Outline

Overview

This unit of study is designed to provide student interns with essential exposure to and experience in small anaesthesia and surgery. This study forms a placement which is part of an integrated approach to the delivery of small animal practice related content over the four years of the DVM programme, the over-arching aim of which is to prepare DVM graduates with the day-one knowledge, skills and attitudes required to succeed in the small animal clinical environment. It will be comprised of two weeks of practical clinical experience in each small animal surgery and anaesthesia. Student interns are involved in the management of a wide variety of cases requiring surgery and /or anaesthesia, from the time of admission until discharge from the hospital. They will be integrated into the daily activities of the anaesthesia and surgery unit. Emphasis will be placed on problem oriented approach to making medical and therapeutic decisions and which integrate judgments based on previous material and evidence-based disease management approaches in the various clinical veterinary science disciplines, as well as laboratory diagnostics. 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 and VETS6308 and VETS6309 and VETS6310 and VETS6311 and VETS6312 and VETS6313 and VETS6314
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	All content from Years 1, 2, and 3 of the DVM
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rachel Basa, rachel.basa@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 16 May 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Presentation	Communication tasks Presentation, discussion and Q&A	0%	Multiple weeks	15-30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Skills log Adequately fulfill the Surgery and Anaesthesia skills log - See Canvas	0%	Multiple weeks	4 week (2 x 2 week placements)
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Case/topic assessments and reports Oral and/or written presentations of cases, topics or scientific articles	0%	Multiple weeks	15 - 30 min
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Supervisor Report Form (SRF) Report from supervisors - See Canvas	0%	Multiple weeks	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Placement	Activity/case log Completed log of all cases participated in during placement.	0%	Multiple weeks	4 week
Outcomes assessed:
Placement	Feedback forms Completion feedback form on placement website	0%	Multiple weeks	4 week (2 x 2 week placements)
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Attendance/Participation with RLAs Engagement in Required Learning Activities (RLAs).	0%	Ongoing	4 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

All required hurdle tasks, and compulsory forms must be submitted by no later than 11:59pm Australian Eastern Time on the last day of the placement unless otherwise prescribed by the relevant Unit of Study Coordinator in an approved Special Consideration application or an approved academic plan.

This includes marking your attendance on the Supervisor Report Form (SRF).

Case presentation – Surgery: The student must present a clinical case of his/her choice focusing in the case work up, differential and treatment options.

Journal club – Anaesthesia: The students must to critic a scientific article of their choice and prepare an oral presentation outlining the strengths and weaknesses of the article.

Case presentation – Anaesthesia: The student must present a clinical case discussing an anaesthetic topic relevant to that case.

Attendance and participation to rounds is compulsory for both placements.

The Skills log is an essential requirement for passing the placement. The student must update the log with the new skills to be signed off by the supervisor at the end of the placement.

Activity log: The student must complete the activity log with all the cases he/she has been involved with during the placement.

Feedback form: The student must complete the feedback form at the end of each placement.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

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:

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy. Failure to submit ALL assessment tasks by the due date will result in a fail grade for this unit of study. The due date is the last day of placement unless an application for a special consideration is approved.

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.

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	Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks	Clinical placement - Surgery (including clinical rounds, presentations and tutorials)	Placement (80 hr)
Multiple weeks	Clinical placement - Anaesthesia (Including clinical rounds and tutorials)	Placement (80 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.

Further details are provided in the DVM student placement guidebook.

All absences are subject to the University's special consideration application process and must be recorded on the Supervisor Report Form. Absences that equal or exceed 50% of the attendance requirement will result in the Unit of Study/placement being repeated.

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.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

Textbook: Veterinary Surgery: Small Animal. Johnston S., Tobias K. 2nd Edition. Elsevier, 2017
Textbook: Small Animal Surgery. Fossum T. 4th Edition. Mosby, 2013
Textbook: Complications in Small Animal Surgery. Hamaide A., Griffon D. Wiley, 2017
Textbook: Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. Grimm KA, Lamont LA, Tranquilli WJ, Green SA and Robertson SA. 5th Ed. Wiley, 2015.
Textbook: BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Anaesthesia and Analgesia. Duke-Novakovski T, de Vries M and Seymour C. 3rd Ed. British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

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 effective problem-solving skills, including consideration of differential diagnoses, and the use of appropriate diagnostic tests to diagnose the common surgical conditions and assess the anaesthesia risks for small animal patients
LO2. develop and implement appropriate anaesthesia, analgesia, fluid therapy and surgical techniques for common conditions in small animals
LO3. demonstrate an ability to work effectively as a member of a team, to adapt, make decisions and act in a timely way in the unpredictable circumstances that might be encountered in patient care
LO4. communicate effectively with colleagues and with clients regarding the management, treatment and relevant costs involved with the patient care.

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) - 3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context. 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.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 10. Safely perform sedation and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint. 11. Perform routine procedures, including surgeries, identifying associated indications and contraindications and adjusting the procedures as indicated. 13. Assess and manage pain. 6. Develop appropriate treatment and preventive plans and administer appropriate treatments
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion. 38. Promote health and safety of patients, clients, colleagues and themselves in the veterinary setting, including applying risk management principles to practice. 9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
	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. 29. Collaborate with external referral, diagnostic and other professional services, including providing an appropriate history and clear communication. 34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted. 7. Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts.

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.
A1.10		Be able to cope with uncertainty and adapt to change.
A1.11		Develop a capacity for self-audit and willingness to participate in the peer-review process.
A1.12		Be aware of personal limitations, and demonstrate awareness of when and from where to seek professional advice, assistance and support.
A1.2		Prepare clear case reports and maintain patient records in a form satisfactory to colleagues and understandable by the public.
A1.3		Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of services to clients.
A1.4		Be aware of the ethical responsibilities of the veterinary surgeon in relation to individual patient care and client relations, and also more generally in the community in relation to their possible impact on the environment and society as a whole.
A1.5		Be aware of the economic and emotional climate in which the veterinary surgeon operates, and respond appropriately to the influence of such pressures.
A1.6		Be willing to use one’s professional capabilities to contribute as far as possible to the advancement of veterinary knowledge in order to benefit veterinary practice and further improve the quality of animal care and public health.
A1.7.a)		Awareness of own and employer’s responsibilities in relation to employment, financial and health and safety legislation, and the position relating to (lay) non-veterinary staff, professional and public liability.
A1.7.b)		Awareness of how fees are calculated and invoices drawn up, and the importance of.
A1.7.c)		Following the practice’s systems for record keeping and book-keeping, including computer records and case reports.
A1.7.d)		Ability to use information technology effectively to communicate, share, collect, manipulate and analyse information.
A1.7.e)		Importance of complying with professional standards and policies of the practice.
A1.8		Understand the need and professional obligation for a commitment to continuing education and training, and professional development, throughout one’s professional life.
A1.9		Conduct oneself in a professional manner with regard to the veterinary surgeon’s professional and legal responsibilities and understand and apply the ethical codes as set out in the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct.
B1.1		The sciences on which the activities of veterinary surgeons are based.
B1.2		Research methods and the contribution of basic and applied research to all aspects of veterinary science.
B1.3		How to evaluate evidence.
B1.4		The structure and functions of healthy animals, and all aspects of their husbandry.
B1.5		The aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of the common diseases and disorders that occur in the common domestic species in the UK.
B1.7		Medicines legislation and guidelines on responsible use of medicines.
B1.8		The principles of disease prevention and the promotion of health and welfare.
B1.9		Veterinary public health issues including zoonoses.
C1.1		Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group, and its/their environment.
C1.10		Access the appropriate sources of data on licensed medicines; prescribe and dispense medicines correctly and responsibly in accordance with relevant legislation and ensure that medicines and waste are safely stored and/or disposed of.
C1.11		Correctly apply principles of sterilisation of surgical equipment.
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.
C1.14		Advise on, and administer appropriate treatment.
C1.2		Handle and restrain an animal safely and humanely, and instruct others in performing these techniques.
C1.20		Minimise the risks of contamination, cross infection and accumulation of pathogens in the veterinary premises and in the field.
C1.3		Perform a complete clinical examination.
C1.4		Attend all species in an emergency and perform basic first aid.
C1.5		Assess correctly the nutritional status of an animal and be able to advise the client on principles of husbandry and feeding.
C1.6		Collect, preserve and transport samples, perform standard laboratory tests, and interpret the results of those generated in-house, as well as those generated by other laboratories.
C1.8		Follow correct procedures after diagnosing notifiable, reportable and zoonotic diseases.
C1.9		Know and apply the RCVS twelve Principles of Certification correctly.

Responding to student feedback

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

Based on student feedback, several changes have been made to placements in the unit. To address decreased caseload in anaesthesia, simulated patient scenarios have been implemented to enhance student’s critical thinking and decision-making skills. In surgery, greater opportunity for student practical experience, including greater inclusion in routine surgeries, is being explored.

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

Support for students

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

VETS6402: Small Animal Clinics B

Semester 1 DVM Placement Rotation 5, 2025 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, 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

Support for students

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