Program Overview

Introduction to Animal Production Systems Unit

The Animal Production Systems unit, coded as KLA120, provides an overview of the major Tasmanian animal production systems and how they fit within the broader Australian and worldwide contexts. Students use systems thinking to explore the variety of strategies that growers use to meet their production targets and explore the impact of grower management decisions along the value chain.

Unit Details

• Unit Name: Animal Production Systems
• Unit Code: KLA120
• Credit Points: 12.5
• College/School: Sciences and Engineering
• Discipline: Agriculture and Food Systems
• Coordinator: Doctor Sarah Andrewartha
• Availability as Elective: Yes
• Delivered By: University of Tasmania
• Level: Introductory

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Availability

The unit is available in the following locations and study periods:

• Location: Hobart, Launceston
• Study Period: Semester 1
• Attendance Options: On-campus

Key Dates

• Start Date: 23/2/2026
• Census Date: 17/3/2026
• WW Date: 20/4/2026
• End Date: 14/6/2026

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Compare the key characteristics and drivers of efficient, effective, and profitable animal production systems.
• Describe key biological principles that impact profitable animal production.
• Describe key attributes of Australian and Tasmanian animal production systems.
• Design a plan to manage production animals in an Australian production system.

Fee Information

• Field of Education:
• Commencing Student Contribution: $592.00
• Grandfathered Student Contribution: $592.00
• Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution: Not applicable
• Domestic Full Fee: $3,382.00

Teaching

• Teaching Pattern: Lecture, 2 x 50min lectures weekly; Practical, 1 x 3hr practical or 1 x 2hr tutorial or 1 x 4hr field trip weekly
• Assessment: Systems test (10%), Nutrient capture and use test (20%), Animal management report and plan (30%), Examination (40%)

Textbooks

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.