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
Theriogenology is the study of clinical practice of veterinary obstetrics, gynecology, andrology, and neonatal medicine in animal species. Theriogenology is an important component of all aspects of veterinary medicine. This course will build on the 2nd year reproduction course (VETS2008) and teach applied veterinary reproduction that is used in companion animal, equine and livestock practice. Through the use of lectures, practicals and tutorials, students will develop skills in clinical reproduction, andrology, gynecology and obstetrics. By developing these skills, students will be adept at the diagnosis of sub- and infertility in individual and groups of animals. Students will also develop clinical abilities in the diagnosis and management of pregnancy in all species, learn how pregnancy management can impact the dam and the neonate as well as the management of dystocia. The course is run over two semesters in order to accommodate animal usage and ethics. This will also allow for practicals dependent on reproductive seasonality. The development of the course has been based on feedback from staff and students.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are assumed to have completed, passed, and retained sufficient knowledge from allﾠBVSc undergraduate courses to year three standard prior to commencement of this course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
VETS3010, VETS3050, VETS3060, VETS3070.
Restrictions
Enrolment restricted to Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) students.
Course contact
Tutor
Mr Rod Verrall
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Bob Doneley
Teacher
Associate Professor Gry Boe-Hansen
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 aim of the course is to equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes in theriogenology; clinical reproduction, obstetrics and neonatology necessary to the veterinary profession and to develop intellectual capacity, scientific understanding and desire to learn.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe and perform systematic reproductive examinations on breeding females and males.
LO2.
Describe the approach and data collection for the evaluation and interpretation of reproductive performance of individual breeding females and males.
LO3.
Analyse reproductive performance in individuals and groups of animals, and assess reproductive problems in females and males.
LO4.
Diagnose and outline management of subfertility and infertility in individuals and groups of animals, including complications arising during pregnancy, parturition and the post-partum period.
LO5.
Assess, diagnose, and manage the neonate, including selection of appropriate care immediately post-partum.
LO6.
Describe and evaluate the different approaches in controlling reproduction in females and males.
LO7.
Apply knowledge of advanced reproductive techniques to clinical practice and communicate this effectively to clients and peers.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam Semester 1
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Determination of Pregnancy Status of Cattle
|
Pass / Fail |
Week 18 Mon - Week 26 Fri
The student will be allocated dates for PD3 and PD4 as per the CPW. The indicated date range is for completion of PD3 and PD4 (by invitation only). |
| Essay/ Critique |
Assisted reproductive technologies - Assignment
|
20% |
10/10/2025 12:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam Semester 2
|
40% |
Second End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
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
End of Semester Exam Semester 1
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
End of Semester Exam Semester 1
Will include material from Parts 1 to 4 of the learning activities.
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.
Determination of Pregnancy Status of Cattle
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- Pass / Fail
- Due date
Week 18 Mon - Week 26 Fri
The student will be allocated dates for PD3 and PD4 as per the CPW. The indicated date range is for completion of PD3 and PD4 (by invitation only).
Task description
Attendance to PD3, and if invited to PD4, is compulsory. For at least 70% of cows with unknown breeding dates, students are expected to be able by rectal palpation to; 1) Correctly determine pregnancy status (pregnant / not diagnosable pregnant (NDP); AND 2) Accurately determine the stage of pregnancy within 2 weeks for pregnancies of 4 months or less in duration; within 4 weeks for pregnancies greater than 4 months in duration. Case efficiency is important. It is required that a minimum of 10 cows must be palpated by each student in PD3 and PD4, in order to effectively assess the students' skills.
Hurdle requirements
The students need to palpate a minimum of 10 animals in PD3 (and PD4 if required) and diagnose a minimum of 70% correctly according to task description. If a student does not succeed in PD3, they are trained and reassessed to the same objective in PD4 (invitation only).Submission guidelines
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.
Extension dates will be as per the availability of personnel and according to animal use and at the discrepancy of the course coordinator. If an extension is approved, it may be during the time period displayed, or in the centrally scheduled timetable for supplementary and deferred exams at the end of semester 2 in December. The student will have to attend this in person on campus.
Assisted reproductive technologies - Assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
10/10/2025 12:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Each student will choose one from a list of 5 topics and select a specific species of choice which is relevant for the topic. The assignment is a detailed description of the technique including a description of a clinical case where it would be relevant to apply.
Further details and a marking rubric will be found on the course Blackboard site.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit your Assessment through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard.
Before submitting your assessment item to Turnitin, please name your file in the following way:
For example, SMITH_Bob_54329876_VETS1234_Essay1
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if one or more of your submissions are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after seven days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
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 Exam Semester 2
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Second End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
Task description
End of Semester Exam Semester 2
Will include all material from Parts 1 to 8 of the learning activities.
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 | 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 |
| 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: 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
To pass VETS4034
- Students must achieve an overall mark of at least 50% (i.e. for the combined assessment tasks) AND
- a PASS for the Determination of Pregnancy Status of Cattle
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.
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
Practical class attendance
It is the student’s responsibility to attend relevant practical classes and tutorials. The practical classes are not compulsory with the exception of Pregnancy Diagnosis by rectal palpation PD3, and PD4 (if required). It is strongly advised that the student have read the associated notes prior to attendance of a practical or tutorial and engage actively in the hub through the year. If appropriate PPE is not worn to a practical, as specified in the introduction to the course, tutors reserveﾠthe right to turn the student away.
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.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Protective clothing overalls | own item needed | |
| Gumboots | own item needed |
Recommended
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Protective clothing hat | ||
| Water bottle |
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.
Useful materials
For each of the practicals a Padlet has been created with useful material relevant for that practical, please review prior to attendance along with the individual practical outline, and skills list. It is important to read the material before attending tutorials and practicals.
Of the material listed aboveﾠfor suggested reading for VETS4034 I will strongly recommend the following textﾠcovering most of what will be delivered in VETS4034:
Noakes, DE, Parkinson, TJ & England, GCW (eds) 2019 Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, 10th edn, Saunders, Edinburgh. This text will give you a very good basis for reproduction and obstetrics, it is easy to read and is very suitable with species specific texts.
You may want to revisit your VETS2008 notes and also Senger P.L. 2012; Pathways To Pregnancy & Parturition, 3rd edn. Current Conceptions, Redmon, OR, USA. Most basic reproduction texts are quite dense and less than inspiring reading. If you are looking at purchasing just one text that covers most of the basic background material, then Senger's is recommended. It is an easy read with good illustrations, but not very comprehensive, with limited veterinary insight. You may want to revisitﾠyourﾠreproductive anatomy and physiology textbooks and notes from VETS2008 if you are struggling with the basic concepts.
A recommended reading list will be available on Blackboard via Talisaspire.
Web Sites
There is an increasing number of useful websites with informative articles on reproduction. Care should be taken with information on the web, as it is not all well supported by fact. Some of the following websites provide useful information on animal breeding while others provide useful links to other sites. I would be grateful if students could let me know if they find any other useful sites that should be listed, and include links on the relevant Padlet interface on the Blackboard site.ﾠSome of the sites listed below may require registration in order to gain a password and full access.
- Society for Theriogenology http://www.therio.org
- American College of Theriogenologists http://www.theriogenology.org
- International Embryo Transfer Society http://www.iets.org
- Society for the Study of Reproduction http://www.ssr.org
- International Veterinary Information service http://www.ivis.org
- WikiVet http://en.wikivet.net
- The Drost Project (a visual guide to reproduction) is a great source of cases and pictures http://visgar.vetmed.ufl.edu/
Journals
In general, articles published as review papers in peer-reviewed journals are likely to include more comprehensive and recent information and often have a higher level of veracity than general textbooks on animal reproduction. Students are encouraged to browse through some of the journals and conference proceedings in the links below.
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 3 |
Lecture |
Part 1 - Breeding management of domestic animals Breeding management of domestic animals Sub-activity: Breeding Management General Introduction Breeding Management Cattle and Pig Breeding Management Horse and Sheep Breeding Mangement Dog and Cat |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 8 |
Tutorial |
Control of oestrus and ovulation Control of oestrus and ovulation Sub-activity: Tutorial Control of oestrus and ovulation |
Tutorial |
Male reproductive exam and semen collection This will include both equine and other species Sub-activity: Tutorial Male reproductive exam and semen collection |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 9 |
Practical |
Female repro exam bovine Female breeding soundness exam bovine including using ultrasound and artificial insemination Sub-activity: Practical Female repro exam bovine |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 7 |
Lecture |
Part 2 - Pregnancy, parturition and neonatology. Pregnancy, parturition and neonatology. Sub-activity: Pregnancy Diagnosis In utero factors affecting the offspring Monitoring high risk and valuable pregnancies Abortion, stillbirth and perinatal loss; signs diagnosis and treatment Pregnancy termination and induction of pregnancy Neonatology; transition to life ex-utero Diagnosis and management of the neonate |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Male repro exam bovine Bull breeding soundness exam (BBSE) Sub-activity: Bull breeding soundness exam (BBSE) |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Reproduction - Tutorial Diagnostics in Reproduction cases. Sub-activity: Tutorial Reproduction |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Mid-sem break (first semester) |
Lecture |
Part 3 - Subfertility and infertility in the female. Subfertility and infertility in the female. Sub-activity: Breeding soundness exam of the female Diagnosis and management of disease and abnormalities affecting the fertility of individual females Interactive case studies individual females Investigation and management of lower-than-expected reproductive performance in dairy and pigs Investigation and management of lower-than-expected reproductive performance in beef and small ruminant herds Interactive case studies herd females |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 26 |
Practical |
Pregnancy diagnosis Bovine pregnancy diagnosis (PD)using rectal palpation. Consists of three practicals PD1, PD2 and PD3. PD4 will be offered as invitation only. Sub-activity: Practical Pregnancy diagnosis PD1 Practical Pregnancy diagnosis PD2 Practical Pregnancy diagnosis PD3 Practical Pregnancy diagnosis PD4 |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Part 4 - Subfertility and infertility in the male. Subfertility and infertility in the male. Sub-activity: Breeding soundness exam of the male Diagnosis and management of infertility and subfertility in breeding males Interactive case studies males Reproductive management of breeding males |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Feedback 1 - Semester 1 Feedback and review of semester 1 Sub-activity: Feedback lecture semester 1 |
Multiple weeks From Week 14 To Week 26 |
Practical |
Female repro exam equine Sub-activity: Practical Female repro exam equine |
Multiple weeks From Week 14 To Week 19 |
Lecture |
Part 5 - Dystocia and other disorders associated with parturition. Dystocia and other disorders associated with parturition. Sub-activity: Eutocia vs. Dystocia; approach to the obstetrical case Diagnosis and management of obstetrical problems; foetal dystocia Diagnosis and management of obstetrical problems; maternal dystocia Vaginal and manipulative delivery Decision making; Foetotomy Decision making; C-section Diagnosis and management of post-partum problems |
Multiple weeks From Week 16 To Week 26 |
Tutorial |
Dystocia Dystocia cases Sub-activity: Tutorial Dystocia |
Practical |
Obstetrics Obstetrics - vaginal delivery and foetotomy bovine Sub-activity: Practical Obstetrics |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 19 To Week 21 |
Lecture |
Part 6 - Control of reproduction. Control of reproduction. Sub-activity: Prevention of fertility female Prevention of fertility male |
Multiple weeks From Week 22 To Week 24 |
Lecture |
Part 7 - Principles of breeding management of avian, exotic and small pet mammals - an approach. Principles of breeding management of avian, exotic and small pet mammals - an approach. Sub-activity: Application of knowledge to clinical practices Avian Application of knowledge to clinical practices Camelids Application of knowledge to clinical practices Exotics and pocket pets |
Multiple weeks From Week 24 To Week 26 |
Lecture |
Part 8 - Advanced reproductive technologies. Advanced reproductive technologies. Sub-activity: Female; the female gamete and embryo Male; the male gamete |
Week 26 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Feedback 2 - Semester 2 Feedback and review of semester 2 Sub-activity: Feedback lecture semester 2 |
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.