Animal Health Technology (VETS2001)

Course overview

A contextual approach to animal health technologies focusing on preventative medicine in small and large animal species including laboratory animals. The emphasis will be on the role of the Veterinary Technologist in the disciplines of medicine and surgery (clinical examination, behaviour, nutrition, surgical nursing, infection control and preventative medicine).

VETS2001 is offered internally only. This is a core course for students in the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology and is designed to help ease the transition to the clinically-focused third year of the program. This program prepares students for employment within the veterinary and allied animal health industries. Graduates find employment working with veterinarians in clinical veterinary practice (general, specialist and emergency), with veterinary drug and nutritional companies as territory managers and advisors, as research and laboratory technicians, and with the government (eg. QDPI and DAFF) working in a variety of roles.

VETS2001 provides a contextualised introduction to animal health technologies focusing on small animal species including laboratory animals and preventative medicine of large animals. Students will be required to draw on their knowledge of husbandry, behaviour and handling of small animals and laboratory animals. This course will be an introduction to the role of the veterinary technologist in the disciplines of animal handling, behaviour evaluation, history taking and clinical examination, preventative health medicine, the basics of surgical principles (e.g. asepsis, instruments, suture materials, sterilisation, and other aspects of theatre nursing), the basics of infection control, zoonotic disease and small animal nutrition. This course is relevant and open to a range of students although it has been specifically designed for Veterinary Technology.

Course requirements

Assumed background

A background in anatomy, physiology, biology, microbiology, genetics and chemistry are assumed in the content of this course.

Restrictions

Restricted to BVetTech, BWSc and BEqSc students

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Please check your course Blackboard site frequently for the latest Timetable information.

Please note that unexpected changes to the Timetable may occur throughout the Semester. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly check the course Blackboard site. Any updates to the timetable will be communicated to students via Blackboard Announcements.                                                     

Aims and outcomes

The aim of VETS2001 is to provide information and experiences to develop an appreciation and understanding of clinical veterinary practice and allied animal health technologies. Clinical veterinary practice themes include: animal handling and basic physical examination of patients, wound management and bandaging, infection control, surgical nursing, small animal nutrition, companion animal and large animal prophylactic healthcare.ﾠAllied animal health technology themes include gene technology and laboratory animal management.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment details

Assessment sequence: Online Quizzes

• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Quiz

Weight

15% x2 Quizzes (7.5% each)

Due date

Quiz 1 21/03/2025 - 28/03/2025

Quiz 2 16/05/2025 - 23/05/2025

Please check Assessment folder on the course Blackboard site.

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

via Blackboard

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).

If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.

Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.

Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.

In-Semester Examination

• In-person
• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

35%

Due date

7/05/2025 10:00 am

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07

Task description

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).

If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.

Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.

Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.

End of Semester Examination

• In-person
• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

50%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08

Task description

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).

If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.

Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.

Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

To pass VETS2001

Students must achieve an overall mark of at least 50% across the entire summative assessment for the course.

NOTE: the prac quizzes must be taken in class and the ISE and ESE are on campus.ﾠ

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Assessment using the Inspera platform

Students must click the ‘SUBMIT NOW’ button on the summary page to submit their answers. After submission, a confirmation will appear on the dashboard indicating that the answers have been submitted and can no longer be edited.

For all exams lasting 60, 90, 120, or 180 minutes, an additional 10 minutes of planning time is provided to read the questions and plan responses, though students may start working immediately if they choose.

It’s crucial to ensure your laptop meets the device requirements for Inspera assessments before the exam. If you don’t have a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. Check Get Familiar with Inspera for the most up-to-date information about using the platform. Note that power outlets will not be available during exams.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Online courses

American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) has a Learning Library of online courses. Registration is open to anyone. (The asterixed items can be accessed for free.)

UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services

Harmonising study and life commitments and seeking help early when needed is essential for successfully navigating university studies. UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) and UQU Student Advocacy and Support (SAS) offer numerous resources for BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech students, including various mindfulness programs and counselling services to boost confidence and promote overall physical and mental wellbeing.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the UQ Counselling and Crisis Line on 1300 851 998 (available 24/7, 365 days a year).

The Hub

The Student Clinical Skills Hub is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art self-directed learning facility located centrally in the School (John Mahon (8105), Room 101) with two main areas and an online resource community available for all SVS students.

The Hub has a lab where students can practice their clinical skills using standard veterinary equipment, on simulators and/or models in conjunction with supporting audio-visual resources and a smaller communications suite with two working consult rooms, a viewing room and a debriefing space.

The Hub’s aim is to provide a safe, authentic, self-directed learning environment where students can practice their clinical skills in accordance with individual competences beyond the scheduled contact hours of their programs and further enhance their capacity for self-directed, lifelong learning.

If you cannot access the community or have any other questions, please contact the Hub Coordinator via svs-hub@uq.edu.au or ext 15046.

SVS BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech Student Support

The 2025 School of Veterinary Science Student Support Blackboard Site can be found by visiting [SCIE0586] Student Support for BVSc & BVetTech programs 2025 SCIE0586_7520_00101   

This site contains links to valuable resources and information for all BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech students. Here you will find information on topics such as:

• Orientation and new student information
• Mental health and wellbeing
• OH&S
•  Program rules and requirements
• Study planners
• Equity, diversity and inclusion
• Study help and support
• Useful SVS staff contacts –
• Academic Student Mentors, International Student Mentor, Peers Support Network, SVS Academic Progression and Integrity Officer, SVS Chief Examiner, SVS Director of Students and Admissions, etc.
• SVS Student Information Resource Handbook

The site also offers a way for you to share your valuable feedback directly with the School about your experiences as a student. We welcome and encourage your input, as it helps us continually improve our processes. If you have a formal grievance regarding academic or teaching standards, please refer to the Student Grievance Resolution Policy to understand your options and the steps you can take.  

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Additional learning activity information

Students MUST dress appropriately for all animal handling classes and other practicals. Laboratory coats or scrubs may be worn upon entering the CSC. These protective outerwear garments must be removed before leaving the CSC and taken home for laundering.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.