Outline

Overview

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

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 and VETS6308 and VETS6309 and VETS6310 and VETS6311 and VETS6312 and VETS6313
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	All content from Years 1, 2, and 3 of the DVM
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Marina Gimeno, marina.gimeno@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Record+)	End of year examination - End Sem 2 MCQ exam: relevant to Pathology/Clinical Pathology	0%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	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:
Small continuous assessment	Written reports Gross postmortem reports and case assessment (in hospital)	0%	Multiple weeks	1 week per report
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Supervisor report form (SRF) Report from supervisors - See Canvas	0%	Multiple weeks	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Placement	Feedback form Completion feedback form on placement website	0%	Multiple weeks	n/a - online and/or in hospital
Outcomes assessed:
Placement	Activity / case log Completed log of all cases participated in during placement	0%	Multiple weeks	2 weeks - online and/or in hospital
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Attendance/Participation with RLAs Engagement in Required Learning Activities (RLAs).	0%	Ongoing	2 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Sonia Skills log Core clinical skills assessment as per VETS6407 skills list on Sonia.	0%	Progressive	2 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. See the 2022 DVM4 Student Attendance and Assessment Guide.

Activity log - Use the Activity log template found in Canvas
Placement/Rotation Feedback Form
Communication Task
Supervisor Report Form
Written Reports
End of Year Exam

Submission of the 2 Barrier tasks must be completed by no later than 11:59pm AEST on the last day of the placement or sub-rotation.

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 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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Failure to submit on time and satisfactory barrier tasks will delay finalisation of the assessment of the Unit of Study until such time that satisfactory forms are submitted through Canvas.

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.

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.

Weekly schedule

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

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

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. 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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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.

Additional information

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

VETS6407: Lab Investigations of Clinical Disease

Semester 2 DVM Placement Rotation 6, 2022 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect