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. 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	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 ?	VETS6221 and VETS6222
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Francisca Samsing Pedrals, francisca.samsingpedrals@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Francisca Samsing Pedrals, francisca.samsingpedrals@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Jose A. Quinteros, jose.quinteros@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 Supervised exam. A result >50% is required to pass this unit of study	55%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Pig health tutorial See Canvas for details.	15%	Multiple weeks	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Poultry health tutorial See Canvas for details.	15%	Multiple weeks	3 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Aquatic animal health tutorial See Canvas for details.	15%	Multiple weeks	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Poultry Necropsy Participation	0%	Multiple weeks	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Aquatic Animal Health Practical Participation. Blood collection and necropsy	0%	Multiple weeks	3 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Pig Health Practical Participation. Disease investigation at the piggery	0%	Multiple weeks	2 - 3 hours	AI allowed
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%).

All required hurdle tasks and compulsory assessments must be submitted by 11:59 PM Australian Eastern Time, unless an approved Special Consideration application or an academic plan with an adjusted submission date has been granted.

A pass grade ≥ 50% for the final exam MUST be achieved and an overall of ≥ 50% grade is required to receive a pass grade for this unit.

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.

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.

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
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	Aquatic animal health Lecture 1 - The aquatic environment and life support systems.	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)
	Aquatic animal health Lecture 4 - Disease outbreak investigation in aquatic animal practice	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Aquatic animal health Lecture 5 - Pathology of aquatic animals I: Parasitic infestations	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Aquatic animal health Lecture 6 - Pathology of aquatic animals II: Bacterial and viral diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	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)
	Poultry health Lecture 1 - Introduction and Layer management	Lecture (1 hr)
	Poultry health Lecture 2 - Meat chickens	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Poultry health Lecture 3 - Respiratory Diseases I	Lecture (1 hr)
	Poultry health Lecture 4 - Respiratory Diseases II	Lecture (1 hr)
	Poultry health Lecture 5 - Diseases of the immune system	Lecture (1 hr)
	Poultry health Lecture 6 - Emergency Diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Poultry health Lecture 7 - Vertically transmitted diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Poultry health Lecture 8 - Enteric Diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Poultry health Lecture 9 - Spotty Liver Disease and Antimicrobial Stewardship	Lecture (1 hr)
	Poultry health Lecture 10 - Food Safety	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	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)
Week 10	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)

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.

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 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. Response rate for the USS was good this semester (35%), and our average score was high, at 4.3 (out of 5). Based on student feedback, we have incorporated more disease differentials in aquatics where possible. This is challenging given the diversity of species in aquaculture (salmon, barramundi, oysters, prawns), each facing different health issues. Husbandry related problems are generally the key problem in aquaculture. We will also work on making the poultry lectures more concise and focused to reduce content overload. Thanks for your input!

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

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

VETS6312: Intensive Animal Practice

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