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Unit outline_

VETS6309: Small Animal Practice B

Semester 2 Early, 2020 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

Mastering essential clinical competencies and the application of the problem-oriented approach is essential for the transition into clinical practice. This unit of study will consolidate the skills and knowledge from DVM1 and DVM2 in a case-based approach to the diagnosis and treatment of common clinical syndromes in small animals (cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, and rodents. An integrated multi-disciplinary approach will be used to highlight the importance and interrelatedness of all aspects of clinical practice (medicine, surgery, anaesthesia, behaviour, pharmacology and diagnostic imaging) in case management. Consideration of the responsibilities of small animal clinicians with regard to infection control, zoonoses and public health in the context of clinical practice will form part of this unit. The unit will provide grounding in the basic principles of diagnosis and treatment of urogenital, neurological, ophthalmological, cardiorespiratory, endocrinological, musculoskeletal, behavioural, alimentary, dermatological, haematological and oncological conditions. It focuses on developing the students' day one skills and professional attitude required for their clinical placements. Practical classes and small group learning will be included in the teaching of this unit to allow students to develop clinical thinking, practical skills and communication proficiencies.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
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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
Corequisites
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None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Frazer James Allan, frazer.allan@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam Final exam
No turn-back examination comprising short questions.
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Participation Active participation in all RLAs
100% participation with Required Learning Activities (RLAs)
0% Ongoing See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
In-semester test (Record+) Type B in-semester exam Mid-semester exam
Case based Short answer/Extended answer no turn back.
60% Week 05
Due date: 04 Sep 2020 at 10:00
2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?
Type B in-semester exam = Type B in-semester exam ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks CAWS 3: The Community Animal Welfare Scheme Student led Desexing Program Practical (8 hr) LO3 LO4
CAWS 4: The Community Animal Welfare Scheme Student led Desexing Program Practical (8 hr) LO3 LO4
Cardiorespiratory Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Orthopaedics 3 (bandaging) Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Orthopaedics 2 Practical (4 hr) LO2 LO3
Cardiorespiratory 1 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Cardiorespiratory 2 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Cardiorespiratory 3 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Orthopaedics 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Orthopaedics 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Orthopaedics 3 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Orthopaedics 4 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Orthopaedics 5 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 Orthopaedics 7 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Taught Semseter 1 - Neurology spinal cord disease 1-3 Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Taught Semester 1 - Neurology brain disease, seizure disorders and anticonvulsant therapy 1-2-3 TL Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Taught Semester 1 - Neurology motor Unit disease Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 09 Orthopaedics 6 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Ophthalmology 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Ophthalmology 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Ophthalmology 3 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Opthalmology 4 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Ophthalmology 5 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Taught Semester 1 - Neurology. Case studies on spinal disease, motor neuron disease and brain disease Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Taught Semester 1 - Onc/Haem - Fundamental principles of managing the cancer patient Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Taught Semester 1 - Onc/Haem - Biological behaviours of common cancers in dogs and cats Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Taught Semester 1 - Onc/Haem - Chemotherapy - principles and WHS implications Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Taught Semester 1 - Neurology. Case studies on spinal disease, motor neuron disease and brain disease Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Ophthalmology 6 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 10 Ophthalmology Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Taught Semester 1 - Endocrinology. Hyperadrenocorticism Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Taught Semester 1 - Endocrinology. Hypoadrenocorticism Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Taught Semester 1 - Endocrinology. Hypothyroidism Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Taught Semester 1 - Endocrinology. Diabetes Mellitus Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Taught Semester 1 - Endocrinology. Calcium Disorders Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Taught Semester 1 - Endocrinology. Insulin Resistance and DKA Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Taught Semester 1 - Endocrinology. Feline hyperthyroidism Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Taught Semester 1 - Onc/Haem 1 Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 11 Taught Semester 1 - Endocrinology. PU/PD case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Taught Semester 1 - Onc/Haem -Managing the complications of cancer and its treatment Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Taught Semester 1 - Onc/Haem - Coagulation disorders Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 12 Cardiorespiratory 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Cardiorespiratory 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Cardiorespiratory 3 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Taught Semester 1 - Endocrinology. Hypoglycaemia case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Taught Semester 1 - ECC Cardiopulmonary Resucitation Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Taught Semester 1 - ECC Acid Base Lecture Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Taught Semester 1 - ECC Clinical toxicology Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Taught Semester 1 - Onc/Haem 2 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Cardiorespiratory 4 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Cardiorespiratory 5 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Cardiorespiratory 6 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Cardiorespiratory 7 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Taught Semester 1 - Onc/Haem - Anaemia Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Taught Semester 1 - Onc/Haem 3 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Taught Semester 1 - Onc/Haem - Immune disease principles Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Taught Semester 1 - Onc/Haem - Immune suppression Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2

Attendance and class requirements

To successfully achieve a pass grae for VETS6309 you must comply with the attendance requirements as per the DVM Attendance Provisionshttps://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/12002/files/5241492/download?wrap=1. 

Any required learning activities are identified online in Canvas.

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 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 diagnostic and treatment plans for the management of key disease syndromes in small animals (cardiorespiratory, endocrinological, haematological, oncological, behavioural, emergency and critical care, ophthalmic, neurologic and orthopaedic), and in pocket pets.
  • LO2. apply diagnostic methods and techniques (physical examination, clinical pathology, diagnostic imaging) to formulate frameworks for the investigation of common disease syndromes of specific body systems (as per nr. 1 above) in small animals.
  • LO3. apply and integrate the general principles of surgery to the management of specific body system (as per nr. 1 above) diseases in small animals.
  • LO4. apply and integrate the principles of anaesthesia to provide safe and effective general and local anaesthesia for common clinical conditions.

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 Attributes - AVBC
1. Scientific method at a level adequate to provide a rational basis for present veterinary practice, and to assimiliate the advances in knowledge which will occur over their working life
10. To collect, organise and analyse information in relation to specific problems, assessing its validity and reaching probabilistic judgements
2. The normal structure, function and development of animals, their interactions with their environment and the factors which may disturb these
3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species
4. Fundamental clinical skills in a broad range of species
American Veterinary Medical Association - AVMA
1. comprehensive patient diagnosis (problem solving skills), appropriate use of diagnostic testing, and record management
2. comprehensive treatment planning including patient referral when indicated
European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - ECCVT
1.18. Develop appropriate treatment plans and administer treatment in the interests of the patients and with regard to the resources available.
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Day One Competencies - RCVS
19. Develop appropriate treatment plans and administer treatment in the interests of the patients and with regard to the resources available.
LO2
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - AVBC
11. To perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
4. Fundamental clinical skills in a broad range of species
9. The ability to acquire information from and about clients and perform and record a clinical examination of their animals and to store and retrieve such information
American Veterinary Medical Association - AVMA
1. comprehensive patient diagnosis (problem solving skills), appropriate use of diagnostic testing, and record management
European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - ECCVT
1.17. Perform a complete clinical examination and demonstrate ability in clinical decision-making.
1.21. Collect, preserve and transport samples, select appropriate diagnostic tests, interpret and understand the limitations of the test results.
1.23. Understand the contribution that imaging and other diagnostic techniques can make in achieving a diagnosis. Use basic imaging equipment and carry out an examination effectively as appropriate to the case, in accordance with good health and safety practice and current regulations.
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Day One Competencies - RCVS
18. Perform a complete clinical examination.
22. Collect, preserve and transport samples, select appropriate diagnostic tests, interpret and understand the limitations of the test results.
23. Communicate clearly and collaborate with referral and diagnostic services, including providing an appropriate history.
LO3
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - AVBC
11. To perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
4. Fundamental clinical skills in a broad range of species
American Veterinary Medical Association - AVMA
4. basic surgery skills and case management
European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - ECCVT
1.29. Perform aseptic surgery correctly.
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Day One Competencies - RCVS
31. Perform aseptic surgery correctly.
LO4
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - AVBC
11. To perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
4. Fundamental clinical skills in a broad range of species
American Veterinary Medical Association - AVMA
3. anesthesia and pain management, patient welfare
European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - ECCVT
1.30. Safely perform sedation, and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint.
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Day One Competencies - RCVS
32. Safely perform sedation, and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint.

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

TBC

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