Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Veterinary Science School
This course provides training in veterinary pharmacology and toxicology on a body systems basis, i.e. how exogenously derived chemical agents affect various organ systems and animals as a whole. It develops students understanding of pathophysiological and pharmacological principles involved in actions of these chemicals, before moving on to developing skills in the applied and/or therapeutic aspects of this information, including routes of delivery and practical application. This will include therapeutics and introductory anaesthesia training as a prelude to clinical medicine, and dose calculations, fluid therapy and acid-base therapeutics.
This course will be organ-based in semester 1, building on principles of altered pathophysiology, using lectures and tutorials. Semester 2 will then use focused tutorial sessions to link to clinical and applied aspects of this course, including toxicology and anaesthesia. The focus is to introduce students to the basic drugs they will need to be familiar with, then have expert clinicians explain the use of these drugs in clinical scenarios (e.g. cattle drugs in cattle, equine drugs in horses). Sem 2 will focus on toxicology, anaesthetic drugs and fluid balance.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course will build on the principles outlined in VETS2007 and describe pharmacology and toxicology of the different organ systems, in parallel to these organ systems being discussed in VETS3060. In semester 2, there will be interactive tutorial sessions, with the aim to provide clinical and applied aspects of pharmacology.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
VETS2007, VETS2008, ANIM2503
Restrictions
Enrolment restricted to Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) students.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Dakota Leschke
Teacher
Professor Ben Ahern
Dr Donna Parker
Dr Elisa Dennis
Dr Erika Meler
Dr Frances Shapter
Dr Jo Rainger
Professor Rachel Allavena
Dr Shahab Ranjbar Nezhad Isfahani
Dr Wendy Goodwin
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
Pharmacology has been continuously identified from practitioner and other stakeholder surveys as poor or inadequate in veterinary science graduates. This course specifically covers the pharmacology of the body systems and then presents basic therapeutic approaches, such as calculating drug dose rates, to reinforce and apply relevance to the learning. Anaesthesia is a natural progression from systems pharmacology since it involves the use of drugs to provide anaesthesia and analgesia, including ancillary life support (oxygen, fluids). This course also provides an introduction to the clinical use of intravenous fluids therapy. Toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of xenobiotics, and is included in this course since it is a discipline that has similar principles to pharmacology (with some aspects of toxicology reflecting high drug dose rate or adverse drug effects). This course allows students to gain competency in handling intoxications, which are of vital importance in Australian veterinary practice with impacts on animal welfare, economics, ecosystem health and implications for human health.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Be able to explain the mode of action of the major classes of therapeutic drugs; possible positive and negative interactions of therapeutic agents, and the rationale for selecting therapeutic agents based on clinico-pathological information. Include any antagonists, if available, for the various therapeutic drugs.
LO2.
For each organ system, formulate and justify a rational treatment approach for the common disease processes of that system.
LO3.
Describe and identify the negative impacts of toxicants on body organ systems, develop a diagnostic action plan and differential diagnosis, and select, interpret and critically analyse clinical signs, diagnostic samples and tests, for the major toxicants of companion and production animals in Australia.
LO4.
Identify the major poisonous plants, fungi and cyanobacteria in Australia and explain the relevance of, and animal species intoxicated by that agent.
LO5.
Individually, or in teams, identify and describe the application of basic therapeutic interventions to important companion and production animal toxicants.
LO6.
Formulate an appropriate anaesthetic and analgesic plan, describe the onset, duration, effects and side-effects of commonly used anaesthetic drugs, with justification of drug choices.
LO7.
Demonstrate understanding of the basic pharmacology of commonly used opioids (e.g.: methadone, morphine, butorphanol, hydromorphone, buprenorphine, and fentanyl) and anticholinergic drugs (e.g. glycopyrrolate and atropine), and use this knowledge to select appropriate drugs for sedation and analgesia in the clinical setting.
LO8.
Calculate dilutions and constant rate infusions.
LO9.
Describe common electrolyte abnormalities, including dehydration and circulatory shock, and appropriate choice of intravenous fluids that could be used to treat these disorders.
LO10.
Following the group project, you should be able to work effectively as a team to critically approach a clinical toxicology case scenario synthesizing, discussing and critiquing a differential diagnosis.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
End of Semester 1 Theory Examination
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
| Quiz |
Toxic plant, fungi, cyanobacteria Quiz
|
5% |
19/09/2025 2:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Toxicology scenario group Presentation (online)
|
15% |
17/10/2025 2:00 pm
Group work can be submitted anytime during this week, as long as before 2 pm on Fri 17th Oct. |
| Examination |
End of Semester 2 Theory Exam
|
40% |
Second End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Assessment details
End of Semester 1 Theory Examination
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This exam will cover the pharmacology taught in semester 1 and will be based on short answer questions and multiple choice questions.
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 | 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.
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.
Toxic plant, fungi, cyanobacteria Quiz
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
19/09/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
This task is an open-book, online, multiple choice quiz examining students ability to recognise toxic plants, fungi and cyanobacteria of veterinary importance from images and/or descriptions of the plant and/or the clinical presentation of the toxicity caused by the plant in a one animal species. Scientific and common names used in lectures will be provided in the MCQ options. Students may also be examined on any content delivered in the lectures or pracs, with regard to toxic plants, identification processes, potential concerns for animals or humans and appropriate methods for identification. For the most common/ most lethal toxic plants, fungi and cyanobacteria of veterinary importance, listed as Ross McKenzie’s top killers, students should have a working knowledge or be able to source rapidly, the expected clinical signs & symptoms of those plants toxicity.
Quiz responses must be an individual student’s own work. Sharing of any information obtained during the quiz between students at any time while the quiz is open, or providing or receiving questions from another cohort are both considered academic misconduct. Students must follow all UQ academic integrity guidelines.
Students will have 50 minutes to answer 30 MCQ from a randomly selected pool.
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
Online submission through course Blackboard site.
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.
Toxicology scenario group Presentation (online)
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
17/10/2025 2:00 pm
Group work can be submitted anytime during this week, as long as before 2 pm on Fri 17th Oct.
Task description
Students will work in assigned small groups to present in an online format (video, recorded screen, voice recording over ppt, or other approved format), their clinical reasoning as they go through a provided toxicity scenario. Students will be provided a clinical history and scenario, and additional diagnostic findings (for example haematology, biochemistry, diagnostic tests results, postmortem results). They will need to clearly articulate their approach to the case including identifying the organ system(s) affected, clinical signs, differential diagnosis list, diagnostic plan, additional resources required, diagnostic tests ordered and treatment plan for their most likely differential.
The goal of this assessment is to encourage employability skills associated with working in teams including time management, task delegation, ability to critically provide feedback and guidance to peers, and written and verbal communication skills which target a variety of audiences.
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
Case presentations need to be submitted by the required date to Prof Allavena as indicated in class.
If groups are struggling with the teamwork learning outcomes in the toxicology group assignment, groups or individual students can approach A/Prof Allavena.
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.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time.
If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
End of Semester 2 Theory Exam
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Second End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This exam will cover the toxicology, anaesthesia and fluid therapy theory material.
This will be an on-campus invigilated examination. If this is not possible it will be an online 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.
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.
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.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 0-29% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 30-44% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Overall mark of 45-49% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 50-64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 65-74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 75-84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 85%> |
Additional course grading information
To pass VETS3050
Students must achieve an overall mark of at least 50% (i.e. for the combined assessment tasks).
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.
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.
Blackboard
This course will be supported by a Blackboard website.ﾠ This will need to be accessed in order to complete some course assessment tasks and some learning materials.ﾠ Blackboard can be accessed from the University's eLearning website - https://learn.uq.edu.au/.ﾠ You will need to log on using your UQ username and password (same as mySI-net, my.UQ and student email).
Blackboard can also be assessed via my.UQ but your time may run out after 30 minutes if you enter via this route.
You need a recent browser to access Blackboard - Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are recommended.
For further information on Blackboard, students should refer to the following website: https://www.library.uq.edu.au/ask-it/getting-started
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 |
Pharmacology organ-based pharmacology |
Lecture |
Specialised lectures and tutorials applied and clinical presentations. |
|
Lecture |
Toxicology lectures Lecture series toxicology of organ systems supported by tutorials. |
|
Lecture |
Anaesthesia anaesthesia lectures and tutorials |
|
Lecture |
Fluid therapy |
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.