Outline

Overview

Livestock Practice will develop deep learning approaches to solving problems of ruminant (mainly bovine, but also ovine and caprine) production, and reproduction. In addition to lectures and practical classes, it uses a case-based approach to deliver group case studies on-line for student presentations, known as TILHAP's (teaching innovations in livestock health and production). These cases require integration of pathological and epidemiological investigative skills to provide evidence based solutions in the management of disease and productivity problems in a 'whole farm' setting. The course is designed to advance student learning in preparation for the intramural and extramural clinical placements encountered in final year. The practical classes will continue to build the confidence of students in handling large animals in rural mixed and public practice settings. 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

Academic unit	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	6
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 and VETS6301 and VETS6302 and VETS6303 and VETS6304 and VETS6305 and VETS6306 and VETS6307
Corequisites ?	VETS6221 and VETS6222
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jennie Mohler, jennie.mohler@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Albert Tsang, albert.tsang@sydney.edu.au
	Chani Barrett Woods, chani.barrett@sydney.edu.au
	David Palmer, david.palmer@sydney.edu.au
	Stuart Glover, stuart.glover@sydney.edu.au
	Dini Hapukotuwa, dini.hapukotuwa@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	John House, john.house@sydney.edu.au
	Mark Krockenberger, mark.krockenberger@sydney.edu.au
	Imke Tammen, imke.tammen@sydney.edu.au
	Christopher Grupen, christopher.grupen@sydney.edu.au
	Eduardo Uquillas, eduardo.uquillas@sydney.edu.au
	Luke Ingenhoff, luke.ingenhoff@sydney.edu.au
	Om Dhungyel, om.dhungyel@sydney.edu.au
	Sam Rowe, samuel.rowe@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam Multiple choice questions	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Sheep practical exam Practical skill examination	5%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Cattle practical exam Practical skill examination	15%	Multiple weeks	30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Teaching Investigations in Livestock Health and Production - Part 3 - Q&A presentation / peer feedback / Q&A/ Group summary document	0%	Multiple weeks	3 - 5 minutes maximum	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Teaching Investigations in Livestock Health and Production - Part 1 - prese presentation / peer feedback / Q&A/ Group summary document	8%	Multiple weeks	20 minute group presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Teaching Investigations in Livestock Health and Production - Part 4 - Group presentation / peer feedback / Q&A/ Group summary document	8%	Multiple weeks	1 - 2 page TILHAP presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	Teaching Investigations in Livestock Health and Production - Part 2 - peer presentation / peer feedback / Q&A/ Group summary document	4%	Multiple weeks	4 x 2 hour session to attend	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Active participation in all RLAs 100% participation with Required Learning Activities (RLAs)	0%	Ongoing	See Canvas	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Please note that students must achieve a PASS (50% or greater mark) on the theory component (Final exam) of the course and must PASS (50% or greater mark) each of the practical exams (cattle and sheep) to pass this unit of study.

100% attendance at all practical classes is compulsory and is required to pass this unit of study. Attendance for TILHAPs group assessment presentation days is required. Failure to attend all of these classes may result in an "absent fail" grade for VETS6310.

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) according to a schedule that fits with the animal ethics use guidelines after the end of the exam period.

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.

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

In accordance with the DVM attendance provisions, DVM students are required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLA’s) and assessment tasks. If absent for any reason, students must notify the UOSC and apply for a special consideration at the earliest opportunity.

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.

Students must achieve minimum mark of 50% on the Final Exam to pass the unit of study.

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:

Late submission 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 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
Week 01	Cattle obstetrics	Practical (4 hr)
	Cattle surgery	Practical (3 hr)
	Cattle handling 5	Practical (5 hr)
	Cattle lameness/foot trimming	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Pregnancy diagnosis practical	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	Sheep necropsy practical/tutorial	Practical (4 hr)
Week 03	Introduction to the Unit of Study	Lecture (1 hr)
	Bovine lameness - foot disorders, treatment and prevention	Lecture (2 hr)
	Sheep necropsy practical/tutorial	Practical (4 hr)
	Sheep reproduction practical	Practical (10 hr)
	Obstetrics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Caesarean section	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Cattle obstetrics	Practical (4 hr)
	Cattle surgery	Practical (3 hr)
	Cattle handling 5	Practical (5 hr)
	Cattle lameness/foot trimming	Practical (3 hr)
	Obstetrics foetotomy/embryotomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Castration and dehoming	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Lameness in sheep and goats	Lecture (1 hr)
	Footrot in sheep and goats	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pregnancy diagnosis practical	Practical (2 hr)
	Parasite management/resistance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Application of genetics in breeding decisions	Lecture (1 hr)
	Sheep necropsy practical/tutorial	Practical (4 hr)
	Sheep reproduction practical	Practical (10 hr)
	Investigating spasticity, flacidity and altered mentation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Reproductive management in sheep	Lecture (1 hr)
	Investigating herd lameness problems	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lameness and welfare/cases - pulling it all together	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Maximising reproductive efficiency	Lecture (2 hr)
	Sheep reproduction practical	Practical (10 hr)
	Cattle obstetrics	Practical (4 hr)
	Cattle surgery	Practical (3 hr)
	Cattle handling 5	Practical (5 hr)
	Cattle lameness/foot trimming	Practical (3 hr)
	Investigating spasticity, flacidity and altered mentation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Should I call the emergency disease hotline?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Pregnancy diagnosis practical	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Sheep necropsy practical/tutorial	Practical (4 hr)
Week 09	Does that eye need to come out?	Lecture (1 hr)
	TILHAPs overview	Lecture (1 hr)
	Nutrition: feeding the rumen	Lecture (1 hr)
	Meeting the feed gap: energy and protein	Lecture (1 hr)
	Sheep necropsy practical/tutorial	Lecture (4 hr)
	Sheep reproduction practical	Practical (10 hr)
	Cattle obstetrics	Practical (4 hr)
	Cattle surgery	Practical (3 hr)
	Cattle handling 5	Practical (5 hr)
	Cattle lameness/foot trimming	Practical (3 hr)
	Applied ruminant nutrition	Lecture (1 hr)
	Johnes disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pestivirus	Lecture (1 hr)
	How to address that itch	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Pregnancy diagnosis practical	Practical (2 hr)
	Investigating neonatal mortality	Lecture (1 hr)
	Weaner management	Lecture (1 hr)
	Investigating and managing ill thrift	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Sheep necropsy practical/tutorial	Practical (4 hr)
	Cattle obstetrics	Practical (4 hr)
	Cattle surgery	Practical (3 hr)
	Cattle handling 5	Practical (5 hr)
	Cattle lameness/foot trimming	Practical (3 hr)
	Diagnosis and management of lumps and swelling	Lecture (1 hr)
	Small ruminant anaesthesia	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pig anaesthesia	Lecture (1 hr)
	Female reproductive disorders	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Keeping the udder healthy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Mastitis causes and cures	Lecture (1 hr)
	Investigating dairy milk quality problems	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pregnancy diagnosis practical	Practical (2 hr)
	What can be learned from colour	Lecture (1 hr)
	Humane euthanasia of ruminants	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	To cut or not to cut and where to cut	Lecture (1 hr)
	Investigating sudden death	Lecture (2 hr)
	Surgery lecture - more surgeries	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cattle obstetrics	Practical (4 hr)
	Cattle surgery	Practical (3 hr)
	Cattle handling 5	Practical (5 hr)
	Cattle lameness/foot trimming	Practical (3 hr)
	Sire managment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Reproductive management and monitoring performance	Lecture (1 hr)
	Necropsy tutorial	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Pregnancy diagnosis practical	Practical (2 hr)
	Review lecture on sheep management diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Investigating and managing straining	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please note that students must achieve a PASS (50% or greater mark) on the theory component (Final exam) of the course and must PASS (50% or greater mark) each of the practical exams (cattle and sheep) to pass this unit of study.

100% attendance at all practical classes is compulsory and is required to pass this unit of study. Attendance at TILHAP presentation session during Weeks 11 and 12 of the semester are RLA. Failure to attend all of these classes may result in an "absent fail" grade for VETS6310.

DVM program attendance requirements apply. Required learning activities (RLA) are identified in the timetable.

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.

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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 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 and describe their cost benefit for common diseases
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
LO6. demonstrate systematic and cost - effective approaches to herd disease and sub optimal performance investigations and analyze relevant clinical, pathological and epidemiological data, and use to produce prioritized advice to producers on management and disease prevention
LO7. describe how veterinarians apply the principles of preventive medicine and herd performance improvement 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 (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. 36. Practise time management, including recognising the impact of time management on stakeholders and self. 38. Promote health and safety of patients, clients, colleagues and themselves in the veterinary setting, including applying risk management principles to practice. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.10. General certification procedures
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 11. Perform routine procedures, including surgeries, identifying associated indications and contraindications and adjusting the procedures as indicated. 15. Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings. 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. 23. Perform antemortem and postmortem inspection of animals and make appropriate decisions to protect the food chain and animal welfare at the point of slaughter. 3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology
	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. 11. Perform routine procedures, including surgeries, identifying associated indications and contraindications and adjusting the procedures as indicated. 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. 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. 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. 28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion. 3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context. 34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted. 36. Practise time management, including recognising the impact of time management on stakeholders and self. 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.
	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. 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 33. Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency. 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.
	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. 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. 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. 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. 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) - 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. 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 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. 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. 28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion. 3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context. 33. Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency. 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.
	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. 18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals. 33. Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency. 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.

Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1		Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
3		Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context.
30		Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body.
33		Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency.
35		Reflect on personal actions, including inviting and responding to constructive feedback on performance.
36		Practise time management, including recognising the impact of time management on stakeholders and self.
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.
40		Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health.
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.

Responding to student feedback

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

Student feedback has been used to guide refinements and enhancements in VETS6310, including adjustments to scheduling, assessment timelines, and access to practical resources. To support practical learning, there is a comprehensive Practical Handbook with written descriptions of practical skills taught in VETS6310 and videos of common skills are available to all students to revise. To support students with relevant skill development, dedicated revision sessions have been built into the curriculum (CH5 and SNP). This will further be supported via the proposed Skills Laboratory enabling students self-directed revision of practical skills.

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 week two (2) 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.

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

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

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

VETS6310: Livestock Practice B

Semester 2, 2025 [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

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