VET SC 7008RW - Veterinary Practice Fundamentals

Roseworthy Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

This course will provide students with a knowledge and understanding of clinical pathology. ln addition students will gain a knowledge and understanding of animal breeding including the ability to recognise, diagnose and treat the important clinical conditions affecting the reproductive system in domestic species. Students will also gain a basic understanding and knowledge of clinical neurology, ophthalmology, cardiology and dermatology.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code VET SC 7008RW
    Course Veterinary Practice Fundamentals
    Coordinating Unit School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s Roseworthy Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 7 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites VET SC 7002RW, VET SC 7000RW, VET SC 7009RW
    Restrictions Available to DVM students only
    Course Description This course will provide students with a knowledge and understanding of clinical pathology. ln addition students will gain a knowledge and understanding of animal breeding including the ability to recognise, diagnose and treat the important clinical conditions affecting the reproductive system in domestic species.
    Students will also gain a basic understanding and knowledge of clinical neurology, ophthalmology, cardiology and dermatology.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Jose Len

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 To understand the interaction of physiological and pathological processes in the context of clinical pathology
    2 To be able to diagnose diseases and problems through clinical pathological techniques
    3 To be able to use clinical pathology in the monitoring of large and small animal cases in veterinary practice
    4 To be able to diagnose pregnancy in a variety of animal species
    5 To understand oestrus cycles, parturition and abortion in a variety of animal species, including the various diseases that affect each stage
    6 To understand and be able to assess ocular, neurological, cardiac and dermatological diseases
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2, 3, 4
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 2, 3
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 2, 3, 4
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 2, 4
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 2, 3, 4
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 4, 5
  • Learning Resources
    Recommended Resources
    A variety of text books and reading resources will be required and will all be available through the Roseworthy library facilities.
    Clinical and pathology suite resources will be available through the newly constructed veterinary teaching hospital at Roseworthy. Additional specialty suites may be required as needed
    Digital microscopic imaging is available within pathology.
    Protocols in which animal use occurs will follow all UofA guidelines and obtain ethics approval.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    3 x 1hr lectures, 1 x 1 hr tutorial, 1 x 3hr practicals per week

    There will be elements of on-line assessment available through the relevant MyUni page

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g.,
    lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).
    Learning Activities Summary
    The course is divided into 3 modules: Clinical Pathology, Theriogenology, and Clinical Principles (Ophthalmology, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology).

    Clinical Pathology
    Lectures
    Clinical Pathology introductionHaematologyBiochemistryCytology: sampling techniques, fluidsEquine clinical pathologyRuminant animal clinical pathologyCompanion animal clinical pathology

    Practicals/Case studies
    o   Companion animal case studies
    o   Production animal case studies
    o   Equine case studies

    Theriogenology
    Lectures
    o   Pregnancy/pregnancy diagnosis and parturition in domestic species
    o   Manipulation of the oestrus cycle and induction of abortion/parturition in domestic species
    o   Reproduction and fertility examination in domestic species (males)
    o   Artificial insemination and embryo transfer in domestic species
    o   Applied reproduction in exotic species
    o   Dystocia, caesarean section and fetotomy
    o   Post-parturient problems in domestic species
    o   Diseases of pregnancy in domestic species
    o   Infertility and abortion in domestic species

    Practicals/Case studies
    o   Oestrus recognition in domestic species
    o   Pregnancy diagnosis in domestic species
    o   Infertility in domestic species (case studies)
    o   Breeding soundness and infertility in domestic species (males)
    o   Analysis of computerised herd fertility records in cattle
    o   Companion animal breeding (case studies)

    Clinical Principles
    Lectures and practicals
    Cardiology
    o   Clinical signs and approach to diagnosis of cardiac disease
    o   Forms of cardiac disease
    o   Basic principles and uses of ancillary diagnostic tools in diagnosis of cardiac disease
    o   Types of treatment used in the management of cardiac disease

    Neurology
    o   Clinical signs and approach to diagnosis of neurological disease in the domestic species
    o   Forms of neurological disease
    o   Types of treatments used in the management of neurological disease

    Ophthamology
    o Clinical signs and approach to diagnosis of ocular disease in the domestic species
    o  Forms of ocular disease
    o  Principles and use of ophthalmoscopy and special examination techniques
    o  Types of treatment used in the management of ocular disease

    Dermatology
    o  Clinical features of skin disease in the domestic species
    o  Diagnostic approaches and laboratory tests used to investigate skin disease
    o  Basic treatments used in the clinical management of skin diseases

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting Hurdle Learning Outcome
    Clinical Pathology - In class written test Summative Week 11 10% Yes 1, 2, 3
    Theriogenology - In class written test Summative Week 7 15% 4, 5
    Clinical Pathology  - End of semester practical test Summative End of semester exam weeks 10%
    No
    1, 2, 3
    Theriogenology 
    - End of semester practical test
    Summative End of semester exam weeks 15% No 4, 5
    End of Semester theory exam (Clinical Pathology,
    Theriogenology, and Clinical Principles (Ophthamology, Neurology, Dermatology,
    Cardiology))
    Summative End of semester exam weeks 50% Yes 1-6
    Weekly quizzes and assignments Summative Weeks 9 – 12 of Semester 2 0% No 1, 2, 3
    Assessment Related Requirements
    HURDLE REQUIREMENTS

    Assessment Item Requirement for hurdle Is additional assessment available if student
    does not meet hurdle requirement?
    Details of additional assessment, if known
    Average of combined score for theriogenology  and clinical pathology in-class  test Minimum of 65% for theriogenology   in-class written tests (15%) and clinical pathology in-class  test (10%) Yes Students must achieve at least 60% to be eligible for additional assessment in the
    components in which less than 65% was obtained.

    Course co-ordinator’s discretion: may take form of written or oral examination, or essay format

    End of Semester theory exam (Clinical  Pathology, Theriogenology, and Clinical Principles (Ophthamology, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology)) Minimum
    of 65%
    Yes Student must achieve 60% to be eligible for an additional assessment.
    Assessment Detail
    Weekly quizzes and assignments (0%). Online-based clinical pathology scenarios to be completed by students in own time. Students will receive feedback in the following tutorial. Quizzes will run for 4 weeks of semester during the clinical pathology module.

    In class written tests (25%). An in class test will be held within both the clinical pathology (10%) and theriogenology (15%) modules. These tests will address understanding of the material presented and will provide students with a benchmark for their progress.

    End of semester practical exam (25%). Examination will test practical components of the clinical pathology (10%) and Theriogenology (15%) modules.

    End of semester theory exam (50%). The 3 hour end of semester theory examination will test all modules of the course.

    Submission
    Late Submission

    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A mark of zero will be allocated to late submitted assessment.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

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