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. 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	6
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
Prohibitions ?	None
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
Laboratory supervisor(s)	Bronwyn Evans-Millar, bronwyn.evans-millar@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Christopher Tan, chris.tan@sydney.edu.au
	Imke Tammen, imke.tammen@sydney.edu.au
	Nicolle Kirkwood, nicolle.kirkwood@sydney.edu.au
	Beth McDonald, beth.mcdonald@sydney.edu.au
	Christina Baxter, christina.baxter@sydney.edu.au
	Eduardo Uquillas, eduardo.uquillas@sydney.edu.au
	Rachel Basa, rachel.basa@sydney.edu.au
	Kathryn Mills, kathryn.mills@sydney.edu.au
	Julian Suchowersky, julian.suchowersky@sydney.edu.au
	Craig Ruaux, craig.ruaux@sydney.edu.au
	Mary Thompson, mary.thompson@sydney.edu.au
	Kevin Ng, kevin.ng@sydney.edu.au
	Melanie Olive, melanie.olive@sydney.edu.au
	Michelle Campbell, michelle.campbell@sydney.edu.au
	Kersti Skesel, kske0357@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Alison Wardman, alison.wardman@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Cicilia Muller, cicilia.muller@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam Short answer (largely case-based) questions: BringYourOwnDevice exam on campus	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: 28 Apr 2025 at 09:00	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Genetic counselling assignment Case report	5%	Week 10 Due date: 05 May 2025 at 23:59	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Behaviour assignment Case report	10%	Week 12 Due date: 19 May 2025 at 23:59	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
= AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

All required 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 pass grade (50%) for the final exam and in-semester test MUST be achieved and an overall >50% grade is required to receive a pass grade for this unit.

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.
Students will be assessed in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) exam taken on campus with supervision. Further information about the delivery of the exams will be provided closer to the exam.

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) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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.

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
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)
	Wellness module	Lecture (4 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)
	Diagnostic Imaging (Clinical Course Abdomen)	Online class (5 hr)
Week 04	Genetic counselling module	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Diagnostic Imaging Tutorial (Clinical Course Abdomen)	Online class (2 hr)
Week 12	Dentistry module	Practical (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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

The DVM Attendance Provision 2024 is available on the University of Sydney policy register.

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.
	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.
	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.
	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 in the unit to focus on clinical reasoning and common problems encountered in small animal practice.

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 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

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

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

VETS6303: Small Animal Practice A

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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