Course coordinator
Mr Navin Prakash
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (20/01/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- 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 surgery, dentistry, physiotherapy, nutrition, and oncology. This course will develop student knowledge, skills and expertise essential for the successful performance of veterinary technologists in the fields of small animal practice.
The purpose of this course is to assist in the transformation from veterinary technology student to practicing veterinary technologist in clinical and/or animal related occupations.ﾠWithin this course, students mustﾠattain a high professional standard in veterinary technology. This course involves the practical application of skills and knowledge in all aspects of clinicalﾠnursingﾠof multiple species, engaging in professional communication, management and leadership skills and, practicing self-care.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Completion of level 1 and 2 courses
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
VETS3009, VETS3017, VETS3018, VETS3043 & VETS3044
Restrictions
Only available to Bachelor of Veterinary Technology students
Course contact
Course coordinator
Dr Rebekah Scotney
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
A course timetable will be issued during the first weeks of January. Students are encouraged to check the course Blackboard site regularly for any timetable updates andﾠannouncements.
The timetable on Blackboard will be the authoritative version.
- Formal Teaching in VETS3043ﾠcommences the week beginning Monday 20 January 2025.
- Lectures and practicals are not compulsory (unless otherwise specified). However, ALL material covered in VETS3043ﾠis assessable.
As a University of Queensland student, you are bound by the Student Code of Conduct. You are representing the University and any misconduct (including on clinical placement) will be treated seriously and referred to the appropriate authorities. It is expected that you have read the Student Code of Conduct.
https://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.01-student-code-conduct
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to assist in the transformation from a veterinary technology student to a “practice ready” veterinary technician and in the process, attain a high professional standard in clinical practice. It is expected that students will develop appropriate understanding of One Welfare and the interconnectedness of human, animal and environment. Theory and practical skills will cover surgical nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy, oncology, behaviour, nutrition in companion animals, avian and exotics patients. Students are expected to develop appropriate competency in professional communication, interpersonal and attitudinal attributes while developing their technical, diagnostic and integrative clinical skills. Students are expected to engage in and model leadership skills and, are expected to develop an understanding of, and living practice of emotional intelligence and self-care required in all animal-related occupations.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Handle and restrain sick, injured, and healthy small animals, farm animals, horses, fauna, reptiles and other exotic pets to perform a basic clinical examination and a range of clinical or diagnostic procedures.
LO2.
Be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of veterinary technology and nursing related to companion animals, fauna, reptiles and other exotic pets.
LO3.
Be able to demonstrate proficiency in clinical skills related to nursing in areas including; behaviour, dentistry, surgery, medicine, oncology, physiotherapy, and nutrition.
LO4.
Assess a range of professional situations and respond using effective oral and written communication skills. Evaluate professional situations and their ethical implications by drawing on acceptable ethical values and relevant codes of ethics (pertaining to clients, colleagues and animals).
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Performance, Practical/ Demonstration |
Wound Management, Dentistry, Physiotherapy (Practical Workshops)
|
25% | |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Major Assignment
|
50% | |
| Examination, Practical/ Demonstration |
OSCE Practical Exam - End of Semester 2
|
25% |
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
Wound Management, Dentistry, Physiotherapy (Practical Workshops)
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Performance, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 25%
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Students are required to attend & engage in 3 Practical Workshops which will attribute 25% to overall grade.
- Wound Management – 10%
- Dentistry – 10%
- Physiotherapy – 5%
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Will be school based and scheduled in the Sem 2 central exam period.
Major Assignment
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 50%
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Students will complete a written assignment comprising a series of questions that require research and problem-solving to demonstrate an understanding of course content.
Assignments will be due in Week 7 and submitted via Turn-It-In through the VETS3043 Bb site.
Hurdle requirements
The Major Assignment MUST BE PASSED to pass the courseSubmission guidelines
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.
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.
OSCE Practical Exam - End of Semester 2
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Written
- Category
- Examination, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 25%
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Students will progress through a number of stations where they will be required to perform tasks and demonstrate skills that have been learned/acquired during rotations and placements, which will build from Semester 1 theory and practical content. 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.
Marks are awarded for successfully performing composite tasks at each station. A list of possible tasks is provided below. There will be compulsory PASS stations for the practical exam.
- surgical preparation of the patient - COMPULSORY PASS STATION
- drug dosage and fluid rate calculations - COMPULSORY PASS STATION
- identification of surgical instruments
- cleaning & maintenance of surgical instruments
- preparing & sterilising surgical packs
- care and maintenance of clippers
If a student fails a compulsory pass station they will be provided with an additional opportunity to resit this station. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they can attend. Where an additional opportunity is provided to a student, the maximum score attainable for that station is 50%.
Hurdle requirements
The OSCE Practical Exam MUST BE PASSED to pass the course Students must pass all compulsory pass stations and at least 60% in the remaining stations to pass the exam.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 - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | Calculators will be provided. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| 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 is ﾠ0-29% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 2 is 30%-44% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Grade 3 is 45%-49% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 4 is 50%-64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 5 is 65%-74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 6 is 75%-84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 7 is 85%-100% |
Additional course grading information
To pass VETS3043
- Students MUST achieve 50% overall to pass this course
- The Major Assignment and the OSCE Practical ExamﾠMUST BE PASSED to pass the 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 MUST attend assigned practical sessions and cannot change groups without the PRIOR consent of the Course Co-ordinator.
It is not acceptable for a student to organise travel or holidays to coincide with assessment tasks (including supplementary period) or placement.
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.
Blackboard
This course will be supported by a Blackboard website which can be accessed from UQ's e-Learning website -ﾠhttp://www.elearning.uq.edu.au/. You will need to log on using your UQ username/password, i.e. the same one you use to access my.UQ, SI-Net, and student mail.
Blackboard can be accessed through my.UQ, but your time may run out after 30 minutes. If you enter by this route - this could be a disadvantage.
For further information on Blackboard, students should refer to the following website -ﾠhttp://www.library.uq.edu.au/ask-it/learnuq-blackboard.
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 From Week 1 To Week 10 |
General contact hours |
Avian & Exotics Module A series of lectures and practicals on reptile, avian and native fauna nursing and practical classes covering handling, restraint and clinical techniques used in veterinary practice. |
General contact hours |
Para-Veterinary Module This module incorporates knowledge and skills in para-veterinary disciplines such as physiotherapy, dentistry, oncology and clinical nutrition. |
|
General contact hours |
Surgical Principles A series of lectures on the principles surgical nursing, wound management, and fluid therapy incorporating applied aspects pertinent to the Veterinary Technologist. |
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.