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Unit of study_

VETS6407: Lab Investigations of Clinical Disease

Semester 2 DVM Placement Rotation 2, 2021 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study provides the capstone experience for the paraclinical disciplines of pathobiology. It focuses on the implementation of a diagnostic approach, utilising the strengths of the disciplines of diagnostic pathology (anatomical and clinical), microbiology, and parasitology, to further develop students' understanding of the utility and limitations of laboratory-based diagnostic tools in clinical practice. The learning context will foster: (1) a scientific, discipline-based systematic approach to apply an understanding of normal function, homeostasis, pathophysiology, mechanisms of health/disease, and the natural history and manifestations of important animal diseases during diagnosis; (2) an understanding of the principles and hands-on experiences in physical and laboratory diagnostic methods and interpretation (including diagnostic pathology, clinical pathology, microbiology, parasitology and necropsy); and (3) an emphasis on problem solving that results in making and applying medical judgments based on sound evidence provided by laboratory-based testing.

Unit details and rules

Unit code VETS6407
Academic unit School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points 3
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

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Mark Krockenberger, mark.krockenberger@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam hurdle task End of year examination - End Sem 2
MCQ exam: relevant to Pathology/Clinical Pathology
0% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation hurdle task Communication task
Formal online presentation of a case study participated in during rotation
0% Multiple weeks 15 minutes + 5-10 minutes Q&A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Small continuous assessment hurdle task Written reports
Gross postmortem reports and case assessment (in hospital)
0% Multiple weeks 1 week per report
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment hurdle task Supervisor report form (SRF)
Report from supervisors - See Canvas
0% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment hurdle task Feedback form
Completion feedback form on placement website
0% Multiple weeks n/a - online and/or in hospital
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Activity / case log
Completed log of all cases participated in during placement
0% Multiple weeks 2 weeks - online and/or in hospital
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Participation Attendance/Participation with RLAs
Engagement in Required Learning Activities (RLAs).
0% Ongoing 2 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task Sonia Skills log
Core clinical skills assessment as per VETS6407 skills list on Sonia.
0% Progressive 2 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Each assessment task needs to be passed to receive an overall pass in the unit of study.

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.

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
- 1. Briefing of the week’s activities - rotation induction 2. Start of web-based cytology tutorial Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Web-based cytology tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Guided discussion on evaluating gross pathology images, describing changes, formulating morphological diagnosis and explaining pathogenesis Seminar (1 hr) LO2 LO4
Perform post mortem examination of clinical cases, including specimen collection, store and transport Practical (3 hr) LO2 LO4
Write a postmortem report. Interpret and record observations Tutorial (2 hr) LO2
Demonstration and ‘hand on experience’ in trimming tissue for histopathology Practical (1 hr) LO2
Examine cytology cases and discussion with supervisor Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Perform post mortem examination of clinical cases, including specimen collection, store and transport Practical (3 hr) LO2 LO4
Write a postmortem report. Interpret and record observations Tutorial (2 hr) LO2
Production animal pathology at EMAI. Visit laboratories, tutorials in sample submision in different scenarios inclunding notifiable and zoonotic diseases Practical (5 hr) LO4 LO5
Clinical pathology case case based-learning (livestock and equine) Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Gross pathology tutorial - equine cases Tutorial (2 hr) LO1
Examination of histopathology slides from necropsies Practical (1 hr) LO1
Review blood smear changes in anaemia, inflammation, and infections in horses and livestock Practical (3 hr) LO3
Perform post mortem examination of clinical cases, including specimen collection, store and transport Practical (3 hr) LO2 LO4
Write a postmortem report. Interpret and record observations Tutorial (2 hr) LO2
Examine cytology cases and discussion with supervisor Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Gross pathology tutorial - livestock cases Tutorial (2 hr) LO1
Case presentations of PMs and clinical pathology reports of the week Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Perform post mortem examination of clinical cases, including specimen collection, store and transport Practical (1 hr) LO2 LO4
Write a postmortem report. Interpret and record observations Tutorial (1 hr) LO2
Rotation introduction: Orientation & approach to diagnosis Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Orientation & approach to diagnosis Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Post mortem induction and clinical case assessment Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO4
Cytopathology Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Cytopathology Practical (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Case study analysis; Smart sparrow module Individual study (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Histopathology specimen preparation Tutorial (1 hr) LO1
Haematology Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Case study analysis; Smart sparrow module Individual study (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Integrated clinical pathology Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Histopathology case rounds discussion Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Case study analysis; Smart sparrow module Individual study (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Molecular & parasitological diagnostics: Test suitability Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3
1. Quiz 2. Gross pathology image description and interpretation Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Case study analysis Individual study (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Integrated anatomical pathology & imaging rounds Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Diagnostic microbiology, urinalysis, antimicrobial stewardship Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
1. Quiz - Microscopic pathology 2. Microscopic pathology case feedback Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Case study analysis Individual study (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Post Mortem examination: clinical cases Practical (3 hr) LO2 LO4
Cytopathology: case assessments Practical (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Case study analysis Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Summation and reflection Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

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 subrotations 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 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

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. develop an investigative approach for laboratory diagnosis of disease and interpret the results of common laboratory tests with an awareness of their limitations
  • LO2. perform a systematic gross postmortem examination of common domestic species, interpret and record observations, sample tissues, store and transport them
  • LO3. prepare, examine and interpret urinalysis, haematological and cytological specimens
  • LO4. evaluate the risk of disease transmission to both animals and humans during laboratory investigations and procedures; apply principles of bio-security and workplace health and safety, correctly in managing diagnostic specimens to prevent communicable diseases within populations (including zoonotic diseases)
  • LO5. recognize diagnostic scenarios of potentially notifiable disease and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities.

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

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

In response to student feedback the rotation activities have been adjusted to enhance the exposure to cytopathology, clinical pathology and gross pathology.

Work, health and safety

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.