Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Veterinary Science School
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.ﾠﾠ
ﾠ
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
Lecturer
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):
- Revision & Preparation Week
- Fundamentals of a Diagnostic Laboratory
- Laboratory Management
- Haematology 1 (Erythron)
- Haematology 2 (Leukon & Thrombon)
- Infectious Diseases
- Haematology 3 (Consolidation)
- Haematology Exercise Week (Assessment)
- Urinalysis
- Clinical Chemistry
- Histopathology
- Molecular Technologies
- Revision Week
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 VETS3023 Blackboard site regularly. Students will be notified of changes to the timetable via Blackboard Announcements.
Aims and outcomes
The aims of this course are:
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.
ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Approach blood film evaluation at an advanced level
LO2.
Identify situations in which blood smears, haematologic and clinical chemistry data should be flagged for pathologist review.
LO3.
Describe all features of a diagnostic submission form and advise on appropriate collection and packaging of diagnostic specimens, including suitability of blood tubes for sample preservation and downstream testing.
LO4.
Interpret clinical diagnostic data with a view to quality control (QC), and be able to describe generic QC considerations that are ubiquitous in a diagnostic laboratory.
LO5.
Identify situations in which sample quality may affect downstream haematology and clinical chemistry data, and be able to describe basic troubleshooting approaches for such samples.
LO6.
Be able to describe basic histology techniques, including fixation, tissue processing, sectioning and staining
LO7.
Be able to describe infectious disease considerations in diagnostic laboratory workflow, including application of molecular diagnostic tools
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Blood Film Evaluation Exercise
|
30% |
9/09/2024 - 13/09/2024 |
| Examination |
End of Semester Examination
|
70% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
This is a central invigilated INSPERA examination to be sat on campus |
Assessment details
Blood Film Evaluation Exercise
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
9/09/2024 - 13/09/2024
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
A one hour online exercise, delivered in a standard Blackboard quiz format, requiring identification of leukocytes, assessment of red cell arrangement and morphology and platelet enumeration from provided digital images. The exercise can be accessed at any time during the date window, however it must be completed in a single sitting.
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 defer this exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
End of Semester Examination
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 70%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
This is a central invigilated INSPERA examination to be sat on campus
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
A 90 minute written examination canvassing ALL course material except for haematology.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated by Inspera |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
Failure to sit the assessment item without approval for deferred assessment will result in a mark of 0 for the item
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% |
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
EXAMS - 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. You must 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
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) |
General contact hours |
Revision Week Consolidation of prior knowledge in preparation for semester. Comprises pre-recorded lectures, readings and an introductory Virtual Classroom session. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
General contact hours |
Fundamentals of a Diagnostic Laboratory A pre-recorded virtual classroom session, reinforced by selected readings. Learning outcomes: L03 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
General contact hours |
Laboratory Management A recorded virtual classroom session, reinforced by selected readings. Learning outcomes: L04 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
General contact hours |
Haematology 1 An in-depth exploration of the erythron, leukon and thrombon via virtual classroom sessions, online exercises, videos and readings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
General contact hours |
Haematology 2 An exploration of parasitology, microbiology and virology in a diagnostic laboratory context. Virtual classroom recording and associated readings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
General contact hours |
Infectious Diseases A virtual classroom recording and associated readings exploring the theory of histopathology and histopathologic sectioning. Learning outcomes: L03, L07 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
General contact hours |
Haematology 3 Key elements of urinalysis in a diagnostic context, including sampling and storage considerations. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Problem-based learning |
Blood Film Evaluation Exercise Week A one hour online exercise examining blood film evaluation skills, available for access during this week (week 12). Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
General contact hours |
Urinalysis The concept of PCR and molecular-based diagnostic modalities in the laboratory Learning outcomes: L03, L07 |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Clinical Chemistry A case study approach to clinical chemistry (readings, exercises, virtual classroom recordings, self-directed) Learning outcomes: L03 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Histopathology Learning outcomes: L06 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Molecular Technologies Learning outcomes: L07 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Revision Week Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07 |
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.