Useful links
Unit of study_
VETS9057: Cytological Analysis Advanced
2026 unit information
This Unit of Study focuses on the processing and interpretation of cytological samples. This will include both fluid and solid tissue analysis. There will be an emphasis on description and interpretation of fluids and solid tissue cytology. There will be an expectation that report writing will be of a high standard. At the end of this Unit of Study, students will: Process cytological samples from urine, joints, body cavities and cerebrospinal fluid; Process cytological samples from solid tissue (including fine needle cell aspirates, imprints and scrapings); Identify and interpret cells and other morphological structures in fluids and solid; Interpret pathological processes and common conditions in cytological samples; Write superior reports for cytological samples. 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
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
|
VETS9050 |
|---|---|
|
Corequisites:
?
|
None |
| Prohibitions:
?
|
None |
| Assumed knowledge:
?
|
None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Process cytological samples from urine, joints, body cavity fluids, cerebrospinal fluid, respiratory washes, and solid tissue including fine needle cell aspirates, imprints and scrapings.
- LO2. Identify and interpret cells and other morphological structures in smears of fluids and solid tissue.
- LO3. Interpret pathological processes and common conditions in cytological samples.
- LO4. Recommend further tests for cytologic samples to confirm or refine differential diagnoses.
- LO5. Write professional, high quality cytology reports commensurate with a veterinary pathologist.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 1 2025
|
Supervision | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney | |
|
Semester 2 2025
|
Supervision | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 1 2026
|
Supervision | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
|
Semester 2 2026
|
Supervision | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
Find your current year census dates
Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
Important enrolment information
Departmental permission requirements
If you see the ‘Departmental Permission’ tag below a session, it means you need faculty or school approval to enrol. This may be because it’s an advanced unit, clinical placement, offshore unit, internship or there are limited places available.
You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.
Read our information on departmental permission.
Additional advice
Students must have current registration with the NSW Veterinary Practitioners Board, Australia and must be admitted into a UVTH residency training program.