Outline

Overview

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.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	VETS6306
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	Michelle Campbell, michelle.campbell@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Valentina Mella, valentina.mella@sydney.edu.au
	Annabelle Olsson, annabelle.olsson@sydney.edu.au
	Damien Higgins, damien.higgins@sydney.edu.au
	Michelle Campbell, michelle.campbell@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Case based, short answer, closed book	50%	Formal exam period	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Supervised test ?	In-semester test Case Based, Short Answer, Closed Book	50%	Week 08 Due date: 15 Apr 2024 at 09:00	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

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.

A result >50% is required to pass this unit of study.

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 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	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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 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.

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.

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Avian practice	Lecture (20 hr)
	Reptile Practice	Lecture (12 hr)
	Native mammal and monotreme practice	Lecture (9 hr)

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library’s reading list system Leganto, available 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. 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.

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) - 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. 20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species 25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context. 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. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.11. Communication skills 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs 2.8. Animal welfare
	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. 13. Assess and manage pain. 14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely. 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities. 21. Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment. 34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted. 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. 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 - 2.1. Epidemiology 2.2. Transboundary animal diseases 2.8. Animal welfare 3.5. Application of risk analysis
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 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. 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. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.8. Animal welfare

Responding to student feedback

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

The material has been adjusted slightly in response to feedback from previous students and staff to ensure that there is a focus on achieving day 1 competencies for these species groups and that content is clinically relevant.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

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

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

VETS6306: Avian, Reptilian and Wildlife Practice

Semester 1, 2024 [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

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect