Faculty of Veterinary Science

Avian Health Online

Avian Health Online™ is a specialist and interactive online course for veterinarians working in the general poultry industry worldwide. It is presented by the University of Melbourne and the Poultry Disease Research Centre, University of Georgia, USA.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Avian Health can be completed with one year of part-time study, and the Master in Avian Health Medicine (MAHM) can be completed over three years, part-time. The Postgraduate Certificate is under consideration for approval as a dual badge degree awarded by both UGA and UOM from 2012.

Course information

Avian Health Online is an online program specifically designed for poultry veterinarians working in all aspects of the poultry industry worldwide.

Two courses are currently on offer each compromised of "units":

Postgraduate Certificate in Avian Health (PGCAH)

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Master of Avian Health and Medicine (MAHM)

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These units progressively build on what has been learnt in earlier parts of the course. Each unit runs for one semester and students work through one unit at a time. The postgraduate certificate can be completed within one year; the masters within three. A unit is approximately 20-25 hours of work per week over a 16 week period and are not offered on a full-time study basis.

Unit structure and assessment

Content within each subject is released on a weekly or monthly basis to allow the class to move through the material together. Lecture notes are presented online and can be printed and downloaded by students. Class discussions, audio lectures and interactive case studies are also some of the learning activities students will encounter in the course. Regular assessment is conducted through out the semester and a final written and online exam is held at the end of week 16.

Requirements for studying online 

Reliable internet access, with at least a medium speed connection, and a personal computer are essential for undertaking the Avian Health Online program. The content is accessed through your web browser. Microsoft Office (or an equivalent software package), Adobe Acrobat and Windows Media Player are necessary for assessment tasks, assignments and some class exercises.

Course entry

Entry requirements

All applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

  1. A Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Diploma of Veterinary Medicine, or an equivalent qualification from a veterinary school listed in the World Health Organisation Directory of Veterinary Schools.
  2. At least one year of documented, professional veterinary experience in the poultry industry OR at least two years of documented veterinary experience with large or small animals (or other category of veterinary professional practice.*)
  3. English language proficiency, as determined by the University of Melbourne. This requirement may be met in a number of ways. For more details, please refer to:
    www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/courses/pgenglishreq.html#international
  4. Other requirements as specified by the University of Georgia
  5. Successful completion at H2B level (70% or greater) of the Postgraduate Certificate in Avian Health is a prerequisite for progression in to the Master of Avian Health and Medicine.

*For those veterinary graduates who do not have prior, relevant and documented experience from working in the intensive poultry industry, their reading and practical involvement in fieldwork MUST be supplemented by undertaking a formal mentorship period, for a minimum of six months, with an avian veterinarian who is practising with a commercial poultry company. Arrangements must be approved by the Faculty through course coordinators, prior to commencement.

Fees

Tuition fees for each unit in 2013 are AUD $6,840.

Fees must be paid prior to the commencement of each unit. We do not accept late entries into the course.

How to apply

All students must be admitted to both the University of Melbourne and the University of Georgia. Students will initially apply and be based at a home institution depending on their country of residence. Please note that the University of Georgia requires applicants to have taken the Graduate Record Examination. More information can be found on their website.

Students who reside in North, South and Central America and Africa should apply through the University of Georgia.

Students who reside in Australasia, Asia and Europe must apply through the International Admissions Office at the University of Melbourne.

Note Australian citizens or permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens should complete the online application. There is no application fee for these students.

Important dates

Note: For entry into the course, Unit 1 is only on offer in Semester 1 each year.

2013 cohort Semester 1 Semester 2
Application Due Date: Thursday 31th October 2012 n/a
Enrolment Due Date: Friday 22nd February 2013 Friday 22nd February 2013
Semester Start Date: Monday 25th February 2013 Monday 19th August 2013
Semester End Date: Friday 21st June 2013 Friday 6th December 2013
Examinations: Weeks 16 and 17 of the semester Weeks 16 and 17 of the semester

 

2012 cohort Semester 1 Semester 2
Application Due Date: Wednesday 30th November 2011 n/a
Enrolment Due Date: Friday 24th February 2012 Friday 10th August 2012
Semester Start Date: Monday 27th February 2012 Monday 13th August 2012
Semester End Date: Friday 22nd June 2012 Friday 7th December 2012
Examinations: Weeks 16 and 17 of the semester Weeks 16 and 17 of the semester

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