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. The integrated curriculum is structured around a number of overlapping themes that combine knowledge, skills and attitudes delivered through a series of teaching modules. The five (5) themes are: Dysfunction, Agents of Disease, Defence and Chemical Agents; Animal Production; Veterinary Services; Veterinary Practice; and Veterinary Professional Life. The Dysfunction, Agents of Disease, Defence and Chemical Agents theme continues to expand your understanding at the molecular and cellular level of the causes and treatment of dysfunction and disease processes associated with exposure of animals to toxic or infectious agents. The Animal Production Systems provides you with an understanding of those aspects of land and animal management as they relate to the delivery of veterinary services. Veterinary Services encompasses those aspects of the veterinary profession that provide a service to the community with a particular focus on meeting legislative requirements and applying regulatory and professional protocols and guidelines as they apply to clinical practice. Elements of Veterinary Practice run through the study period to provide students with a foundation in the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for a professional veterinarian working in a clinical setting. The Veterinary Professional Life theme will provide students with the skills necessary to competently practice as a veterinarian in a changing world and to access, critically assess and incorporate new information into their professional working life as knowledge progresses.

Learning Outcomes

• evaluate peer-reviewed scientific literature and prepare a research proposal that will test a scientific hypothesis relevant to the field of veterinary science;
• 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;
• discuss legislative requirements as well as government mandated protocols and guidelines as they relate to biosecurity, food safety, quality assurance, disease emergencies and animal welfare;
• 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;
• Apply knowledge of the stages of grief in consultations and develop awareness of compassion fatigue.

Subject Assessment

• end of semester exam (60%)
• on course assessment (40%).

Special Assessment Requirements

Students must participate in and complete any required assessment in 100% of the tutorials, workshops, field trips and animal handling sessions and practical classes.

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.