%)
A performance report for a virtual far m or plant (15%).

The final exam assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Zoonosis Awareness Module: This is an online Canvas module which provides introductory content on zoonoses—diseases transmitted from animals to humans.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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	This work shows excellent understanding of the topic and clear evidence of independent critical thought. It may contain blemishes, but these are compensated for by signs of high intellectual quality, especially clear, well-organised and forceful argument; reading and understanding beyond the set literature; and originality of approach.
Distinction	75 - 84	This work shows a very good understanding of the relevant content; the essay reflects independent thought; significantly it attempts to develop evaluative and critical arguments. Such arguments may be second-hand and/or they may be flawed, but a serious and sustained attempt at criticism has been made.
Credit	65 - 74	This work shows a clear understanding of the relevant material; it contains only small gaps or minor errors; reading has obviously gone beyond lecture material; there are signs of independent thought, and some attempt is made to evaluate arguments or develop critical arguments.
Pass	50 - 64	This work shows evidence of a satisfactory level of understanding of the relevant material; it may contain gaps, errors or other kinds of blemishes, but it is obvious that the student has read and digested material from lectures and/or set literature. The essay, however, is largely derivative – it simply reports the views of others - and little or no criticism or evaluation of arguments is attempted.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard. There may be a significant amount of ‘parroting’ of material from lectures or tutorials or set reading, but this work shows little or no evidence of satisfactory understanding of the relevant content; it may contain either serious errors or major gaps in what is considered essential information.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Penalties of 5% per day will apply for late submissions as per University Policy.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Aquaculture Lecture 1 to 4	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 01	Aquaculture Tutorial 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Aquaculture Lecture 5-8	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 03	Aquaculture practical	Practical (7 hr)
Week 04	Aquaculture Lecture 9-12	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 04	Aquaculture Tutorial 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Aquaculture Lecture 13-15	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Aquaculture Tutorial 3	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Aquaculture Lecture 16-18	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Aquaculture Tutorial 4	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Poultry Lecture 1-4	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 07	Poultry Tutorial 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Poultry Lecture 5-7	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Poultry Tutorial 2	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Poultry Lecture 8-10	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Poultry Tutorial 3	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Poultry Lecture 11-13	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Poultry P1	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Poultry Lecture 14-16	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Poultry P2	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Poultry Lecture 17-19	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Poultry P3	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Poultry Lecture 20-22	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Poultry P4	Practical (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Unless otherwise stated, students are expected to attend at least 80% of timetabled activities as defined in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

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.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Describe structure and production systems in aquaculture and poultry industries in Australia and overseas
LO2. Apply the principles of animal husbandry (including areas of animal biology, health, nutrition, reproduction, genetics and growth) to management of the welfare and productivity of aquaculture species and poultry
LO3. Critique different types of aquaculture and poultry production models that are commonly used in Australia and overseas
LO4. Integrate knowledge and skills as individuals and in groups to provide potential solutions to production problems
LO5. Appraise the management of an aquaculture or poultry facility and formulate strategies to improve production
LO6. Conduct work independently and in teams to locate, critically evaluate and analyse scientific literature and communicate effectively in a variety of ways to a variety of audiences

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

We included more hands-on experience and assessment in 2025 for both Aquaculture and Poultry module for this year to enhance learning experience and engagement.

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Travel Camden is located 65 kilometres southwest of Sydney. Campbelltown is the closest train station to the campus. A free shuttle bus runs to and from Camden campus and Campbelltown station, every day except Christmas day.

Work, health and safety

Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses.

Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an inherent requirement for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than week one of the enrolled teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete.

Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment.

Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally.

Please refer to the University’s website here for more information on student vaccinations.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ANSC3100: Aquaculture and Poultry Production

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links