Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Veterinary Science School
This course aims to provide information and experiences that will prepare students for a support role in veterinary clinical practice by providing theory and practical skills in the fields of small animal clinical practice.
This course will develop student knowledge, skills and expertise essential for the successful performance of veterinary technologists in clinical practice. Emphasis will be placed on surgery and wound management, dentistry, medicine, physiotheraphy, clinical nutrition and avian/exotics care pertaining to the veterinary technician.
This course aims to provide information and experiences that will prepare students for a support role in veterinary clinical practice by providing theory and practical skills in the fields of small animal clinical practice.
This course will develop student knowledge, skills and expertise essential for the successful performance of veterinary technologists in clinical practice. Emphasis will be placed on surgery and wound management, dentistry, medicine, physiotheraphy, clinical nutrition and avian/exotics care pertaining to the veterinary technician.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students in this course are assumed to have a sound knowledge of:
- Anatomy and physiology to apply in a clinical context
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ANIM1020, VETS2001 and VETS2006
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
VETS3043
Restrictions
BVetTech students only
Course contact
Lecturer
Mr Navin Prakash
Course coordinator
Dr Rebekah Scotney
Lecturer
Dr Rebekah Scotney
Course staff
Lecturer
Ms Rebecca de Gier
Mrs Debra Laws
Mr Navin Prakash
Dr Rebekah Scotney
Tutor
Mr Vithaya Chakitdee
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please be aware that due to unforeseen circumstances it may be necessary to make changes to the timetable throughout the semester and so it is important to check the VETS2043 Blackboard site regularly. Students will be notified of changes to the timetable via Blackboard Announcements.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of VETS2043 (Clinical Principles and Practices) is to provide information and experiences that will prepare students for a support role in veterinary clinical practice. Theory and practical skills will cover surgical procedures and nursing, dentistry, fluid therapy, avian/exotics care and small animal physiotherapy. It is expected that students will develop appropriate competency in professional communication, interpersonal and attitudinal attributes while developing their technical skills.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Veterinary Patient Supportive Care
1.1 Demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and skills in surgery, general medicine, emergency/critical care, infection control, wound management, patient monitoring, nutrition, fluid therapy and supportive care of clinical problems in companion animals.
1.2 Demonstrate proficiency and application of knowledge in the areas of oncology, physiotherapy, dentistry and other medically related topics as relevant to the veterinary technologist.
LO2.
Surgical aseptic techniques and theatre practice
2.1 Demonstrate acquired knowledge in surgical nursing, encompassing all areas of surgical nursing, including surgical asepsis, instrumentation, preparation of the patient, surgical personnel and equipment.
LO3.
Clinical Skills
3.1 Be able to demonstrate proficiency in clinical skills related to nursing in areas including: behaviour, dentistry, oncology, nutrition, physiotherapy and end of life care.
3.2 Be able to demonstrate proficiency in clinical skills related to nursing fauna, reptiles and other exotic pets.
LO4.
Animal Handling and Restraint
4.1 Be able to safely and proficiently handle and restrain sick, injured, and healthy companion animals, farm animals and horses to perform a basic clinical examination and a range of clinical or diagnostic procedures.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project | Veterinary Terminology Workbook | 10% |
4/10/2024 4:00 pm |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Case Based Approach to Avians And Exotics | 10% |
7/10/2024 - 8/10/2024 |
| Practical/ Demonstration | Practical Examination | 30% |
21/10/2024 |
| Examination | Content Theory Examination | 50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
Assessment details
Veterinary Terminology Workbook
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
4/10/2024 4:00 pm
Task description
Task Description:
The Veterinary Terminology Workbook introduces students to a range of terms relevant to veterinary technology and nursing in a contextualised format.
Objectives:
By the end of this task, students should be able to:
- Identify prefixes, suffixes and roots that make up common veterinary medical terms
- Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of basic veterinary medical terms
- Appreciate the importance of learning medical terminology for employment within the veterinary and allied animal health industries
Instructions:
Students will be given an online terminology workbook at the start of the semester and are required to work through it and submit a completed workbook by Friday 4pm of Week 10 via Blackboard. To complete this task, students will need to refer to the on-line notes provided on Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Case Based Approach to Avians And Exotics
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
7/10/2024 - 8/10/2024
Task description
This will be a team based learning session where students will be assessed on their understanding and ability to apply their knowledge of avian and exotic care learnt in this course, including the topics of husbandry, behaviour and nutrition. Students will be assessed on their ability to work in groups and create an information sheet that can be provided to hypothetical pet owners covering an assigned disease, its impact on husbandry, behaviour, nutrition and ways to improve their avian or exotic pets' health.
The assessment will take the form of a group based information sheet on a particular disease (assigned on the day) and how an owner would be able to care for their avian or exotic pet with that condition. Groups will be allocated randomly on the day of the tutorial exercise and will be held in Week 11.
This session will be "in-person" on campus.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Practical Examination
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
21/10/2024
Task description
This is a clinical examination assessing a student's ability to perform various clinical and technical tasks that they have learnt. This will be held in Week 13.
Students will progress through a number of stations where they will be required to perform tasks and demonstrate skills that have been learned/acquired in their practical classes. Students may also be expected to answer questions related to the task being examined in written or verbal form. All students will be examined on the same day.
Assessed tasks include:
Handling and restraint
Clinical exam
Routine behaviour assessment
Preparing patients for surgery
Dentistry
Instruments (dentistry & surgery)
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Content Theory Examination
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Task description
Students will undertake a written examination comprised of multiple choice questions, short answer and problem-solving questions to demonstrate an understanding of VETS2043 content. Examinable materials will be from any lectures, practical classes and other content supplied.
This will be an on-campus invigilated examination. Inspera Assessment may be used in VETS2043; this is an invigilated on-campus digital exam and students in this course will complete using their own device. If own device is not available, student services is available to help organise alternative devices for use. Further details, including an introduction to Inspera functionality, practice opportunities, and where to go for support, will be provided in the Blackboard site for this course during the semester. .
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved , labelled calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 0-29% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 30%-44% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 45%-49% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50%-64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65%-74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75%-84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85%-100% |
Additional course grading information
To pass the course students must:
- achieve 50% overall to pass this course.
- achieve at leastﾠ50% in theﾠtheory/content exam.
- achieve 50% in practical examinationﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
For INSPERA exams, the summary page shows a ‘SUBMIT NOW’ button that students must click to submit their answers. After submission, students will receive a confirmation on the dashboard that they have submitted and can no longer edit responses. For all End of Semester exams with durations of 60, 90, 120 or 180 minutes you will receive an additional 10 minutes of planning time to read the examination questions and plan your responses, but you may commence working if you wish. It’s essential that you check before the exam that your laptop meets the device requirements for Inspera assessments. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. Get familiar with Inspera provides the most up to date information for students about using Inspera. 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
Ensuring work-life balance and seeking help at an early stage are key attributes for successful study at university. UQ Student Servicesﾠand the Student Union (UQU) provide many resources for students studying at UQ. Student Services provide a range of mindfulness programs and counselling services to help improve confidence and overall wellbeing. UQU also provide a range of student support, welfare and wellbeing resources.
If immediate help is needed, please call the 24/7ﾠUQ Counselling and Crisis Line 1300 851 998
ﾠ
1. Principles of Surgery Homepage - University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
http://research.vet.upenn.edu/Default.aspx?alias=research.vet.upenn.edu/surgery
This provides access to information and images on: surgical instruments, preparing equipment, preparing the patient, preparing the surgeon, and sutures and suture material.
2.ﾠVeterinary Support Personnel Network (VSPN)
The Veterinary Support Personnel Network (VSPN) is for veterinary support staff working with, for, or in the field of veterinary medicine, under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.
Membership in VSPN is free. In order to have access to all of VSPN's community features including message boards, chats, and CE, you will need to register .ﾠ Please check out this website!
3. Blackboard - The course will also be supported by a Blackboard web site. Blackboard can be accessed from the University's e-Learning site (http://www.elearning.uq.edu.au/).ﾠ You will need to log on using your UQ username & password.
For further information on Blackboard, students should refer to the following website -ﾠLearn.UQ (Blackboard) help
4. Vet Folio - VetFolio brings together some of the best educational material in the industry through the combined efforts and resources of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC). VetFolio puts education directly in the hands of veterinary professionals, empowering them to learn how they want, when they want. Vetfolio provides comprehensive education in the industry. Membership is free for students. http://www.vetfolio.com/veterinary-technician-resources.
5. Todays Veterinary Nurse -ﾠToday’s Veterinary Nurse, an officialﾠpeer‐reviewedﾠjournal of the North American Veterinary Community, is FREE for all veterinary nurses, veterinary assistants, veterinary nursing students and other members of the veterinary healthcare team. Earn CE and master your skills with our unique MEDICAL focus for nurses and technicians. Count on peer‐reviewed quality from experts in veterinary medicine. Stay current with the latest techniques and information to enhance your practical nursing and technical skills. Make sure you get every issue ofﾠToday’s Veterinary Nurse.ﾠAvailable free onlineﾠhttp://todaysveterinarynurse.com/subscribe/
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Surgical Nursing for the Veterinary Technologist A series of lectures covering care of the surgical patient as well as detailed explanations of various common and uncommon surgical procedures |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 3 |
Tutorial |
Wound Management and Care Series of lectures and practicals on wound management and bandaging of small and large animals. |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 11 |
Team Based Learning |
Avain and Exotics Modules Lectures & Tutorials): A series of lectures and tutorials on reptile, avian and native fauna nursing and practical classes covering handling, restraint and clinical techniques used in veterinary practice. |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Fluid Therapy A series of lectures covering fluid therapy and electrolytes |
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.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course: