VET SC 7220RW - Companion Animal Clinical Practice B

Roseworthy Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

In this course students will learn about the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of the medical and surgical conditions that are encountered in companion animal practice. Specifically, students will concentrate on aspects of musculoskeletal, skin, urinary, neurological, haematological medicine. Aspects of oncology, trauma, poisonings and behaviour problems will also be covered. In practical classes, students will further develop clinical problem solving ability, practice clinical techniques associated with the diagnosis and treatment of common clinical conditions, and develop anaesthesia, surgical and imaging skills. Integrated learning activities and tutorials will be used to complement the lectures and to integrate other learning areas such as clinical pathology and pharmacology.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code VET SC 7220RW
    Course Companion Animal Clinical Practice B
    Coordinating Unit School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s Roseworthy Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 7 hours per week plus 4 full day spey & neuter clinic rotations during the semester
    Prerequisites VET SC 7210RW
    Restrictions Available to DVM students only
    Course Description In this course students will learn about the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of the medical and surgical conditions that are encountered in companion animal practice. Specifically, students will concentrate on aspects of musculoskeletal, skin, urinary, neurological, haematological medicine. Aspects of oncology, trauma, poisonings and behaviour problems will also be covered.
    In practical classes, students will further develop clinical problem solving ability, practice clinical techniques associated with the diagnosis and treatment of common clinical conditions, and develop anaesthesia, surgical and imaging skills.
    Integrated learning activities and tutorials will be used to complement the lectures and to integrate other learning areas such as clinical pathology and pharmacology.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Anne Peaston

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Be able to apply knowledge of material taught in previous courses to clinical veterinary medicine, especially anatomy (surgery and imaging), physiology (medicine) and pathology.
    2 Be able to take a client history and perform a clinical examination in the diagnosis of dog and cat diseases.
    3 Be able to describe the common medical and surgical disorders of dogs and cats, including their pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.
    4 Be able to establish differential diagnoses for important medical and surgical conditions of companion animals and be able to use this to establish a diagnostic and therapeutic approach
    5 Be able to perform diagnostic imaging procedures (especially interpretation of radiographs).
    6 Be able to induce and maintain anaesthesia of companion animals for straight-forward cases.
    7 Be able to perform basic surgical procedures independently, under supervision.
    8 Be able to describe conditions which are commonly seen in general practice, and which should be referred to specialists.
    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, 7, 8
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2, 4
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 5, 6, 7
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1, 8
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 2, 7
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    4 Lecture/tutorials of 1 hour each per week
    1 Practical of 3 hours for 8 weeks

    Students will also undertake rotations throughout the spay & neuter clinic four times during the semester.

    Students will receive lecture notes and other materials online and will be required to log on weekly to blackboard. 

    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
    Lecture/tutorial topics
    Musculoskeletal problems
    Imaging
    Dermatology
    Endocrine problems
    Ear diseases
    Ophthalmology
    Dentistry
    Behaviour problems
    Clinical problem solving

    Practical classes
    Musculoskeletal
    Imaging
    Dermatology - Therapeutics practical
    Ophthalmology
    Selected poisoning cases
    Dentistry
    Anaesthesia - spinal and regional anaesthesia/analgesia
    Spay/neuter clinics
    Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation



  • 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
    On-Course assessment Formative

    Summative
    Weeks 2, 6 10 and 12

    0%

    20%
    No 2, 3, 4, 5
    Practical assessment Summative Throughout
    course
    0% No 2, 4, 5, 6, 7
    Mid-semester Exam Summative Week 7 20% No 1, 3, 4, 8
    Final exam Summative End of semester 60% No 1, 3, 4, 8
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Show competency in areas of anaesthesia and surgery within the spay & neuter clinics.
    Assessment Detail
    Practical assessment
    The clinic activities are a continuation of those completed within VET SC 7210RW Companion Animal Clinical Practice A where students received formative feedback on their level of competence. Students will receive a Pass/Fail for both anaesthesia and surgery – a Pass is required in both areas to be able to pass the course.

    On-course assessment will be comprised of a combination of activities to enable students to demonstrate their understanding of the application of knowledge and concepts discussed and to identify areas of deficiency prior to the mid semester and final examinations.  Activities could include quizzes,  interpretation of diagnostic images, mini assignments.  Students will receive feedback to assist with
    improvement of their knowledge base. Various activities will be assessed throughout the semester, based upon the activities undertaken at the time (these will depend on the case-load available to the students).

    Mid and final semester examinations will test theoretical knowledge, application and practical skills.  Question formats that might be used include MCQs, extended MCQs, practical tests, short answers
    and OSCEs.



    Submission

    No information currently available.

    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.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.