Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Area of Study

Veterinary bioscience investigates interactions between animals and the environment and explores animal function in health and disease. This area of study will be of particular interest to students keen to embark on careers in animal science, animal health, animal ecology and animal management, or for those with a general interest in animal biology.

Objectives

On completion of the major sequence in veterinary bioscience students will:

• have achieved a broad understanding of the normal function of animal body systems
• have developed a deeper understanding of domestic and wild animals and their interactions with the environment
• have gained a general understanding of the conditions and infections that effect animal welfare
• have gained proficiency in the use of appropriate techniques to investigate animal health and disease states
• have developed, in the context of the discipline, the graduate attributes of effective communication, quantitative literacy, information and communication literacy, inquiry and critical thinking, and ethical, social and international understanding
• have developed skills in the presentation of scientific information, alone and as part of a well functioning team.

Level one

• BIO1711 Vertebrate biology
• ENV1711 Ecological systems and the environment
• BIO1722 Cell biology

Level two

• BIO27x1 Animal management and disease (new unit to be introduced in 2012)
• BIO2752 Principles of physiology
• ENV2712 Biology and diversity
• MIC2011 Introduction to microbiology and microbial biotechnology

Level three

• BIO3132 Biology of Australian vertebrates
• BIO3052 Animal behaviour
• BTH3741 Cell biology and disease
• BTH3722 Microbiology and disease

Minor sequence in veterinary bioscience (24 points)

• BIO1711 and ENV1711
• BIO27x1 and BIO2752 or ENV2712

Major sequence in veterinary bioscience (48 points)

• BIO1711 and ENV1711
• BIO27x1 and ENV2712, and BIO2752 or MIC2011
• three of BIO3052, BIO3132, BTH3722 and BTH3741

Requirements for honours in veterinary bioscience

• 24 points of relevant level-three units, of which 18 points are normally units listed above

Additional information

First level BIO and ENV units provide essential foundation knowledge for upper level studies. The ENV units highlight relevant aspects of plant-animal interactions and, together with the first and second level BIO units, provide background knowledge essential for the third level BIO units addressing vertebrate biology and animal behaviour; particularly relevant for students with an interest in animal management. Students will be exposed to examples and case studies that demonstrate application of the scientific method to current animal health and management issues of global importance.

The veterinary bioscience sequence combines well with the ecology and environmental sequences, for students interested in wildlife ecology, or with the applied biochemistry and applied microbiology sequences, for students interested in animal biotechnology.

Students with a strong interest in animal science should also consider course 3541 Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience).

• 0050 Bachelor of Science
• 3541 Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience)