Outline

Overview

This unit of study consolidates the theory of avian, reptile, exotic pet and wildlife medicine and surgery, as well as of canine and feline internal medicine and diagnostic imaging, and applies this theory to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in patients presenting to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Sydney (UVTHS) and the Avian Reptile and Exotic Pet Hospital (AREPH). Case material will be used to develop student's use of the problem-orientated approach in patient assessment. During placements, acquiring appropriate skills in history-taking, physical examination, interpretation of diagnostic imaging modalities and clinicopathological test results, routine clinical procedures and implementation of treatments will be emphasised. Cases will form the basis of interactive collegiate discussions on patient-specific identification and assessment of problems. Student interns will participate in clinical activities, including client communication, collection of samples for diagnostic tests, acquisition of diagnostic images, developing treatment and nutrition plans, routine health management, disease management, management of patients in hospital, and medical record-keeping.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	VETS6403
Academic unit	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
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
Corequisites ?	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	Christine Griebsch, christine.griebsch@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Image evaluation Interpretation of diagnostic images.	0%	Multiple weeks	Ongoing through placement.
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Interpretation of clinical pathology and diagnostic images Practical cases discussion	0%	Multiple weeks	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Communication tasks Oral case presentations in rounds (RM, DI) Pract case disc (AREPH)	0%	Ongoing	Min 4 cases (RM) Ongoing (DI, AREPH)
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Attendance/Participation with RLAs Engagement in Required Learning Activities (RLAs).	0%	Ongoing	4 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Supervisor Report Form Report from supervisors - See Canvas	0%	Week 04	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Referral Medicine: Case report + review of scientific article Case report of a patient presented and review of article related to case	0%	Week 04	2 page case report + 1 page sci review
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Activity/case log Completed log of all cases participated in during all sub-rotations	0%	Week 04	n/a - online and/or in-hospital
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Feedback form Complete feedback form on Placement Website for all sub-rotations	0%	Week 04	n/a - online and/or in-hospital
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Sonia Skills List Core clinical skills assessment as per VETS6403 skills list	0%	Weekly	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. See the 2022 DVM4 Student Attendance and Assessment Guide.
1.    Activity log - Use the Activity log template found in Canvas
2.    Placement/Rotation Feedback Form
3.    Communication Task
4.    Supervisor Report Form
Submission of the 2 Barrier tasks must be completed by no later than 11:59pm AEST on the last day of the placement or sub-rotation.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

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:

Failure to submit on time and satisfactory barrier tasks will delay finalisation of the assessment of the Unit of Study until such time that satisfactory forms are submitted through Canvas.

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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
-	Clinical placements - AREPH • case discussions 4hrs/week • 4x1hr case discussions for 1wk • 8-9am Tuesday-Friday week 1	Placement (40 hr)
Multiple weeks	Referral Medicine subrotation: • seminar 2hrs/week, case discussions 2hrs/week • 2x1hr seminar/wk for 2 wks, 4x0.5hr/wk case discussions for 2wks • 1-2pm Tuesday week 1+2, 4-5pm Thursday week 1+2, 4-4.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday week1+2 Diagnostic imaging subrotation: • case discussions 4hrs/week • 4x1hr case discussions for 1wk • 8-9am Monday-Thursday week 1 AREPH subrotation: • case discussions 4hrs/week • 4x1hr case discussions for 1wk • 8-9am Tuesday-Friday week 1	Clinical practice (38 hr)
	Clinical placement - Small Animal Medicine • seminar 2hrs/week, case discussions 2hrs/week • 2x1hr seminar/wk for 2 wks, 4x0.5hr/wk case discussions for 2wks • 1-2pm Tuesday week 1+2, 4-5pm Thursday week 1+2, 4-4.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday week1+2	Placement (80 hr)
	Clinical placement - Diagnostic Imaging • case discussions 4hrs/week • 4x1hr case discussions for 1wk • 8-9am Monday-Thursday week 1	Placement (40 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Clinical exposure is a key component of all parts of the DVM but especially year 4, and attendance is required at all activities on each of the required days of final year rotations.

Failure to attend irrespective of the reason will require the student to attend additional days and in the case of unexplained or unapproved absences, may result in a failed grade for the rotation. Students are required to engage and participate in learning opportunities including clinical consultations, patient care, diagnostic procedures, rounds presentations and discussions and by completing assignments.

For all rotations (referral medicine, diagnostic imaging and AREPH) there is a minimal compulsory attendance.
Students must inform UoS Coordinator if unable to attend
A medical certificate will be required for any absence due to illness

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: Ettinger SJ & Feldman EC (ed) (2017) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine: Diseases of the Dog and the Cat 8th Ed. Elsevier Saunders, St Louis. (ISBN: 9780323312110)

Additional reference books and online resources will be available during the rotations.

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. integrate evidence and apply clinical reasoning skills to develop a diagnosis and formulate effective solutions to problems that consider animal and client needs, available resources, and social context
LO2. perform veterinary preventative, diagnostic and medical procedures and provide post treatment management for the health, wellness and treatment of small companion animals, appropriate to the context and life stage
LO3. communicate effectively, collaborate and educate clients, colleagues and the public, with compassion in diverse social and cultural contests
LO4. apply a professional, ethical and socially responsible approach and advocate for the improvement of animal health and welfare.

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 Attributes - 1. Scientific method at a level adequate to provide a rational basis for present veterinary practice, and to assimiliate the advances in knowledge which will occur over their working life 10. To collect, organise and analyse information in relation to specific problems, assessing its validity and reaching probabilistic judgements 11. To perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures 2. The normal structure, function and development of animals, their interactions with their environment and the factors which may disturb these 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species 4. Fundamental clinical skills in a broad range of species 5. The principles of epidemiology, of diseases and zoonoses and their impacts on the environment 9. The ability to acquire information from and about clients and perform and record a clinical examination of their animals and to store and retrieve such information American Veterinary Medical Association - 1. comprehensive patient diagnosis (problem solving skills), appropriate use of diagnostic testing, and record management 2. comprehensive treatment planning including patient referral when indicated European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.11. Demonstrate ability to cope with incomplete information, deal with contingencies, and adapt to change. 1.15. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group, and its/their environment. 1.18. Develop appropriate treatment plans and administer treatment in the interests of the patients and with regard to the resources available. 2.1. Understanding of, and competence in, the logical approaches to both scientific and clinical reasoning, the distinction between the two, and the strengths and limitations of each. 2.3. The structure, function and behaviour of animals and their physiological and welfare needs, including healthy domestic animals, captive wildlife and laboratory-housed animals. 2.9. The principles of disease prevention and the promotion of health and welfare. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 16. A desire to promote animal welfare 20. A recognition that it is not always in the interests of clients to do everything that is technically possible to make a precise diagnosis or attempt to modify the course of a disease 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species 4. Fundamental clinical skills in a broad range of species 5. The principles of epidemiology, of diseases and zoonoses and their impacts on the environment American Veterinary Medical Association - 3. anesthesia and pain management, patient welfare 4. basic surgery skills and case management 5. basic medicine skills and case management 7. understanding of health promotion, and biosecurity, prevention and control of disease including zoonoses and principles of food safety European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.15. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group, and its/their environment. 1.17. Perform a complete clinical examination and demonstrate ability in clinical decision-making. 1.18. Develop appropriate treatment plans and administer treatment in the interests of the patients and with regard to the resources available. 1.20. Assess the physical condition, welfare and nutritional status of an animal or group of animals and advise the client on principles of husbandry and feeding. 1.21. Collect, preserve and transport samples, select appropriate diagnostic tests, interpret and understand the limitations of the test results. 1.22. Communicate clearly and collaborate with referral and diagnostic services, including providing an appropriate history. 1.23. Understand the contribution that imaging and other diagnostic techniques can make in achieving a diagnosis. Use basic imaging equipment and carry out an examination effectively as appropriate to the case, in accordance with good health and safety practice and current regulations. 1.25. Access the appropriate sources of data on licensed medicines. 1.26. Prescribe and dispense medicines correctly and responsibly in accordance with legislation and latest guidance. 1.28. Apply principles of bio-security correctly, including sterilisation of equipment and disinfection of clothing. 1.31. Assess and manage pain. 1.32. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it with respect of the animal, using an appropriate method, whilst showing sensitivity to the feelings of owners and others, with due regard to the safety of those present; advise on disposal of the carcase. 2.5. The aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of the common diseases and disorders that occur in the common domestic species. 2.9. The principles of disease prevention and the promotion of health and welfare. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.7. Veterinary products 2.8. Animal welfare
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 12. To work and communicate effectively and empathetically with colleagues and clients through a range of media with compassion, courtesy, respect, honesty and without discrimination 13. An ability to perform effectively in a workplace including an understanding of organisational systems, human and physical resource management, performance indicators, occupational health and safety, knowledge management and quality control 17. An awareness of the need to communicate with clients and to involve them fully in planning and management 19. A willingness to work effectively in a team with other relevant professionals American Veterinary Medical Association - 8. ethical and professional conduct; communication skills including those that demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity to how clients’ diversity and individual circumstance can impact health care European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.22. Communicate clearly and collaborate with referral and diagnostic services, including providing an appropriate history. 1.35. Perform inspection of food and feed including post-mortem inspection of food producing animals and inspection in the field of food technology. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.11. Communication skills
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 15. An appreciation of the complexity of ethical issues, the diversity of stakeholder perspectives and the range of cultural values 16. A desire to promote animal welfare 18. An ability to recognise when a clinical problem exceeds their capacity to deal with it safely and efficiently and of the need to refer the case for help from others when this occurs 20. A recognition that it is not always in the interests of clients to do everything that is technically possible to make a precise diagnosis or attempt to modify the course of a disease 21. Recognition of the critical role of veterinarians in biosecurity and in the management of veterinary issues that have national and international implications American Veterinary Medical Association - 8. ethical and professional conduct; communication skills including those that demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity to how clients’ diversity and individual circumstance can impact health care World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.9. Veterinary legislation and ethics

Responding to student feedback

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

Response to student feedback can be found on the SSVS Student Portal.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

All Students must complete a compulsory WHS quiz of SWP pertaining to VETS6403 plaement.

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

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

VETS6403: Small Animal Clinics C

Semester 1 DVM Placement Rotation 4, 2023 [Professional practice] - 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

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect