Outline

Overview

An understanding of animal management and wellbeing is an essential requirement for veterinarians. Animal Management Systems will provide veterinary students with the breadth of knowledge they require regarding sustainable and profitable production of the major animal production systems. In addition, the unit will examine the management of companion animals and wildlife. The unit will examine key biological, economic and societal influences on animal management systems and how animal health, welfare and sustainability are linked to production performance. The unit will examine the major influences on management and wellbeing in companion animal and wildlife species. Using a domestic and global approach, the unit will further integrate concepts taught within other units as students build their knowledge of the concepts and drivers of biosecurity, nutrition, breeding, genetics, and welfare. Students will be equipped with knowledge to help them understand animal management systems in preparation for their industry placements and providing an appreciation of holistic management that promotes animal health, production and welfare. 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. 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 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	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	VETS6111 and VETS6113 and VETS6104
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	A Basic knowledge of clinical veterinary practice and empathy for and confidence in interactions with animals
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Imke Tammen, imke.tammen@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 MCQ and short and extended answer questions	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	CVE small animal nutrition module quizzes 1-4 compulsory completion of quizzes in CVE small animal nutrition modules 1-4	0%	Multiple weeks Due date: 03 Nov 2025 at 23:59	4 x 15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Required learning activities Attendance and participation in required learning activities	0%	Multiple weeks	variable	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	General Animal Management Quiz In class MCQ quiz, early task	15%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 09:00	30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Animal management plan Group presentation of animal management plan with Q&A and submission of presentation slides	20%	Week 12	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Placement Learning Plan Professional development plan for students in preparation for industry placements.	15%	Week 12 Due date: 28 Oct 2025 at 23:59	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

General Animal Management Quiz and Final Exam (weighted together at 65%) are a combined hurdle task in this unit. Students will have to get a mark of 32.5/65 or higher (that is, 50%) for these two assessment tasks combined to pass the unit.

The Animal Management Plan - Group presentation (weighted at 20%) is designed to test your knowledge of animal husbandry, housing, feeding, breeding, welfare and management of the major production, performance, companion and captive wildlive animals, and to appreciate the role that you might be able to play in these industries. To be effective in your role you need to know how these operations work and how decision-making occurs. This requires a sound working knowledge of animal nutrition, genetics, reproduction, management, seasonality, herd/flock structure and farm calendars. This assessment task has two components: (1) Group presentation - 10 minutes with Q&A (weighted at 10%) and (2) Submission of PowerPoint – assessed by species expert (weighted at 10%). Detailed information will be available via Canvas.

In the Placement Learning Plan (weighted at 15%) you will be asked to fill out a form to document a learning plan for your preparation for your first industry placement. Detailed information will be available via Canvas.

The CVE small animal nutrition module quizzes 1-4 are embedded in the Center of Veterinary Education (CVE) small animal nutrition modules 1-4. You have access to these modules as an independent study activity. Completion of all 4 quizzes is compulsory.

Attendance and participation in all Required Learning Activities is compulsory.

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.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit of study at an exceptions standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit of study at a very high standard.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit of study at a good standard.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit of study at an acceptable standard.
Fail	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory 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:

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. 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.

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 unit of study and use of evidence-based practice in animal management systems	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to animal nutrition	Lecture (2 hr)
	Introduction to animal breeding and genetics	Lecture (2 hr)
	Feed Identification	Practical (1 hr)
	Animal breeding and genetics tutorial	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 01	Perception of animals across cultural settings and the impact on animal management	Lecture (1 hr)
	Animal welfare and behaviour science	Lecture (1 hr)
	Biosecurity	Lecture (1 hr)
	Business and financial management principles	Lecture (1 hr)
	Animal management in indigenous communities	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to Industry Placements	Lecture (1 hr)
	Animal welfare in the context of euthanasia and slaughter of animals	Lecture (2 hr)
	Food security and food safety - One Health approach	Lecture (1 hr)
	Global challenges and opportunities in animal management	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dog Husbandry	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Cat Husbandry	Lecture (1 hr)
	Feeding cats and dogs	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cats & Dogs: Shelter animal welfare	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dog and cat welfare	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Breeding healthy cats and dogs	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dairy cattle	Lecture (2 hr)
	Feeding cats and dogs	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Neonatal care in kittens and puppies	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Ruminant welfare	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Rearing healthy calves	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Beef cattle	Lecture (2 hr)
	Feeding cattle	Lecture (1 hr)
	Sheep husbandry and production	Lecture (3 hr)
	Goats	Lecture (1 hr)
	Animal management systems for native animal species	Lecture (1 hr)
	Animal management systems for captive wild species	Lecture (1 hr)
	CVE Small Animal Nutrition Modules 1-4	Independent study (4 hr)
Week 07	Aquatic animals and aquaculture	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Genetic management of wildlife and zoo animals	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Non traditional companion animals and laboratory animals	Lecture (1 hr)
	Alpaca husbandry	Lecture (1 hr)
	Aquaculture - impacts of climate change to drive changes in practice	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Poultry Production Systems	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 09	Equine husbandry	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Equine reproductive management	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Feeding ruminants - surviving drought	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Placement Pre-Departure Session	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pig production systems	Lecture (3 hr)
	Aquaculture Excursion	Field trip (2 hr)
	Milk hygiene and pasture walk	Practical (2 hr)
	Poulty - egg examination	Practical (1 hr)
Week 12	Sheep - shearing shed and wool classification	Practical (1 hr)
	Environmental and welfare assessment - piggery	Practical (1 hr)
	Ruminant breeding and genetics	Computer laboratory (1 hr)
	Animal management plans: Group Presentations	Presentation (3 hr)
	Farm safety (Required Learning Activity)	Practical (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

DVM program attendance requirements apply. Required learning activities (RLA) are identified in the timetable.

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.

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

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

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. Appraise the significance of the major production, performance, companion animal industries and wildlife management systems in culturally diverse communities and identify major biological, animal welfare, economic and societal influences.
LO2. Develop and communicate effectively holistic management strategies for major animal industries that promote animal welfare and health based on evidence-based practice.
LO3. Evaluate various information sources and interprofessional services in order to identify the most relevant to the care and management of animals and animal populations.
LO4. Construct a professional development plan that demonstrates understanding of animal management systems and commitment to lifelong learning.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 1. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment. 14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely. 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. 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals. 2. Handle, restrain and otherwise manage animal(s) safely and humanely, considering animal behaviour and welfare, and instruct others in helping the veterinarian perform these techniques. 21. Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment. 22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC). 24. Apply veterinary elements of food safety standards and practices throughout the production chain, including on the farm and during food processing. 27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice. 4. Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis. 7. Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 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. 22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC). 25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context. 39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice. 7. Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 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. 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 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 28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 33. Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency. 34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted.

Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1		Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment.
14		Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely.
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.
17		Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems.
18		Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals.
2		Handle, restrain and otherwise manage animal(s) safely and humanely, considering animal behaviour and welfare, and instruct others in helping the veterinarian perform these techniques.
20		Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species
21		Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment.
22		Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC).
24		Apply veterinary elements of food safety standards and practices throughout the production chain, including on the farm and during food processing.
25		Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context.
27		Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice.
28		Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion.
33		Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency.
34		Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted.
39		Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
4		Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis.
7		Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts.

Responding to student feedback

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

This is the first time VETS6115 will be offered. The unit has been created as part of the revised DVM curriculum. We have considered unit of study survey (USS) data for VETS6105 Animal Management Systems 1 (3CP) and VETS6205 Animal Management Systems 2 (3CP) from previous years, extensive consultation with staff, information from SSVS exit and graduate surveys and changes to accreditation requirements, particulalry in relation to industry placements, in the development of this unit. A key change is the inclusion of additional species (e.g. alpaca, wildlife, non traditional companion and laboratory animals) and a revised assessment approach.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

DVM program WHS requirements apply. WHS requirements for specific practical classes, tutorials and excursion will be made available on Canvas.

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

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

VETS6115: Animal Management Systems

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links