AVBS2004 Animal Nutrition Course Syllabus and Project-Semester 2, 2026 Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Description and Primary Outcomes

AVBS2004 Animal Nutrition, Semester 2, 2026, encompasses seven primary outcomes and four core capabilities focusing on the scientific principles of feeding and digestion in animals. The curriculum is organized into specific functional areas:

• Feed Classification and Processing: Students learn to classify various feed types, evaluate Physically Effective Neutral Detergent Fiber ($peNDF$), and understand the biochemical processes involved in ensiling.

• Digestion and Microbial Metabolism: The course involves comparing different digestive systems across species and explaining the specific roles and mechanisms of rumen microbes.

• Energy and Nutrient Requirements: This includes evaluating the digestibility of feedstuffs, calculating Metabolizable Energy ($ME$), and determining specific animal requirements based on physiological needs.

• Diet Design: Students utilize knowledge of nutrients and requirements to design and evaluate complete animal diets.

Learning Delivery and Attendance Expectations

Educational growth is achieved through a practice-oriented cycle involving science, conceptualization, and practical application.

• Instructional Format: Lectures focus on the underlying science and conceptual frameworks. Practical sessions utilize a "model $\rightarrow$ test $\rightarrow$ revise" methodology to build applied skills.

• Canvas Utilization: This platform serves as the central hub for announcements, required readings, and assessment briefs.

• Attendance Policy: This unit strictly adheres to the Faculty of Science Attendance Policy, requiring a minimum attendance of $80\%$ across all timetabled activities.

  • Attendance is monitored via QR codes.

  • Practical classes are not recorded on Echo360 or Canvas; students who miss a class must consult peers and Canvas materials to recover information.

  • Timetabling clashes with other units or external placements are the responsibility of the student and must be managed through official channels.

  • Lectures and practical classes are not considered assessment tasks themselves, but attendance is required to meet learning outcomes.

Assessment Schedule and Grading Criteria

The evaluation program for 2026 is designed to build skills incrementally. A significant hurdle exists for the final examination.

• In-class Quiz (5%): Conducted in Week 3 on 4 August.

• Individual Project-Based Learning (PBL) Report (15%): Due in Week 8 on Tuesday, 22 September at 23:59.

• Practical Diet Formulation Exam (10%): Conducted in Week 9 on 6 October.

• Video Presentation (25%): Due in Week 13.

• Secured Final Exam (45%): Conducted during the formal examination period.

  • Hurdle Requirement: Students must attempt the final exam and achieve a score of at least $40\%$. Failure to meet this $40\%$ threshold results in an automatic fail for the unit, regardless of the overall cumulative mark.

Riverbend Feedlot Project-Based Learning (PBL)

The Riverbend Feedlot challenge involves using the BCNRM 2016 model to formulate beef diets. This task is weighted at $15\%$ of the final grade and comprises four specific questions.

• Forage Selection: Students must select exactly one forage from the following options:

  • Alfalfa haylage

  • Annual rye (fresh)

  • Barley silage

• Formulation Tasks: Students must formulate a sequence of three diets:

  1. Step-up 1

  2. Step-up 2

  3. Final finishing

• The Tolerance Rule: A critical technical constraint applies to the Dry Matter Intake ($DMI$). Accuracy is paramount for scoring.

  • The rule is defined as: $|\text{Actual DMI} - \text{Predicted DMI}| \leq 0.10\,kg\,DM/day$.

  • If the formulation falls outside this tolerance of $0.10\,kg$, the student receives $0$ marks for that specific question.

  • Students must match intake values before interpreting nutrient levels, animal gain, or diet costs.

• Submission Requirements: Successful completion requires two separate uploads to Canvas:

  1. Report: A file named SID_PBL2026.docx uploaded via Turnitin, with a maximum length of 10 pages.

  2. Model Evidence: A file named SID_BCNRM2026.zip containing four original .bcNRF files.

Communication and Performance Management

Proper channels must be used for inquiries and managing deadlines.

• Guidance and Support:

  • Canvas Discussion boards should be used for general course content and assessment questions.

  • In-class time is reserved for supporting practical work and complex concepts.

  • Private matters should be directed to the Unit Coordinator via direct contact.

  • Deadline-related questions must be submitted at least 48 hours before the assessment is due.

• Late Work Policy: Assessments submitted late incur a penalty of $5\%$ of the total possible marks per calendar day. Work submitted more than 10 days after the deadline will receive a score of zero.

• Special Consideration: Applications for special consideration must be submitted promptly, typically within 3 working days of the impacted assessment. Missing the Week 3 quiz or the Week 9 diet formulation exam requires a special consideration application.

Inclusion and Disability Services (IDS)

Students with disabilities, medical conditions, or caring responsibilities are supported through the Inclusion and Disability Services office.

• Legal Definitions: The Disability Discrimination Act (1992) covers temporary or chronic medical conditions, physical or sensory disabilities, psychological conditions, and learning disabilities. The Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 covers those caring for the aged, frail, or persons with disabilities or mental health conditions.

• Registration: Assistance is facilitated through an Academic Plan which details necessary adjustments and learning supports. To have adjustments applied to formal exams, students must be registered with IDS by Wednesday of Week 9.

• Available Supports:

  • Assessment and exam adjustments

  • Alternative formatting of materials

  • Timetable adjustments

  • Access to assistive technology and lecture support

• Limitations: IDS does not provide counselling, case management, or intervention regarding special consideration, academic appeals, or leniency.

• Staff Expertise: IDS officers have backgrounds in health sciences, psychology, and rehabilitation therapy to assist in meeting academic potential.