Outline

Overview

What do we mean when we talk about wildlife health and welfare? Modern human societies increasingly place value on the health and welfare of individual wild animals and populations. Wildlife practitioners and other stakeholders also recognise that the health of wild animal populations, people and domestic animals, and the environment are inextricably linked and interdependent, i.e. the One Health framework. Yet there is no single, universally shared definition for wildlife health, or wildlife welfare. This unit of study will challenge students to explore key concepts in wildlife health and welfare, including the difficulty in defining and measuring wildlife health and welfare from both a scientific and social perspective. Students will gain first-hand practical experience in common wildlife sampling and laboratory techniques used to evaluate wildlife health. They will understand the importance of engaging multidisciplinary teams in wildlife health investigations, and the role of a wildlife biologist in those teams. They will employ established tools for assessing wild animal welfare within different contexts (e.g. captive and exhibited animals, wild animal research, pest species management), and will acquire the essential critical thinking skills required to evaluate their results from different stakeholder perspectives and consider the importance of context when evaluating wildlife health and welfare. This unit will be taught on campus at the University fo Sydney and at Taronga Conservation Society, with additional in-class and/or weekend field-trips within commuting distance from the Sydney Camperdown campus. 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 ?	WILD2001 and WILD2002 and (6 credit points from BIOL2X21 or BIOL2X22 or BIOL2X24)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	WILD4002
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Catherine Herbert, catherine.herbert@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 3 July 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Skills Assessment 1 Lab-based skills assessment: Blood parameters	5%	Week 01 Due date: 25 Jun 2026 at 09:00 Closing date: 25 Jun 2026	30 min	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Skills Assessment 2 Lab-based skills assessment: Health parameters	5%	Week 01 Due date: 25 Jun 2026 at 09:00 Closing date: 25 Jun 2026	30 min	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Skills Assessment 3 Lab-based skills assessment: Body Condition Indicies	5%	Week 01 Due date: 28 Jun 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 Jun 2026	30 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Skills Assessment 4 Group necropsy report	10%	Week 01 Due date: 28 Jun 2026 at 23:59	3 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Skills Assessment 5 Online welfare Quiz	5%	Week 02 Due date: 30 Jun 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Jun 2026	30 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Skills Assessment 6 Group field report	10%	Week 02 Due date: 02 Jul 2026 at 23:59	3-4 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Skills Assessment 7 Group full sample analysis	10%	Week 02 Due date: 03 Jul 2026 at 23:59	3 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Final Individual Report Final Individual Report	30%	Week 04 Due date: 17 Jul 2026 at 23:59	2,000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Oral test Individual oral assessment of final report in the form of a Q&A with lecturers	20%	Week 06 Due date: 31 Jul 2026 at 10:00	20 min	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Laboratory Skills Assessment: Students will have multiple skills-based assessments where they will need to demonstrate their competency in different laboratory tasks, writing reports on lab and field-based health assessments, and on-line quizzes. In class practical skills assessments need to be completed on the allocated day, unless you have an approved special consideration application. Some components will be completed in groups or pairs, whilst others are individual tasks.
Students will complete a large, individual written report for this unit of study. It is divided into two components. A final report (2000-words) and an interactive oral exam 1-2 weeks later. The report will involve a combination of: i) first-hand data analysis / presentation; ii) review of relevant literature; iii) the development of new, novel experimental designs; and iv) discussion of different stakeholder perspectives and ethical considerations.

Detailed information on all assessments can be found in Canvas.

The final report is compulsory and must be completed to pass the unit of study. The oral exam is a hurdle task. Students must score 50% or higher in this task to pass the unit of study.

Assessment criteria

Result code	Result name	Mark range	Description
HD	High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
DI	Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
CR	Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
PS	Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
FA	Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit 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:

Standard university late penalties of 5% per day late (up to 10 days). Submissions after 10 days will receive a mark of 0. In class skills assessments and on-line quizzes must be completed at the allocated time.

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	Day 1: Introduction to wildlife health and welfare 1.1 Unit Introduction 1.2 Introduction to concepts of health and welfare 1.3 Stress in wildlife 1.4 Interactive tutorial, including ethical considerations	Lecture (7 hr)
	Day 2: 2.1 Sample and data collection in the field. 2.2 Introduction to laboratory sample analysis 2.3 Measures of health: Haematology	Lecture (3 hr)
	Day 2: 2.4 Lab sessions: differential cell counts, packed cell volume, total protein plasma, blood smears	Practical (4 hr)
	Day 3: 3.1 Lab session: parasitology	Practical (3 hr)
	Day 3: 3.2 Reference intervals and differential cell counts 3.3 Tutorial: body conditioning/body condition index	Tutorial (4 hr)
	Day 4: 4.1 Skills assessments: Blood analysis and faecal egg count	Assessment (3 hr)
	Day 4: 4.2 Introduction to The Basin field trip 4.3 Guest Lecture: Welfare in captive animals	Tutorial (4 hr)
	Day 5: 5.1 Wildlife necropsy 5.2 Necropsy write-up	Practical (4 hr)
	Day 5: 5.3 Full individual animal sample analysis and discussion	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 02	Day 6: 6.1 Field trip to The Basin: Assessing disease status in the wild 6.2: independent group work: Field trip write-up	Fieldwork (7 hr)
	Day 7: At Taronga zoo 7.1 Guest Lecture: Wildlife nutrition 7.2 Body condition scoring and welfare assessment of captive animals	Workshop (4 hr)
	Day 7: Taronga Zoo 7.3 Guest Lecture/Tutorial: Disease investigations	Lecture (3 hr)
	Day 8: At Taronga Zoo 8.1 Behaviour watch data collection	Practical (3 hr)
	Day 8: Taronga Zoo 8.2 Tutorial discussion: Welfare considerations in conservation	Tutorial (4 hr)
	Day 9: 9.1 Tutorial: Welfare in pest management 9.2 The bigger picture of wildlife health, welfare, and management, including case studies	Tutorial (7 hr)
	Day 10: 10.1 Guest lecture: Wildlife rehabilitation 10.2 Introduction to Assessment	Lecture (3 hr)
	Day 10: 10.3 Introduction to the wildlife rehabilitation dashboard 10.4 Data analysis and case study tutorial	Tutorial (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Compulsory attendance is required for this 2-week intensive unit for all lectures, tutorials, group work, practicals/labs, and fieldwork.

Classes are not recorded.

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

See Canvas

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. Analyse the complexities and inter-relationships in wildlife health and wildlife welfare
LO2. Describe, apply and evaluate how we measure both wildlife health and welfare from theoretical and practical perspectives
LO3. Assess wildlife health and welfare within the context of different scientific disciplines and their established methodologies, e.g. physiology, ecology, nutritional ecology, and animal behaviour, using evidence-based arguments
LO4. Evaluate wildlife health and welfare metrics and actions within the broader environmental, social and wildlife management context
LO5. Assess and apply stakeholder engagement and management particularly in relation to differing views on welfare standards and ethical considerations
LO6. Articulate and apply ethical considerations relevant to wildlife in different contexts

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 the first time this unit has been offered.

Additional information

Additional costs

Students will need to make their own way at their own cost to The Basin in the Northern Beaches for a 1/2 day fieldtrip. Students will need to make their own way to Taronga for the 2-days of classes held there.

Work, health and safety

Risk assessments will be discussed and made available to students via Canvas. Pre-lab discussions will address WHS for those specific sessions.

Q-fever vaccination (or appropriate PPE for high risk activities) is a requirement of this unit of study. If this is an issue for you, please discuss your options with the unit of study coordinator.

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.

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

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

WILD3002: Wildlife Health and Welfare

Intensive June - July, 2026 [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

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links