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Unit outline_

VETS6405: Large Animal Clinics A

Semester 1 DVM Placement Rotation 2, 2025 [Professional practice] - Camden, Sydney

This unit of study incorporates multiple aspects of equine practice, including anaesthesia, diagnostic imaging, medicine, sports medicine, reproduction and surgery, with a strong focus on the primary care aspects of equine practice. The placement experience includes a range of routine clinical activities, rounds, tutorials and practical classes, designed to provide a balance between clinical and didactic learning opportunities. This placement is part of an integrated approach to the delivery of equine 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 equine clinical environment. 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 Sara Biasutti, sara.biasutti@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 21 February 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation Participation in presentation rounds
1. Presentation
0% Multiple weeks 15 min presentation with 5-10 min Q&A.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO2
Creative assessment / demonstration hurdle task Skills log
Adequately fulfill the Equine skills log - See Canvas
0% Multiple weeks 4 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO3
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task Supervisor Report Form (SRF)
Report from supervisors - See Canvas
0% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Placement Activity log
Completed log of all cases participated in during placement.
0% Multiple weeks 4 weeks - online and/or in hospital
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Placement hurdle task Placement Feedback Form
Completion feedback form on placement website
0% Multiple weeks 15 minutes - online and/or in hospital
Outcomes assessed: LO5
Participation Attendance/Participation with RLAs
Engagement in Required Learning Activities (RLAs).
0% Ongoing 4 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Online task hurdle task Individual online summative examination
MCQ; assessment of application of knowledge relevant to equine practice
0% Week 03 30 minute Canvas online quiz (20 Qs)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
hurdle task = 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).  

Assessment criteria

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

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:

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.

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

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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 2023 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 2023. 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Week 1 orientation and compulsory biosecurity test Clinical practice (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Hospital treatments Clinical practice (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Morning intern/residents presentations Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Hospital rounds Clinical practice (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Daily clinical activities (in hospital patients, outpatients, ambulatory, emergencies, tutorials) Clinical practice (24 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Case rounds with Prof Emertius Leo Jeffcort and senior clinicians Clinical practice (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Anaesthesia tutorial Clinical practice (2 hr) LO1
Week 02 Hospital treatments Clinical practice (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Morning intern/residents presentations Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Hospital rounds Clinical practice (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Daily clinical activities (in hospital patient, outpatients, ambulatory, emergencies, tutorials) Clinical practice (24 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Mystery rounds with Prof Emertius Leo Jeffcott and senior clinicians Clinical practice (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Friday communication tasks Clinical practice (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Hospital treatments Clinical practice (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
morning intern/residents presentations Clinical practice (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Hospital rounds Clinical practice (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Daily clinical activities (in hospital patient, outpatients, ambulatory, emergencies, tutorials) Clinical practice (24 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Anaesthesia practical class at Horse Unit Clinical practice (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 04 Clinical activities after-hours (in hospital patient, outpatients, ambulatory, emergencies, tutorials) Clinical practice (34 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Handover after-hours team Clinical practice (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Friday communication tasks Clinical practice (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5

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.

  • Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, Munroe, G and Weese, S (eds), Manson, 2011'

There will be eResources or resources available on the UoS Canvas website.

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 previously gathered knowledge form the veterinary course (clinical anatomy, clinical examination techniques, biosecurity principles, disease knowledge, pharmacology, bacteriology, imaging, clinicopathology, etc) into a practical equine clinical case-based scenario, that leads to the student being able to develop an appropriate diagnostic (including the interpretation of basic test results), therapeutic and preventive plans.
  • LO2. Develop and demonstrate competency in professional communication skills in equine practice, including taking a history from a client, communication with clients and colleagues, complete and maintain an accurate medical record, working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of services, developing an acceptable professional code of conduct, and demonstrating the ability to cope with incomplete information / contingencies and to adapt to change.
  • LO3. Apply previously gathered knowledge, develop and demonstrate competency in technical skills that are common in equine practice, such as intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous injections; administration of oral medications, basic routine diagnostic imaging modalities such as radiology and ultrasonography, correct sampling for laboratory analysis, handling and restraining a horse, prescribe and dispense medicines, wear PEP and surgical attire, aseptic technique.
  • LO4. Be aware of and understand the ethical, legislative, economical and emotional context of equine veterinary medicine and be able to work within this frame. Demonstrate to recognize and effectively deal with scenarios of pain, suffering, animal welfare issues, inadequate nutritional status, and euthanasia.
  • LO5. Develop a good professional knowledge and understand how to keep up to date, including understanding and applying the concepts of evidence based veterinary medicine, evaluation of literature, lifelong learning, and self-audit. Demonstrate that they recognize personal and professional limits and know how to seek advice/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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
1. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment.
10. Safely perform sedation and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint.
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
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.
LO2
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
12. Assess and triage animals in an emergency, perform first aid to stabilise the patient, and refer promptly to appropriate colleagues as needed.
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.
8. Utilise traditional and digital technologies and information sources to inform patient care and manage health data.
LO3
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
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.
12. Assess and triage animals in an emergency, perform first aid to stabilise the patient, and refer promptly to appropriate colleagues as needed.
32. Prescribe, dispense and use medicines correctly and prudently, including recording and reporting adverse reactions, in accordance with legislation and current prescription guidelines.
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.
LO4
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
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.
16. Assess and advise, at individual and population levels, on clinical and production factors such as the physical condition, welfare, nutritional status, performance and associated management factors of an animal/ group of animals.
18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals.
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.
7. Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts.
LO5
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context.
28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion.
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.

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

Student feedback is being considered in the following ways: Opportunities for students to be more involved in determining diagnostic and treatment plans will be discussed with clinicians to explore how this can be incorporated into the placement. Updates to Canvas and the expectations for mystery rounds are already in progress. Additionally, the desire for increased learning experiences in the field of reproduction is being further discussed and explored to make this a reality.

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.

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