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Unit of study_

VETS6305: Equine Practice A

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

Equine Practice A and B will assist students in developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to equids required of a 'day-one' graduate in rural mixed practice. These units of study will provide the foundations for equine and mixed practice clinical placements in DVM Year 4. Equine Practice A will build on the content of DVM Years 1 and 2, and VETS6302 Clinical Foundations, and will expose students to a wide range of aspects of equine practice using a case-based pedagogic approach.

Unit details and rules

Unit code VETS6305
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 Tony Mogg, tony.mogg@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s) Greg Hogan, greg.hogan@sydney.edu.au
Keith Tribe, keith.tribe@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Tony Mogg, tony.mogg@sydney.edu.au
Glenn Shea, glenn.shea@sydney.edu.au
Elizabeth Tee, elizabeth.tee@sydney.edu.au
Albert Tsang, albert.tsang@sydney.edu.au
Nicolle Emily Wiechula, nicolle.symonds@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Written Examination**
Case-based short answer written examination
60% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Practical exam
? 
Practical Examination**
Clinical anatomy and clinical skills examination
20% Formal exam period 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6
Participation Active participation in RLAs
100% participation with Required Learning Activities (RLAs)
0% Ongoing Class dependent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment group assignment Intra-semester Group Assignment
Group scenario-based written assignment
20% Week 05
Due date: 18 Mar 2024 at 23:59
2000-2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

**Students must achieve a pass (i.e. 50% or greater mark) in the combined marks from the Final Written Examination and the Practical Examination to pass this unit of study.

Final Written Examination: If a second replacement examination is required, this examination 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 examination. 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 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 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 23:59 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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 02 Equine clinical anatomy lectures 1, 2 & 3 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 03 Equine clinical anatomy lectures 4, 5 & 6 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 04 Equine clinical anatomy practical class 1 Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Equine clinical anatomy practical class 2 Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 05 Equine clinical anatomy practical class 3 Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Equine lameness examination lecture Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Equine clinical pathology lecture Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Horse handling 6, physical examination 3 & cardio-respiratory examination 1 practical classes Practical (4 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 07 Equine lameness lectures 1 & 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 Equine wound management lectures 1 & 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Equine cardiovascular disease lecture Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Equine respiratory disease lectures 1 & 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Equine respiratory disease lectures 3 & 4 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Equine cardiovascular disease tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Equine lameness examination 1 & equine distal limb nerve blocks 1 practical classes Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 10 Equine diagnostic imaging lectures 1 & 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Equine diagnostic imaging lecture 3 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Equine respiratory disease tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Equine lameness tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 12 Equine poor performance lecture Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Equine clinical skills 1 and equine therapeutics 1 practical classes Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 13 Equine diagnostic imaging tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

All VETS6305 practical classes and tutorials are "required learning activities (RLAs)" as defined by the DVM Attendance Provisions 2018 - hence attendance at all practical classes and tutorials is compulsory and failure to attend all of these classes may result in an "Absent Fail" grade for VETS6305. A copy of the DVM Attendance Provisions 2018 is available on the Canvas site for this unit.

 

Students must achieve a pass (i.e. 50% or greater mark) in the combined marks from the Final Written Examination and the Practical Examination to pass this unit of study.

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

In VETS6305 we will be making use of the following textbook, which is available to read on (or download from) the University library website:

Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction - Second Edition,  Munroe, G (ed), CRC Press, 2019.

 

Teaching staff will assume that all students have personal access to the textbook and will advise on required readings from the text on the Canvas page for each class.

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. apply a detailed knowledge of the clinical anatomy of the horse
  • LO2. apply effective problem-solving skills to diagnose and manage common medical, reproductive and surgical conditions of horses
  • LO3. apply the principles of therapeutics as they pertain to equine practice; including the rational use of anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, sedative, anaesthetic and analgesic drugs; and fluid therapy
  • LO4. develop preventive medicine regimens to protect individuals and herds of horses in common management scenarios
  • LO5. demonstrate a professional approach to ethical, legal, social and welfare issues relating to equine practice, including biosecurity and euthanasia
  • LO6. apply a detailed knowledge of, and perform basic clinical skills relevant to equine practice.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
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 - OIE
3.5. Application of risk analysis
LO2
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
1. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment.
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.
19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities.
22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC).
3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context.
39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
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.
8. Utilise traditional and digital technologies and information sources to inform patient care and manage health data.
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 - OIE
2.2. Transboundary animal diseases
2.3. Zoonoses
2.4. Emerging and reemerging diseases
2.5. Disease prevention and control programs
2.8. Animal welfare
3.5. Application of risk analysis
3.6. Research
LO3
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
21. Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment.
32. Prescribe, dispense and use medicines correctly and prudently, including recording and reporting adverse reactions, in accordance with legislation and current prescription guidelines.
39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
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 - OIE
2.7. Veterinary products
2.8. Animal welfare
3.5. Application of risk analysis
3.6. Research
LO4
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
1. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment.
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.
19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities.
20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species
21. Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment.
39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
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.
8. Utilise traditional and digital technologies and information sources to inform patient care and manage health data.
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 - OIE
2.2. Transboundary animal diseases
2.3. Zoonoses
2.4. Emerging and reemerging diseases
2.8. Animal welfare
3.5. Application of risk analysis
LO5
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely.
18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals.
21. Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment.
22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC).
25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context.
27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice.
28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion.
30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body.
34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted.
39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
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 - OIE
2.11. Communication skills
2.5. Disease prevention and control programs
2.8. Animal welfare
2.9. Veterinary legislation and ethics
3.1. Organisation of Veterinary Services
3.5. Application of risk analysis
3.6. Research
3.7. International trade framework
3.8. Administration and management
LO6
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
10. Safely perform sedation and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint.
11. Perform routine procedures, including surgeries, identifying associated indications and contraindications and adjusting the procedures as indicated.
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.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
2.8. Animal welfare

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

The method of delivery for some of the equine lameness content has been changed in response to USS feedback to hopefully allow a more case-based interactive tutorial.

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

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