Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics for Veterinary Technologists (VETS3023)

Course overview

This course provides a theoretical and practical online training in key diagnostic skills for veterinary technicians, with a focus on diagnostic pathology and infectious diseases of small, large and exotic animals. Participants will appreciate how a diagnostic laboratory operates, understand how to prepare specimens for pathological analysis, will acquire skills for the basic interpretation of diagnostic samples, be able to describe how to effectively operate equipment and instruments commonly used in diagnostic pathology and infectious diseases, and will be able to prepare and manage cytologic, haematologic and clinical chemistry samples.

VETS3023 is designed for final year Veterinary Technology students with an interest in diagnostic laboratory work. Veterinary Technologists are vital members of veterinary diagnostic teams that work in the disciplines of anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, microbiology and parasitology. This course will provide an overview of diagnostic laboratory management aspects, including quality control and sample accession, and will also explore the various disciplines at an advanced level, building upon foundational pathobiology knowledge and skills acquired earlier in the program.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Students taking this course will be expected to have a solid grounding in foundational pathology, basic clinical pathology, parasitology andﾠmicrobiology.

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

CHEM1004, AGRC2001, VETS2040

Recommended companion or co-requisite courses

We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:

VETS2032, VETS2001

Restrictions

Minimum 10, maximum 30 students.

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

Additional timetable information

VETS3023 is a fullyﾠexternal offering and is thusﾠarranged into 'themed weeks'. Self-directed study materials available for each week include virtual classrooms, videos, readings, exercises, supplied notes or powerpoints. Note that this is a self-directed course, designed to integrate with busy 3rd year clinical placement schedules. Below is an indicative framework only (not an official timetable and subject to change):

1. Revision & Preparation Week
2. Fundamentals of a Diagnostic Laboratory
3. Laboratory Management
4. Haematology 1 (Erythron)
5. Haematology 2 (Leukon & Thrombon)
6. Infectious Diseases
7. Haematology 3 (Consolidation)
8. Haematology Exercise Week (Assessment)
9. Urinalysis
10. Clinical Chemistry
11. Histopathology
12. Molecular Technologies
13. Revision Week

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

To introduce concepts integral to diagnostic laboratories;ﾠnamely laboratory management,ﾠsample accession and management, quality control and relevant aspects of equipment technology.

To explore advanced concepts in clinical pathology andﾠanatomic pathology at the level required of a veterinary technician aspiring entry intoﾠa career in a diagnostic services laboratory, or with an interest in laboratory diagnostics.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment details

Blood Film Evaluation Exercise

• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Quiz

Weight

30%

Due date

15/09/2025 - 19/09/2025

Other conditions

Student specific, Work integrated learning.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02

Task description

Submission guidelines

The Haematology Exercise can be accessed in the 'Assessment' section of the VETS3023 Blackboard site. This assessment item will be available after the gazetted opening date and can be undertaken and submitted at any time during the open period. The assessment item must be completed in a single sitting.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

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.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

End of Semester Examination

• Identity Verified
• In-person
• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

70%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

Other conditions

Student specific, Time limited, Secure.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, 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.

Course grading

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

Additional course grading information

To pass VET3023

• Students must achieve 50% overall to pass this 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.

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

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

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.

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 for Students Policy and Procedure

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