Outline

Overview

This unit of study comprises two weeks of blended practical clinical experience. Student interns will be involved in the management of a wide variety of cases such as they are presented to general practice in a non-metropolitan setting. They will apply consultations skills, clinical reasoning, and consolidate knowledge of abnormal and normal presentions to determine animal health. They conduct wellness and preventative health consultation and perform immunisation, and formulate and conduct diagnostic and treatment plans withing the context of general practice. They recognise life threatening and serious conditions and initiate appropriate treatment. Student interns will formulate a rational approach to further investigation or patient referral taking into account owner preferences and financial constraints and they prepare documentation for referring patients. During this placement student interns will solidify knowledge and skills in anaesthesia and surgery by undertaking routine neutring procedures in dogs and cats. Emphasis will be placed on problem oriented approach and on making evidence based medical and therapeutic decisions, which integrate judgments based on previous foundational material including principles and approach to health and disease management. 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 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	Jennifer Green (vet), j.green@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 3 October 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Supervisor report form (SRF) Report from supervisors - See Canvas - intra mural placement	0%	Multiple weeks	n/a	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Skills log Adequately fulfill the Surgery and Anaesthesia skills log - See Canvas - intra mural placement	0%	Multiple weeks	2 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Feedback forms Completion of intra mural placement feedback form	0%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes - online and/or in hospital	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Activity/case log Completed log of all cases participated in during intra mural placement placement.	0%	Multiple weeks	n/a - online and/or in hospital	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Attendance/Participation with RLAs Engagement in Required Learning Activities (RLAs).	0%	Multiple weeks	4 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Online quizzes WHS quiz; Pre-spey clinic quiz; Anaesthesia quiz; EMQ practice	0%	Week 01	See Canvas.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Individual summative assessments Clinical reasoning Extended Matching Questions (online - open book)	0%	Week 02	35 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Dermatology Discharge Statement Individual case scenario provided for discharge statement preparation	0%	Week 02	One page written canvas upload, 45 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

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).

4 Online quizzes – WHS quiz; Spey Clinic; Anaesthesia; and EMQ.
Communication Task – dermatology discharge statement
Feedback Form – a summary of the learning experience gained while on placement
Activity Log – both clinical and virtual cases discussed during this online teaching module should be logged in the Activity Log.
Skills log – students record the skills which have been completed as they progress through the course.
Supervisor Report Form
end of placement assessment EMQ (≥60% pass requirement, 2 attempts allowed)

Remediation may occur in the following instances:

- overall unsatisfactory on SRF

- failing EMQ twice (pass mark ≥ 60%)

- lack of competence in any one compulsory Skills form.

- insufficient activity log casea and/or reflection

The Dermatology Discharge Statement is Pass/Fail. If it is not of suitable standard, a resubmission will be required.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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

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
Week 01	Meet supervising vet/brief induction	Seminar (1 hr)
	Spey clinic preparation	Individual study (2 hr)
	Surgical tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Spey clinic preparation	Practical (1 hr)
	Anaesthetic plan preparation/patient examination	Practical (3 hr)
	Anaesthesia tutorial- plans and monitoring	Tutorial (2 hr)
	50% surgery / 50% anaesthesia	Clinical practice (10 hr)
	Spey clinic animal check	Clinical practice (3 hr)
	Anaesthesia- SC follow-up	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Induction - Hospital, treatment room, consult room	Practical (1 hr)
	Dermatology	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Anaesthesia (consultations depending on anaesthesia case load)	Clinical practice (6 hr)
	Consultation / hospital patient care	Clinical practice (8 hr)
	EMQ practice	Independent study (0.2 hr)
Week 02	EMQ discussion	Tutorial (1 hr)
	informal feedback	Performance (0.25 hr)
	spey clinic preparation + derm tutorial preparation	Independent study (3 hr)
	Anaesthetic plan/Patient examination	Placement (3 hr)
	50% surgery / 50% anaesthesia	Clinical practice (10 hr)
	Anaethesia rounds	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Dermatology	Tutorial (3 hr)
	dermatology "homework" discharge statement	Individual study (1 hr)
	Anaesthesia (consultations depending on anaesthesia case load)	Clinical practice (7 hr)
	Consultation / hospital patient care	Clinical practice (8 hr)
	EMQ exam	Performance (0.75 hr)
	Final rotation feedback	Performance (0.5 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.

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 placements.

There is an on-call component for VETS6404. At last one student must be available (within 20 min) of the clinic for care of in-hospital cases from Wed- Fri both weeks.

ALL STUDENTS MUST ATTEND SPEY CLINIC CHECKS MONDAY NIGHT, TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY MORNING

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 placement. 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.

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.

Required readings

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. perform routine anaesthesia, surgical neutering and provide analgesia in dogs and cats under supervision
LO2. formulate and conduct a rational approach to investigate a clinical case with a common presenting complaint and formulate and undertake a treatment plan taking into account animal, owner and financial factors
LO3. communicate effectively with clients, lay people, and professional colleagues and seek advice, support and assistance.

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. 11. Perform routine procedures, including surgeries, identifying associated indications and contraindications and adjusting the procedures as indicated. 13. Assess and manage pain. 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). 3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context. 38. Promote health and safety of patients, clients, colleagues and themselves in the veterinary setting, including applying risk management principles to practice.
	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. 13. Assess and manage pain. 14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely. 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. 3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context. 32. Prescribe, dispense and use medicines correctly and prudently, including recording and reporting adverse reactions, in accordance with legislation and current prescription guidelines. 33. Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency. 34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted. 36. Practise time management, including recognising the impact of time management on stakeholders and self. 38. Promote health and safety of patients, clients, colleagues and themselves in the veterinary setting, including applying risk management principles to practice. 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. 9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals. 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. 27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice. 28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion. 29. Collaborate with external referral, diagnostic and other professional services, including providing an appropriate history and clear communication. 30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body. 33. Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency. 34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted. 35. Reflect on personal actions, including inviting and responding to constructive feedback on performance.

Responding to student feedback

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

Based on student feedback, the following opportunities to enhance the learning experience have been identified and are actively being considered; an RX tutorial on Canvas, case examples on Canvas (including a snake bite video), a list of commercial therapeutic products and tests available in the clinic, a review of available pre-work for anaesthesia, improved timetable clarity, and exploring potential improvements to the office space.

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)

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

VETS6404: Small Animal Clinics D

Semester 2 DVM Placement Rotation 4, 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