Outline

Overview

A fundamental understanding of disease and dysfunction is critical to applying principles of preventative and therapeutic interventions in veterinary practice. This unit of study provides a thorough grounding in knowledge and skills for a wide range of veterinary disciplines including veterinary pathology, veterinary clinical pathology, immunology, veterinary microbiology, veterinary parasitology, animal behaviour, veterinary pharmacology and veterinary diagnostic imaging. An integrated multi-disciplinary approach will highlight the underlying pathophysiology and aetiopathogenesis of clinical and subclinical disease affecting several major body systems. This unit will emphasise a pathobiological approach to investigations providing a logical diagnostic framework to facilitate students' understanding of disease and disease investigation. This unit of study will utilise scenarios from companion animals, production animals and wildlife to contextualise problems involving haematology, disorders of growth, dermatopathology, gastrointestinal pathology, urinary system pathology and endocrine system pathology as well as behavioural manifestations during disease. The use of case-based scenarios will motivate and direct students to develop the concepts and principles underscoring therapeutics and disease control and management programs. The unit provides the foundation for integrated parasite/pest management (IPM) strategies. In addition, vector-, water- and food- borne diseases and transboundary diseases will be included enabling students to understand their relevance to the human-animal bond, public health, trade and biosecurity. Reinforcing the development and maintenance of normal structure and function will highlight abnormalities associated with specific clinical presentations and disease entities. This unit of study integrates with the concepts and skills taught within VETS6203 (Research and Enquiry 2A) and VETS6202 (Professional skills 2A) to prepare students for the clinical units of study in DVM 3. Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses. Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an inherent requirement for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than week two of the enrolled teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete. Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment. Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally. Please refer to the University’s website https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/q-fever-vaccinations.html for more information on student vaccinations.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	(VETS6101 and VETS6102 and VETS6103 and VETS6104 and VETS6105 and VETS6106 and VETS6107 and VETS6108) or (VETS6104 and VETS6108 and VETS6111 and VETS6113 and VETS6115 and VETS6116)
Corequisites ?	(VETS6231 and VETS6235 and VETS6203) or (VETS6201 and VETS6202 and VETS6203)
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Content of all DVM Year 1 units of study
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Emily Francis, emily.francis@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Written Exam Combination of MCQ, Short answer and extended answer questions.	35%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical exam	Practical Exam Consists of MCQ, Short answer and extended answer questions	35%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Tutorial or practical pre-work and quizzes Completion of pre-tutorial pre-work and quizzes.	0%	Ongoing	3 hours total	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Attendance and Participation in Required Learning Activities Attendance and Participation in Required Learning Activities – details on Canvas. Attendance will be recorded. If a student is absent they must submit an application for Special Consideration and complete/submit a designated replacement activity.	0%	Ongoing	-	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Early Feedback Task Early feedback Canvas quiz: MCQ	5%	Week 04 Due date: 22 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Mar 2026	30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	In-semester test Combination of MCQ, Short answer and extended answer questions.	10%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Apr 2026 at 09:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Visual learning tool assignment Students will research a disease and develop a visual learning tool then critically assess AI 's accuracy in providing information on it	15%	Week 10 Due date: 10 May 2026 at 23:59	See Canvas	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

All required hurdle tasks and compulsory assessments must be submitted by 11:59 PM Australian Eastern Time, unless an approved special consideration application or an academic plan with an adjusted submission date has been granted.

A combined pass grade (≥ 50%) for the final written exam, practical exam, and in-semester test MUST be achieved and an overall ≥ 50% grade is required to receive a pass grade for this unit.

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Attendance and class requirements

The Sydney School of Veterinary Science has established attendance guidelines to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements.

DVM students are expected to be present for all scheduled classes and activities to achieve learning outcomes. This includes arriving on time and staying for the duration of each class. Students who fail to attend a minimum of 80% of classes (not including lectures) may not be eligible for reassessment.

In addition to the requirements outlined above, and in accordance with the DVM attendance provisions, DVM students are also required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLAs) and assessment tasks. If absent for a RLA or assessment, for any reason, students must notify the unit coordinator and apply for a special consideration at the earliest opportunity.

Classes identified as a RLA will be available on the Canvas site.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Student has an extensive understanding of animal health, welfare and disease, and disease investigation, control and management. Student demonstrates an exceptional ability to apply the relevant concepts to a wide variety of clinical scenarios.
Distinction	75 - 84	Student can analyse a case involving a disease situation in either an individual animal or herd, and demonstrates the ability to integrate key concepts to respond effectively to multifaceted situations encountered.
Credit	65 - 74	Student can demonstrate and apply their understanding of key concepts in a range of standard situations encountered in veterinary work.
Pass	50 - 64	Student can accurately describe the key concepts of health and disease in a range of standard situations encountered in veterinary work.
Fail	0 - 49	Student demonstrates a very limited knowledge of the role of the veterinary profession in relation to human and animal health and limited ability to apply understanding of key concepts to real world situations encountered in the management of diseases encountered in veterinary work.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week -01	Introduction to VETS6204	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Veterinary haematology and clinical pathology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Using haematology and clinical pathology to diagnose disease 1&2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Haematological case studies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to disorders of growth: Congenital vs acquired; controlled versus uncontrolled	Lecture (1 hr)
	Key stages of embryo / foetus development	Lecture (1 hr)
	Concepts of congenital anomalies: Stage of pregnancy, nature of teratogen	Lecture (1 hr)
	Genetic causes of growth abnormalities	Lecture (1 hr)
	Identifying gross and microscopic lesions	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Germs to worms 1: Prions to fungi	Lecture (1 hr)
	Germs to worms 2: Protozoa to worms	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Foundations of parasite identification and safe specimen handling (PARA1)	Practical (2 hr)
	Uncontrolled disorders of growth: Molecular basis of neoplasia	Lecture (1 hr)
	Uncontrolled disorders of growth: Neoplasia	Lecture (1 hr)
	Developmental & congenital disorders of growth	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Uncontrolled disorders of growth: Understanding metastasis	Lecture (1 hr)
	Diagnostic pathology and management of neoplasia	Lecture (1 hr)
	Congenital disorders of growth: Case studies	Lecture (1 hr)
	Germs to worms: Introduction to diagnostic techniques (PARA2 + MICRO)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Molecular basis of neoplasia: Viral oncogenesis	Lecture (1 hr)
	Neoplasia: Diagnostic pathology 1&2	Practical (4 hr)
	Assignment information session / intro to NTB exams	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathogenesis of neoplasia	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Diagnostic pathology in assessing intervention in neoplasia	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Lymphoma case study	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to dermatology 1: Structure and function of the skin	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to dermatology 2: Primary and secondary lesions of the skin	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Introduction to dermatopathology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pruritis	Lecture (1 hr)
	Role of microbes in skin disease 1&2	Lecture (2 hr)
	What's bugging you? Parasitic agents of skin disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pharmacology of otitic and topical preparations	Lecture (1 hr)
	Large animal ectoparasites: flies, ticks, flystrike	Lecture (1 hr)
	Parasitic agents causing alopecia (mites)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Fleas: Who are they and how to win the flea war	Lecture (1 hr)
	Overarching framework of skin mass diagnostics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Infectious agents causing skin masses 1&2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Itchy ears and hidden culprits: Diagnosing otitis externa (PARA3 + MICRO)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Buzz off: Identification and control of flies and lice (PARA4)	Practical (2 hr)
	Dermatopathology	Practical (2 hr)
	Alopecia in focus: Virtual microscopy case studies (PARA5)	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Microbial agents of skin disease	Practical (3 hr)
	Flea wars: From life cycle to clinical solutions (PARA6)	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Microbial and immune-mediated causes	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	Diagnostic pathology of skin masses	Practical (2 hr)
	Introduction to GIT Module	Lecture (1 hr)
	The development of the GIT & related developmental abnormalities	Lecture (1 hr)
	Derm case study	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathophysiology of vomiting ®gurgitation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathology of the GIT L1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Disorders of prehension caused by infectious disease: Bacteria	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Pathology of the GIT 2&3	Lecture (2 hr)
	Disorders of prehension caused by infectious disease: Viruses	Lecture (1 hr)
	Microbial causes of gastric and abdominal cavity diseases: Viruses	Lecture (1 hr)
	Clinical pathology of GIT 1&2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Microbial causes of gastric and abdominal cavity disease: Bacteria	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathophysiology of diarrhoea	Lecture (1 hr)
	Small animal GI nematodes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Nematodes causing diarrhoea in dogs: The tale of Mee (PARA7)	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Histopathology of the GIT	Practical (2 hr)
	Bacteria causing pain & diarrhoea 1&2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Viral causes of diarrhoea	Lecture (1 hr)
	Large animal GI nematodes	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pharmacology of the GIT (toxicities)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Malassimilation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Diarrhoea: Protozoa introduction and coccidiosis (poultry Eimeria & Cystoisospora spp.)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Case study: Abdominal pain and bloat	Lecture (2 hr)
	MST Feedback	Lecture (1 hr)
	Inside and outside the PPP: Diagnostic pathways for ruminant nematodes (PARA8)	Practical (2 hr)
	Clinical pathology of body cavity effusions	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Diarrhoea: Cryptosporidium, Giardia - water-borne diseases and public health (and Tritrichomonas)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Integrated control of viral pathogens of GIT	Lecture (1 hr)
	Liver Pathology L1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Flukes and ruminants: Understanding the life cycle as your key to diagnosis and control	Lecture (1 hr)
	Faecal examination in small animals: Distinguishing protozoa from nematodes (PARA9)	Practical (2 hr)
	Microbial pathogens causing diarrhoea	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Monitoring parasites on pasture: FWEC and sedimentation techniques (PARA11)	Practical (2 hr)
	Faecal PCR panels: Interpreting small animal diarrhoea cases (PARA10 + MICRO)	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Liver Pathology 2&3	Lecture (2 hr)
	Cestodes	Lecture (1 hr)
	Decision-making in practice: Parasite guidelines for companion animals (PARA12)	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Pancreas pathology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Clinical pathology of pancreas	Lecture (1 hr)
	Integrated parasite management	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	GIT Clinical Pathology: Sampling and interpretation	Tutorial (2 hr)
	IPM in action: Case studies in livestock parasite management (PARA13)	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Histopathology of liver / pancreas	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Introduction to module and urinary tract clinical pathology L1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Clinical Case: More Diarrhoea at the Dairy - A Case of Calf Scours	Lecture (1 hr)
	Urinary tract clinical pathology 2&3	Lecture (2 hr)
	Endocrine abnormalities 1&2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Urinary tract pathology 1&2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Endocrine pathophysiology and pathogenesis	Practical (2 hr)
	Developmental abnormalities of the urinary system	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Clinical pathology case studies	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Urinary tract pathology: Gross and histology	Practical (2 hr)
	Host defences of UT: principles of sample collection and transport	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Pathogens of the Urinary tract 1&2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Leptospirosis: Urinary, systemic and zoonotic disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Urinalysis: USG, biochemistry, microscopy-emphasis on wet preps	Practical (2 hr)
	Endocrine Clinical pathology cases	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Congenital disorders of abdominal organs	Practical (2 hr)
	Discussion of UA practical, principles of antimicrobial therapy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Urinary and endocrine modules: case study	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The Sydney School of Veterinary Science has established attendance guidelines to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements.

Classes identified as a RLA will be available on the Canvas site.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Detailed information on any required readings may be found on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Apply clinical reasoning by integrating understanding of normal development, structure and function with pathological processes and clinical information to investigate and diagnose disease.
LO2. Apply an understanding of infectious and non-infectious agents of disease and their pathogenic effects, and host-agent of disease-environment interactions to evaluate, formulate differential diagnoses and plan management of diseases affecting individual animals and animal populations.
LO3. Construct a plan for appropriate ante-mortem and post-mortem collection, storage and transport of biological specimens to diagnose disease.
LO4. Recognise zoonotic, transboundary and emergency animal diseases, and outline an appropriate initial response to promote the health and safety of people, animals and the environment.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
19		Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities.
20		Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species
21		Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment.
39		Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
4		Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis.
5		Select appropriate diagnostic tests and techniques, including diagnostic imaging. Safely apply diagnostic techniques and safely collect, preserve and transport samples as applicable. Interpret results of diagnostics, accounting for their limitations.
6		Develop appropriate treatment and preventive plans and administer appropriate treatments
9		Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In the 2025 Unit of Study Survey the unit achieved a mean rating of 4.12/5 with 76% of students responding. Student feedback has been used, and will continue to be used, to guide refinements/enhancements to VETS6204. This includes reviewing content and the scheduling of learning activities to improve the flow of delivery and enhance student engagement. Assessments will be reviewed for 2026.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses.

Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an inherent requirement for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than the first day of the enrolled teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete.

Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment.

Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally.

Please refer to the University’s website here for more information on student vaccinations.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

VETS6204: Principles of Animal Disease A

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links