Unit outline_

VETS6205: Animal Management Systems 2

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

Animal management Systems 2 will build on and extend student knowledge gained in 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. Using an animal welfare focus, it further integrates concepts taught within VETS6201 and students continue to build their knowledge of the concepts of biosecurity, nutrition, and breeding. Students will be equipped with further knowledge to help them understand farming and animal management systems and provide a foundation on which to develop an appreciation of disease management that will be taught in subsequent years. 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 3
Prerequisites
? 
VETS6101 and VETS6102 and VETS6103 and VETS6104 and VETS6105 and VETS6106 and VETS6107 and VETS6108 and VETS6201 and VETS6202 and VETS6203 and VETS6204
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Om Dhungyel, om.dhungyel@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Tony Mogg, tony.mogg@sydney.edu.au
Anne Quain, anne.quain@sydney.edu.au
Glenn Shea, glenn.shea@sydney.edu.au
Imke Tammen, imke.tammen@sydney.edu.au
Russell Bush, russell.bush@sydney.edu.au
Jaime Gongora, jaime.gongora@sydney.edu.au
Francisca Samsing Pedrals, francisca.samsingpedrals@sydney.edu.au
Jose A. Quinteros, jose.quinteros@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam
? 
Final Exam
Short Answer and Multiple Choice Questions
50% Week 05 1 hour AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Written work Animal Welfare Policy Brief
Written assignment
50% Week 07 1000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3

Assessment summary

  • Written assignment: This assignment will require you to make a well-reasoned, evidence-based argument for policy recommendations regarding animal welfare.
  • Final exam: The exam will cover all material in the unit from both lectures and practical classes. The exam will have a mixture of multiple choice questions and short answer questions.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

An overall mark of 50 and above must be acheived to pass this unit of study. 

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 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).

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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:

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 04 Introduction to Animal Management Systems 2 Independent study (0.5 hr) LO1 LO3
Avian anatomy Lecture (4 hr) LO4
Reproductive management of horses Lecture (3 hr) LO2
Poultry management and welfare Lecture (3 hr) LO2 LO4
Animal management in cross cultural settings Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Canine and feline nutrition Online class (3 hr) LO2
Animal welfare symposium Independent study (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Avian anatomy Practical (2 hr) LO4
Week 05 Aquaculture Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2
Drought Management Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Inherited Diseases and Parentage Verification Lecture (3 hr) LO2 LO3
Shelter management Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2

Attendance and class requirements

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

The DVM Attendance Provision 2024 is available on the University of Sydney policy register.

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 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library’s reading list system Leganto, available on Canvas.

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
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
16 A P 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 A Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems.
18 A P Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals.
19 A Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities.
20 A P Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species
25 P A Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context.
27 A Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice.
39 P A Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
40 P A Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health.

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

The written assignment has been amended to achieve a more authentic learning experience. An opportunity for in-class guidance and feedback on assessment has been included in the timetable.

Work, health and safety

Q-fever vaccination and completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

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.