Outline

Overview

Practical clinical experience with routine neuter/desexing procedures in small animals is a day-one competency for veterinary graduates. This unit consolidates skills and knowledge acquired during DVM Years 1 and 2 and builds on anaesthesia and surgery content delivered in VETS6302 Clinical Foundations. It provides opportunities to combine and apply theoretical knowledge and clinical skills, specifically in relation to clinical anaesthesia and surgery for neuter/desexing procedures on client owned animals. It focuses on developing student competency in day one clinical skills and professional attitude, both essential for the DVM Year 4 clinical placements. The unit learning experiences involving live animals are provided by the Community Animal Welfare Scheme (CAWS) program. CAWS is a unique, combined initiative between local councils, RSPCA and Sydney School of Veterinary Science that was established to provide a community animal welfare related service and to provide Year 3 veterinary students with live animal practical experience and with client interaction and communication through the admission and discharge of patients. This unit of study is a pivotal component of in DVM training for clinical practice. 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	0
Prerequisites ?	VETS6101 and VETS6102 and VETS6103 and VETS6104 and VETS6105 and VETS6106 and VETS6107 and VETS6108 and VETS6201 and VETS6202 and VETS6203 and VETS6204 and VETS6205 and VETS6206 and VETS6207 and VETS6208
Corequisites ?	VETS6302
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	All content of DVM units of study in Years 1 and 2
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Eduardo Uquillas, eduardo.uquillas@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Eduardo Uquillas, eduardo.uquillas@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Jennifer Green (vet), j.green@sydney.edu.au
	Alison Nolan, alison.nolan@sydney.edu.au
	Kathryn Mills, kathryn.mills@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Online task	Anaesthesia / Surgery Quizzes Anaesthesia / Surgery Quizzes	40%	Multiple weeks	1 anaesthesia quiz and 1 surgery quiz
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Patient enrollment, admission and discharge Student participation in patient enrollment, admission and discharge	0%	Multiple weeks	2 hrs
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Basic Skills Checklist - Anaesthesia / Surgery Evaluation of basic skills related to anaesthesia and surgery	60%	Multiple weeks	8 hr
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

All required 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.

Anaesthesia / Surgery Quizzes: This assessment will evaluate the adcquire anaesthesia and surgery knowledge gain during the self-directive learning activities

Basic Skills Checklist: Evaluation of developing a beginner level of compentency in basic skills associates with anaesthesia and surgery practice.

Patient enrollment, admission and discharge: Develop essential basic communication skills with client

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

Anaesthesia / Surgery Quizzes

Results Name	Mark range	Description
Pass	70-100	Student can progress to “Anaesthesia Patient Preparation / Equipment set-up” and “Surgical Desexing/Neutering Model Session” activities
Fail	0-70	Student need to retake the quiz

Basic Skills Checklist

Results Name	Mark range	Description
Pass	Novice – Proficient	Student Skills Level meet requirements
Fail	PreNovice	Student Skills Level do not meet requirements

Patient enrollment, admission and discharge

Results Name	Mark range	Description
Pass	Participate	Student meet participation requirements
Fail	Did not Participate	Student do not meet requirements

For more information see guide to grades.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

Students cannot advance to the “Anaesthesia Patient Preparation/Equipment Setup” and “Surgical Desexing/Neutering Model Session” activities if they have not completed and passed the "Anaesthesia/Surgery Quizzes" and participate in the "Patient enrollment, admission and discharge". 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.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Ongoing	Unit of Study Overview and Introduction	Presentation (1 hr)
	Self-directed Learning Material - Anaesthesia component / Surgery component	Individual study (8 hr)
	Patient Sign-Up Day	Field trip (2 hr)
	Anaesthesia Patient Preparation / Equipment Set-up	Practical (5 hr)
	Surgical Desexing/Neutering Model Session	Practical (5 hr)
	Procedure Day - Surgery / Anaesthesia	Practical (8 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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

The DVM Attendance Provision 2024 is available on the University of Sydney policy register.

-Attendance is mandatory

-We expect punctuality, participation and professionalism during this unit of study

-Proper preparation prior to participation is mandatory (revision of anaesthesia components of VETS6302 and VETS6206 are essential)

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.

Required readings

VETS6302 Clinical Foundations - Anaesthesia Component

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. Apply and integrate the principles of anaesthesia to provide safe and effective anaesthesia and analgesia for routine desexing/neutering procedures in small animals
LO2. Apply and integrate the general principles of surgery and perform routine desexing/neutering procedures in small animals
LO3. Demonstrate the ability to engage in professional communication with clients, through the admission and discharge of patients

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) - 10. Safely perform sedation and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint. 13. Assess and manage pain.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 11. Perform routine procedures, including surgeries, identifying associated indications and contraindications and adjusting the procedures as indicated.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context.

Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
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.
13		Assess and manage pain.
25		Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context.

DVM Day One Competencies -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
A1.1		Communicate effectively with clients, the lay public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities; listen effectively and respond sympathetically and to clients and others, using language in a form appropriate to the audience and the context.
C1.12		Correctly apply principles of aseptic surgery.
C1.13		Safely perform sedation, general and regional anaesthesia, implement chemical methods of restraint, and assess and control pain.

Responding to student feedback

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

We acknowledge the positive aspects of the module, including the exceptional teaching staff. The hands-on experience, especially the live surgery component, was highly valued by students. We also recognise the areas for improvement, such as the need for a more supportive and constructive learning environment, especially during the anaesthesia component. We will work to address the concerns raised about the behaviour of certain staff members and strive to create a more positive and professional learning experience for all students. We will also consider increasing the frequency of practical sessions and providing more opportunities for hands-on practice, particularly for students who may have limited prior experience. We will put this discussion forward to see that in a future curriculum this can be organised to increase opportunities. We will also review the preparation and support provided for students during the CAWS programme and the desexing clinic. We are preparing extra materials and guidelines to provide more support during all stages of the module. Your feedback is crucial in helping us continuously improve the quality of our programmes. We will take your suggestions into account and work towards implementing changes that will enhance the overall learning experience for future students

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.

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) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

VETS6314: Small Animal Desexing Clinic

Semester 1, 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) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links