Outline

Overview

The ability for animals to live a healthy and productive life free of disease is essential to sustain farming and natural animal populations. In animal health and disease you will apply principles of animal management to optimise animal health and minimise the incidence and severity of disease, based on host, pathogens and environmental interactions. You will analyse epidemiological approaches to investigate diseases in animal populations and management strategies that are frequently employed to sustain a healthy flock or herd. The management of current diseases relevant to production animals, wildlife and emergency diseases of relevance to Australia, will be explored. You will gain practical experience in the handling and health-based management of cattle, sheep and poultry, and will have the opportunity to visit farms, an animal health research facility or an animal disease diagnostics laboratory. By doing this unit you will be able to explain and justify practical approaches and procedures used to augment animal health and minimise the incidence and severity of disease. 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 ?	12 credit points from (AVBS2001 or IMMU2X11 or MEDS2004 or MIMI2X02) or [6 credit points from (AVBS2001 or IMMU2X11 or MEDS2004 or MIMI2X02) and 6 credit points from (BIOL2XXX or MICR2XXX)]
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AVBS4001
Assumed knowledge ?	The completion of 12 credit points of first year Biology (BIOL1006 and BIOL1007), and microbiology (MICR2031) or immunology (IMMU2011) would be beneficial
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Wendy Muir, wendy.muir@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Sabrina Lomax, sabrina.lomax@sydney.edu.au
	Wendy Muir, wendy.muir@sydney.edu.au
	Joy Becker, joy.becker@sydney.edu.au
	John House, john.house@sydney.edu.au
	Damien Higgins, damien.higgins@sydney.edu.au
	Om Dhungyel, om.dhungyel@sydney.edu.au
	Francisca Samsing Pedrals, francisca.samsingpedrals@sydney.edu.au
	Jose A. Quinteros, josea.quinteros@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Final exam	45%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Zoonosis awareness module Online task on zoonosis awareness	0%	Week 01 Due date: 28 Feb 2025 at 23:00	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Sheep Health Outline Outline of sheep health assignment	0%	Week 04 Due date: 19 Mar 2025 at 23:59	One page outline & group allocations
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Epidemiology assignment See Canvas for more details	15%	Week 06 Due date: 09 Apr 2025 at 23:59	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Wildlife assignment See Canvas Page	15%	Week 10 Due date: 07 May 2025 at 23:59	Online exercise based in Canvas quiz
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Sheep health assignment Presentation t	15%	Week 12 Due date: 21 May 2025 at 09:00	15 min talk,
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Sheep health Fact sheet and peer review Hand in fact sheet	10%	Week 12 Due date: 21 May 2025 at 23:59	Fact sheet max 1000 words, & peer review
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

The Zoonosis Awareness Module is an online Canvas module which provides introductory content on zoonoses—diseases transmitted from animals to humans. This module is an essential part of your work health and safety induction for practical activities requiring frequent contact with animals. It must be completed before you begin any practical activities and is mandatory for this unit of study.

Final Exam: This 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.

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 original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI 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 good solutions for challenging problems and/or 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 solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
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.

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.

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.

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 2023 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 2023. 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	Introduction to AVBS3005	Lecture (1 hr)
	Management strategies #1	Lecture (2 hr)
	Sheep health #1 & #2	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Management strategies #3	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	Sheep health #3 & #4	Lecture (2 hr)
	Cattle practical Group 1	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Epidemiology #1	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Cattle practical Group 2	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Epidemiology #2	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Cattle practical Group 3	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Epidemiology #3	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Cattle practical Group 4	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Arthursleigh excursion	Field trip (7 hr)
Week 07	Wildlife health #1	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Wildlife health #2	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Wildlife health #3	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Poultry health	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Poultry/management prac & tutorial Groups 1, 2 & 3	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	Cattle health #1 to #2	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	Cattle health #3 & #4	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	Dairy cattle prac - farm walk	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	Site visits	Field trip (4 hr)
Week 11	Poultry management prac Groups 4	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Sheep health seminars	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 13	Aquatic health	Lecture (2 hr)
	Emergency disease	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	Exam outline & USS	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Unless otherwise stated, students must attend a minimum of 80% {4 of 5} of the practical classes i.e. cattle practical, Arthursleigh (sheep health) excursion, poultry practical, dairy farm walk and Site visit, as defined in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

Attendance at all classes (lectures, tutorials and practicals), is recommended to gain the full benefit of the learning opportunities.

Where assignment topics can be chosen by the student, and the student is completing hons, the topics must differ. No marks will be awarded for assignments submitted for AVBS3005 that are in the same topic area as your hons research project.

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

Please refer to the Unit of Study outline for required readings

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. apply epidemiological principles to the investigation and control of disease in an animal population
LO2. identify variations from normal physiology that are indicative of a pathogen incursion or metabolic imbalance including emergency disease in animals including sheep, cattle, poultry and wildlife
LO3. justify animal management strategies employed to optimise animal health and reduce the incidence of disease based on a broad understanding of the physiological response of animals to infectious and non-infectious agents
LO4. investigate diseases of consequence to the production of wool, meat, milk, eggs and fish and, be able to explain and justify based on host, pathogen and environmental interactions, intervention strategies utilised to alleviate or prevent disease and to facilitate improved animal welfare.
LO5. critically evaluate and contribute to the formulation of plans for management of diseases of wildlife populations, with consideration of social, economic, ecological, livestock and human health issues
LO6. develop communication skills that are articulate, evidence based and appropriate for the audience, facilitating effective communication with all animal health stakeholders

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.

In response to student feedback for 2025 - The location of lectures has been split between Camperdown and Camden - the latter scheduled when practical classes are also at Camden. Provision of transport on bus from Camperdown to Camden and then to practical activities and return to Camperdown on these days With the dairy cattle topic a Farm walk has been included to demonstrate the applied aspects of lecture material The assignments have been reworked - with clearer detail and removal of the Arthursleigh farm report with these learning outcomes will now be assessed in the end of sem exam. The sheep health outline is a formative hurdle task, sheep health presentation worth 15% and fact sheet/peer review is worth 10%.

Additional information

Additional costs

There is a cost of $35 for the Arthursleigh excursion.

Site visit guidelines

Details of requirements to attend site visits will be shared closer to the visit and must be adhered too.

Work, health and safety

The activities undertaken on these excursions work in the environment, contact with animals, bear the risk of non-targeted contact with zoonotic pathogens, such as Coxiella burnetii (Q-fever - see details below), toxoplasma, salmonella, Chlamydia psittaci, Campylobacter, E. coli, tetanus, hydatids. Please contact the unit coordinator immediately if you are immunocompromised, have not been vaccinated for Q fever, or have any predisposing medical conditions or other issues that might be relevant to your participation in the practical sessions. If in doubt, consult with your doctor and unit coordinator.

Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling animals (including working dogs).

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 complete the Zoonosis awareness module on enrolment, which is compulsory formative task. .

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

AVBS3005: Animal Health and Disease

Semester 1, 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) and automated writing tools

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

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Useful links

Media

Student links

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