TV3001 - Transitions from Health to Disease 1

This subject together with Transitions from Health to Disease 2 (TV3002), makes up the third year of the BVSc degree program and the second of two years of the integrated veterinary science curriculum. This subject is comprised of five identified elements. Infectious Diseases introduces a range of common and important microbiological pathogens and includes the diagnosis and management of infectious disease in small animals, fish and bees. Pathology and Parasitology, study the pathological basis of disease of the gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary and respiratory systems, as well as common parasitological conditions, their diagnosis, treatment, management and zoonotic risks. Toxicology, Pharmacology and Nutrition covers the identification of toxic plants, diagnosis and management of plant toxicities, the pharmacology of drugs used in veterinary practice and the formulation of rations for livestock. Animal Production and Public Health, cover aspects of small ruminant health and production and meat science. In this identified element, you are introduced to a "One Health" approach to zoonoses and food safety, with an introduction to clinical reproduction and equine medicine. Veterinary Career Development provides students with the skills necessary to practice as a veterinarian in our changing world and to continually access and use information as knowledge progresses.

Learning Outcomes

• discuss diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative management strategies for diseases caused by some common or important toxic or infectious agents of animals in Australia based on the epidemiology, aetiology and pathophysiology of those diseases;
• diagnose common diseases based on gross and histological lesions observed in the gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary and respiratory systems as well as explain the aetiology and pathophysiology of these diseases;
• identify a selection of poisonous plants of significance in Australia and discuss the suite of animal, land management, plant and environmental factors that together cause poisoning by these plants;
• communicate effectively with colleagues as well as consumers and stakeholders of veterinary services, both orally and in writing;
• discuss the pharmacological principles associated with the treatment and management of common diseases and disorders of animals, and the intoxication of animals by organic poisons;
• categorise pathogens causing important and common infectious diseases in a range of animal species based on their taxonomic (phenotypic and genomic) and virulence features. Describe the pathology, diagnose the disease and formulate an appropriate disease management plan;
• determine the nutritional requirements of healthy dogs and cats and explain how deficiencies or excesses in some nutrients can lead to disease, affect recovery from disease and prevent the onset of disease;
• diagnose pregnancy in large domestic animals and carry out some obstetric procedures;
• formulate complete rations and supplementation strategies for intensively and extensively managed livestock that will maintain or promote productivity, health and welfare;
• apply knowledge of the stages of grief in consultations and develop awareness of compassion fatigue;
• understand the contemporary thinking related to zoonotic foodborne diseases, the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases, and changes that occur at the human-animal-environmental interface. Apply the principles of public health and biosecurity to prevent, contain and manage the spread of zoonotic disease;
• identify beef primal cuts, describe carcass grading systems and distinguish between meat quality attributes of grass-fed versus lot-fed beef.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (60%) - Individual
• On Course Assessments - (40%) - Group & Individual.

Special Assessment Requirements

Attend all practical sessions, workshops, tutorials and field trips, which are compulsory. Attempt all summative on-course assessment activities and achieve a satisfactory standard in each identified hurdle. Achieve a percentage of 50% plus 1 Standard Error of Measurement to pass the end of semester examinations. A minimum of 50% for each Identified Element must also be achieved. A total percentage of 50% to pass the subject (combined on-course and exam mark).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.