Course coordinator
Dr Erika Meler
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (20/01/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Veterinary Science School
This course covers foundational pathology and clinical pathology of small animals, and relevant aspects of common diseases affecting core body systems.
This course provides students with a foundational grounding in small animal health. It has an emphasis on clinical pathology, clinically relevant aspects of core body systems (gastrointestinal, endocrine, renal/urinary) andﾠalso canvasses emergency and critical care, dermatology andﾠophthalmology. The course also introduces concepts around important systemic states (sepsis, pyrexia, shock) and elements of triage. Aspects particularly relevant to the veterinary technician, including recognition of important clinical signs, case prioritisation, treatment and management/nursing will be emphasised. This course is intended to be complementary to 3rd year Bachelor of Veterinary Technology courses, and is a theoretical primer for 3rd year clinical placement activity.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students in this course are assumed to have a good understanding of the normal anatomy and physiology of organ systems in small animals.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Completion of BVetTech Core Courses and successful completion of EMS
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
VETS3009, VETS3017, VETS3018, VETS3043, VETS3044 and VETS3048
Restrictions
Only available to Bachelor of Veterinary Technology students.
Course contact
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 course aims to provide veterinary technology students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of the management of smallﾠanimal (canine and feline) health problems and to develop technical skills in the application of this knowledge.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand, explain and apply the basic principles of clinical pathology pertinent to the veterinary technologist
LO2.
Prepare for, perform and evaluate a range of diagnostic laboratory procedures including blood film preparation and basic appraisal, measurement of packed cell volume and total plasma protein, urinalysis, faecal analysis and dermatological techniques.
LO3.
Be able to describe relevant clinical signs for common diseases, and important monitoring, treatment and nursing aspects of managing patients with renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, dermatological and ophthalmic conditions.
LO4.
Be able to describe relevant clinical signs for common diseases, and important monitoring, treatment and nursing aspects of veterinary emergency and critical care patients.
LO5.
Be able to describe and manage key aspects of canine and feline reproduction
LO6.
Be able to assist in designing preventative health programs for managing disease in dogs and cats
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Assessment sequence - progressive online Quizzes
|
45% x3 (15% each) |
See VETS3009 Blackboard site |
| Examination |
In-semester Examination
|
55% |
In-semester Saturday 29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025 |
Assessment details
Assessment sequence - progressive online Quizzes
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 45% x3 (15% each)
- Due date
See VETS3009 Blackboard site
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
THREE progressive online quizzes, each worth 15%, on the topics of:
- clinical pathology (haematology and clinical chemistry)
- renal medicine and urinalysis
- ophthalmology
The quizzes will be open on Blackboard for 24 hours. Two attempts at the Quiz will be permitted. Quiz timings will be clearly gazetted on the course timetable on Blackboard.. Each quiz shall comprise ten multiple choice questions drawn randomly from a pool (1.5 mark per question). Questions may incorporate visual media. Thirty minutes of working time is permitted per quiz, and the quiz must be completed in a single sitting.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
In certain circumstances, you can apply to take a Deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams (including Quizzes).
- In-semester deferred exam request – applies to exams held at any time other than during the University's end-of-semester exam block periods.
- End-of-semester deferred exam request – applies only to exams held during the University's designated end-of-semester exam periods.
You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.
There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
Further information including acceptable evidence and instructions on how to apply can be found on my.UQ Deferring an exam
In-semester Examination
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 55%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
The In-semester examination will be conducted via the Inspera platform and will be held during the central In-semester exam period. The examination will canvass all material covered during the semester, excluding clinical pathology, urinalysis/urinary medicine and ophthalmology (all examined via progressive quizzes during the semester).
Previous VETS3017 Inspera examinations are available in the library as an example of the different question types that can be utilised within this platform.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| 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.
In certain circumstances, you can apply to take a Deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams.
- In-semester deferred exam request – applies to exams held at any time other than during the University's end-of-semester exam block periods.
- End-of-semester deferred exam request – applies only to exams held during the University's designated end-of-semester exam periods.
You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.
There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
Further information including acceptable evidence and instructions on how to apply can be found on my.UQ Deferring an 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: Grade 1 0-29% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 2 30-44% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Grade 3 45-49% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 4 50-64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 5 65-74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 6 75-84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 7 85-100% |
Additional course grading information
To pass VETS3009
Students must gain 50% of the available marks for the course.
Grade calculations
When rounding final marks for grade calculations, part marks of <0.5 will be ROUNDED DOWN to the nearest whole number, and part marks of >/= 0.5 will be ROUNDED UP to the nearest whole number.
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
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
SSWS + UQU
Maintaining a work-life balance and seeking help early is crucial for successful university studies. UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) and the Student Union (UQU) offer numerous resources for UQ students including various mindfulness programs and counselling services to boost confidence and improve overall physical and mental wellbeing. UQU also offers a range of support, welfare, and wellbeing resources.
For immediate assistance, please call the 24/7 UQ Counselling and Crisis Line at 1300 851 998.
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 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Lecture |
Clinical Pathology Five lectures covering veterinary clinical pathology, including sample collection/handling/submission, basic QA/QC, haematology, clinical chemistry and urinalysis with an emphasis on aspects relevant to the veterinary technician Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Lecture |
Preventative Health Programs Three lectures outlining preventative health strategies to promote small animal health. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Lecture |
Transfusion Medicine & Shock Two lectures canvassing applied aspects of transfusion medicine and shock. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Lecture |
Tick Paralysis Two lectures canvassing the approach to managing a paralysis tick case Learning outcomes: L06 |
|
Practical |
Practical Haematology Session covering practical haematology skills, including blood film preparation and staining and measurement of PCV and TP. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Lecture |
Ophthalmology Two lectures canvassing ophthalmic examination and ophthalmic nursing Learning outcomes: L03 |
|
Lecture |
Small Animal Gastrointestinal System Diseases Two lectures outlining clinical signs, case management and nursing aspects of common diseases of the gastrointestinal system Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Renal/Urinary Medicine Two lectures outlining clinical signs, case management and nursing aspects of common diseases of the renal/urinary system Learning outcomes: L03 |
|
Lecture |
Endocrine Diseases Two lectures outlining clinical signs, case management and nursing aspects of common diseases of endocrine system Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Practical |
Urinalysis Practical exploring aspects of practice laboratory urinalysis workup, including dipstick evaluation, refractometry and sediment preparation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Lecture |
Canine & Feline Reproduction Two lectures highlighting key aspects of clinical reproduction relevant to canines and felines Learning outcomes: L06 |
|
Lecture |
Dermatology Two lectures canvassing canine and feline dermatology, emphasizing common skin conditions, diagnostic approaches and management considerations. Learning outcomes: L02, L06 |
|
Lecture |
Emergency and Critical Care Two lectures outlining clinical signs, case management including recumbent patient care, and nursing aspects of common emergency and critical care conditions. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Practical |
Ophthalmology Prac Small group training sessions at the CSC to teach skills relevant to eye evaluation for technicians. Learning outcomes: L03 |
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.