Key facts
UNE unit code: WOOL312
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Interested in a career in Australia’s thriving sheep and wool industry? Equip yourself with an advanced understanding of the major themes associated with sheep production in Australia, and hone practical skills that are in demand.
Studying this unit, you will develop in-depth knowledge of wool and sheep meat production, including the environmental challenges facing the industry today. The unit provides insights into sheep management, sheep breeding, grazing and nutritional management.
You will also have opportunities to explore the variable nature of wool and meat products and examine the components of wool variability.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | The intensive school is mandatory for all students. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Online students will have online access to online quiz materials and chat options as well as resource materials online.
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- document a clear picture of the Australian sheep industry;
- articulate their understanding of the inherently variable nature of wool and meat as a product;
- compare components of wool variability namely: fleece weight, diameter length and density, staple strength, style, colour, vegetable fault and dark fibre contamination;
- describe the major environmental challenges to sheep production namely: health and disease, physiological demand and breeding and genetics;
- quantify the importance of genetics and selection on improving returns per head; and
- articulate the role that grazing and nutritional management have in determining returns per hectare from sheep and describe bench marking of the sheep enterprise and how the knowledge can be transferred into action within the sheep production sector.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Design your own virtual sheep property. No. Words: 2000 |
| Interview - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | The Interview is based on learning from the virtual sheep property assignment. Duration: approximately 15 minutes. The Interview will be offered online via webcam and screen sharing technology. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Practical Examination - Assurance Task, and Interview - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Online Discussion | No | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 |
| Online Quizzes | No | 15% | All offerings | Series of online quizzes. No. Words: 1000 |
| Practical - Assurance Task | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. | |
| Practical Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | There is a supervised practical examination following the intensive school in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
