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	Mary Thompson, mary.thompson@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Karyn Wesselingh, karyn.wesselingh@sydney.edu.au
Laboratory supervisor(s)	Alison Nolan, alison.nolan@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Eduardo Uquillas, eduardo.uquillas@sydney.edu.au
	Dominique Van der Saag, dominique.van.der.saag@sydney.edu.au
	Christopher Tan, chris.tan@sydney.edu.au
	Imke Tammen, imke.tammen@sydney.edu.au
	Kevin Ng, kevin.ng@sydney.edu.au
	Beth McDonald, beth.mcdonald@sydney.edu.au
	Christina Baxter, christina.baxter@sydney.edu.au
	Kathryn Mills, kathryn.mills@sydney.edu.au
	Mary Thompson, mary.thompson@sydney.edu.au
	Nicolle Kirkwood, nicolle.kirkwood@sydney.edu.au
	Michelle Campbell, michelle.campbell@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam Short answer (largely case-based) questions	55%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Dermatology Cytology Quiz Practical examination of cytology skills	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:
Supervised test ?	In-semester test Short answer (largely case-based) questions	30%	Week 09 Due date: 22 Apr 2024 at 09:00	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Genetic counselling assignment Case report	5%	Week 12 Due date: 13 May 2024 at 23:59	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Behaviour assignment Case report	10%	Week 13 Due date: 20 May 2024 at 23:59	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

A result >50% is required to pass this unit of study. In order to achieve a passing grade for the unit as a whole, a passing grade must be achieved OVERALL for the Intrasemester and Final examinations.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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.

Note: In alignment with the DVM Attendance Provisions 2018 at the University of Sydney students are required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLA’s) and assessment tasks.

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.

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:

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 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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 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 2023. 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
Multiple weeks	Dermatology module	Lecture (7 hr)
	Dermatology module	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Dermatology- two practical classes covering sample collection and cytology and a cytology examination	Practical (7 hr)
	Genetic counselling module	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Gastrointestinal module- medicine and surgery of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas	Lecture (12 hr)
	Gastrointestinal module- medicine	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Urogenital module- medicine, anaesthesia and surgery of the urogenital system	Lecture (13 hr)
	Urogenital module- medicine of the urogenital system	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Gastrointestinal and urogenital modules- surgery of the gastrointestinal tract and urogenital systems	Practical (6 hr)
	Dentistry module	Lecture (6 hr)
	Behaviour module	Lecture (4 hr)
	Behaviour module	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Rabbit, rodent, guinea pig and ferrets practice module	Lecture (5 hr)
	Thoracic Diagnostic Imaging	Online class (5 hr)
Week 06	Wellness module	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 08	Genetic counselling module	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Dentistry module	Practical (4 hr)
Week 13	Thoracic Diagnostic Imaging Tutorial	Online class (2 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.

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 such that it lives a long and healthy life and the owner-pet experience is maximised
LO2. Gather and assimilate relevant information from the history, distance exam and physical findings and use these to construct a problem list, prioritise problems and generate an appropriate differential diagnoses list
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. Design 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 (D1Cs) - 12. Assess and triage animals in an emergency, perform first aid to stabilise the patient, and refer promptly to appropriate colleagues as needed. 16. Assess and advise, at individual and population levels, on clinical and production factors such as the physical condition, welfare, nutritional status, performance and associated management factors of an animal/ group of animals. 18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals. 20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species 6. Develop appropriate treatment and preventive plans and administer appropriate treatments 7. Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs 2.8. Animal welfare
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 1. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment. 2. Handle, restrain and otherwise manage animal(s) safely and humanely, considering animal behaviour and welfare, and instruct others in helping the veterinarian perform these techniques. 3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context. 4. Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.8. Animal welfare
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 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.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 6. Develop appropriate treatment and preventive plans and administer appropriate treatments 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. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.8. Animal welfare 3.5. Application of risk analysis
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 10. Safely perform sedation and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 11. Perform routine procedures, including surgeries, identifying associated indications and contraindications and adjusting the procedures as indicated.

Responding to student feedback

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

We are continuously evolving the material is the unit to focus on clinical reasoning and common problems encountered in small animal practice.

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

Support for students

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, 2024 [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

Support for students

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