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. 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	3
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	John House, john.house@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam Multiple choice, fill in the blanks, true false, and short answer questions	50%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Safety Quiz Completion in Canvas - Due 11:59pm Tuesday before practical	10%	Multiple weeks	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Practical Quiz Pregnancy Diagnosis Completion in Canvas - Due 11:59pm Tuesday before practical	5%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Practical Quiz Cattle Anaesthesia Completed in Canvas - Due 11:59pm Wednesday before practical	5%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Active participation with RLAs 100% participation with Required Learning Activities (RLAs)	0%	Ongoing	See Canvas	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	In-semester test Multiple choice, fill in the blanks, matching, short answers	30%	Week 07	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

All required hurdle tasks and compulsory 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.

Quizzes must be completed prior to participation in the relevant practical class.

A combined 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.

Note: An overall result ≥ 50% is required to pass this unit of study.

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.

Attendance and class requirements

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

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. Students who fail to attend a minimum of 80% of classes (not including lectures) may not be eligible for reassessment.

In addition to the requirements outlined above, and in accordance with the DVM attendance provisions, DVM students are also required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLAs) and assessment tasks. If absent for a RLA or assessment, for any reason, students must notify the unit coordinator and apply for a special consideration at the earliest opportunity. If approved, you will be required to make up the missed RLA at a time convenient for staff and animals. This could be in Semester 2.

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.

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	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 apply this satisfactorily for a range of clinical presentations. In some circumstances able to integrate this understanding with other discipline knowledge.
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 guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

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

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
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 (2.5 hr)
	Farm walk practical (wks, 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 01	Pregnancy Testing - Safety Review	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Ruminant anaesthesia	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Ruminant physical examination- part 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Ruminant physical examination - part 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Antimicrobial use in production animals	Lecture (1 hr)
	Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance	Lecture (1 hr)
	The recumbent ruminant	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	The recumbent ruminant - negative energy balance	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	The recumbent ruminant - hypocalcaemia	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	The recumbent ruminant - infectious	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Management and welfare of down cows part 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Management and welfare of down cows part 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Humane Euthanasia of Livestock	Lecture (1 hr)
	Diarrhoea in adult ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)
	Fluid therapy in ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Oral cavity and prehension syndromes in ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)
	Distended abdomen syndromes in ruminants part 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Distended abdomen syndromes in ruminants part 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Johnes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Pestivirus	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Respiratory syndromes in neonate ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Respiratory syndromes in adult ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiratory Disease Case Studies	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiovascular syndromes in adult ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiovascular syndromes in neonate ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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

Classes identified as a RLA will be available on the Canvas site.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Detailed information on any required readings may be found on Canvas.

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 examine domestic ruminants in a manner that is safe for the animal and operator
LO2. Demonstrate a systematic problem solving approach to the investigation of sick ruminants, identify major differentials, use diagnostic tools, and develop treatment plans for common diseases. Treatment plans should consider cost benefit and public health implications
LO3. Understand common links between nutritional management and health disorders in ruminants
LO4. Formulate a sedation protocol and perform common regional anaesthetic blocks
LO5. Demonstrate systematic and cost-effective approaches to herd disease and sub optimal performance investigations and analyse relevant clinical, pathological and epidemiological data
LO6. Describe how veterinarians apply the principles of preventive medicine to improve animal welfare, health and production.

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) - 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.
	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. 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) - 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.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 10. Safely perform sedation and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 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. 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 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. 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species

Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
17		Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems.
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.
21		Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment.
24		Apply veterinary elements of food safety standards and practices throughout the production chain, including on the farm and during food processing.
30		Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body.
38		Promote health and safety of patients, clients, colleagues and themselves in the veterinary setting, including applying risk management principles to practice.
39		Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
40		Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health.
7		Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts.

DVM Day One Competencies -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
A1.4		Be aware of the ethical responsibilities of the veterinary surgeon in relation to individual patient care and client relations, and also more generally in the community in relation to their possible impact on the environment and society as a whole.
A1.5		Be aware of the economic and emotional climate in which the veterinary surgeon operates, and respond appropriately to the influence of such pressures.
A1.6		Be willing to use one’s professional capabilities to contribute as far as possible to the advancement of veterinary knowledge in order to benefit veterinary practice and further improve the quality of animal care and public health.
A1.9		Conduct oneself in a professional manner with regard to the veterinary surgeon’s professional and legal responsibilities and understand and apply the ethical codes as set out in the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct.
B1.1		The sciences on which the activities of veterinary surgeons are based.
B1.9		Veterinary public health issues including zoonoses.
C1.20		Minimise the risks of contamination, cross infection and accumulation of pathogens in the veterinary premises and in the field.

World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
2.7		Veterinary products
2.9		Veterinary legislation and ethics

Responding to student feedback

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

The 2025 Unit of Study Survey indicates the unit was well received with positive feedback expressed for the practical class, course content and the support provided by staff. A number of areas for improvement were highlighted. These included recommendations to provide clarification of key messages in case presentations, improving clarity of learning outcomes, and a request to include case based tutorials. The recommendations were informative and will be incorporated into the course next year. Specifically adding tutorials to consolidate key messages, review of learning outcomes, and rearrangement of some lectures to front load theory prior to presentation of cases.

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 the first day 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

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

VETS6304: Livestock Practice A

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links