Outline

Overview

This Unit of Study focuses on components that allow a diagnostic veterinary laboratory to provide quality information for the purposes of diagnosis and prognosis. There will be opportunities to understand specimen handling and processing, safety in the laboratory, diagnostic instrumentation, aspects of quality control and assurance for laboratory results, and the establishment and use of reference ranges. Students will be exposed to the theory and practice of a wide range of diagnostic techniques and procedures. At the end of this Unit of Study, students will: Operate common laboratory instrumentation; Know safety requirements for handling and processing biological specimens; Understand aspects of quality control and assurance in relation to laboratory results; Understand the use of reference ranges; Know the theory behind common diagnostic laboratory techniques; Communicate effectively to colleagues results of laboratory tests. 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 ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Natalie Courtman, natalie.courtman@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Practical skill	Specimen handling assessment Demonstration of safe handling of common laboratory samples/specimens.	0%	Week 13	4 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Standard Work Procedure Prepare a standard work procedure for a laboratory test.	50%	Week 13	2-4 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Oral Presentation Deliver presentation on the theory/application of a common laboratory test.	50%	Week 13	up to 30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

1. Oral Presentation: Oral presentation on the theory/application of a common laboratory diagnostic test.

2. Specimen handling assessment: Practical demonstration of safe handling of common laboratory samples/specimens.

3. Written assignment: Prepare an assignment on a common laboratory test.

Assessment criteria

Your assessment will be based on your ability to demonstrate the learning outcomes of each unit and will be graded according to the following descriptors:
Result name	Mark range	Description
High Distinction	85-100	Work of exceptional quality on all specified learning outcomes. The student has demonstrated: 1. an exceptional capacity to evaluate alterations in diagnostic pathology tests. To do this requires an exceptional capability to think logically and critically about the utilization of that relevant information. The student will have read widely and be knowledgeable of current debates on the value of utilization of laboratory tests. This will be incorporated in the general interpretation of diagnostic pathology tests and the discussion of further testing. 2. a sound capability to perform and an exceptional capability to understand the usefulness of diagnostic pathology tests. Students should be able to show evidence of considerable reading/information on, and an excellent knowledge of the limitations and strengths of, diagnostic pathology tests. 3. a superior knowledge of the collection of biological samples for laboratory evaluation. The student will have read widely and be aware of all the important problems of collecting various biological samples. 4. an exceptional capability to communicate, both in oral and written form, the results and interpretation of diagnostic pathology tests and research.
Distinction	75-84	Work of superior quality on all specified learning outcomes. The student has demonstrated: 1. a superior capacity to evaluate alterations in diagnostic pathology tests. To do this requires a superior capability to think logically and critically about the utilization of that relevant information. The student will be expected to fully understand how laboratory information assists general disease diagnosis and prognosis. It is expected that the student will have a strong capability to suggest further laboratory testing and the utilization of other diagnostic aids in order to reach a diagnosis.. 2. a sound capability to perform and a superior capability to understand the usefulness of diagnostic pathology tests. Students should be able to show evidence of additional reading/information on, and a strong knowledge of the limitations of, the diagnostic pathology tests. 3. a superior knowledge of the collection of biological samples for laboratory evaluation. Students will be aware of many of the important problems related to the collection of biological samples. 4. a superior capability to communicate, both in oral and written form, the results and interpretation of diagnostic pathology tests and research.
Credit	65-74	Work of predominantly good quality on all specified learning outcomes. The student has demonstrated: 1. a sound capacity to recognize, describe and evaluate alterations in diagnostic pathology tests. To do this requires a basic capability of retrieving and understanding relevant information from selected information sources; and a basic capability to think logically and critically about the utilization of that relevant information. The emphasis for grading will be more on evaluation rather than recognition of alterations of laboratory data, and a sound understanding of how this provides assistance in general disease diagnosis and prognosis. 2. a sound capability to perform and to understand the usefulness of diagnostic pathology tests. The emphasis of grading will be more on understanding the limitations and strengths of tests. 3. an above basic knowledge of the collection of biological samples for laboratory evaluation. The student will be aware of some of the problems related to collecting various biological samples, and how these affect results of the tests. 4. a sound capability to communicate, both in oral and written form, the results and interpretation of diagnostic pathology tests and research.
Pass	50-64	Satisfactory achievement of main learning outcomes. The student has demonstrated: 1. a basic capacity to recognize, describe and evaluate alterations in diagnostic pathology tests. To do this requires a basic capability of retrieving and understanding relevant information from selected information sources; and a basic capability to think logically and critically about the utilization of that relevant information. 2. a basic capability to perform and to understand the usefulness of diagnostic pathology tests. 3. a basic knowledge of the collection of biological samples for laboratory evaluation. This will involve a simple understanding of the range of biological samples that can be collected, and how they are collected. 4. a basic capability to communicate, both in oral and written form, the results and interpretation of diagnostic pathology tests and research.
Fail	0-49	Unsatisfactory achievement of main learning outcomes designated for Pass. Additionally, non-compliance with University regulations and codes of practice will lead to failure.

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.

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
Ongoing	Onsite laboratory training on operation and application of common laboratory instrumentation and supervision in the SSVS Veterinary Pathology Diagnostics Services Facility.	Practical (52 hr)
	Self-directed learning through recommended readings and case evaluation, supported by pathologist and technical staff guidance.	Self-directed learning (12 hr)
	Attendance and participation in laboratory training sessions, cytology rounds, and pathology consensus rounds.	Tutorial (12 hr)

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.

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Describe and apply safety requirements for handling and processing biological specimens.
LO2. Safely operate common laboratory instrumentation.
LO3. Explain the theory of common diagnostic laboratory techniques and analysers.

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

Responding to student feedback

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

Alignment between learning outcomes and assessment tasks has been improved to better reflect the skills residents will acquire by completing this unit of study and how this fits in to their overall training to become a veterinary specialist.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

VETS9050: Diagnostic Laboratory Techniques

Semester 1, 2026 [Supervision] - Camperdown/Darlington, 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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links