Unit outline_

VETS6000: Animal Management Systems Shell Unit

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

This is a 0 credit point shell unit to allow students to complete content from Animal Management Systems 2 and support their transition to year 2 of the new Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum. This unit builds on and extends student knowledge gained in VETS6105 Animal Management Systems 1, including the husbandry, housing, feeding and management of the major production, performance, and companion animals, as well as key economic influences on livestock production. The content has an animal welfare focus and builds knowledge of the concepts of biosecurity, nutrition, and breeding across a range of animal production systems. Students will undertake a variety of teaching and assessment tasks to develop their understanding and allow demonstration of achievement. NOTE: Student enrolments for this unit will be managed by the school office.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points 0
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Imke Tammen, imke.tammen@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam
? 
hurdle task
Final exam
MCQ and short and extended answer questions
50% Formal exam period 1 hour AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4
Out-of-class quiz CVE small animal nutrition module quiz 3&4
compulsory completion of quizzes in CVE small animal nutrition modules 3-4
0% Multiple weeks
Closing date: 03 Nov 2025
2 x 15 min AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement Required learning activities
Attendance and participation in required learning activities
0% Multiple weeks variable Not applicable
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
In-person written or creative task In class quiz
In class MCQ quiz, early task
15% Week 03
Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 09:00
15 min AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement group assignment Animal welfare topic presentation
Group presentation of animal management plan with Q&A and submission of presentation slides
35% Week 12 10 minutes AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

All required hurdle tasks and compulsory assessments must be submitted by 11:59 PM Australian Eastern Time, unless an approved Special Consideration application or an academic plan with an adjusted submission date has been granted. 

The Attendance Requirements for Successful progression in the DVM Program requires students in this unit to complete all assessment tasks listed above. Failure to do so will lead to the award of a fail grade for the unit of study.

The Final exam is a hurdle task.

A pass grade ≥ 50% for the final exam MUST be achieved and an overall of ≥ 50% grade is required to receive a pass grade for this unit. 

The CVE quizzes are embedded in the Center of Veterinary Education (CVE) small animal nutrition modules 3-4. You have access to these modules as an independent study activity. Completion of all 2 quizzes is compulsory.

Final exam: 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

DVM students are expected to be present for all scheduled classes and activities to achieve learning outcomes. This includes arriving on time and staying for the duration of each class.  

The Sydney School of Veterinary Science has established attendance guidelines to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements. 

In accordance with the DVM attendance provisions, DVM students are required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLA’s) and assessment tasks. If absent for any reason, students must notify the UOSC and apply for a special consideration at the earliest opportunity.  

Classes identified as a RLA will be available on the Canvas site.  

assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator. 

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.

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:

Late submission; In accordance with the University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: 1) Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. 2) After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Lectures as in VETS6115 not corresponding to previous VETS6105 content as identified in VETS6115 Canvas timetable. Lecture (22 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Tutorials as in VETS6115 not corresponding to previous VETS6105 content as identified in VETS6115 Canvas timetable. Tutorial (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
CVE small animal modules 3-4 Independent study (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Animal Management Plans: Group Presentations Presentation (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 Practical as in VETS6115 not corresponding to previous VETS6105 content as identified in VETS6115 Canvas timetable. Practical (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 12 Ruminant breeding and genetics Computer laboratory (1 hr) LO1 LO2

Attendance and class requirements

DVM students are expected to be present for all scheduled classes and activities to achieve learning outcomes. This includes arriving on time and staying for the duration of each class.  

The Sydney School of Veterinary Science has established attendance guidelines to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements. 

In accordance with the DVM attendance provisions, DVM students are required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLA’s) and assessment tasks. If absent for any reason, students must notify the UOSC and apply for a special consideration at the earliest opportunity.  

Classes identified as a RLA will be available on the Canvas site.

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.

Required readings

There is no required text for this unit. A number of recommended textbooks, journal references and online resources may prove useful in understanding lecture material or in the preparation of
assessment tasks and these are listed in Canvas. Note: we will advise of any readings that we expect you to read before specific classes

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.

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

  • LO1. Access, analyse and synthesise evidence-based assessments of animal welfare and its relationships with profitability and sustainability, biodiversity, production targets and product quality
  • LO2. Make recommendations relating to biosecurity, breeding, genetics, technology, nutrition and husbandry within animal management systems to maximize efficiency of production and for the prevention and control of disorders
  • LO3. Appraise personal understanding of animal welfare in the light of industry placements
  • LO4. Explain how differences in biology and behaviour, relative to mammals, influence poultry health and production systems.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
16. Assess and advise, at individual and population levels, on clinical and production factors such as the physical condition, welfare, nutritional status, performance and associated management factors of an animal/ group of animals.
18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals.
20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species
27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice.
39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
40. Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health.
LO2
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
16. Assess and advise, at individual and population levels, on clinical and production factors such as the physical condition, welfare, nutritional status, performance and associated management factors of an animal/ group of animals.
18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals.
19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities.
20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species
27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice.
LO3
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals.
40. Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health.
LO4
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
16. Assess and advise, at individual and population levels, on clinical and production factors such as the physical condition, welfare, nutritional status, performance and associated management factors of an animal/ group of animals.
20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species

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

This Unit will be delivered for the first time in 2025 - 'closing the loop' will be used thereafter.

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 two (2) 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

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.