Tropical animal science has become an area of global importance as world trade continues to expand. The challenge of future research is to develop better methods for improving production in all livestock species within tropical regions.

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Above world standard

for excellence in research* *ERA 2018, Veterinary Science

Access the best

Undertake research at Fletcherview Research Station

Professional practice

Learn to diagnose and treat

Townsville

Townsville: February

$40,280.00⁺

⁺estimated annual tuition fee

Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Scholarships and financial aid available if eligible

1.5 years full-time

AQF Level 7 bachelor degree in Animal Science; or equivalent

0101103

What to expect

Learn the best methods for improving livestock production with the Master of Animal Science at JCU. Integrate established evidence and recent developments to graduate with a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

Benefit from a focus on theory and professional practice. Gain hands-on experience with JCU’s onsite farm animals and at their own extensive beef property.

Choose from a range of study areas including nutrition, pathology, epidemiology, microbiology, and parasitology. Execute a research project, prepare a dissertation, and conduct a literature review for a broad understanding of scholarship in animal science.

Consult the handbook for further information.

Beef Production

Gain professional experience in using technology in beef production and gain insights in ways of assessing and optimising animal welfare in agricultural enterprises.

Acquire in depth knowledge of how the environment and management strategies can influence the fertility and productivity of animals and study topics as diverse as molecular analysis of tropical microbes and accounting and finance for managers.

Gain an in-depth understanding of how to build a sustainable and profitable enterprise.

Career Opportunities

JCU Animal Science graduates benefit from an immersive learning experience with a specific focus on livestock production.

Graduates go on to work in animal agriculture in a range of positions.

Employers include: Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science, Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, CSIRO, Natural Resource Management Boards, Natural Resource Assessment Consultants, Agricultural Consultants

Handbook

Master of Animal Sciences

Handbook year	2021
Course code	118704
Course type	Masters Degree (Coursework) (AQF Level 9)
Owner	Division of Tropical Health and Medicine
College	Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences

Award Requirements

Admission Requirements

Course pre-requisites	Completion of an AQF level 7 Bachelor Degree in Animal Science; or Completion of qualifications recognised as equivalent to the above.
Minimum English language proficiency requirements	Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.
Additional selection requirements	Information published by JCU or otherwise made available to students when applying, may specify additional criteria to be considered in ranking applicants in order of merit if the number of applications exceeds a quota or other limit on the places made available for the course. Information provided by applicants during the application process and any other information obtained by JCU in the application process may be used by JCU to rank applicants in order of merit by reference to those additional criteria.
Post admission requirements	Q Fever immunisation: Students must provide evidence of being immune to Q Fever within the first teaching period of their studies. Students who are not immune to Q fever will not be permitted on-site at some facilities and consequently this may result in their inability to complete the requirements of the course as accredited by the relevant professional accrediting body. If a student has not complied with the above requirement by the last day of the first teaching period of their studies, their enrolment will be terminated immediately.

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

Credit points	36 credit points
Course learning outcomes	The growing global population and affluence in emerging economies result in increased demand for protein foods, niche primary products and agricultural scientific expertise that can provide expanded and new markets. JCU graduates are committed to engaging with these challenges with lifelong learning, intellectual development, and to the display of exemplary personal, professional and ethical standards. They have a sense of purpose and place in the tropics and the world, charged with professional, community, and environmental responsibility for animal health, agriculture, biosecurity and sustainability. They are able to see beyond their own discipline specialisation and gain a range of insights needed for effective animal health and production systems, biotechnology, production economics, research, policies and programs. As global citizens they exhibit a willingness to contribute to commercialisation of animal production with commitment to sustainability and animal welfare. Upon successful completion of the Master of Animal Sciences graduates will be able to: Apply principles of veterinary public health, biosecurity, epidemiology, nutrition and sustainable terrestrial production to analyse and assess contemporary issues in animal health using a one health approach. Apply knowledge of research principles and methods to plan and ethically execute a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of scholarship. Independently communicate theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions using advanced literacy and numeracy skills to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Apply the principles of epidemiology in the control and prevention of terrestrial animal diseases. Demonstrate autonomy and accountability when applying advanced knowledge and analytical skills to optimise systems and practices in the workplace. Graduates with a Master of Animal Sciences - Beef Production Major will also be able to: Integrate and apply an advanced body of theoretical and technical knowledge in the discipline of animal science with depth in beef production systems that improve nutritional value and economic and environmental sustainability.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements	Inherent requirements are the fundamental abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to complete the learning outcomes of a course while preserving the academic integrity of the university’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes. Students and prospective students must be able to demonstrate that they have acquired or have the ability to acquire the inherent requirements for their degree. For more information refer to Inherent Requirements page.
Reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments may be made to assist students manage additional circumstances impacting on their studies provided these do not change the academic integrity of a degree. Reasonable adjustments do not alter the need to be able to demonstrate the inherent requirements of the course.

Course Structure

CORE SUBJECTS

TV5010:03 Veterinary Public Health

TV5020:03 Animal Production

TV5040:03 Introductory Epidemiology

TV5210:03 Animal Nutrition

Plus

Select a major from Table A

Or

Select 24 credit points of specified subjects from List 1

List 1

LB5203:03 Sustainable Enterprise

LB5212:03 Accounting and Finance for Managers

MI5000:03 Clinical Epidemiology

MI5012:03 Professional Experience

MI5071:03 Molecular Analysis of Tropical Microbes

RM8301:06 Research Planning in Tropical Health and Medicine

RM8302:06 Research Project in Tropical Health and Medicine

TM5516:03 Biostatistics for Public Health

TM5600:03 Introduction to One Health

TV5120:03 Advanced Microbiology and Immunology

TV5121:03 Infectious Diseases of Livestock

TV5130:03 Veterinary Parasitology

TV5131:03 Host-Parasite Relationships

TV5220:03 Animal Reproduction and Management

TV5230:03 Advanced Epidemiology

TV5311:12 Research and Dissertation

TV5320:03 Applied Protocol Writing

TV5400:03 Technology in Beef Production

TV5420:03 Animal Welfare

TABLE A (MAJORS)

Type of major	Optional, single
Credit points in major	24credit points
Notes	Not available mid-year

MAJOR	AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
Beef Production	Townsville

Campus

COURSE AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
Townsville

Candidature

Expected time to complete	1.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Maximum time to complete	6 years
Maximum leave of absence	2 years

Progression

Course progression requisites	Nil
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s)	No
Special assessment requirements	Nil
Accreditation requirements	Nil
Maximum allowed Pass Conceded (PC) grade	Nil
Supplementary exam for final subject	Not applicable

Credit

Eligibility	Students may apply for a credit transfer for previous tertiary study or informal and non-formal learning in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure
Maximum allowed	24 credit points for the JCU Graduate Diploma of Animal Sciences; or 18 credit points for other studies.
Currency	Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course.
Expiry	Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 16 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the candidate has not completed this course.
Other restrictions	Not applicable

Award Details

Award title	MASTER OF ANIMAL SCIENCES
Approved abbreviation	MASc
Inclusion of majors on testamur	Majors will appear on the testamur
Exit with lesser award	Candidates who exit the course prior to completion, and have completed 12 credit points of relevant subjects, may be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate of Animal Sciences. Candidates who exit the course prior to completion, and have completed 24 credit points of relevant subjects, may be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma of Animal Sciences.
Course articulation	Not applicable

Fees and scholarships

Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD40,280.00

Course fees are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.

Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependents accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.

Pathways to JCU

Consult the admission requirements section in the Handbook for prerequisites and pathways into this course.

How to apply

Gather the documents you need to apply and submit an application via JCU's online application portal.

Student

Stanley Amben

Animal Sciences

The Animal Sciences course at JCU is both challenging and rewarding. Having an agricultural science background, it has boosted my confidence and abilities to address key research and development agendas in animal health and production in my country, Papua New Guinea.
Alumni

Anna McCowan

Graduate Diploma of Animal Sciences

A highlight of my course was learning about international veterinary and animal science practices through my colleagues and lecturers. I felt very supported by my lecturers throughout my learning, and was encouraged towards my career goal of developing Australia's northern livestock production.
Lecturer

Professor Bruce Gummow

Epidemiology

We live in challenging times, with major droughts and flooding due to climate change impacting on farming in unprecedented ways. Our degree provides animal scientists and agriculturalists with the skills to make a difference in today’s world and be part of ensuring food security for future generations.