Outline

Overview

A fundamental understanding of disease and dysfunction is critical to the application of principles of preventative and therapeutic intervention in the veterinary clinical setting. This unit of study will provide 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 be used to highlight the underlying pathophysiology and aetiopathogenesis of clinical and subclinical disease within the setting of several major body systems. This unit will emphasise a pathobiological approach to the investigative process providing a logical framework for diagnostics 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 of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, reproduction system, as well as behavioural problems and the investigation of sudden (unexpected) death. 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. Reinforcement of the development and maintenance of normal structure and function will be employed to highlight abnormalities associated with specific clinical presentations and disease entities. The unit of study is underpinned by the knowledge and understanding of animal disease and the investigative approach achieved in Principles of Animal Disease A in DVM 2 semester 1, and integrates with the concepts and skills taught within VETS6207 (Research and Enquiry 2B) and VETS6206 (Professional skills 2B) 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. 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 and VETS6201 and VETS6202 and VETS6203 and VETS6204
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Luisa Monteiro de Miranda, luisa.miranda@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Theory paper 2-no turn back Extended answer / Essay	35%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written exam ?	Theory paper 1- short answer MCQ and short answer questions	35%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	Case-based examination MCQ, short and extended answer questions	10%	Week 03	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	Practical examination Case based short answer questions; essay questions	20%	Week 10	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

An overall grade of ≥ 50% 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.

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.

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

In accordance with the DVM attendance provisions, DVM students are required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLA’s) and assessment tasks. If absent for any reason, students must notify the UOSC 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.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late submission In accordance with the University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: 1) Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. 2) 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 the Unit and cardio-respiratory module	Online class (1 hr)
	Revisiting anaemia	Lecture (1 hr)
	Ticks, tick worry and tick fever	Lecture (1 hr)
	Parasitology I (B) Ticks, tick worry & tick fever	Practical (2 hr)
	Clinical Pathology Tutorial 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Bacterial causes of anaemia	Lecture (1 hr)
	Common pathogens causing bacteraemia	Online class (1 hr)
	Common microbial causes of systemic infection	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Ascites pathogenesis- case based	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Introductory Course - Introduction to Radiology (28 mins) + Imaging Radiography (47 mins)	Online class (1 hr)
	Coagulopathies	Lecture (1 hr)
	Haematopoetic neoplasia	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Host defences of respiratory tract and sample collection methods	Lecture (1 hr)
	Revision of nematodes in small animals and heartworm testing	Lecture (1 hr)
	Host pathogen environment interactions of the respiratory tract	Lecture (1 hr)
	Parasitology II (B) Lungworms and heartworms	Practical (2 hr)
	Clinical Pathology tutorial 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Respiratory pathology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiratory pathology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Common microbial pathogens of the respiratory tract: Viruses	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introductory Course - Distortion (12 mins) and Contrast studies (40 mins)	Online class (1 hr)
	Parasitology III Canine heartworm: here, there and nowhere (Part 1)	Practical (2 hr)
	Repiratory pathology 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Common microbial pathogens of the respiratory tract: Bacteria I	Lecture (1 hr)
	Common microbial pathogens of the respiratory tract: Bacteria II	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Pharmacology of the Respiratory tract	Lecture (1 hr)
	Parasitology III Canine heartworm: here, there and nowhere (Part 2)	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Pharmacology of drugs affecting the respiratory tract	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Cardiovascular pathology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiovascular pathology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiovascular pathogens	Lecture (1 hr)
	Common microbial pathogens of the RT – Case studies 1	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	Common microbial pathogens of the RT – Case studies 2	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
	Cardiovascular pathology 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pharmacology - principles in CV disease 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pharmacology - principles in CV disease 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Congenital abnormalities of the cardiorespiratory system	Lecture (1 hr)
	Congenital abnormalities of the cardiorespiratory system	Practical (2 hr)
	Respiratory pathology	Practical (2 hr)
	Cardiovascular disease- heart failure 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiovascular disease- heart failure 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiovascular pathology	Practical (2 hr)
	Pharmacology of drugs affecting cardiovascular system	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Reproductive failure: Review of Physiology/diagnostic approach to non-infectious causes I	Lecture (1 hr)
	Breeding, embryology and disorders of sexual development	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathology of the female reproductive tract	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathology of the male reproductive tract	Lecture (1 hr)
	Reproductive failure: Review of Physiology/diagnostic approach to non-infectious causes 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Microbial agents causing repro failure 1- Bacteria (Campy, Chlamydia, Trueperella, etc)	Online class (1 hr)
	Microbial agents causing repro failure 2- Viruses (BVDV, Akabane)	Online class (1 hr)
	Vertical and horizontal disease transmission	Lecture (1 hr)
	Microbial agents causing repro failure 3 - case studies: E. coli Pyometra and Taylorella	Lecture (1 hr)
	Microbial agents causing repro failure 4 - Short case studies: Brucella & EHV1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Histopathology of the reproductive tract	Practical (2 hr)
	Reproductive failure: Common congenital abnormalities and disorders of sexual development	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Clinical Reasoning Tutorial - Principles of endometritis - mare and other species	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Parasitology IV Reproductive failure	Practical (2 hr)
	Online MCQ Canvas quiz – Cardio-respiratory module	Independent study (4 hr)
Week 07	Clinical approach to small animal reproduction	Lecture (1 hr)
	Clinical Reasoning Lectorial l - Too few calves	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
	Clinical Reasoning Lectorial Il - Too few calves	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
	Pharmacology of the reproductive tract I	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pharmacology of the reproductive tract II	Lecture (1 hr)
	Problems of lactation: mastitis trigger	Lecture (1 hr)
	Problems of lactation: Pathogens causing mastitis	Lecture (1 hr)
	Diagnostics approach to lactation problems	Practical (2 hr)
	Pathology of mammary glands	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Introduction to Module - Disorders of gait/mentation/eye	Online class (1 hr)
	Pathology of bones and joints I	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathology of bones and joints II	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pharmacology I NSAIDs	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pharmacology II NSAIDs vs GCS	Lecture (1 hr)
	Parasitology: Brain/muscle cestodes with aberrant migrations 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathology of bones and joints III	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathology of muscle	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathology: Bone Joints Muscles	Practical (2 hr)
	Parasitology: Worms of muscle & brain	Practical (2 hr)
	Neuropathology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Neuropathology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Key microbial agents I (viral, bacterial, fungal responsible for neurological disease)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Clinical Course Musculoskelatal (Lectures 1-7)	Online class (3 hr)
Week 09	Neuropathology 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Key microbial agents 2 (viral, bacterial, fungal responsible for neurological disease)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Key microbial agents 3 (viral, bacterial, fungal responsible for neurological disease)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Microbiology: The yin and yang of tetanus vs botulism	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Neuropathology	Practical (2 hr)
	Approach to small animal neurology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Approach to small animal neurology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Brain and behaviour	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pain behaviour and welfare	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Pharmacology neuromuscular junctions	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pharmacology of sedatives	Lecture (1 hr)
	Tick paralysis	Lecture (1 hr)
	Parasitology: Tick paralysis and management ascarides	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Microbial agents of disease in the musculoskeletal system (incl. joint fluid analysis)	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Pharmacology - lipophilic anti-infectives	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pharmacology - lipophilic antiinfectives 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Embryological development of brain, notochord and its significance	Lecture (1 hr)
	Parasitology VII (B) Brain storming formulation control measures	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Congenital abnormalities of brain and spinal cord	Practical (2 hr)
	Online MCQ Canvas quiz – Reproduction and lactation module	Independent study (3 hr)
Week 11	Disease of the Brain, Spinal Cord and the Neuromuscular System 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Disease of the Brain, Spinal Cord and the Neuromuscular System 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pharmacology of GA	Lecture (1 hr)
	Clin Path: Role of CSF collection in investigation of neurological disease	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Introduction to ophthalmology I	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to ophthalmology II	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pharmacology for the eye	Lecture (1 hr)
	Microbial agents causing eye diseases	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Ocular Pathology tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
	The evolutionary basis of behaviour. What is normal behaviour?	Lecture (1 hr)
	Aggression in animals: a comparative approach	Lecture (1 hr)
	Stereotypical and destructive behaviours	Lecture (1 hr)
	Fear, anxiety and phobias in animals	Lecture (1 hr)
	Other unwelcome behaviours in animals	Lecture (1 hr)
	The blend of ethology and learning theory	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pharmacology psychotropic agents	Lecture (1 hr)
	Assessing animal welfare through a Behavioural lens	Lecture (1 hr)
	Recognising signs of Pain and Fear - safe and low stress handling	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Animal behaviour case studies	Independent study (2 hr)
	Animal behaviour case studies	Independent study (2 hr)
	Sudden death in small animals	Lecture (1 hr)
	Key toxins causing sudden death in small animals	Lecture (1 hr)
	Investigations into sudden death in small animals	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Key plant toxins of livestock eg clover	Lecture (1 hr)
	Key microbial causes of sudden death - anthrax	Lecture (1 hr)
	Diagnostic approach to sudden death in livestock and horses	Lecture (1 hr)
	Series of 4 cases on various causes of sudden death in livestock	Practical (2 hr)
	Clinical Course Musculoskelatal (Lectures 1-7)	Online class (1 hr)
	Online MCQ Canvas quiz – Disorders of gait, neuro and eye module	Independent study (4 hr)
	Online MCQ Canvas quiz – Animal Behaviour module	Independent study (1.5 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Imaging: Q&A session	Independent study (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The following activities are described as RLAs in this unit. If you are absent from any class and/or do not complete any of the Online MCQ Canvas quizzes listed below due to ill health or misadventure you must contact the UoS coordinator as soon as possible to discuss an alternative activity to enable you to meet the learning outcomes.

All practical classes and tutorials
Online MCQ Canvas quiz: Cardio-respiratory module. Thursday 17th August 5 pm to Thursday 24th August 11.59 pm. A minimum score of 50% is required as a satisfactory standard
Online MCQ Canvas quiz: Reproduction and lactation module. Thursday 21st September 5 pm - Thursday 28th September 11.59 pm. A minimum score of 50% is required as a satisfactory standard
Online MCQ Canvas quiz: Disorders of gait, neuro and eye module. Thursday 26th October 5pm to Thursday 3rd November 11:59pm. A minimum score of 50% is required as a satisfactory standard
Online MCQ Canvas quiz: Animal Behaviour module. Thursday 3rd November 5 pm - Thursday 10th November 11.59 pm. A minimum score of 50% is required as a satisfactory standard

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.

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

Recommended reading list

Beveridge I & Emery D (2015) Australasian Animal Parasites Inside and Out. Australian Society for Parasitology. http://parasite.org.au/publications/australian-animal-parasites-inside-and-out/

Zachary & McGavin (2012) Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease. 5th Ed. Mosby.

References for Clinical Pathology

Some of these references were utilised in the preparation of both the lecture and practical notes. They can be used as an adjunct to the notes. Some references cover all species. The preferred references are in bold.

Archer RK. Jeffcott LB. Comparative Clinical Haematology. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, UK. 1st Edn, 1977. ISBN 0-632-00289-1.

Baker R. Lumsden JH. Eds. Color Atlas of Cytology of the Dog and Cat. Mosby Inc., St Louis, USA. 1st Edn, 2000. ISBN 0-8151-0402-2.

Cowell RL. Tyler RD. Meinkoth JH, DeNicola DB. Eds. Diagnostic Cytology and Haematology of the Dog and Cat. Mosby Elsevier, St Louis, USA. 3rd Edn, 2008. ISBN 978-0-323-03422-7.

Cowell RL. Tyler RD. Eds. Diagnostic Cytology and Haematology of the Horse. Mosby Inc., St Louis, USA. 2nd Edn, 2002. ISBN 0-323-01317-1.

Day MJ. Clinical Immunology of the Dog and Cat. Manson publishing Ltd London UK; 2nd Edn, 2008. ISBN:978-1-84076-098-9.

Davidson M. Else R. Lumsden J. Eds. Manual of Small Animal Clinical Pathology. British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Cheltenham, UK. 1998. ISBN 0-905214-41-2.

Eade SC. Bounous DI. Ed. Pratt PW. Laboratory Profiles of Equine Diseases. Mosby Inc., St Louis, USA. 1st Edn, 1997. ISBN 0-8151-1731-0.

Feldman BF. Zinkl JG. Jain NC. Eds. Schalm’s Veterinary Haematology. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. 5th Edn, 2000. ISBN 0-683-30692-8.

Harvey J. Atlas of Veterinary Haematology. WB Saunders Co., Philadelphia, USA. 1st Edn, 2001. ISBN 0-7216-6334-6.

Hawkey CM. Dennett TB. Color Atlas of Comparative Veterinary Haematology. Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa, USA. 1st Edn, 1989. ISBN 0-8183-0449-3.

Jain NC. Schalm’s Veterinary Haematology. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. 4th Edn, 1986. ISBN 0-8121-0942-2.

Kaneko JJ. Harvey JW. Bruss ML. Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals. Eds. Academic Press Inc., San Diego, California, USA, 5th Edn, 1997. ISBN 0-12-396305-2.

Latimer KS. Mahaffey EH. Prasse KW. Eds. Duncan & Prasse’s Veterinary Laboratory Medicine – Clinical Pathology. Iowa State University Press, Blackwell Publishing Co., Ames, Iowa, USA. 4th Edn, 2003. ISBN 0-8183-2070-7.

Meyers DJ. Coles EH. Rich LJ. Veterinary Laboratory Medicine. WB Saunders Co, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. 1st Edn, 1992. ISBN 0-7216-2654-8.

Raskin RE. Meyer DJ. Eds. Atlas of Canine and Feline Cytology. WB Saunders Co., Philadelphia, USA. 1st Edn, 2001. ISBN 0-7216-6335-4.

Reagan WG, Rovira ARI. DeNicola DB. Veterinary Haematology – Atlas of common domestic species. Wiley Blackwell, Ames, Iowa. 2nd Edn, 2008. ISBN 978-0-8138-2809-1.

Rebar AH. MacWillliams PS. Feldman BF. Metzger Jr FL. Pollock RVH. Roche J. Ed. Cann CC. A Guide to Haematology in Dogs and Cats. Teton NewMedia, Jackson Wyoming. USA. 1st Edn, 2002.

ISBN 1-893441-48-2.

Sodikoff CH. Laboratory Profiles of Small Animal Diseases. Mosby Inc., St Louis, USA. 3rd Edn, 2001. ISBN 0-323-00956-5.

Thrall MA. Baker DC. DeNicola D. Fettman MJ. Lassen ED. Rebar A. Weiser G. Ed Troy DB. Veterinary Haematology and Clinical Chemistry. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. 1st Edn, 2004. ISBN 0-683-30415-1.

Willard MD. Tvedten H. Turnwald GH. Small Animal Clinical Diagnosis by Laboratory Methods. WB Saunders Co, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. 3rd Edn, 1999. ISBN 0-7216-7160-8.

Further readings may be available within each module and learning activity.

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. integrate the knowledge of the normal development of body systems, the microscopic, gross and diagnostic imaging appearance of disease, general pathological processes and likely pathogenesis and apply these concepts to disease investigation
LO2. Apply the concepts of embryology, pathophysiology and the properties of common agents of disease (including parasites, fungi, bacteria, and viruses) affecting the major body systems, into investigative and prognostic frameworks
LO3. Integrate the important features of agents of disease and their pathogenic effects to identify and discuss key diseases and syndromes affecting individuals and populations
LO4. Apply an understanding of host-pathogen-environment interactions, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles to important diseases of domesticated animals and wildlife to formulate rational therapeutic, preventative and management strategies
LO5. Integrate an understanding of normal behaviour and biological fitness, abnormal behaviours and compromised welfare, and consider these within a diagnostic and therapeutic approach
LO6. Plan appropriate collection, storage and dispatch of biological specimens to diagnose diseases, including ante-mortem samples taken in the clinic and necropsy samples
LO7. Utilise the principles and concepts in pathobiology, epidemiology, pharmacology, and animal behaviour to direct therapeutic or management interventions for endemic and transboundary diseases, including zoonoses.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 8. Utilise traditional and digital technologies and information sources to inform patient care and manage health data. 9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 8. Utilise traditional and digital technologies and information sources to inform patient care and manage health data. 9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 21. Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment. 23. Perform antemortem and postmortem inspection of animals and make appropriate decisions to protect the food chain and animal welfare at the point of slaughter. 4. Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 7. Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts. 9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 7. Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 15. Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings. 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.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals. 19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities. 7. Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts. 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.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Q-fever vaccination and completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

All students must abide by the University’s workplace health and safety restrictions during all classes. This will be outlined at the beginning of semester but includes compulsory use of personal protective clothing (lab coat, waterproof shoes that cover the entire foot and gloves/safety glasses if required in certain laboratories). Eating or drinking in any lab is not permitted under any circumstances.

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 (2) 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

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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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

VETS6208: Principles of Animal Disease B

Semester 2, 2025 [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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links