Outline

Overview

This unit of study will provide students with an understanding of the major factors driving the profitability and sustainability of poultry, pig and aquaculture industries. An emphasis on epidemiology and preventive medicine will equip students to practice across a range of intensive animal industries. Important aspects of farm management and practical skills for the relevant species learnt previously will be developed into a sound approach to clinical practice. This includes clinical examination of populations, evaluation of the environment and sampling strategies suitable for pathology and diagnostic testing. Factors that impact the diagnosis and prevention of key endemic and exotic diseases that may be encountered in each production system will be considered. Together, these skills will enable appropriate measures of health, welfare and production to be quantified within Australian production systems and relevant comparative examples. A problem-solving approach to identify and address health problems and improve suboptimal production and welfare will be developed. The interactions between practitioners, specialist veterinarians and diagnosticians required for this process will be illustrated. Additionally, the role of government animal health professionals in disease regulation and issues relevant to human health and trade will be considered. This unit contains lectures for each topic area: aquaculture, pigs, and poultry. During practical classes and tutorials students will develop diagnostic skills specific to each industry based on relevant intensive animal practice scenarios.

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 and VETS6301 and VETS6302 and VETS6303 and VETS6304 and VETS6305 and VETS6306 and VETS6307
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Francisca Samsing Pedrals, francisca.samsingpedrals@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Shemil Macelline, shemil.macelline@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Jill Burgess, jillian.burgess@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Francisca Samsing Pedrals, francisca.samsingpedrals@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Jose A. Quinteros, jose.quinteros@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Yuanshuo Gao, yuanshuo.gao@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Supervised exam. A result >50% is required to pass this unit of study	55%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Aquatic animal health tutorial See Canvas for details.	15%	Multiple weeks	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Poultry health tutorial See Canvas for details.	15%	Multiple weeks	3 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Pig health tutorial See update on Canvas	15%	Multiple weeks	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Pig Health Practical Disease investigation at the piggery	0%	Multiple weeks	2 - 3 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Aquatic Animal Health Practical Fish necropsy	0%	Multiple weeks	3 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Poultry Health Practical Poultry necropsy	0%	Multiple weeks	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Intrasemester assessments (45%) (15% for each topic area: aquaculture, pigs, and poultry), individual practical assessments (pass/fail), final theory exam (55%).

A pass grade for the final exam MUST be achieved to receive a pass grade for this unit. A 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.

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.

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:

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 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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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	Aquaculture tutorial (by Groups) - Disease investigation case studies	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Fish necropsy (by Groups)	Practical (3 hr)
	Poultry necropsy (by Groups)	Practical (2 hr)
	Poultry tutorial (by Groups) - Disease investigation case studies	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Pig Tutorial (by Groups) - Bringing home the bacon	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Pig Practical (by Groups) - Diagnostic investigation - piggery	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	Poultry health Lecutre 1 - Introduction and Layer management	Lecture (1 hr)
	Poultry health Lecture 2 - Meat chickens	Lecture (1 hr)
	Poultry health Lecture 3 - Respiratory Diseases I	Lecture (1 hr)
	Poultry health Lecture 4 - Respiratory Diseases II	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Poultry health Lecture 5 - Diseases of the immune system	Lecture (1 hr)
	Poultry health Lecture 6 - Emergency Diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Poultry health Lecture 7 - Vertically transmitted diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Poultry health Lecture 8 - Enteric Diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Poultry health Lecture 9 - Spotty Liver Disease and Antimicrobial Stewardship	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Poultry health Lecture 10 - Food Safety	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Pig heath Lecture 1 - The farrowing house	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pig health Lecture 2 - Enteric diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pig health Lecture 3 - Respiratory diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pig health Lecture 4 - Nervous and locomotor diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pig health Lecture 5 - Skin diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pig health Lecture 6 - Reproductive failure	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pig health Lecture 7 - Exotic and emerging diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pig health Lecture 8 - Pigs as individuals	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Aquatic animal health Lecture 1 - Trends in Aquatic Veterinary Practice	Lecture (1 hr)
	Aquatic animal health Lecture 2 - Taxonomy, Anatomy and Physiology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Aquatic animal health Lecture 3 - Immunity of Aquatic Organisms	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Aquatic animal health Lecture 4 - Disease outbreak investigation in aquatic animal practice	Lecture (1 hr)
	Aquatic animal health Lecture 5 - Infection and Disease I	Lecture (1 hr)
	Aquatic animal health Lecture 6 - Infection and Disease II	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Aquatic animal health Lecture 7 - Nutrition and disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Aquatic animal health Lecture 8 - Therapeutics and vaccination	Lecture (1 hr)
	Aquatic animal health Lecture 9 - Aquatic Biosecurity	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance requirements: Attendance to RLAs are compulsory and will be monitored using the University’s Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES) or similar. Absence from more than 10% of RLAs for any course may lead to the award of a fail grade for the unit of study. It is a requirement to achieve a grade of 50% or more in the final exam is required to pass this unit of study regardless of the aggregate mark including intra-semester assessment tasks.

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

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.

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. implement a diagnostic approach that includes analysis of production records, clinical and necropsy observations and evaluation of the farm environment to diagnose disease and measure the impact on the health, welfare and production of pigs, poultry and aquatic animals
LO2. devise and monitor disease control strategies that promote health and lead to cost effective improvements in the production and welfare of intensively managed pigs, poultry and aquatic animals
LO3. make informed recommendations that will improve the sustainability of intensive animal production industries by improving emergency disease preparedness, positive welfare outcomes, responsible use of pharmaceuticals, safe food and product acceptance.

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. 10. Safely perform sedation and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint. 14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely. 15. Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings. 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. 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. 22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC). 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. 29. Collaborate with external referral, diagnostic and other professional services, including providing an appropriate history and clear communication. 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. 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. 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) - 14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely. 15. Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings. 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. 20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species 22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC). 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.
	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. 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. 22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC). 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. 24. Apply veterinary elements of food safety standards and practices throughout the production chain, including on the farm and during food processing. 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. 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) -

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.
14		Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely.
15		Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings.
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).
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.
24		Apply veterinary elements of food safety standards and practices throughout the production chain, including on the farm and during food processing.
29		Collaborate with external referral, diagnostic and other professional services, including providing an appropriate history and clear communication.
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.
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.

Responding to student feedback

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

We re-aligned the assessments to reflect the content.

Additional information

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

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

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

VETS6312: Intensive Animal Practice

Semester 2, 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

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