VET SC 7304ARW - Pathology & Diagnostic Services Rotation A

Roseworthy Campus - Semester 1 - 2024

Students will spend a total of three weeks in the School's pathology service facilities (Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory), performing necropsies, studying applied anatomic pathology, writing clinical pathology case reports and studying clinical pathology. Students will revise collections of gross and microscopic specimens, interpret archived specimens of clinical lab data, and rotate through other diagnostic disciplines including microbiology, parasitology, virology, molecular diagnostics and serology. Some weekend and out of hours' work may be expected within the rotation.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code VET SC 7304ARW
    Course Pathology & Diagnostic Services Rotation A
    Coordinating Unit School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s Roseworthy Campus
    Contact Up to 8 hours per day for 3 week block
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites Completion of Level I & II of DVM program
    Restrictions Available to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students only
    Assessment Observation by instructors & peers during practical activities & case discussions, assessment of written pathology report, quizzes, end of rotation case presentation
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Sandy McLachlan

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course, students will demonstrate The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Day One Competences, for the discipline of Pathology and Diagnostic Services, in:
    1 Clinical reasoning/problem solving/knowledge
    2 Technical skills
    3 Communication skills
    4 Case Management
    5 Professional behaviours




    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)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2, 4

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1, 2, 4

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1, 2, 3, 4,

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    5

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1, 3, 5
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Rotations cover a continuous three week period. Within this time, students will be expected to attend pathology sessions as appropriate and required.

    Some out of hours and weekend work will be expected within the rotation period.
    Workload

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

    This is a lecture free course. Students will participate in a variety of activities to allow for a broad exposure to the elements of this rotation. Students will be expected to prepare daily for their activities. An average day will consist of approximately 8 hours. There will be an expectation of some out-of-hours and weekend work throughout the rotation.
    Learning Activities Summary
    CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
    Activities that the students may undertake in the clinical pathology sub section include analysis of and report writing for haematology, biochemistry, cytology and urinalysis specimens from a range of domestic species, tutorials and self directed learning activities.

    ANATOMIC PATHOLOGY
    Activities that the students may undertake in the anatomic pathology sub section include necropsies, necropsy report writing, review and interpretation of gross pathology (archived materials), review and interpretation of necropsy histopathology, review and interpretation of biopsies, and biopsy report writing.

    ANCILLARY DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES
    Activities that the students may undertake in the ancillary diagnostic services sub section include examination of clinical materials, writing of case reports, and practical activities for each of microbiology, parasitology, virology, molecular diagnostics, serological testing, and test development and validation.

    Rotations will include presentation of rounds for necropsy and clinical pathology, at times yet to be determined, which will be open to other members of faculty and students from all levels of Animal and Veterinary Sciences.

    Specific Course Requirements
    Rotations cover a continuous three week period. Within this time, students will be expected to attend pathology sessions as  appropriate and required.

    Attendance at each day of the 15 day rotation is compulsory. Students will be able to apply for an approved absence with appropriate supporting documents for up to 3 days, but must attend a minimum of 12 days to be able to complete the rotation.

    Some out of hours and weekend work will be expected within the rotation period.
  • 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 reasoning/problem solving/knowledge Summative
    & Formative
    Throughout
    course
    30% Yes 1
    Technical skills Summative
    & Formative
    Throughout
    course
    30% Yes 2
    Communication skills Summative
    & Formative
    Throughout
    course
    15% Yes 3
    Case Management Summative
    & Formative
    Throughout
    course
    20% Yes 4
    Professional behaviours Summative
    & Formative
    Throughout
    course
    5% Yes 5

    An exemption to the hurdle requirements of the Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy has been approved by the Faculty of Sciences for 2022.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    HURDLE REQUIREMENT

    Assessment Item with hurdle % needed or requirement to meet hurdle Is additional assessment available if student does not meet hurdle requirement? Yes or No Details of additional assessment, if available
    Attend a minimum of 12 out of 15 full  days of the rotation and absent no  more than 2 days in any 1 week Students that fail the attendance hurdle without appropriate approval and documentation will not be offered an additional or replacement assessment and will be required to repeat the rotation in its
    entirety.

    Clinical reasoning/problem solving/knowledge 50% Yes Additional rotation period with assessment.
    Technical skills 50% Yes Additional rotation period with assessment.
    Communication skills 50% Yes Additional rotation period with assessment.
    Case Management 50% Yes Additional rotation period with assessment.
    Professional behaviours 50% Yes Additional rotation period with assessment.
    Assessment Detail
    Failure to pass all Day One Competencies
    Students who fail any Day One competencies listed in the course objectives will be given a further supplementary rotation period to improve their performance. The length, timing  and content of this supplementary period will be determined by the course organiser. Failure a second time will result in the rotation being repeated during the next academic year.

    Assessments (Day One Competencies)

    1.     Clinical reasoning/problem solving/knowledge
    Observations on rotation, oral case presentations and/or report writing, written and/or oral knowledge tests

    2.     Technical skills
    Observations on rotation, procedural tests and oral tests

    3.     Communication skills
    Observations on rotation, record keeping, oral presentations and/or report writing

    4.     Case Management
    Observations on rotation

    5.     Professional behaviours
    Observations on rotation

    A criterion based rubric with text descriptors will define the Day One Competency Categories



    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:

    NOG (No Grade Associated)
    Grade Description
    CN Continuing

    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.