Admission and Unit Information - Bachelor of Natural Science (Animal Science)

How many species walk, fly, swim or slither, crawl, hop, wriggle or just float, hitchhike or move so slowly that they appear not to move at all? No one knows and new species appear almost every day. This unit focuses on this spectacular diversity of living things and the process of evolution. Students explore and classify biodiversity and how organisms function, acquire and assimilate resources and co-ordinate growth and reproduction. Organisms interact with one another and their environment forming a complex set of interactions in ecosystems. It is these interactions that have driven evolution. Ultimately human survival depends on the sustainable use of this biodiversity and ecosystems.

This unit is designed to provide students with scientific literacy and generic skills required to successfully undertake science-related undergraduate studies. Students learn, develop and utilise academic and interpersonal methodologies within the context of applied scientific principles in society and take responsibility for their own learning. Students are introduced to the contestable and uncertain nature of science and the scientific method. Activities encourage development of self-confidence, self-efficacy, creative thinking through problem solving, group process, communication and peer support. Academic skills include scientific reading and report writing, researching scientific information and library skills, oral presentation, taking tests and exams, effective personal and group based learning strategies, peer assessment, and online learning.

This unit introduces students to the varying relationships between humans and animals including domestication, the role of animals for companionship, as workers, the traditional role of animals in agriculture, wildlife and zoo animals and their increasingly recognised aesthetic and therapeutic roles. Students will work with a variety of domesticated animals, captive native mammals, and reptiles on-campus, and in a variety of animal industries off campus, including wildlife parks and zoos. The unit includes a balance of theoretical and practical work in the areas of behaviour and handling, basic husbandry, health care, and ethical management.

This unit involves the study of basic biology, ecology, conservation and management of selected terrestrial wildlife (amphibian, reptiles, birds and mammals) grouped according to their taxonomic affiliations. It examines the various strategies used in the management of both wild roaming and captive reared animals including those produced for human use. Students will learn the different management systems and research methods used in wildlife research. The use of wildlife as a sustainable resource will also be analysed within the context of ecological sustainable development and animal ethics.

Resource sustainability deals with the local, national, and global sustainability issues concerning human interactions with the environment. The unit uses current resource issues and scientific concepts to provide the practical and theoretical information needed for students to think critically about environmental issues and to contribute to the sustainable management of natural and built environments. Students will also learn how science and society interact in the management of resources. Using the concept of ecologically sustainable development as a foundation, students will use critical thinking skills to research a resource issue of their choice at the local, national and/or international level. Students will communicate their research using new mediaexploring the issue and make recommendations for improving sustainability.

This level 1 unit develops the quantitative skills that underpin many fields of study in the sciences. The content covered includes basic algebra, functions, graphs, equations, linear and quadratic, introductory probability and descriptive statistics. These mathematical/statistical concepts will be revised and developed using scientific concepts such as molarity and dilution, optical density, population growth, and predator-prey models. In all aspects of this unit, students will be developing and using critical thinking skills to solve mathematical/statistical problems set in a scientific context.

This unit will provide students with an understanding of comparative physiological and anatomical concepts of a range of mammalian and avian species. Students will develop the skills to apply these concepts in practical situations through the use of field observations and the relationship of these to functional anatomy and physiology of production animals. In addition students will develop many of the principles and concepts employed in animal production. Concepts discussed in lectures are reinforced by practical classes held in the laboratory and in the outdoor laboratories.

Science and the scientific process of discovery have been successful in offering explanations for the world we live in. Due to scientific advances, we have eradicated some disease, explored the moon and the deepest parts of our oceans and created communication across distances on the planet previously unimaginable. We now face the major challenge of creating a future world which is sustainable for life on Earth. Solving our contemporary complex human and environmental issues to create a sustainable future, however, requires integrative and multidisciplinary research frameworks, an understanding of the relationship between science and society including cultural, social, economic and political and ethical factors. Students will critically examine such perspectives in a series of contemporary 'real-life' case studies such as climate change, indigenous health, medical breakthroughs, biodiversity loss, environmental sustainability and human-animal interactions. They will undertake research into the relationship of science integrated with society, and the uncertainty and bias of evidence in decision making. They will demonstrate their understanding by analysis of a contemporary issue by producing an eco-science advisory column.

This unit will introduce students to the major issues related to animal health and welfare that form essential knowledge for those working with animals. In particular, students will gain an understanding of disease and methods for disease control as well as an introduction to disease diagnosis. In addition, students will gain knowledge about the relationships between animal management and the health and welfare expectations for domesticated and wild animals. The causes of common animal diseases will be introduced as well as the legal obligations of those owning, working or observing animals with respect to maintaining and monitoring their health and welfare.

Animal nutrition and feeding is fundamental to many aspects of animal production and wildlife systems. This unit aims to provide students a with a knowledge of nutrient requirements for different types of animals and the nutrient composition of common feeds. Students will evaluate and formulate rations to meet a range of animal requirements at different stages of growth, reproduction, lactation and production.

Formulating research questions to solve problems by designing and selecting a systematic methodology to test hypotheses and evaluate evidence are an essential part of research and inquiry. This unit will provide students with the critical thinking skills needed to undertake applied research, especially how to incorporate quantitative and qualitative evidence into arguments. Students will communicate the results of investigations using a variety of modes for different purposes. The ethical and regulatory frameworks for research on human and animals will be discussed including the UWS human and animal ethics approval process required for research.

Reproduction is the origin of life. The aim of this unit is to provide students with a sound understanding of reproduction of both domestic and non domestic animals so that they can design and manage a breeding program for a species of choice. Topics will include anatomy and physiology of male and female reproductive tracts; hormonal control of reproduction; fertilisation, pregnancy, parturition and lactation and advanced reproductive technologies. These topics will be explored in a range of species across different taxonomic groups.

From microscopic algae to giant flowering angiosperms, this unit develops students knowledge and understanding of plants on earth. The unit covers the topics of plant anatomy and morphology, classification and systematics, and evolution. Students will examine the major groups of plants: green algae, bryophytes, lycophytes, monilophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms. Laboratory and field work involves the study of common Australian plants and economically significant plants.

Building on the underlying physical and chemical principals/laws that define physiology, this unit from both a systems (e.g. Respiratory) and environmental (e.g. Marine) perspective, seeks to compare the functional physiology of organisms at all levels of organisation. Particular attention will be paid to respiration, temperature tolerance & regulation, living in water, sensory and neurophysiology. Students will have the opportunity to carry out a defined research project.

Unit 300913 (Field Project 1) and the associated Unit 300914 (Field Project 2) are designed as capstone units of study for the Bachelor of Natural Science Degree. They draw together the skills acquired in previous years of the degree course and apply them in the context of a year-long research project exploring a real world problem on behalf of a professional client. In this Unit the student will develop skills in scoping, planning and pilot testing the research project. They will then revise methods as appropriate, plan data collection and analysis.

Focusing on a variety of wildlife and domestic animal species, the unit addresses how classic ecological and evolutionary principles shape animal behaviour by weighing the experimental and observational evidence for each idea. We illustrate concepts with examples from a wide range of taxonomic groups of animals in diverse ecosystems. Students will conduct experimental field and laboratory procedures, as well as observe and work with groups of animals on the UWS Hawkesbury campus.

Animal production is about producing animals for food, companionship and conservation. This unit aims to develop an understanding of the major animal production systems used for food and fibre and other resources in Australia (intensive and wildlife), and to apply this knowledge to improving problematic issues and understanding topical issues. Topics will focus on the application of animal production principles to these production systems.

This is the second of two Units (Field Project 1 & Field Project 2) that are designed as capstone units of study for the B Nat Sci Degree. Together they draw together the skills acquired in previous years of the degree course and apply them in the context of a year-long research project exploring a real world problem on behalf of a client in industry, government or community agency. In the first Unit the student will have developed skills in scoping, planning, and piloting methods for a research project. In this second Field Project Unit the student will collect and organise a significant body of relevant field data, analyse this and present the conclusions and recommendations in the form of a report to the client that provides the students answers to the clients initial problems. The student then undertakes a critical review of the whole process to identify lessons for both personal and professional development and future career planning.

Vertebrates are the most recognisable and likeable of all the animals. The unit will provide students with a theoretical and practical working knowledge of vertebrate species and their biodiversity, and the adaptation of their many biological functions. Identification of major groups of animals from several different environments will also be incorporated into the learning outcomes. Students will learn to conduct field surveys and assess the techniques used to survey vertebrates, as well as learn basic handling and husbandry techniques required for different vertebrate species.

Resource sustainability deals with the local, national, and global sustainability issues concerning human interactions with the environment. The unit uses current resource issues and scientific concepts to provide the practical and theoretical information needed for students to think critically about environmental issues and to contribute to the sustainable management of natural and built environments. Students will also learn how science and society interact in the management of resources. Using the concept of ecologically sustainable development as a foundation, students will use critical thinking skills to research a resource issue of their choice at the local, national and/or international level. Students will communicate their research using new mediaexploring the issue and make recommendations for improving sustainability.

This level 1 unit develops the quantitative skills that underpin many fields of study in the sciences. The content covered includes basic algebra, functions, graphs, equations, linear and quadratic, introductory probability and descriptive statistics. These mathematical/statistical concepts will be revised and developed using scientific concepts such as molarity and dilution, optical density, population growth, and predator-prey models. In all aspects of this unit, students will be developing and using critical thinking skills to solve mathematical/statistical problems set in a scientific context.

This unit will provide students with an understanding of comparative physiological and anatomical concepts of a range of mammalian and avian species. Students will develop the skills to apply these concepts in practical situations through the use of field observations and the relationship of these to functional anatomy and physiology of production animals. In addition students will develop many of the principles and concepts employed in animal production. Concepts discussed in lectures are reinforced by practical classes held in the laboratory and in the outdoor laboratories.

This unit is designed to provide students with scientific literacy and generic skills required to successfully undertake science-related undergraduate studies. Students learn, develop and utilise academic and interpersonal methodologies within the context of applied scientific principles in society and take responsibility for their own learning. Students are introduced to the contestable and uncertain nature of science and the scientific method. Activities encourage development of self-confidence, self-efficacy, creative thinking through problem solving, group process, communication and peer support. Academic skills include scientific reading and report writing, researching scientific information and library skills, oral presentation, taking tests and exams, effective personal and group based learning strategies, peer assessment, and online learning.

How many species walk, fly, swim or slither, crawl, hop, wriggle or just float, hitchhike or move so slowly that they appear not to move at all? No one knows and new species appear almost every day. This unit focuses on this spectacular diversity of living things and the process of evolution. Students explore and classify biodiversity and how organisms function, acquire and assimilate resources and co-ordinate growth and reproduction. Organisms interact with one another and their environment forming a complex set of interactions in ecosystems. It is these interactions that have driven evolution. Ultimately human survival depends on the sustainable use of this biodiversity and ecosystems.

This unit involves the study of basic biology, ecology, conservation and management of selected terrestrial wildlife (amphibian, reptiles, birds and mammals) grouped according to their taxonomic affiliations. It examines the various strategies used in the management of both wild roaming and captive reared animals including those produced for human use. Students will learn the different management systems and research methods used in wildlife research. The use of wildlife as a sustainable resource will also be analysed within the context of ecological sustainable development and animal ethics.

This unit introduces students to the varying relationships between humans and animals including domestication, the role of animals for companionship, as workers, the traditional role of animals in agriculture, wildlife and zoo animals and their increasingly recognised aesthetic and therapeutic roles. Students will work with a variety of domesticated animals, captive native mammals, and reptiles on-campus, and in a variety of animal industries off campus, including wildlife parks and zoos. The unit includes a balance of theoretical and practical work in the areas of behaviour and handling, basic husbandry, health care, and ethical management.

Formulating research questions to solve problems by designing and selecting a systematic methodology to test hypotheses and evaluate evidence are an essential part of research and inquiry. This unit will provide students with the critical thinking skills needed to undertake applied research, especially how to incorporate quantitative and qualitative evidence into arguments. Students will communicate the results of investigations using a variety of modes for different purposes. The ethical and regulatory frameworks for research on human and animals will be discussed including the UWS human and animal ethics approval process required for research.

Reproduction is the origin of life. The aim of this unit is to provide students with a sound understanding of reproduction of both domestic and non domestic animals so that they can design and manage a breeding program for a species of choice. Topics will include anatomy and physiology of male and female reproductive tracts; hormonal control of reproduction; fertilisation, pregnancy, parturition and lactation and advanced reproductive technologies. These topics will be explored in a range of species across different taxonomic groups.

From microscopic algae to giant flowering angiosperms, this unit develops students knowledge and understanding of plants on earth. The unit covers the topics of plant anatomy and morphology, classification and systematics, and evolution. Students will examine the major groups of plants: green algae, bryophytes, lycophytes, monilophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms. Laboratory and field work involves the study of common Australian plants and economically significant plants.

Building on the underlying physical and chemical principals/laws that define physiology, this unit from both a systems (e.g. Respiratory) and environmental (e.g. Marine) perspective, seeks to compare the functional physiology of organisms at all levels of organisation. Particular attention will be paid to respiration, temperature tolerance & regulation, living in water, sensory and neurophysiology. Students will have the opportunity to carry out a defined research project.

Unit 300913 (Field Project 1) and the associated Unit 300914 (Field Project 2) are designed as capstone units of study for the Bachelor of Natural Science Degree. They draw together the skills acquired in previous years of the degree course and apply them in the context of a year-long research project exploring a real world problem on behalf of a professional client. In this Unit the student will develop skills in scoping, planning and pilot testing the research project. They will then revise methods as appropriate, plan data collection and analysis.

This unit will introduce students to the major issues related to animal health and welfare that form essential knowledge for those working with animals. In particular, students will gain an understanding of disease and methods for disease control as well as an introduction to disease diagnosis. In addition, students will gain knowledge about the relationships between animal management and the health and welfare expectations for domesticated and wild animals. The causes of common animal diseases will be introduced as well as the legal obligations of those owning, working or observing animals with respect to maintaining and monitoring their health and welfare.

Animal nutrition and feeding is fundamental to many aspects of animal production and wildlife systems. This unit aims to provide students a with a knowledge of nutrient requirements for different types of animals and the nutrient composition of common feeds. Students will evaluate and formulate rations to meet a range of animal requirements at different stages of growth, reproduction, lactation and production.

Science and the scientific process of discovery have been successful in offering explanations for the world we live in. Due to scientific advances, we have eradicated some disease, explored the moon and the deepest parts of our oceans and created communication across distances on the planet previously unimaginable. We now face the major challenge of creating a future world which is sustainable for life on Earth. Solving our contemporary complex human and environmental issues to create a sustainable future, however, requires integrative and multidisciplinary research frameworks, an understanding of the relationship between science and society including cultural, social, economic and political and ethical factors. Students will critically examine such perspectives in a series of contemporary 'real-life' case studies such as climate change, indigenous health, medical breakthroughs, biodiversity loss, environmental sustainability and human-animal interactions. They will undertake research into the relationship of science integrated with society, and the uncertainty and bias of evidence in decision making. They will demonstrate their understanding by analysis of a contemporary issue by producing an eco-science advisory column.

This is the second of two Units (Field Project 1 & Field Project 2) that are designed as capstone units of study for the B Nat Sci Degree. Together they draw together the skills acquired in previous years of the degree course and apply them in the context of a year-long research project exploring a real world problem on behalf of a client in industry, government or community agency. In the first Unit the student will have developed skills in scoping, planning, and piloting methods for a research project. In this second Field Project Unit the student will collect and organise a significant body of relevant field data, analyse this and present the conclusions and recommendations in the form of a report to the client that provides the students answers to the clients initial problems. The student then undertakes a critical review of the whole process to identify lessons for both personal and professional development and future career planning.

Vertebrates are the most recognisable and likeable of all the animals. The unit will provide students with a theoretical and practical working knowledge of vertebrate species and their biodiversity, and the adaptation of their many biological functions. Identification of major groups of animals from several different environments will also be incorporated into the learning outcomes. Students will learn to conduct field surveys and assess the techniques used to survey vertebrates, as well as learn basic handling and husbandry techniques required for different vertebrate species.

Animal production is about producing animals for food, companionship and conservation. This unit aims to develop an understanding of the major animal production systems used for food and fibre and other resources in Australia (intensive and wildlife), and to apply this knowledge to improving problematic issues and understanding topical issues. Topics will focus on the application of animal production principles to these production systems.

Focusing on a variety of wildlife and domestic animal species, the unit addresses how classic ecological and evolutionary principles shape animal behaviour by weighing the experimental and observational evidence for each idea. We illustrate concepts with examples from a wide range of taxonomic groups of animals in diverse ecosystems. Students will conduct experimental field and laboratory procedures, as well as observe and work with groups of animals on the UWS Hawkesbury campus.