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Unit outline_

VETS6311: Equine Practice B

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

Equine Practice A and B will assist students in developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to equids required of a 'day-one' graduate in rural mixed practice. These units of study will provide the foundations for equine and mixed practice clinical placements in DVM Year 4. Equine Practice B will build on the content of DVM Years 1 and 2, VETS6302 Clinical Foundations, and VETS6305 Equine Practice A, and will expose students to a wide range of aspects of equine practice using a case-based pedagogic approach.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points 3
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
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Tony Mogg, tony.mogg@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s) Greg Hogan, greg.hogan@sydney.edu.au
Keith Tribe, keith.tribe@sydney.edu.au
Albert Tsang, albert.tsang@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Sara Biasutti, sara.biasutti@sydney.edu.au
Eduardo Uquillas, eduardo.uquillas@sydney.edu.au
Elizabeth Tee, elizabeth.tee@sydney.edu.au
Jan Slapeta, jan.slapeta@sydney.edu.au
Tony Mogg, tony.mogg@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Christina Baxter, christina.baxter@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Written Examination
Closed book case-based short answer written examination***.
60% Formal exam period 1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Participation Active participation in all RLAs
100% participation with Required Learning Activities (RLAs).
0% Ongoing See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task Intra-Semester Practical Examination
Assessment of horse handling, equine clinical skills and clinical anatomy.
0% Week 03 N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6
Supervised test
? 
Intra-Semester Written Examination
Closed book case-based short answer written examination***.
40% Week 08
Due date: 16 Sep 2024 at 09:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

*** Students must achieve a pass (i.e. 50% or greater mark) in the combined marks from the Intra-Semester Written Examination and the Final Written Examination; as well as a pass grade in the Intra-Semester Practical Examination to pass this unit of study.

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.

.

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.

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 02 Equine Ophthalmology 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Equine Ophthalmology 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Equine Clinical Parasitology 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Equine Clinical Parasitology 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Equine Ophthalmic & Oral Examinations 1 Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 03 Equine Clinical Gastrointestinal Anatomy Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Equine Gastrointestinal Examination Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Equine Endocrine Disease Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Equine Liver and Urinary Tract Diseases Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Horse Handling 7 Practical (1.5 hr) LO1 LO6
Equine Physical Examination 4 Practical (1.5 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 04 Equine Gastrointestinal Disease 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Equine Gastrointestinal Disease 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Equine Gastrointestinal Disease 3 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Equine Gastrointestinal Disease 4 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 06 Equine Dysphagia and Weight Loss Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 07 Equine Gastrointestinal Disease Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Infertility in the Mare Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO6
Gestational Diseases of the Mare Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Equine Reproductive Examination 1 Practical (1.5 hr) LO1 LO6
Equine Reproductive Examination 2 Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 09 Equine Field Anaesthesia Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO6
Equine Castration Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Equine Dermatology 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Equine Dermatology 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Equine Neurologic Examination 1 Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 10 Equine Neurologic Disease Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 11 Foal Medicine 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Foal Medicine 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Foal Medicine 3 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Foal Medicine 4 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Foal Medicine 5 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Periparturient Diseases of the Mare Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

All VETS6311 practical classes and tutorials are "required learning activities (RLAs)" as defined by the DVM Attendance Provisions 2018 - hence attendance at all practical classes and tutorials is compulsory and failure to attend all of these classes may result in an "Absent Fail" grade for VETS6311. A copy of the DVM Attendance Provisions 2018 is available on the Canvas site for this unit.

*** Students must achieve a pass (i.e. 50% or greater mark) in the combined marks from the Intra-Semester Written Examination and the Final Written Examination; as well as a pass grade in the Intra-Semester Practical Examination to pass this unit of study.

 

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. apply a detailed knowledge of the clinical anatomy of the horse
  • LO2. apply effective problem-solving skills to diagnose and manage common medical, reproductive and surgical conditions of horses
  • LO3. apply the principles of therapeutics as they pertain to equine practice; including the rational use of anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, sedative, anaesthetic and analgesic drugs; and fluid therapy
  • LO4. develop preventive medicine regimens to protect individuals and herds of horses in common management scenarios
  • LO5. demonstrate a professional approach to ethical, legal, social and welfare issues relating to equine practice, including biosecurity and euthanasia
  • LO6. apply a detailed knowledge of, and perform basic clinical skills relevant to equine practice.

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
9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
LO2
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.
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.
19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities.
22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC).
3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context.
39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
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.
8. Utilise traditional and digital technologies and information sources to inform patient care and manage health data.
9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
LO3
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
21. Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment.
32. Prescribe, dispense and use medicines correctly and prudently, including recording and reporting adverse reactions, in accordance with legislation and current prescription guidelines.
39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
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.
9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
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.
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.
19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities.
20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species
21. Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment.
39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
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.
8. Utilise traditional and digital technologies and information sources to inform patient care and manage health data.
9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
LO5
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely.
18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals.
21. Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment.
22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC).
25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context.
27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice.
28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion.
30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body.
34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted.
39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
LO6
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.
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.
3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context.

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

No significant changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Students must achieve a pass (i.e. 50% or greater mark) in the combined marks from the Intra-Semester Written Examination and the Final Written Examination to pass this unit of study.

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

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