Work Experience for Animal Science students

What is it?

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) are encouraged to undertake work experience throughout their degree to gain animal handling and management experience with a variety of species/animal enterprises. Students are expected to undertake this outside of their normal study hours.

What does it involve?

Students are free to gain experience in any animal industry/species that interests them. We do, however, encourage students to try to experience as many different types as possible throughout their time at University. Examples of industries and species that previous students have experienced include the Roseworthy Farm (sheep and beef cattle), Roseworthy Piggery, Adelaide Zoo, Animal Welfare League (dogs and cats) and various small animal facilities.

Please note, that due to the Extra Mural Studies requirements of the Veterinary students, that many places are unable to take students at short notice. You may need to plan your work experience well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Students are able to undertake work experience throughout Australia, but students wishing to undertake work experience overseas should seek approval from the Animal Science program co-ordinator before commencing the experience.

What do I need to do?

A database of animal enterprises that are happy for students to approach for work experience is being developed. Students are also able to visit enterprises of their own finding as well.

Forms and paperwork

Prior to commencing the experience:

• Complete and hand in to the Academic Programs Officer the Student Work Experience Agreement to ensure that you are covered by student insurance during the placement
  • This must be handed in to the APO at least 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the experience to allow for processing
  • This covers students for public liability, personal accident and travel (with conditions).
  • Students complete and sign Section A
    • The School contact person is the APO (see below for details)
    • The contact person at the enterprise should complete Section B and sign Section D before it can be submitted to the APO

There are no official requirements for handing in proof of the work experience, however we encourage students to download and complete the following:

• Skills Self Assessment Checklist
  • We have sets of checklists available (see below) based on common species that students have experienced. Feel free to adapt the list to suit the species or enterprise that you have experienced.
• Diary
  • You should attempt to keep a record of your daily activities while on work experience. You may ask your host to sign the diary at the end of the experience as a record of what you have achieved.
  • This diary and the Skills Self Assessment Checklist can then form the basis of a list of skills acquired during your studies as proof of your animal handling experience when looking for a job after you finish the degree.
  • In addition, it is hoped that we will have an elective course in level III in 2012 that will utilise your work experience gained throughout your degree. This way your work experience will have two major advantages: it will give you experience and also credit points towards your degree.

Contacts:

Program Co-ordinator
Cindy Bottema
Phone: 8521 2641
Email: cynthia.bottema@adelaide.edu.au
Location: Rm G15 Davies Building, Roseworthy Campus

Academic Programs Officer
Di Barton
Phone: 8303 7797
Email: diane.barton@adelaide.edu.au
Location: Rm G25 Williams Building, Roseworthy Campus