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. 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 (AVBS2XXX or ANSC3101 or BIOL2XXX or FOOD2000 or GEGE2X01 or GENE2001 or GENE2002 or ITLS2000)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AGRO4006 or ANSC3105
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

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 Final written exam (invigilated)	35%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Zoonosis Awareness module A mandatory work health and safety induction online Canvas module	0%	Week 01 Due date: 07 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 11 Aug 2025	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Practical Abstract 1 Written abstract on Module 1 practicals	5%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 Aug 2025	350 Words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Practical Report 1 Written report on Module 1 practicals	10%	Week 05 Due date: 04 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 11 Sep 2025	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Practical Report 2 Written report on Module 2 practicals	15%	Week 09 Due date: 09 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Oct 2025	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Practical Report 3 Written report on Module 3 practicals	15%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Nov 2025	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Group Project Presentation: Q&A session component Q&A session following presentation	10%	Week 13 Due date: 04 Nov 2025 at 10:00 Closing date: 04 Nov 2025	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Project Presentation: Presentation component Presentation of the final pitch group project	10%	Week 13 Due date: 04 Nov 2025 at 10:00 Closing date: 04 Nov 2025	2min/student in group 3min for questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

This unit's assessments are composed of 1 practical abstract, 3 practical reports, a final project presentation, and a final booklet submission.

Zoonosis Awareness Module: This 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.

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.

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:

Simple extensions 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 exam or 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 and in the AVBS3011 Unit of Study Guide.

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	Introduction to AVBS3011	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to Assessments, WHS, Precision animal management	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Module I - Animal performance and nutrition	Field trip (6 hr)
Week 03	Module I - Animal performance and nutrition	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Module I - Animal performance and nutrition	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Module I - Animal performance and nutrition	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Module I - Animal performance and nutrition	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Module I - Animal performance and nutrition	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Module I - Animal performance and nutrition	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Module II - Animal behaviour, environment and remote sensing	Field trip (6 hr)
Week 07	Module II - Animal behaviour, environment and remote sensing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Module II - Animal behaviour, environment and remote sensing	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Module II - Animal behaviour, environment and remote sensing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Module II - Animal behaviour, environment and remote sensing	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Module II - Animal behaviour, environment and remote sensing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Module II - Animal behaviour, environment and remote sensing	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Module III-Next Generation Applications	Field trip (6 hr)
Week 11	Module III-Next Generation Applications	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Module III-Next Generation Applications	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Module III-Next Generation Applications	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Module III-Next Generation Applications	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Final Presentation	Presentation (5 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.

Required readings

Please refer to the unit's Canvas site and lecture slides.

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.

Major change to the unit was adding a secure assessment (final exam) and the proportion of the group work for the Q&A part of the presentation

Additional information

Attitude: It is expected that students will adopt a mature, open-minded approach to the topics discussed in the unit, ensuring that all points of view on a subject can be expressed without fear of persecution or isolation.

Animals involved in teaching

This unit involves learning activities with animals. Working with animals in teaching or research is a privilege and it is essential that we demonstrate utmost respect for them at all times.

In Australia, each state and territory has laws governing the involvement of animals in research and teaching. The NHMRC Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th edn 2013 (the Code) sets the common framework of the guiding principles and is embedded within these laws in each state and territory.

As required by the Code, the activities involving animals in this unit have been reviewed and approved by the University’s Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). For further information about animal ethics at the University of Sydney, visit the Animal Ethics intranet.

Should you have any questions or concerns relating to the involvement of animals in your learning activities, please speak with the course coordinator.

Additional costs

N/A

Site visit guidelines

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. Students should arrive on time for the practical class to receive inductions before the commencement of the class. Further information is provided in Canvas including the risk assessments and safe work procedures.

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.

CAUTION:

Q-Fever Vaccination: In this unit you will handle animals on farm, thus there is a risk of exposure to zoonotic pathogens. As such, Q-fever vaccination is REQUIRED and students without Q-fever vaccination will NOT be permitted to attend/participate on fieldwork days. Please contact University Disability Services and the UoS Coordinator immediately if you have any predisposing medical conditions or issues that might be relevant to your participation in fieldwork. If in doubt, please consult with your doctor, Disability Services, and the UoS Coordinator. Please Note: private and/or medical information is not to be disclosed to the UoS Coordinator.

Dangerous Fauna & Flora: During fieldwork, you may encounter danger flora and fauna (e.g. snakes, insects). Please ensure you remain vigilant when on farm and ensure you wear the appropriate attire for such an environment (i.e. long pants, closed toed shoes/boots). A hat is also strongly recommended. Students who do not have on appropriate attire (i.e. long pants and close toed footwear) will NOT be permitted to participate.

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Animals involved in teaching

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

AVBS3011: Animal Technologies

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, 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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Animals involved in teaching

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links