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Selection & Interpretation of Lab Tests (VETS90083)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2020
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
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Making a definitive aetiological diagnosis using methods and interpretations consistent with established world standards is a critical part in the early diagnosis of an emergency animal disease and in initiating control/eradication programs. It always relies on testing in a laboratory of samples collected from animals suspected to be infected with the infectious agent of concern. Laboratory testing and correct interpretation of test results is also important in many surveillance programs, which are conducted either to detect presence of the disease in a population or to provide evidence of absence of the disease.
This subject will combine hands-on performance of currently used laboratory tests with lectures, tutorials and workshops with real-life examples to explore the use and limitations of tests and their correct interpretation in different situations. It will provide a basic understanding of the tests to support learning in other subjects concerning diagnosis of specific diseases and general principles of epidemiology and surveillance.
(Note: This is the only subject that will require physical attendance by the student and will constitute the first module of the course. It will be co-ordinated by the University of Melbourne and taught by staff at the University, at CSIRO's Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) and at the Victorian Department of Economic Development Jobs Transport and Resources’ AgriBio Laboratory (Bundoora) and the Victorian Chief Veterinary Officer's Unit (Attwood). Sections of the subject will be taught at each of these sites. It will be offered as a 2-week intensive and will involve lectures, tutorials and hands-on laboratory exercises.)
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the subject students will have gained:
- A general overview of the content and requirements of the MVPH program
- Experience in collecting samples for testing and an understanding of the importance of appropriate sampling and shipping for competent testing
- Experience and understanding of the various laboratory tests including their strengths and weaknesses
- An ability to select appropriate test types for specific investigations and to interpret their results
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students will have developed:
- An ability to collect appropriate samples and send them safely to a laboratory
- An appreciation of the different information provided by different tests and how this is used in diagnosis and surveillance
- An ability to communicate effectively with laboratory diagnosticians in selection and interpretation of tests
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into one of the following:
- MC-VPH Master of Veterinary Public Health
- GC-VPH Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Public Health
- GD-VPH Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Public Health
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
VETS50003 Selection & Interpretation of Lab Tests (prior to 2017)
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Participation in laboratory exercises | 10% | |
Participation in tutorials and workshops | 15% | |
Oral presentation
| 20% | |
Final written exam
| 55% |
Additional details
Students will be assessed for participation in laboratory exercises, tutorials and workshops, an oral presentation and a final written exam held at the conclusion of the residential program.
The assessment components of this subject are above.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2020
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Students will use a reading list of scientific articles from current literature, which will be provided online.
- Subject notes
Prior to 2017 this subject was VETS50003 Selection & Interpretation of Lab Tests.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Public Health Course Master of Veterinary Public Health Course Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Public Health - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Students wishing to undertake this subject as CAP must meet the entry requirements for the Master of Veterinary Public Health
Last updated: 3 November 2022