Qualification Regulations
Part I
These regulations are to be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, and Graduate Certificates.
Part II
Admission
1. Admission to the Degree of Bachelor of Animal Science requires that the candidate will meet the University admission requirements as specified.
Qualification requirements
2. Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Animal Science shall follow a flexible programme of study, which shall consist of courses totalling at least 360 credits, comprising:
(a) not more than 150 credits at 100 level;
(b) at least 90 credits at 300 level;
and including:
(c) the core courses listed in Schedule A for the Qualification;
(d) completion of a major;
(e) attending contact workshops, block courses, field trips, studios, workshops, tutorials and laboratories as required.
Specialisations
3. Candidates must complete a major by passing at least 120 credits in a major. The requirements for each major are set out in Schedule B for the Qualification.
4. Approved majors are: Animal Genetics and Breeding, Animal Nutrition and Growth, Animal Welfare and Equine Science.
Completion requirements
5. Any timeframes for completion as outlined in the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, and Graduate Certificates will apply.
6. Candidates may be graduated when they meet the Admission, Qualification and Academic requirements within the prescribed timeframes; candidates who do not meet the requirements for graduation may, subject to the approval of Academic Board, be awarded the Diploma in Science and Technology should they meet the relevant Qualification requirements.
Unsatisfactory academic progress
7. The general Unsatisfactory Academic Progress regulations will apply.
Schedule for the Bachelor of Animal Science
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Key terms for course planning
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Schedule A: Core Courses (Choose 195 credits from)
Course code: 117107 Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare 15 credits
An introduction to common ethical frameworks for animal use with a focus on domestic animal species. Principles of the behaviour and welfare of domestic animal species. Theory of safe and effective animal handling.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117155 Introduction to Animal Science 15 credits
An introduction to animals and animal science, covering a range of animal species and incorporating the principles of nutrition, reproduction, lactation, genetics and growth. A overview of New Zealand’s livestock production systems and consideration of animal ethics, welfare and biosecurity issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117201 Livestock Production Science 15 credits
Developing understanding of the important drivers underpinning New Zealand’s livestock and companion animal industries and how these can be altered to achieve the desired outcomes. Knowledge will be gained on the major animal welfare and environmental issues facing New Zealand agriculture and how these might be mitigated against.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117202 Animal Science 15 credits
An exploration of scientific principles underpinning animal husbandry practices. Emphasis will be on examining biological systems in relevant animals, how they are purposely or inadvertently manipulated, and the impact of these manipulations on production, welfare, and the environment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117371 Animal Production 15 credits
The impacts of breeding, nutrition, reproduction and lactation in New Zealand animal production. A modularised course requiring students to select three topics from dairy cattle production, animal, fish & insect protein production, sheep production, pig & poultry production, beef cattle production and the working dog.
View full course detailsCourse code: 122102 Biochemistry 15 credits
An introductory biochemistry course covering the fundamental concepts of protein structure and function as well as metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. The focus will be on energy transactions in a physiological context including glucose homeostasis and muscle metabolism in mammals. A lecture and problem-based tutorial course involving specific case studies will be complemented by a hands-on laboratory course.
View full course detailsCourse code: 123104 Chemistry for Biological Systems 15 credits
Building on basic chemical principles, this course provides the atomic and molecular foundations for understanding chemistry and the life sciences. Starting from the structure of the atom and an understanding of Gibbs energy, it builds a chemical model for bonding, the composition of molecules, non-covalent interactions, chemical equilibria, acids/bases, chemical reactivity, and biological macromolecules. The theory is supported by practical experiments.
View full course detailsCourse code: 124103 Biophysical Principles 15 credits
Students will develop understanding of biophysical principles including the description of motion, forces, equilibrium, fluids and flow, heat as energy, heat transfer, waves and sound, and the use of spreadsheets. Application of foundational knowledge of mathematical principles to biophysical systems, including the rules of arithmetic, fractions, simple algebra, trigonometry, transcendental functions, SI units and unit conversions, and creating and interpreting graphs. A practical course.
View full course detailsCourse code: 161140 Agri-Statistics 15 credits
An introduction to statistics in an agricultural context, including the presentation, analysis and interpretation of quantitative data.
View full course detailsCourse code: 162101 Cell Biology 15 credits
An introduction to the cellular basis of life. Spanning eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells; cellular structure and function; core biochemical components; mechanisms for generating genetic diversity; the flow of information within cells and between generations; gene expression; and a survey of the landscape of modern genomics, this course provides the conceptual foundation for subsequent courses on molecules, cells and organisms.
View full course detailsCourse code: 199103 Animals and the Environment 15 credits
An introductory biology and natural history course presented within an evolutionary framework that investigates the diversity of animal life, human-animal interactions, nutrient and energy flows, conservation and sustainability. This course places emphasis on wild animals and ecological processes operating within New Zealand and globally.
View full course detailsCourse code: 247111 Science and Sustainability for Agriculture and Horticulture 15 credits
The pursuit of environmental sustainability is a complex societal issue. This is a problem-based course, where students will develop their critical thinking, communication and information literacy and management skills as they evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to the contemporary sustainability challenge of climate action. Students will explore the intersection of science and community through exemplars of partnership between research and Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) in the context of primary production in Aotearoa New Zealand.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117381 Solving Problems in Animal Production 15 credits
The critical evaluation of specific aspects of breeding, nutrition, reproduction, lactation, meat/growth and health on animal production and the design and development of improved production systems, focusing on the underlying science.
View full course detailsCourse code: 235312 Case Studies in Māori Agribusiness 15 credits
This course explores Māori agribusiness through a series of case studies in the field with an emphasis on the temporal understanding of Māori agribusiness. Each case study has an emphasis on analysis and decision making and is applied to a range of Māori agribusinesses.
View full course detailsSchedule B: Specialisations
Animal Genetics and Breeding (120 credits)
Compulsory courses
Course code: 117243 Animal Reproduction and Lactation in Livestock 15 credits
A study of reproductive and lactational physiology in livestock with emphasis on identifying possible means of altering those processes in production animals. The course will include exploration of the anatomy and histology of the gonads, placenta and mammary gland.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117245 Principles of Animal Breeding and Genetics 15 credits
An introduction of the basic principles of using bioinformatics to find genes. The principles to enable the calculation of genetic parameters, such as heritability. An introduction to the prediction of breeding values and the calculation of selection indices and genomic selection.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117301 Animal Biosecurity and Health 15 credits
The importance of biosecurity to New Zealand and its relationship to human and animal health, and farm productivity will be highlighted. Identification, prevention and treatment of selected companion and production animal diseases in New Zealand. Knowledge of biosecurity will be used to develop biosecurity plans for animals with recent biosecurity failures used to illustrate concepts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117343 Animal Reproduction and Lactational Physiology 15 credits
An in-depth study of aspects of the physiology of reproduction and lactation in monogastric and ruminant animals. The emphasis is placed on applying the understanding of the physiological processes to practical animal systems and will involve practical classes in which technologies related to animal reproduction and milk production are demonstrated. Students will advance their skills in reading and evaluating scientific literature, develop skills in analysing problems and in constructing a logical argument.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117345 Genetics for Livestock Improvement 15 credits
The relative influence of genetic and environmental factors on quantitative traits. Methods of calculating breeding values or indices to exploit genetic variation in quantitative traits. The use of computers to utilise pedigree and performance records. Selection for disease resistance, the use of new reproductive technologies to enhance genetic gain and the potential importance of molecular genetics in livestock improvement. Maternal influences and methods of selecting for maternal components. Crossbreeding and inbreeding as selection tools.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117348 Animal Metabolism 15 credits
A study of animal metabolism at the whole-body level. The emphasis will be on integrative aspects of metabolism, including exploring nutrient and energy flow from the food to organs, tissues and products. Mechanisms controlling body metabolism in general and the intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting them will be emphasised.
View full course detailsCourse code: 122202 The Dynamic Cell 15 credits
Energy metabolism in higher eukaryotes from the perspective of life on earth and the necessary adaptation of living organisms from an anaerobic to aerobic environment. Carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism in the context of health and disease. Integration and regulation of carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism. A lecture and problem-based tutorial course complemented by a hands-on project-based laboratory course.
View full course detailsCourse code: 194243 Physiological Strategies for Survival 15 credits
Survival of individual animals, and species of animals, depends on effective physiological mechanisms that allow animals to live in different environments and to respond to changes in their environment, whether benign or extreme. These mechanisms are examined in relation to environmental factors that may include photoperiod, temperature, altitude, and latitude, and in relation to life in the air and underwater.
View full course detailsAnimal Nutrition and Growth (120 credits)
Compulsory Courses
Course code: 117224 Animal Feed Science and Technology 15 credits
An examination of feedstuffs and their physical and chemical characteristics and nutritive values. The exploration, through appropriate examples of the different feed preservation processes and feed processing technology employed in animal production.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117225 Animal Production through to Carcass Classification 15 credits
Current and future practices for meat production from farm to carcasses leaving the slaughter floor. Topics include animal growth and development, genetics and breeding, on-farm opportunities to influence carcass and meat quality, pre-slaughter handling of meat-producing animals, slaughter and carcass dressing procedures, carcass classification, animal welfare, occupational safety and health, and factory farming.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117226 Performance Animal Nutrition 15 credits
Develop understanding of the important drivers underpinning the relationship between nutrition and performance, and how these can be maximized to achieve the desired performance outcomes. Knowledge will be gained on the major animal nutrition and performance issues facing New Zealand working and sport animals.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117302 Monogastric Animal Nutrition 15 credits
The principles of monogastric nutrition are developed and applied to improve livestock productivity. An in-depth coverage of the digestive and absorptive processes and factors which affect them. The utilisation of absorbed nutrients is addressed, particularly in relation to the determination of nutrient requirements. Techniques central to the study of nutrition are emphasised. The science of nutrition is related back to the practice of feeding animals to optimise productivity and wellbeing. Students will be become familiar with nutrients partitioning computer models used in a practical context.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117303 Ruminant Animal Nutrition 15 credits
Advanced principles of animal nutrition as related to ruminant livestock. An in-depth coverage of the processes of feed intake, digestion, absorption and metabolism, and the factors affecting them. The determination of the nutritive value of feedstuffs for ruminant, with particular emphasis on forages. Gain in-depth knowledge of schemes for estimating the ruminant animal requirements for energy, protein and minerals and the principles of ration formulation. Design practical feeding regimes and their implementation.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117344 Animal Growth and Meat Production 15 credits
Patterns of growth and development of farm animals will be described with emphasis on those characteristics of growth with economic implications for meat production, such as the rate, efficiency and composition of growth. Structural and functional aspects of muscle, bone and fat as they relate to animal well-being as well as carcass and meat quality will be considered. In describing factors that can affect animal growth, carcass composition and meat quality, particular attention will be given to on-farm factors.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117348 Animal Metabolism 15 credits
A study of animal metabolism at the whole-body level. The emphasis will be on integrative aspects of metabolism, including exploring nutrient and energy flow from the food to organs, tissues and products. Mechanisms controlling body metabolism in general and the intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting them will be emphasised.
View full course detailsCourse code: 122202 The Dynamic Cell 15 credits
Energy metabolism in higher eukaryotes from the perspective of life on earth and the necessary adaptation of living organisms from an anaerobic to aerobic environment. Carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism in the context of health and disease. Integration and regulation of carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism. A lecture and problem-based tutorial course complemented by a hands-on project-based laboratory course.
View full course detailsAnimal Welfare (120 credits)
Compulsory Courses
Course code: 117231 Animal Health and Welfare 15 credits
Provide an understanding of the major diseases and welfare considerations/issues of domestic animals in New Zealand and the relevance for animal management. The role of human behaviour in the productivity, function and welfare of animals. The importance of biosecurity to New Zealand and its relationship to human and animal health. Review the ethical frameworks associated with the ownership and use of animals.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117301 Animal Biosecurity and Health 15 credits
The importance of biosecurity to New Zealand and its relationship to human and animal health, and farm productivity will be highlighted. Identification, prevention and treatment of selected companion and production animal diseases in New Zealand. Knowledge of biosecurity will be used to develop biosecurity plans for animals with recent biosecurity failures used to illustrate concepts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117331 Dilemmas in Animal Welfare 15 credits
Exploration of animal welfare as one of the various factors that influence our use of, and interactions with, animals. Integration of legal, scientific, ethical and practical considerations for making real-world improvements in animal welfare. Emphasis on student interaction with various stakeholders to define real-world animal welfare problems and explore solutions.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117332 Animal Welfare Science 15 credits
Understanding animal welfare is important to optimise animals’ health and productivity, to improve their quality of life and to safeguard the reputation of New Zealand’s animal production industries. This course explores how measurements of animal behaviour and physiology can be used to understand mental experiences such as pain, breathlessness, thirst, nausea and fear and thus the welfare states of domestic animals. These concepts will be applied to enable students to construct robust strategies for practical assessment of animal welfare in various production systems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117361 Companion Animal Science 15 credits
This course is an integration of the scientific and theoretical aspects of companion animal science. The main topics covered include the nutrition, behaviour, welfare, breeding and genetics of dogs, cats and horses. The emphasis will be placed on the scientific foundation for the promotion of animal welfare and longevity.
View full course detailsCourse code: 194242 Physiology of Mammalian Organ Systems 15 credits
An examination of the roles of organ systems in maintaining life and health in mammals, including humans, with emphasis on the alignment between structure and function. Topics include the functions of the heart and blood vessels, breathing, reproduction, and the digestive system.
View full course detailsCourse code: 194243 Physiological Strategies for Survival 15 credits
Survival of individual animals, and species of animals, depends on effective physiological mechanisms that allow animals to live in different environments and to respond to changes in their environment, whether benign or extreme. These mechanisms are examined in relation to environmental factors that may include photoperiod, temperature, altitude, and latitude, and in relation to life in the air and underwater.
View full course detailsCourse code: 199203 Evolutionary Principles of Animal Behaviour 15 credits
This course explores how genetics, the environment, and humans shape the evolution of animal behaviour and inter- and intraspecific interactions. Practice sessions develop skills on the description, quantification, comparison and statistical analysis of animal behaviour using a variety of animals (vertebrate and invertebrate, wild and domestic). The use of scientific writing to communicate research findings is emphasised.
View full course detailsEquine Science (120 credits)
Compulsory Courses
Course code: 117226 Performance Animal Nutrition 15 credits
Develop understanding of the important drivers underpinning the relationship between nutrition and performance, and how these can be maximized to achieve the desired performance outcomes. Knowledge will be gained on the major animal nutrition and performance issues facing New Zealand working and sport animals.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117231 Animal Health and Welfare 15 credits
Provide an understanding of the major diseases and welfare considerations/issues of domestic animals in New Zealand and the relevance for animal management. The role of human behaviour in the productivity, function and welfare of animals. The importance of biosecurity to New Zealand and its relationship to human and animal health. Review the ethical frameworks associated with the ownership and use of animals.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117302 Monogastric Animal Nutrition 15 credits
The principles of monogastric nutrition are developed and applied to improve livestock productivity. An in-depth coverage of the digestive and absorptive processes and factors which affect them. The utilisation of absorbed nutrients is addressed, particularly in relation to the determination of nutrient requirements. Techniques central to the study of nutrition are emphasised. The science of nutrition is related back to the practice of feeding animals to optimise productivity and wellbeing. Students will be become familiar with nutrients partitioning computer models used in a practical context.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117361 Companion Animal Science 15 credits
This course is an integration of the scientific and theoretical aspects of companion animal science. The main topics covered include the nutrition, behaviour, welfare, breeding and genetics of dogs, cats and horses. The emphasis will be placed on the scientific foundation for the promotion of animal welfare and longevity.
View full course detailsCourse code: 286201 Equine Production 15 credits
An exploration of horse production systems within New Zealand with comparison to the methods used in other major equestrian countries. Using different equine production systems as examples, the processes from birth to intended use are compared including how the industry is controlled and regulated and the impact this has on owners, trainers and administrators.
View full course detailsCourse code: 286251 Equine Behaviour, Training and Welfare 15 credits
The course will describe the ethology of the horse. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the theory of learning and how it underpins basic training and training for the different disciplines. It will describe the welfare of horses associated with different equine management systems both in New Zealand and overseas. The legislation which protects horses will be described.
View full course detailsCourse code: 286301 The Equine Lower Limb 15 credits
Exploration of the unique aspects of the tissues of the foot and lower limb of the horse. The emphasis is placed on the structure and functions of the moving parts of the lower limb, how alterations in the functioning of the limb can lead to changes in the horse's gait and how corrective measures can be rationally proposed.
View full course detailsCourse code: 286321 Responses to Training in the Equine Athlete 15 credits
As the equine athlete is trained changes occur in the cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems. The basic and applied aspects, and the detection of changes, will be discussed, in the context of training regimens for different equine activities.
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