Outline

Overview

This unit of study is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of animal science technologies in Australia and overseas. Examples of these technologies include biotechnologies for genetic improvements, next-generation sensors to monitor the physiological status of animals, technologies to remotely measure animal production and whole body composition, diet formulation to enhance the nutritional and eating quality of livestock food products, , technologies to monitor and control animal behaviour, unmanned ground and aerial vehicles to monitor animals and the environment, sensors and advanced image-capture technology to record the attributes of soil, air and the feedbase, data-fusion science to integrate, analyse and interpret collected data, and modelling of farming systems. Students will gain research and inquiry skills through research based group projects, data analysis, information literacy and communication skills through on-line discussion postings, laboratory reports and presentations, and personal and intellectual autonomy through working in groups. At successful completion of the unit students will have a sound knowledge of technologies that will shape animal industries in Australia and overseas. This will provide valuable grounding for students preparing for postgraduate study and other learning and career paths.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	AVBS3011
Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	AGRO4006 or ANSC3105
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points from (AVBS2XXX or ANSC3101 or BIOL2XXX or FOOD2000 or GEGE2X01 or GENE2001 or GENE2002 or ITLS2000)
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Familiarity with data analysis and basic production animal handling
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Luciano Gonzalez, luciano.gonzalez@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Brandon Velie, brandon.velie@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Practical Report 1 - Body monitoring and model-data fusion Practical report submitted and marked individually (Turnitin)	20%	Week 05 Due date: 30 Aug 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Sep 2023	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group project video proposal Group work with video of the project concept submitted via Canvas	5%	Week 06 Due date: 07 Sep 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Sep 2023	5 min video
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Practical Report 2 - Animal performance, behaviour and welfare Practical report from module II submitted and marked individually (Turnitin	20%	Week 09 Due date: 04 Oct 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 11 Oct 2023	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Practical Report 3 - Genetics and genomics Practical report submitted and marked individually (Turnitin)	20%	Week 12 Due date: 25 Oct 2023 at 23:59	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Start-up presentation Presentation of the final pitch group project	10%	Week 13 Due date: 30 Oct 2023 at 10:00 Closing date: 06 Nov 2023	3 min/group member
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Final project dossier/booklet Final assignment of group start-up	25%	Week 13 Due date: 02 Nov 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 13 Nov 2023	5000 words
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

This unit's assessments is composed of 3 practical reports, one video online submission of the project concept (start-up), a final project pitch presentation and a final dossier submission.

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

Late penalties: Simple extensions will not be granted in this unit of study and late submissions will not be accepted without an approved special consideration. Students who experience any form of illness, injury, or misadventure that prevents or affects the preparation or performance in an assessment are encouraged to apply for special consideration. Details on how to apply for special consideration can be found on the unit's Canvas page.

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.

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 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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to Unit of Study; Precision animal management	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to Assessments, WHS, major unit assignment description and group formation	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Body monitoring of animals	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Remote weighing data analysis	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
Week 04	Precision Feeding & Model-data Fusion	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Smart feeding systems practical	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
Week 05	Physiological monitoring of animals	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	IRT image analysis, biometric analysis	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
Week 07	Remote Monitoring of Animal Performance and Welfare	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Accelerometer (equine examples from racing)	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 08	Remote sensing for animal science	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Drone and satellite imagery analysis	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
Week 11	Animal Genetics with Precision	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Parentage, EBVs, and GEBVs data analysis	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
Week 12	Recombinant DNA Technology, Gene-Therapy, Gene-Doping	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Genetic and genomic technologies data analysis	Computer laboratory (3 hr)
Week 13	Group project final presentations	Seminar (5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance to all lectures and practicals is required.

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

Available via Canvas site

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 the principles and approaches of using new and emerging technologies for precision animal management.
LO2. Describe the main digital technologies used to monitor the body, behaviour, and physiology of animals to improve animal conservation, productivity, sustainability and welfare.
LO3. Explain the main principles behind remote sensing of the environment and calculate relevant measures for animal management and landscape assessment.
LO4. Use standard biosystems tools to search and analyse relevant data.
LO5. Combine new technologies into frameworks to develop feeding systems and manage animal nutrition using automatic control feeding systems, animal performance data and models
LO6. Combine new technologies into frameworks to improve animal breeding programs
LO7. Work effectively in a team and as an individual to source information, communicate effectively with a target audience and deliver project outcomes
LO8. Create a new technological company based on original ideas or integrate complex concepts into technical information

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.

This is a re-vamped unit being offered for the first time in its current format.

Additional information

Additional costs

N/A

Site visit guidelines

The 3 x field days will be completed at J. B. Pye farm, 532 Greendale Rd, Greendale, NSW. Further information on Canvas site, students should arrive on time for the practical class to receive inductions before the commencement of the class.

Work, health and safety

All students must be vaccinated or have a positive test for Q fever before attending the practical classes on farms. Further information is provided in Canvas and all students must read the risk assessments and safe working procedures before attending classes.

Further information is provided in Canvas including the risk assessments and safe work procedures.

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

AVBS3011: Animal Technologies

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect