Course code
Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.
Level
The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
Credits
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
Subject
Course planning information
Course notes
This course is only available to BVSc Year 4 students. Students will be required to be at Massey University until the end of each semester. The examination dates posted on the University website do not include practical or other SoVS-organised examinations, most of which take place after the formal written examinations. Travel plans should therefore be made on the basis of being at Massey until the semester end date unless and until the Undergraduate Programme Office advises that an earlier departure date will be permitted.
All assessments are compulsory. At least 50% is required in the Invigilated Examination and the Practical Skills Examination to pass the course. Attendance at all practical, laboratory and all clinical classes is compulsory. Non-attendance without exemption having been granted constitutes failure in the course, regardless of marks obtained in other assessment procedures.
Learning outcomes
What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.
- 1 Explain the aetiology and pathophysiology of common or significant medical and surgical conditions of companion animals and the current treatment options.
- 2 Formulate appropriate history questions, safely perform an appropriate clinical examination, interpret findings and apply a problem-oriented approach in the evaluation of common or significant medical and surgical conditions to formulate and justify a suitable diagnostic plan.
- 3 Formulate safe, effective, legal and ethical treatment plans for common or significant medical and surgical conditions based on best evidence; and explain potential adverse effects and contra-indications for procedures and therapeutics, as well as their likely costs.
- 4 Explain and correctly apply anaesthesia and aseptic surgical techniques in order to minimise pain, patient discomfort, patient risk and tissue damage in healthy and diseased animals undergoing surgery.
- 5 Develop and justify preventive health recommendations.
- 6 Discuss the indications and process for referral of a patient to a specialist for diagnosis and/or treatment of common or significant medical and surgical conditions.
- 7 Evaluate the need for euthanasia and, where required, carry it out safely and humanely using procedures appropriate for the species concerned and the circumstances.
- 8 Communicate using correct veterinary terminology.
Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.
Assessments
| Assessment | Learning outcomes assessed | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 | 30% |
| Test | 2 4 8 | 20% |
| Participation | 1 2 3 4 7 8 | 0% |
| Exam College/GRS-based (not centrally scheduled) | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 | 50% |
| Supplementary | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 | 0% |
Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.
You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.
Explanation of assessment types
- Computer programmes
- Computer animation and screening, design, programming, models and other computer work.
- Creative compositions
- Animations, films, models, textiles, websites, and other compositions.
- Exam College or GRS-based (not centrally scheduled)
- An exam scheduled by a college or the Graduate Research School (GRS). The exam could be online, oral, field, practical skills, written exams or another format.
- Exam (centrally scheduled)
- An exam scheduled by Assessment Services (centrally) – you’ll usually be told when and where the exam is through the student portal.
- Oral or performance or presentation
- Debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, interviews, oral proposals, role play, speech and other performances or presentations.
- Participation
- You may be assessed on your participation in activities such as online fora, laboratories, debates, tutorials, exercises, seminars, and so on.
- Portfolio
- Creative, learning, online, narrative, photographic, written, and other portfolios.
- Practical or placement
- Field trips, field work, placements, seminars, workshops, voluntary work, and other activities.
- Simulation
- Technology-based or experience-based simulations.
- Test
- Laboratory, online, multi-choice, short answer, spoken, and other tests – arranged by the school.
- Written assignment
- Essays, group or individual projects, proposals, reports, reviews, writing exercises, and other written assignments.
Textbooks needed
There are no set texts for this course.