Outline

Overview

Mastering essential clinical competencies and the application of the problem-oriented approach is essential for the transition into clinical practice. This unit of study will consolidate the skills and knowledge from DVM1 and DVM2 in a case-based approach to the diagnosis and treatment of common clinical syndromes in small animals (cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, and rodents. An integrated multi-disciplinary approach will be used to highlight the importance and interrelatedness of all aspects of clinical practice (medicine, surgery, anaesthesia, behaviour, pharmacology and diagnostic imaging) in case management. Consideration of the responsibilities of small animal clinicians with regard to infection control, zoonoses and public health in the context of clinical practice will form part of this unit. The unit will provide grounding in the basic principles of diagnosis and treatment of urogenital, neurological, ophthalmological, cardiorespiratory, endocrinological, musculoskeletal, behavioural, alimentary, dermatological, haematological and oncological conditions. It focuses on developing the students' day one skills and professional attitude required for their clinical placements. Practical classes and small group learning will be included in the teaching of this unit to allow students to develop clinical thinking, practical skills and communication proficiencies. Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses. Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an inherent requirement for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than week two of the enrolled teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete. Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment. Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally. Please refer to the University鈥檚 website /students/q-fever-vaccinations.html for more information on student vaccinations.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	6
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
Corequisites ?	VETS6221 and VETS6222
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Nicolle Kirkwood, nicolle.kirkwood@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam No turn-back examination comprising short questions.	50%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Active participation in all RLAs 100% participation with Required Learning Activities (RLAs)	0%	Multiple weeks	Variable - see Canvas	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Mid-semester exam Case based Short answer/Extended answer no turn back.	50%	Week 09	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

All required hurdle tasks and compulsory assessments must be submitted by 11:59 PM Australian Eastern Time, unless an approved Special Consideration application or an academic plan with an adjusted submission date has been granted.听

An overall result of 鈮�50% is required to pass this unit of study.

Material will be assessed via written, paper-based examinations. The intrasemester examination will be administered at the Camden campus. 听These examinations are clinical case based, no-turn-back, and may include any of multiple choice, short answer, or essay questions.

Within each no-turn-back question, the student may be required to:

Identify clinical problems from description of history and physical examination findings provided
Generate differential diagnosis lists relevant to the problems identified
Interpret relevant clinical test results and/or diagnostic imaging findings provided for the case
Determine a most likely diagnosis
Describe rational plans for management of the patient, based on the diagnosis obtained
Be able to describe the听prognosis for the patient

Not all of the above bullet points may be required in all cases, students will be guided by progress within the question.

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Attendance and class requirements

The Sydney School of Veterinary Science has established attendance guidelines to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements.

DVM students are expected to be present for all scheduled classes and activities to achieve learning outcomes. This includes arriving on time and staying for the duration of each class. Students who fail to attend a minimum of 80% of classes (not including lectures) may not be eligible for reassessment.

In addition to the requirements outlined above, and in accordance with the听DVM attendance provisions, DVM students are also required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLAs) and assessment tasks. If absent for a RLA or assessment, for any reason, students must notify the unit coordinator and apply for a special consideration at the earliest opportunity.

Classes identified as a RLA will be available on the Canvas site.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the 听(Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	听
Distinction	75 - 84	听
Credit	65 - 74	听
Pass	50 - 64	听
Fail	0 - 49	When you don鈥檛 meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the听Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website听provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the听Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)听which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听details on how to acknowledge its use.

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听simple extension.鈥� 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鈥檛 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听special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,听听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听reflects the University鈥檚 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. 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
Multiple weeks	Orthopaedics 1	Practical (4 hr)
	Orthopaedics 2	Practical (4 hr)
	Orthopaedics 3 (bandaging)	Practical (3 hr)
	Orthopedics 4 (celiotomy)	Practical (4 hr)
	Cardiorespiratory	Practical (2 hr)
	Cardiorespiratory - Tute 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Cardiorespiratory - Tute 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Neurology - Tute 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Neurology - Tute 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Endocrinology - Tute 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Endocrinology - Tute 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Introductory Abdominal Ultrasonography	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Orthopaedics 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Orthopaedics 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	ECC - Clinical toxicology	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Endocrinology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Endocrinology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Endocrinology 3	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Orthopaedics 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Orthopaedics 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Orthopaedics 5	Lecture (1 hr)
	Neurology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Neurology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Neurology 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Endocrinology 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Endocrinology 5	Lecture (1 hr)
	Endocrinology 6	Lecture (1 hr)
	Endocrinology 7	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Neurology 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Neurology 5	Lecture (1 hr)
	Oncology 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	ECC - Acid Base Disorders Lecture	Tutorial (1 hr)
	ECC - Cardiopulmonary Resucitation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Neurology 6	Lecture (1 hr)
	Neurology 7	Lecture (1 hr)
	Diagnostic Imaging of the Thorax 1	Placement (1 hr)
Week 07	Orthopaedics 6	Lecture (1 hr)
	Orthopaedics 7	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pyrexia	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Cardiorespiratory 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiorespiratory 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiorespiratory 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiorespiratory 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Oncology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Oncology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Diagnostic Imaging of the Thorax 2	Placement (1 hr)
Week 09	Ophthalmology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Ophthalmology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Ophthalmology 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Ophthalmology 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiorespiratory 5	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiorespiratory 6	Lecture (1 hr)
	Haematology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Haematology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Diagnostic Imaging of the Thorax 3	Placement (1 hr)
Week 10	Ophthalmology 5	Lecture (1 hr)
	Ophthalmology 6	Lecture (1 hr)
	Ophthalmology	Practical (2 hr)
	Diagnostic Imaging of the Thorax 4	Placement (1 hr)
Week 12	Oncology 3	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Oncology - Tute	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Haematology 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Hematology 4	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Haematology - Tute	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Diagnostic Imaging - Tute	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The Sydney School of Veterinary Science has established attendance guidelines to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements.

Classes identified as a RLA will be available on the Canvas site.

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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 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. Gather and assimilate relevant information from the history and clinical examination and use these to construct a problem list, prioritise problems and generate an appropriate differential diagnoses list
LO2. Create a diagnostic plan, and interpret and synthesise the available evidence including diagnostic tests, to reach a likely diagnosis
LO3. Develop appropriate treatment plans considering the welfare of an animal, and client resources and expectations
LO4. Describe common surgical and other invasive procedures, identifying associated indications, contraindications and complications
LO5. Identify animals that require emergency care, and provide a plan for initial management.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all 爆料王 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鈥檚 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) - 1. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment. 10. Safely perform sedation and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint. 11. Perform routine procedures, including surgeries, identifying associated indications and contraindications and adjusting the procedures as indicated. 12. Assess and triage animals in an emergency, perform first aid to stabilise the patient, and refer promptly to appropriate colleagues as needed. 13. Assess and manage pain. 14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely. 15. Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings. 16. Assess and advise, at individual and population levels, on clinical and production factors such as the physical condition, welfare, nutritional status, performance and associated management factors of an animal/ group of animals. 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals. 19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities. 2. Handle, restrain and otherwise manage animal(s) safely and humanely, considering animal behaviour and welfare, and instruct others in helping the veterinarian perform these techniques. 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. 26. Maintain accurate, consistent, and contemporaneous records in a clinic database, which allows for case transfer and protects client privacy. 27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice. 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. 3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context. 30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body. 34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted. 39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice. 4. Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis. 40. Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health. 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. 6. Develop appropriate treatment and preventive plans and administer appropriate treatments 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.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 1. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment. 14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely. 16. Assess and advise, at individual and population levels, on clinical and production factors such as the physical condition, welfare, nutritional status, performance and associated management factors of an animal/ group of animals. 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals. 19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities. 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. 26. Maintain accurate, consistent, and contemporaneous records in a clinic database, which allows for case transfer and protects client privacy. 27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice. 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. 30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body. 34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted. 39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice. 4. Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis. 40. Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health. 6. Develop appropriate treatment and preventive plans and administer appropriate treatments 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.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 1. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment. 10. Safely perform sedation and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint. 11. Perform routine procedures, including surgeries, identifying associated indications and contraindications and adjusting the procedures as indicated. 12. Assess and triage animals in an emergency, perform first aid to stabilise the patient, and refer promptly to appropriate colleagues as needed. 13. Assess and manage pain. 14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely. 15. Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings. 16. Assess and advise, at individual and population levels, on clinical and production factors such as the physical condition, welfare, nutritional status, performance and associated management factors of an animal/ group of animals. 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals. 19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities. 2. Handle, restrain and otherwise manage animal(s) safely and humanely, considering animal behaviour and welfare, and instruct others in helping the veterinarian perform these techniques. 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. 26. Maintain accurate, consistent, and contemporaneous records in a clinic database, which allows for case transfer and protects client privacy. 27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice. 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. 3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context. 30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body. 34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted. 39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice. 4. Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis. 40. Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health. 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. 6. Develop appropriate treatment and preventive plans and administer appropriate treatments 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.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 1. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment. 10. Safely perform sedation and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint. 11. Perform routine procedures, including surgeries, identifying associated indications and contraindications and adjusting the procedures as indicated. 12. Assess and triage animals in an emergency, perform first aid to stabilise the patient, and refer promptly to appropriate colleagues as needed. 13. Assess and manage pain. 14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely. 15. Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings. 2. Handle, restrain and otherwise manage animal(s) safely and humanely, considering animal behaviour and welfare, and instruct others in helping the veterinarian perform these techniques. 20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species 25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context. 26. Maintain accurate, consistent, and contemporaneous records in a clinic database, which allows for case transfer and protects client privacy. 27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice. 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. 3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context. 30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body. 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.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 1. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment. 13. Assess and manage pain. 14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely. 16. Assess and advise, at individual and population levels, on clinical and production factors such as the physical condition, welfare, nutritional status, performance and associated management factors of an animal/ group of animals. 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals. 19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities. 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. 26. Maintain accurate, consistent, and contemporaneous records in a clinic database, which allows for case transfer and protects client privacy. 27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice. 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. 30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body. 31. Issue certificates, applying principles appropriate to the relevant veterinary statutory body. 32. Prescribe, dispense and use medicines correctly and prudently, including recording and reporting adverse reactions, in accordance with legislation and current prescription guidelines. 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. 35. Reflect on personal actions, including inviting and responding to constructive feedback on performance. 36. Practise time management, including recognising the impact of time management on stakeholders and self. 39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice. 4. Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis. 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.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Student feedback for VETS6309 in 2025 reflected strong overall performance, with an overall mean rating of 4.1/5 broadly consistent with previous years. Practical components were consistently highlighted as valuable and engaging learning experiences. Areas identified for further refinement include perceptions of guidance through feedback, aspects of communication, and the effectiveness of some tutorial formats. In response, the unit will undergo targeted content review to ensure appropriate scoping and prioritisation of core material, further refinement of tutorial structures, benchmarking against comparable programs, and alignment with broader curriculum review to enhance clarity, cohesion, and student engagement.

Additional information

Science student portal

Work, health and safety

Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses.

Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an听inherent requirement听for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than听the first day听of the enrolled听teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete.

Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment.

Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally.

Please refer to the University鈥檚 website听here听for more information on student vaccinations

Disclaimer

Important: the 爆料王 regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an .

爆料王

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

VETS6309: Small Animal Practice B

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links