TV5010 - Veterinary Public Health

Available to graduate students with a degree in Public Health, Medical, Veterinary or related Sciences. Other appropriately trained graduates may enrol at the discretion of the Academic Head of Veterinary Science.

This subject covers those elements of veterinary science that influence or have potential to influence human health and wellbeing. Students will focus on zoonoses, particularly tropical zoonoses, and the reasons for emerging and re-emerging zoonoses; students will also learn to apply their veterinary knowledge in order to assess risks to the food chain and how to ameliorate and control those hazards through risk-based inspection and application of pre-requisite programs and HACCP. Students will also utilise risk-based approaches to assess the importance of surveillance schemes and biosecurity for both disease control and market access. The relevance of the One Health concept will be emphasised throughout.

Learning Outcomes

• apply the principles of risk analysis, particularly as they relate to food safety at all stages of the food chain;
• evaluate the scientific basis for the legislative control of food and protection of the environment;
• formulate plans using food safety management systems based on principles of Good Manufacturing/Hygienic Practices (GMP, GHP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Safety and Quality Assurance systems;
• evaluate the consequences to human health and the environment as a result of the production and utilisation of animals and their management;
• strategise and contribute to the improvement of human well-being as part of a multidisciplinary team through the integration and inclusion of the principles of Veterinary Public Health;
• appraise and advise on the suitability of animals for food production;
• facilitate the allocation of resources in animal health systems through the application of animal health economics.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Oral > Presentation 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Literature review - (30%) - Individual.

Special Assessment Requirements

Achieve an overall percentage of 50% or more; Attend and participate fully in the Group Assignment Preparation and Presentations; Must achieve 50% or more for on-course assessment and final exam.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.