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 and VETS6314
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	Natalie Courtman, natalie.courtman@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 22 November 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	End of year examination - End Sem 2 MCQ and SAQ exam: relevant to Pathology and 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	Skills log Core clinical skills assessment as per VETS6407 skills list.	0%	Progressive	2 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

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.

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
-	Sydney orientation briefing and approach to diagnosis	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Sydney/Camden web-based cytology tutorial	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Sydney cytology case evaluation	Individual study (3 hr)
	Sydney cytology case reviews with supervisor	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Sydney case study evaluation	Individual study (4 hr)
	Sydney/Camden web-based haematology and haemostasis tutorials	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Sydney Canvas haematology case evaluation	Individual study (3 hr)
	Sydney haematology case review with supervisor	Practical (2 hr)
	Sydney haematology and laboratory skills	Practical (2 hr)
	Sydney post-mortem training video	Individual study (1 hr)
	Sydney post mortem	Practical (3 hr)
	Sydney post-mortem report writing	Individual study (2 hr)
	Sydney molecular diagnostics and parasitology prereading	Individual study (1 hr)
	Sydney molecular diagnostics and parasitology discussion with supervisor	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Sydney gross pathology tutorial	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Sydney web-based gross pathology quiz	Individual study (1.5 hr)
	Sydney microbiology and antimicrobial stewardship pre-reading	Individual study (1 hr)
	Sydney microbiology and antimicrobial stewardship and urinalysis and effusion analysis	Practical (2 hr)
	Sydney clinical pathology case evaluations	Individual study (3 hr)
	Sydney clinical pathology case review with supervisor	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Sydney case presentations	Presentation (3 hr)
	Camden orientation briefing	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Camden gross pathology tutorial	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Camden gross pathology case evaluation	Individual study (1.5 hr)
	Camden notifiable and exotic diseases readings	Individual study (1 hr)
	Camden post-mortem technique tutorial	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Camden post-mortem artefacts and incidental lesions tutorial	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Camden post-mortems	Practical (5 hr)
	Camden post-mortem report writing	Individual study (3 hr)
	Camden EMAI visit preparation	Individual study (0.5 hr)
	Camden EMAI visit	Practical (5 hr)
	Camden post-mortem report review and feedback	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Camden cytology case evaluation and laboratory procedures	Practical (4 hr)
	Camden clinical pathology case evaluations	Individual study (2 hr)
	Camden clinical pathology case reviews with supervisor	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Camden preparation for presentation	Individual study (2 hr)
	Camden case presentations	Presentation (2 hr)
	Camden toxicosis reading and quiz	Individual study (2 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.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 15. Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings. 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities. 25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context. 28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion. 29. Collaborate with external referral, diagnostic and other professional services, including providing an appropriate history and clear communication. 33. Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency. 34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted. 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. 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. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology 2.11. Communication skills 2.2. Transboundary animal diseases 2.3. Zoonoses 2.4. Emerging and reemerging diseases 2.8. Animal welfare 3.5. Application of risk analysis 3.8. Administration and management
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 15. Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings. 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. 22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC). 23. Perform antemortem and postmortem inspection of animals and make appropriate decisions to protect the food chain and animal welfare at the point of slaughter. 24. Apply veterinary elements of food safety standards and practices throughout the production chain, including on the farm and during food processing. 25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context. 29. Collaborate with external referral, diagnostic and other professional services, including providing an appropriate history and clear communication. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.11. Communication skills 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs 2.6. Food hygiene 2.8. Animal welfare 3.2. Inspection and certification procedures 3.3. Management of contagious diseases 3.4. Food hygiene (2) 3.5. Application of risk analysis 3.7. International trade framework
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 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. 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. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.8. Animal welfare 3.5. Application of risk analysis
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 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). 23. Perform antemortem and postmortem inspection of animals and make appropriate decisions to protect the food chain and animal welfare at the point of slaughter. 28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion. 29. Collaborate with external referral, diagnostic and other professional services, including providing an appropriate history and clear communication. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs 3.3. Management of contagious diseases 3.5. Application of risk analysis 3.8. Administration and management
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 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). 39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice. 40. Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs 3.5. Application of risk analysis 3.6. Research

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

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

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, 2024 [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

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

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