Dr Ben Wood
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
Husbandry, health and nutrition of farm animals including common diseases and how farm management impacts on disease.
This course provides students with the opportunity to learn about the overall role of veterinary technologists in large animal health and management. This includes the opportunities to develop technical skills in handling and husbandry procedures, clinical examination, collection of diagnostic samples, and therapeutic procedures in large animals. The main focus of the lectures is on bovine and equine health management, but will also include other species such as sheep, goats, pigs and camelids. The lecture material will be complemented by practicals including: handling and clinical examination (horses and ruminants), diagnostic sampling and medication procedures (horses and ruminants), parasitology, and species-specific herd health procedures (dairy cattle, beef cattleﾠand sheep). Professionalism is expected during all learning activities.ﾠ
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Completion of BVetTech Core Courses and successful completion of Pre-Clinical Extra-mural Studies (PEMS).
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
VETS3009, VETS3017, VETS3018, VETS3043, VETS3044 and VETS3048
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ANIM3021
Restrictions
Only available to 3rd year Veterinary Technology students
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Dr Ben Wood
Dr Swaid Abdullah
Mrs Courtney Stewart
Dr Albert Sole Guitart
Miss Sascha Nott
Mr Jamie Knox
Dr Noman Naseem
Tutor
Miss Sharon Blums
Mr Thiago De Almeida Combe
Miss Margot Veron
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 large animal 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.
Demonstrate knowledge of the common health and management problems encountered in horses, cattle, small ruminants, pigs and camelids and be able to describe the management or treatment options for these problems.
LO2.
Demonstrate knowledge and competence in the skills and procedures involved in the diagnosis and management of large animal species health problems including safely performing physical examinations, diagnostic procedures, and medication techniques of those species.
LO3.
Demonstrate knowledge of the execution of a post-mortem examination in large animal species, understand the zoonotic potential of some large animal diseases and be able to apply the principles of infection control and biosecurity to prevent zoonoses.
LO4.
Demonstrate the ability to identify parasites of importance in large animals and be able to describe their control and successful management when identified.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Assessment sequence - Practical and Tutorial Quizzes
|
30% |
Week 1 - Week 10 |
| Examination, Practical/ Demonstration |
Parasitology Practical and Theory Exam
|
20% |
25/03/2025 8:00 am |
| Examination |
Final Examination
|
50% |
10/04/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Assessment sequence - Practical and Tutorial Quizzes
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Week 1 - Week 10
Task description
The quizzes will be held at the end of the practical and tutorial sessions.
- Sheep handling and clinical examination (practical) - 4 questions
- Equine handling (practical) - 4 questions
- Equine clinical examination (practical) - 4 questions
- Cattle clinical examination (practical) - 4 questions
- Cattle procedures (practical) - 4 questions
- Equine dentistry & radiology (tutorial) - 3 questions each tutorial
- Equine procedures and bandaging (practical) - 4 questions
These quizzes are to be submitted by the end of the practical or tutorial to the corresponding instructor.
Each question is worth 1 mark to a total of 30 marks across the listed activities and this will contribute 30% towards the final mark for VETS3018.
Anyone not attending a practical will not be eligible for the quiz marks from that particular practical or tutorial class.
The results will be posted on Grade Centre.
NOTE: There is no quiz associated with the needle and syringe skills tutorial.
Submission guidelines
These quizzes are to be submitted at the end of the practical or tutorial to the corresponding instructor.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension. Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
Parasitology Practical and Theory Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Examination, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
25/03/2025 8:00 am
Task description
This exam is an on-campus invigilated practical and theory examination with a duration of 2hrs with 1hr for each section. This time does not include moving between practical and theory components of the exam that will occur in different rooms/labs and under differing examination conditions. Details of the exam components, exam conditions for both theory and practical will be provided during the semester.
This exam accounts for a total of 20% towards the final mark for VETS3018.
This exam is based on all parasitology lectures (large animal parasitology 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) and the parasitology practical and examines different aspects of large animal parasitological knowledge. The student is expected to be able to identify parasites of importance in large animal veterinary practice and be able to describe their control and management.
The results will be posted on Grade Centre.
NOTE: The content from the parasitology lectures and practical will not be re-examined specifically in the final exam but a general knowledge of parasitology is expected as some health and management conditions in large animals will have parasites as possible differential diagnoses or a possible instigating cause. Consequently, some parasitological knowledge would be assumed for the final examination.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | For the practical laboratory component of the examination, permitted reference materials will be defined and students notified leading up to the examination. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Examination paper for each section is to submitted at the end of each examination component.
- practical examination
- theory examination
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
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Final Examination
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
10/04/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
The end of semester Final Exam will be an in-person invigilated digital Inspera exam and students will complete this exam using their own laptop.
Technical support and laptops to borrow if needed are provided through UQ Library Services and AskUs.
The Final Exam will be held following the lecture series, and consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQ), short answer and essay-type questions on the material presented throughout the course in lectures and practicals, excluding materials from large animal parasitology specifically.
NOTE: The content from the parasitology lectures and practical will not be re-examined specifically in the final exam but a good general knowledge of parasitology is expected as some heath and management conditions in large animals will have parasites as possible differential diagnoses or a possible instigating cause. Consequently, some parasitological knowledge would be assumed for the final examination.
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.
Hurdle requirements
A score of 50% or greater in the EOS exam is required to pass VETS3018.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 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: 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
Prac attendance
Practicals are not compulsory but there is an assessmentﾠtask at the end of each one. It is advised to attend the practicals and participate actively.
To pass VETS3018
- Students MUST attain 50% across the one (1) theory exam to pass the course.
- Students must achieve 50% overall to pass this course.
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
Students who receive a failing grade for the course AND who are eligible for supplementary assessment will be given the opportunity to sit a written supplementary examination. The written supplementary examination will based on content from all lectures and practicals in this course
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.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Coveralls, and work boots | Coverall/overalls and washable protective work boots are required for entry into the large animal practicals contained within the course. Gum boots may be worn but it is preferred if work boots without shoe laces (e.g. Blundstone-type boots) are used in the practicals that involve animal handling. Entry to practicals without appropriate PPE will not occur. | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
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.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Tutorial |
Procedural skills tutorials These hands-on tutorials (3) aim to increase the skills of the students and add to lecture content.
NOTE - Entry to the clinical skills HUB requires closed shoes and either laboratory coats, scrubs or clean clothing depending on the tutorial. Students will be advised on appropriate clothing during the course. |
Multiple weeks |
Lecture |
Lectures Lectures will be delivered that cover a range of topics in large animal medicine, surgery and management. These can be grouped generally into modules that will include
|
Practical |
Live animal practicals Practicals in this course aim to increase the clinical and procedural skills in students across a range of species. There is a focus on safety within each practical to ensure confidence across species. The practicals are listed below:
NOTE: Entry to practicals without appropriate PPE (i,e, coveralls, appropriate protective boots) will not occur. Sun protection (i.e. hat and SPF50 sunscreen) and water is highly recommended as these practicals will occur during the heat of the Queensland summer. |
|
Practical |
Parasitology practical Laboratory based practical focusing on the identification of common large animal internal and external parasites together with management of the identified parasite. |
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.