Outline

Overview

Livestock Practice A combines the teaching of ruminant (primarily bovine) and porcine medicine and surgery in a practical setting where student's progress from the fundamental clinical and surgical problems as would be encountered in a rural mixed practice. Much of the lecture course utilises problem-based learning using a case-based approach. This approach is designed to augment skills developed in other disciplines including animal husbandry, anatomy, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, veterinary medicine and veterinary surgery. The course is designed to assist the student in learning effective problem solving skills, determination of differential diagnoses and the judicious use of appropriate diagnostic aids when attempting to reach a diagnosis. Options and approaches to commonly used therapeutic measures are included. The learning is integrated across species and deals with the major body systems, such as cardiac, respiratory, neuromuscular, ocular, skin, alimentary and renal disorders, and also includes an introduction to herd and flock diseases in livestock. The practical classes are designed to augment and expand the student's experiences in large animal clinical skills.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	VETS6304
Academic unit	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	3
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	John House, john.house@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Chani Barrett, chani.barrett@sydney.edu.au
	David Palmer, david.palmer@sydney.edu.au
	Stuart Glover, stuart.glover@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Ruth Zadoks, ruth.zadoks@sydney.edu.au
	Luke Ingenhoff, luke.ingenhoff@sydney.edu.au
	Eduardo Uquillas, eduardo.uquillas@sydney.edu.au
	Sam Rowe, samuel.rowe@sydney.edu.au
	Jennie Mohler, jennie.mohler@sydney.edu.au
Practitioner(s)	Cassandra MacDonald, cassandra.macdonald@sydney.edu.au
Practitioner(s)	Albert Tsang, albert.tsang@sydney.edu.au
Project supervisor(s)	John House, john.house@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Record+)	Final online examination Online exam - multiple choice and true false questions	80%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Safety Quiz Completion in Canvas - Due 11:59pm Tuesday before practical	10%	Multiple weeks	20 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Practical Quiz Pregnancy Diagnosis Completion in Canvas - Due 11:59pm Tuesday before practical	5%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Practical Quiz Cattle Anaesthesia Completed in Canvas - Due 11:59pm Wednesday before practical	5%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Active participation with RLAs 100% participation with Required Learning Activities (RLAs)	0%	Ongoing	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

Safety Quiz: The safety quiz needs to be completed prior to participation in the practical classes. The quiz contributes to 10% of your final grade and consists of 20 multiple choice questions. This quiz will test your understanding of Safety Around Cattle. Material covered in the quiz includes safety tips from the anaesthesia practical class training video, safety material covered in Cattle Practicals from DVM1 and DVM 2 and material presented in the Safety Lecture. The purpose of this quiz is to reiterate the importance of staying alert to manage risks that could compromise animal welfare, personal safety and or the safety of others.
Pre-Practical Quizzes: The pre-practical quizzes each comprise 5 % of your final grade and consist of 5 to 10 randomly selected MCQ questions. These quizzes will test your understanding of the tasks that will be completed in the Cattle Anaesthesia Practical and your knowledge regarding the staging of pregnancy using rectal palpation. Preparation for the quizes involves watching the instructional videos and reviewing the required reading on the Canvas Website. If you come to practical classes unprepared you will be instructed to leave and will need to make the class up at a later date.
Final exam: The final exam includes the material covered in the lectures and the “Farm Walk” video. The exam will include case based questions. Example practice questions will be provided. To pass VETS6304 you need to score a minimum of 50% in the final examination.

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.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates a clear understanding of the basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery for all body systems. Able to recall knowledge/basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery, including ruminant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology microbiology, nutrition, preventive medicine, biosecurity and zoonoses; and apply this satisfactorily for a range of clinical presentations. Able to integrate this understanding with other discipline knowledge.
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates a clear understanding of the basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery. Able to recall knowledge/basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery, including ruminant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology microbiology, nutrition, preventive medicine, biosecurity and zoonoses; and apply this satisfactorily for a range of clinical presentations. In many circumstances able to integrate this understanding with other discipline knowledge.
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64	Demonstrates an understanding of the basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery. Able to recall knowledge/basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery, including ruminant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology microbiology, nutrition, preventive medicine, biosecurity and zoonoses; and in most cases apply this knowledge satisfactorily using a problem orientated approach.
Fail	0 - 30 31-49	Demonstrates an incomplete understanding of the basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery. Unable to recall or apply knowledge/basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production surgery, including ruminant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, nutrition, preventive medicine, biosecurity and zoonoses. Demonstrates a weak understanding of the basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery. Able to recall some knowledge/basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery, including ruminant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology microbiology, nutrition, preventive medicine, biosecurity and zoonoses; but unable to apply it using a problem orientated approach.

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:

Marks for the safety and practical quizzes will only be awarded if they are completed PRIOR to the start of the practical class. There is a 100% penalty for the safety and practical class quizzes if they are not completed prior to the practical classes. Failing to prepare for practical classes risks compromising animal welfare, compromises your learning and the time available for instructors to spend with other students in the group.

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	Cattle anaesthesia practical (wks: 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13)	Practical (5 hr)
	Pregnancy diagnosis practical (wks, 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13)	Practical (2 hr)
	Farm walk practical (wks, 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to Unit of Study - safety review	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Ruminant anaesthesia	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Ruminant physical examination- part 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Ruminant physical examination - part 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Antimicrobial use in production animals	Lecture (1 hr)
	Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Respiratory syndromes in neonate ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiratory syndromes in adult ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiratory Disease Case Studies	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Cardiovascular syndromes in adult ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiovascular syndromes in neonate ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)
	The recumbent ruminant	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	The recumbent ruminant - negative energy balance	Lecture (1 hr)
	The recumbent ruminant - hypocalcaemia	Lecture (1 hr)
	The recumbent ruminant - infectious	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Management and welfare of down cows part 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Management and welfare of down cows part 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Humane Euthanasia of Livestock	Lecture (1 hr)
	Oral cavity and prehension syndromes in ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)
	Distended abdomen syndromes in ruminants part 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Distended abdomen syndromes in ruminants part 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Diarrhoea in adult ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Fluid therapy in ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)
	Johnes	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pestivirus	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 VETS6304.

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 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 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. competently handle, restrain, and perform a complete physical examination on domestic ruminants in a manner that is safe for the animal and operator
LO2. competently perform common technical skills performed by veterinarians working with domestic ruminants
LO3. demonstrate a systematic problem solving approach to a sick ruminant, identify major differentials, use diagnostic tools, develop treatment options for common diseased as well as cost benefit
LO4. advise on the nutrition of ruminants for production and health
LO5. develop plans for use of sedation, local anaesthetic and general anaesthesia for ruminants on farm to improve safety and welfare
LO6. demonstrate systematic and cost-effective approaches to herd disease and sub optimal performance investigations and analyse relevant clinical, pathological and epidemiological data
LO7. describe how veterinarians apply the principles of preventive medicine and herd performance improvement on farm performance, and be able to give examples of how veterinarians apply these on farm.

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 - 13. An ability to perform effectively in a workplace including an understanding of organisational systems, human and physical resource management, performance indicators, occupational health and safety, knowledge management and quality control 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 4. Fundamental clinical skills in a broad range of species American Veterinary Medical Association - 1. comprehensive patient diagnosis (problem solving skills), appropriate use of diagnostic testing, and record management 3. anesthesia and pain management, patient welfare European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 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. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.10. General certification procedures
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 11. To perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures 4. Fundamental clinical skills in a broad range of species European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.18. Develop appropriate treatment plans and administer treatment in the interests of the patients and with regard to the resources available. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology
	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 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 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species 5. The principles of epidemiology, of diseases and zoonoses and their impacts on the environment 6. Public health and food safety 7. Economically and environmentally sustainable animal production systems American Veterinary Medical Association - 1. comprehensive patient diagnosis (problem solving skills), appropriate use of diagnostic testing, and record management 2. comprehensive treatment planning including patient referral when indicated 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 - 1.18. Develop appropriate treatment plans and administer treatment in the interests of the patients and with regard to the resources available. 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. 1.21. Collect, preserve and transport samples, select appropriate diagnostic tests, interpret and understand the limitations of the test results. 1.22. Communicate clearly and collaborate with referral and diagnostic services, including providing an appropriate history. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species 7. Economically and environmentally sustainable animal production systems 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 13. An ability to perform effectively in a workplace including an understanding of organisational systems, human and physical resource management, performance indicators, occupational health and safety, knowledge management and quality control 16. A desire to promote animal welfare 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 - 3. anesthesia and pain management, patient welfare European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.30. Safely perform sedation, and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint. 1.31. Assess and manage pain. 1.32. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it with respect of the animal, using an appropriate method, whilst showing sensitivity to the feelings of owners and others, with due regard to the safety of those present; advise on disposal of the carcase. 2.4. A knowledge of the businesses related to animal breeding, production and keeping. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.8. Animal welfare
	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 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 21. Recognition of the critical role of veterinarians in biosecurity and in the management of veterinary issues that have national and international implications 5. The principles of epidemiology, of diseases and zoonoses and their impacts on the environment 6. Public health and food safety 7. Economically and environmentally sustainable animal production systems American Veterinary Medical Association - 2. comprehensive treatment planning including patient referral when indicated 7. understanding of health promotion, and biosecurity, prevention and control of disease including zoonoses and principles of food safety 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 - 1.18. Develop appropriate treatment plans and administer treatment in the interests of the patients and with regard to the resources available. 1.21. Collect, preserve and transport samples, select appropriate diagnostic tests, interpret and understand the limitations of the test results. 1.36. Advise on, and implement, preventative programmes appropriate to the species and in line with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards. 2.4. A knowledge of the businesses related to animal breeding, production and keeping. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology 2.2. Transboundary animal diseases 2.3. Zoonoses 2.4. Emerging and reemerging diseases 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs 2.6. Food hygiene 2.7. Veterinary products 2.8. Animal welfare 2.9. Veterinary legislation and ethics
	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 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 21. Recognition of the critical role of veterinarians in biosecurity and in the management of veterinary issues that have national and international implications 5. The principles of epidemiology, of diseases and zoonoses and their impacts on the environment 6. Public health and food safety 7. Economically and environmentally sustainable animal production systems American Veterinary Medical Association - 7. understanding of health promotion, and biosecurity, prevention and control of disease including zoonoses and principles of food safety European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.26. Prescribe and dispense medicines correctly and responsibly in accordance with legislation and latest guidance. 1.34. Perform ante-mortem inspection of animals destined for the food-chain, including paying attention to welfare aspects; correctly identify conditions affecting the quality and safety of products of animal origin, to exclude those animals whose condition means their products are unsuitable for the food-chain. 1.36. Advise on, and implement, preventative programmes appropriate to the species and in line with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards. 2.7. Legislation relating to animal care and welfare, animal movement, and notifiable and reportable diseases. 2.9. The principles of disease prevention and the promotion of health and welfare. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs

Responding to student feedback

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

Safety Quiz was introduced in 2019 to reduce the weighting of the final exam to 90% and the quiz 10%. Students have to pass both with mark of 50% or higher to pass the unit. At urging of AVMA ciriculum review..addition of quizzes was recommended so for 2020, there will be two 10% quizzes held and final exam will be worth 80%.

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

VETS6304: Livestock Practice A

Semester 1, 2021 [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