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Unit of study_
VETS6306: Avian, Reptilian and Wildlife Practice
2025 unit information
This unit will cover the basic husbandry of commonly kept avian and reptilian pets and wildlife species presented to veterinarians. Applied anatomy of these species will be taught so that students will be able to safely handle these animals, complete physical examinations of them, collect diagnostic samples from them, interpret radiographs and other images of them, treat them, and undertake common surgical procedures on them. Common disease processes and their manifestations, treatments, and prevention will be discussed. Upon completion of this unit of study, students will be comfortable seeing these species in their practice for routine appointments, and will be aware when referral to a specialist is indicated. 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
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| 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:
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|
None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. explain species-relevant husbandry requirements to wildlife carers and bird and reptile owners for the prevention and treatment of disease, behavioural problems and other poor welfare states.
- LO2. formulate a problem list, differential diagnosis, and diagnostic and treatment plan for pet birds, pet reptiles, and wildlife, using information obtained from the consultation and ancillary diagnostics, for common presentations and conditions.
- LO3. develop anaesthesia protocols and justify routinely used surgical and invasive procedures for pet birds, pet reptiles and wildlife that are appropriate for their distinctive anatomy, physiology and clinical condition.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 1 2025
|
Normal day | Camden, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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