Outline

Overview

Mastering essential clinical competencies and the application of the problem-oriented approach is essential for the transition into clinical practice. This unit of study will consolidate the skills and knowledge from DVM1 and DVM2 in a case-based approach to the diagnosis and treatment of common clinical syndromes in small animals. An integrated multi-disciplinary approach will be used to highlight the importance and interrelatedness of all aspects of clinical practice (medicine, surgery, anaesthesia, behaviour, pharmacology and diagnostic imaging) in case management. Consideration of the responsibilities of small animal clinicians with regard to infection control, zoonoses and public health in the context of clinical practice will form part of this unit. The unit will provide grounding in the basic principles of diagnosis and treatment of urogenital, neurological, ophthalmological, cardiorespiratory, endocrinological, musculoskeletal, behavioural, alimentary, dermatological, haematological and oncological conditions. It focuses on developing the students' day one skills and professional attitude required for their clinical placements. Practical classes and small group learning will be included in the teaching of this unit to allow students to develop clinical thinking, practical skills and communication proficiencies.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	VETS6303
Academic unit	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	VETS6101 and VETS6102 and VETS6103 and VETS6104 and VETS6105 and VETS6106 and VETS6107 and VETS6108 and VETS6201 and VETS6202 and VETS6203 and VETS6204 and VETS6205 and VETS6206 and VETS6207 and VETS6208
Corequisites ?	VETS6302
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	David Phalen, david.phalen@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Lara Boland, lara.boland@sydney.edu.au
	David Phalen, david.phalen@sydney.edu.au
	Linda Vogelnest, linda.vogelnest@sydney.edu.au
	Laurencie Brunel, laurencie.brunel@sydney.edu.au
	Paul McGreevy, paul.mcgreevy@sydney.edu.au
	Christine Griebsch, christine.griebsch@sydney.edu.au
	Imke Tammen, imke.tammen@sydney.edu.au
	Mariano Makara, mariano.makara@sydney.edu.au
	Nicolle Kirkwood, nicolle.kirkwood@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam	Final Exam Admixture of short answer (some case based) and multiple choice. Online	35%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Dermatology Case Asignment Case Presentation	10%	Multiple weeks	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Dermatology laboratory quiz Practical examination	0%	Multiple weeks	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Active participation with all RLAs 100% participation with Required Learning Activities (RLAs)	0%	Ongoing	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Behaviour online assignments Completed online	10%	Week 08 Due date: 20 Apr 2020 at 23:00	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
In-semester test (Open book)	Semester 2 mid-semester exam Mixture of short answer (some case-based) and multiple choice. Online.	10%	Week 11 Due date: 19 Oct 2020 at 08:00	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
In-semester test	Mid semester examination admixture of short answer (some case-based) and multiple choice. Online.	35%	Week 11	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = Type C in-semester exam ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

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 Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	CAWS 1 The Community Animal Welfare Scheme student led desexing program	Lecture (1 hr)
	CAWS 2 The Community Animal Welfare Scheme student led desexing program	Field trip (7 hr)
	CAWS 3 The Community Animal Welfare Scheme Student Led Desexing Program	Practical (7 hr)
	CAWS 4 The Community Animal Welfare Scheme Student Led Desexing Program	Practical (7 hr)
	Behaviour case studies - online interactive program ABLE	Practical (2 hr)
	Behaviour case studies - online interactive program ABLE	Practical (2 hr)
	Genetic counseling	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Dermatology cytology class	Practical (1 hr)
	Dermatology sampling practical	Practical (1 hr)
	Urogenital surgery practical	Practical (3 hr)
	Gastrointestinal surgery practical	Practical (3 hr)
	Digestive system medicine: Vomiting and diarrhoea case studies	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Dermatology - case-based learning	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week -02	Behaviour Animal Bites	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Behaviour introduction: The approach to the behaviour consult	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Digestive system medicine: Disorders of the oral cavity and pharynx	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Digestive system medicine: Disorders of the oesophagus	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Dermatology - approach to the diagnosis of skin disease and the puritic patient 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dermatology - approach to the puritic patient	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dermatology - alopecia	Lecture (2 hr)
	Digestive system medicine: Disorders of the stomach	Lecture (1 hr)
	Digestive system medicine: Disorders of the intestine 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Gastrointestinal surgery: Gastronomy, enterotomy, enterectomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Gastrointestinal surgery: The acute abdomen	Lecture (1 hr)
	Gastrointestinal surgery: Hernias	Lecture (1 hr)
	Digestive system medicine: Disorders of the intestine 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Digestive system medicine: Disorders of the large intestine and rectoanal disease	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Surgery of the urinary tract	Lecture (1 hr)
	Surgery of the reproductive tract	Lecture (1 hr)
	Obstetrics and theriogenology	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Medicine of the liver: Biliary tract disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Medicine of the liver: Parenchymal disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Medicine of the pancreas	Lecture (1 hr)
	Behaviour Review and Final Material	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Dermatology - diseases of the ears	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dermatology - skin nodules	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dermatology - diseases that cause crusting and ulceration	Lecture (1 hr)
	GI diagnostic imagining 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	GI Diagnostic Imaging 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Liver and pancreas diagnostic imaging	Lecture (1 hr)
	GI diagnostic imaging	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Medicine of the urinary tract: acute kidney injury	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Medicine of the urinary tract: glomerular and tubular diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Medicine of the urinary tract: Chronic kidney disease diagnosis and staging	Lecture (1 hr)
	Medicine of the urinary tract: Chronic kidney disease management	Lecture (1 hr)
	Medicine of the urinary tract: Lower urinary tract disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Medicine of the urinary tract: Urethral obstruction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Dentistry: Endodontics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dentistry: Oral anatomy and imaging	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dentistry: Periodontal disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dentistry: Orthodontics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Anaesthesia	Lecture (2 hr)
	Husbandry of rodents and ferrets and common diseases of rodents	Lecture (1 hr)
	Ferret medicine and surgery, common diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dentistry: Exodontics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dentistry: Common oral and dental conditions	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dentistry practical: Undertake common dental procedures	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Urinary tract diagnostic imaging tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Urinary tract diagnostic imaging	Lecture (3 hr)
	Rabbit and guinea pig behaviour, anatomy, husbandry, preventative medicine and diagnostics	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Guinea pigs and rabbits: Common diseases and therapy 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Guinea pigs and rabbits: Common disease and therapy 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Wellness: Pediatrics 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Wellness: Pediatrics 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Urology tutorial - azotaemia and lower urinary tract disease case studies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Wellness: being the primary care provider	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Wellness: gerontology	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at lectures falls under the Faculty of Science requirement that all students must attend 80% of lectures. 100% attendance is required for all practical and tutorial classes. Rolls will be taken in all practical classes and tutorial sessions.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ATTENDANCE AT ALL PRACTICAL CLASSES AND TUTORIALS IS COMPULSORY - FAILURE TO ATTEND ALL OF THESE CLASSES WILL RESULT IN AN "ABSENT FAIL" GRADE FOR VETS6303.

If you miss a practical class(es) and have received a special consideration or concessions from the faculty, you will be required to make up the practical class(es) at a time convenient for staff and animals. This could be in Semester 2.

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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

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. educate the dog or cat owner to properly care for their animal so that it lives a long and healthy life and the owner-pet experience is maximized
LO2. gather and assimilate relevant information from the history, distance exam and physical findings and use these to generate a problem list, prioritise the problems and reach an appropriate differential diagnoses
LO3. create and implement a diagnostic plan, and interpret and synthesise the available evidence to reach a likely diagnosis
LO4. develop and initiate an appropriate treatment plan (also considering euthanasia as an option) considering the welfare of the animal, and client resources and expectations
LO5. develop an appropriate anaesthetic induction, maintenance and anaesthetic monitoring protocol based on the animal’s health status
LO6. perform common elective surgical and other invasive procedures on the integument, alimentary and urogenital tracts.

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 Attributes - 12. To work and communicate effectively and empathetically with colleagues and clients through a range of media with compassion, courtesy, respect, honesty and without discrimination 16. A desire to promote animal welfare 17. An awareness of the need to communicate with clients and to involve them fully in planning and management 2. The normal structure, function and development of animals, their interactions with their environment and the factors which may disturb these 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species American Veterinary Medical Association - 8. ethical and professional conduct; communication skills including those that demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity to how clients’ diversity and individual circumstance can impact health care European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.36. Advise on, and implement, preventative programmes appropriate to the species and in line with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.9. Veterinary legislation and ethics
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 1. Scientific method at a level adequate to provide a rational basis for present veterinary practice, and to assimiliate the advances in knowledge which will occur over their working life 10. To collect, organise and analyse information in relation to specific problems, assessing its validity and reaching probabilistic judgements 18. An ability to recognise when a clinical problem exceeds their capacity to deal with it safely and efficiently and of the need to refer the case for help from others when this occurs 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species 9. The ability to acquire information from and about clients and perform and record a clinical examination of their animals and to store and retrieve such information American Veterinary Medical Association - 1. comprehensive patient diagnosis (problem solving skills), appropriate use of diagnostic testing, and record management 9. critical analysis of new information and research findings relevant to veterinary medicine. European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.15. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group, and its/their environment. 1.16. Handle and restrain animal patients safely and with respect of the animal, and instruct others in helping the veterinary surgeon perform these techniques. 1.17. Perform a complete clinical examination and demonstrate ability in clinical decision-making. 1.18. Develop appropriate treatment plans and administer treatment in the interests of the patients and with regard to the resources available. 2.1. Understanding of, and competence in, the logical approaches to both scientific and clinical reasoning, the distinction between the two, and the strengths and limitations of each.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 10. To collect, organise and analyse information in relation to specific problems, assessing its validity and reaching probabilistic judgements 11. To perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures 17. An awareness of the need to communicate with clients and to involve them fully in planning and management American Veterinary Medical Association - 2. comprehensive treatment planning including patient referral when indicated European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.11. Demonstrate ability to cope with incomplete information, deal with contingencies, and adapt to change. 1.13. Demonstrate an ability of lifelong learning and a commitment to learning and professional development. This includes recording and reflecting on professional experience and taking measures to improve performance and competence. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 11. To perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures 16. A desire to promote animal welfare 20. A recognition that it is not always in the interests of clients to do everything that is technically possible to make a precise diagnosis or attempt to modify the course of a disease American Veterinary Medical Association - 5. basic medicine skills and case management European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.11. Demonstrate ability to cope with incomplete information, deal with contingencies, and adapt to change. 1.12. Demonstrate that they recognise personal and professional limits, and know how to seek professional advice, assistance and support when necessary. 1.22. Communicate clearly and collaborate with referral and diagnostic services, including providing an appropriate history. 1.23. Understand the contribution that imaging and other diagnostic techniques can make in achieving a diagnosis. Use basic imaging equipment and carry out an examination effectively as appropriate to the case, in accordance with good health and safety practice and current regulations. 1.28. Apply principles of bio-security correctly, including sterilisation of equipment and disinfection of clothing. 2.5. The aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of the common diseases and disorders that occur in the common domestic species. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 10. To collect, organise and analyse information in relation to specific problems, assessing its validity and reaching probabilistic judgements 11. To perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures American Veterinary Medical Association - 3. anesthesia and pain management, patient welfare European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.20. Assess the physical condition, welfare and nutritional status of an animal or group of animals and advise the client on principles of husbandry and feeding. 1.31. Assess and manage pain.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 11. To perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures 18. An ability to recognise when a clinical problem exceeds their capacity to deal with it safely and efficiently and of the need to refer the case for help from others when this occurs American Veterinary Medical Association - 4. basic surgery skills and case management European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.12. Demonstrate that they recognise personal and professional limits, and know how to seek professional advice, assistance and support when necessary. 1.29. Perform aseptic surgery correctly.

Responding to student feedback

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

A review of nutrition across the curriculum with be done before Semester 1, 2020. If possible additional nutritional information will be included. The need for additional traditional lectures in behaviour will also be considered.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

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

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

VETS6303: Small Animal Practice A

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect