Course coordinator
Dr Shahab Ranjbar Nezhad Isfahani
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 covers a broad range of diseases and disorders affecting traditional domestic ruminants and, to a lesser extent, camelids. Cattle will be the main model used in most lectures. The course provides opportunities to learn about common individual health and production problems. This course is geared towards day-1 clinical and surgical competencies as a general practitioner and will be built upon during Fifth Year clinical rotations. Practical classes provide opportunities to develop skills in clinical examination (cow model), diagnostics, minor clinical procedures,ﾠand minor surgical procedures. Course topics are grouped by body system, clinical problem, production system, or species depending on whichever is most relevant. A series of small group tutorial discussions are used to explore topics. Where possible, topics will be considered within the existing social, environmental and regulatory contextsﾠencountered around the world.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are assumed to have completed, passed, and retained sufficient knowledge from allﾠBVSc undergraduate courses up to Year Four standard prior to commencement of this course.
A high level of practical working knowledgeﾠand understandingﾠof animal husbandry and management, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pathology, and infectious diseases fromﾠprevious coursesﾠis assumedﾠandﾠis essentialﾠfor an optimum learning experience.
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
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Ben Wood
Teacher
Dr Shahab Ranjbar Nezhad Isfahani
Dr Dakota Leschke
Associate Professor Daniel Schull
Dr Sarah Rodwell
Tutor s2 only
Mrs Courtney Stewart
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
This courseﾠprovides veterinary students with the entry level knowledge on ruminant medicine and surgery (to a lesser extent camelids).ﾠ The students will gainﾠtheoretical knowledge and clinical skills necessary to diagnose,ﾠtreatﾠand control common diseases in ruminants on an individual and herd basis.ﾠ
ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Competently and proficiently perform thorough clinical examinations and necessary diagnostic procedures on live ruminants.
LO2.
Draw on and apply prior knowledge of anatomy and physiology to develop structured clinical examination protocols and systematic approaches for identifying, diagnosing, and managing disease in individual ruminants and herds.
LO3.
Create diagnostic plans for investigating individual and herd disease problems in ruminants, selecting and justifying appropriate tests and procedures, identifying the most common diseases, and distinguishing between individual and herd-level health issues.
LO4.
Design and implement effective disease prevention and control strategies for ruminant herds by applying relevant biosecurity measures and vaccination protocols. Create therapeutic and preventative treatment plans, considering the relative efficacies, costs, logistics, and impact on production performance and welfare for diseases affecting individual ruminants or herds.
LO5.
Demonstrate proficiency in recognising when surgical treatment in livestock is required, and in performing basic surgical procedures on ruminants including pre- and post-operative care, taking into account their unique anatomical and physiological features.
LO6.
Describe the different methods and the risks associated with ruminant anaesthesia and analgesia.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Practical Clinical Examination and Viva
|
20% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
School-based Exam |
| Examination |
End of Semester 1 Exam
|
35% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
| Examination |
End of Semester 2 Exam
|
45% |
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
Practical Clinical Examination and Viva
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
School-based Exam
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This Practical Clinical Examination is a Hurdle Requirement (compulsory to pass). The students must achieve a pass mark of at least 60%.
The examinable competencies will be taught during clinical examination practical classes. Students are expected to safely perform a thorough clinical examination of a domestic ruminant (cow model) along with an acceptable level of competence in a one-on-one assessment conducted during the UQ Examination Period at the end of first semester. Additional questions or procedures that were delivered in lectures, practicals or tutorials may also be asked. The student will be expected to demonstrate competence in General Clinical Examination skills; explain and/or perform diagnostic procedures and interpret their examination findings. The student is expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, to perform all actions and tasks in an organized systematic manner, and to work safely with and around the animal. Safety is of utmost importance.
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.
A student roster for the examination (date, time, location) along with the assessment criteria will be made available prior to the examination date.
- Students who do not pass the Practical Clinical Examination on their first attempt have NOT failed the course. This carries NO academic penalty.
- Students who do not achieve a passing grade in the initial practical exam will be offered retraining in the second semester as soon as practicable. Students should make themselves available when retraining is offered as these sessions will not be repeated. After the retraining, students will sit the repeat examination in second semester. Students will be notified of the examination schedule once it is confirmed in Semester 2. The repeat examination will follow the same format as the regular exam.
All practical clinical examinations will occur in-person at UQ Gatton campus. It is not feasible for the examiners to video record the examination
Hurdle requirements
This Practical Clinical Examination is compulsory to pass. Students must achieve a pass mark of at least 60%. Failure to successfully complete this assessment task after two attempts may result in failure of the course.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.
End of Semester 1 Exam
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
The examination will be based on topics presented in lectures, practicals and tutorials in Semester 1. Some questions may be of the problem solving type based on individual animal or herd or flock information. Knowledge from prior BVSc courses is needed to understand material in VETS4035.
This will be an on-campus invigilated 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 | 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.
End of Semester 2 Exam
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
Second End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
Task description
The examination will be based on topics presented in any of the learning activities (lectures, tutorials, practicals) in Semester 2. Some questions may be of the problem solving type based on individual animal or herd or flock information. Knowledge from prior BVSc courses needed to understand material in VETS4035 is assumed.
This will be an on-campus invigilated 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 | 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: 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 85-100% |
Additional course grading information
To pass VETS4035
Students MUST achieve
- a mark of at least 60% for the Practical ClinicalﾠExamination AND
- An overall mark of at least 50% for the two theory examinations
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
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
Library resources are available 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. This site will contain the lecture material, practical class handouts,ﾠthe course gradebook,ﾠand useful external links.ﾠBlackboard can be accessed from the University's eLearning website: http://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 email.
- AskUsﾠstaff are present in libraries to assist students with Blackboard access and other basic issues.
- For further information on Blackboard, students should refer to the following website: http://www.elearning.uq.edu.au/content/blackboard-help-staff-and-students
Other
- A word of caution regarding Internet websites.ﾠIn general, veterinary professional organization websites and government-run websites contain accurate information.ﾠHowever, not all Internet sites contain peer-reviewed information. Misleading, out-dated, or incorrect information may be present.ﾠInformation should be verified.ﾠ
- The School of Veterinary Science has developed a list of core technical skills that you will achieve by the time of graduation.ﾠ You now have the opportunity to self-assess the skills on the list. The link to the ePortoflio for the BVSc Core Technical Skills is available on the Veterinary Skills Hub Blackboard Site.
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 |
Ruminant Medicine Lectures Lectures on medicine and the common surgical procedures in ruminants and to a lesser extent camelids. Sub-activity: General Clinical exam Detailed Clinical examination Cardio-respiratory diseases 1 Cardio-respiratory diseases 2 Calf Health and management 1 Calf Health and management 2 Calf Health and management 3 Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Introduction Haematuria and haemoglobinuria 1 Haematuria and haemoglobinuria 2 Diseases of the Upper Alimentary Tract Forestomach Disorders of the Adult Ruminant Forestomach and abomasal disorders Abomasal and Intestinal disorders Intestinal disorders Ruminant Dermatology Common Toxicities in Ruminants Ruminant Neurologic disease Diseases of Feedlot Cattle 1 Diseases of Feedlot Cattle 2 Diseases of Feedlot Cattle 3 Diseases of Feedlot Cattle 4 Introduction to lameness in cattle Finding the limb / Functional hoof trimming Claw horn disruption lesions and their treatment Risk factors and prevention of lameness Mastitis diagnosis, treatment and prevention 1 Mastitis diagnosis, treatment and prevention 2 Metabolic disease and management 1 Metabolic disease and management 2 Down cows / Upper limb nerve injuries Transition cow management Husbandry of alpacas The sick alpaca 1 The sick alpaca 2 The Camel Lecture lecture Small Ruminant Medicine 1 Small Ruminant Medicine 2 Small ruminant flock health 1 Small ruminant flock health 2 Introduction to Herd Health |
Tutorial |
Ruminant Medicine Tutorials Tutorials on important subjects such as Calf Health, Mastitis, Fluid Therapy, Herd Health and Antibiotic Use. Sub-activity: Disease of feedlot – Case discussions Calf diarrhoea and fluid therapy LDA example and Antibiotic stewardship Tutorial |
|
Lecture |
Ruminant Surgery Lectures Series of lectures on the surgical indications and treatments in ruminant practice Sub-activity: Surgery in Ruminants 1 Surgery in Ruminants 2 Anaesthesia in Ruminants 1 Anaesthesia in Ruminants 2 Surgery in Ruminants 3 Surgery in Ruminants 4 Surgery in Ruminants 5 |
|
Practical |
Ruminant Medicine and Surgery Clinical examination, Lameness and Hoof examination and minor surgical procedures Sub-activity: Introduction to Communication Pracs General Clinical Examination Prac 1 Clinical exam with Cardio-respiratory component Clinical Examination - Exam prep SDL Hoof trimming and leg lifting prac (+ claw amputation) Consult workshops Surgery practical |
Additional learning activity information
Students are expected to prepare for lectures, tutorials and practicals and review relevant learning material from previous courses to maximize their learning opportunities.
As this is the last ruminant-focused course before students areinvolved in a variety of clinical training settings outside the veterinary school, demonstration of a high degree of professionalism and appropriate interpersonal behaviour is expected during all learning activities.ﾠ
All students should read and be familiar with the Student Charter document and the UQ guidelines for appropriate professionalism when working with the general public.ﾠ
NOTE:ﾠ Students are expected to regularly review and use the course Blackboard site.ﾠThis will be the main platform used by course staff to communicate with students.ﾠ It is the responsibility of the students to be aware of the lectures, tutorials and practical classes scheduled for each week.ﾠ
NOTE:ﾠ A number of images/videos presented in lectures may not be recorded these images/videos are only available to be usedﾠunder a non-publication agreement and/or the images/videos constitute medical records and therefore may not be published.
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.