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. 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	Christine Griebsch, christine.griebsch@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 28 November 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	All placement: Supervisor Report Form Report from supervisors - See Canvas	0%	Multiple weeks	n/a	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	DI: Radiology case-based test DI: Radiology case-based test	0%	Multiple weeks	3 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	WL and RM: Activity/case log Wildlife & Referral Medicine placements: Activity case log.	0%	Multiple weeks	1 hour	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	All placements: Skills List Core clinical skills assessment as per placement skills lists	0%	Multiple weeks	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	All placement: Feedback form Complete feedback form for all placements.	0%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes - online and/or in-hospital	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Wildlife: Case Report + Facebook post Wildlife placement case report and social media refer to Canvas	0%	Multiple weeks	2 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	RM: Case report + review of scientific article Case report of a patient presented and review of article related to case	0%	Multiple weeks	2 page case report + 1 page sci review	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Conversation	All placement: Communication tasks Oral case presentations in rounds (RM, DI, Wildlife)	0%	Multiple weeks	Min 4 cases (RM) Ongoing (DI, Wildlife)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	All placement: Attendance/Participation with RLAs Engagement in Required Learning Activities (RLAs).	0%	Multiple weeks	4 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

1. Activity log - Use the Activity log template found in Canvas; not required for DI rotation

2. Placement Feedback Form

3. Communication Task

4. Supervisor Report Form

5. Skills Form

6. For DI only: In semester test, Diagnostic imaging radiology case-based test

Submission of the hurdle tasks must be completed by no later than 11:59pm AEST on the last day of the placement.

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).

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)

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:

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 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	Clinical placement - Small Animal Medicine • case discussions 5hrs/week • 5x1hr/wk case discussions for 2wks • 3-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday week1+2	Placement (80 hr)
	Diagnostic imaging subrotation: • tutorial case discussions 4hrs/week • Practical Classes 6hrs/week • 8-5pm Monday-Friday week 1	Placement (40 hr)
	AREPH/Wildlife subrotation: • case discussions/tutorials 6hrs/week • 8-5pm Monday-Friday week 1	Placement (40 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: 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 (D1Cs) - 1. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment. 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 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. 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. 9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species 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
	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. 26. Maintain accurate, consistent, and contemporaneous records in a clinic database, which allows for case transfer and protects client privacy.
	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. 30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body. 35. Reflect on personal actions, including inviting and responding to constructive feedback on performance. 36. Practise time management, including recognising the impact of time management on stakeholders and self.

Responding to student feedback

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

Student feedback for the placements in the unit was overall positive. However a consistent theme is that students would prefer less time spent on CANVAS/tutorials and more time engaging with cases. Acknowledging this, opportunities to provide more hands-on involvement and allow students to take greater responsibility for cases will continued to be explored.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

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

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)

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

VETS6403: Small Animal Clinics C

Semester 2 DVM Placement Rotation 6, 2025 [Professional practice] - 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

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