Dogs and Cats A (VETS90142)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Werribee)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1 (Early-Start)
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This subject focuses on both the general principles of veterinary clinical practice and the specific approach to diagnosis, management and prevention of disease in dogs and cats. Content will be delivered in blocks based on clinical presentations related to dermatologic, ophthalmic, reproductive, neonatal, locomotory and respiratory problems in parallel with presentations of the same systems in other species. This approach is designed to support students in the development of their diagnostic reasoning skills, and encourage a comparative view of veterinary medicine and surgery.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Collect and interpret information from clinical history, epidemiological data and clinical examination findings in an individual or groups of dogs and cats in order to develop contextually appropriate prioritised differential diagnoses related to dermatologic, ophthalmic, reproductive, neonatal, locomotory and respiratory presentations
  • Choose, perform and interpret diagnostic testing in order to establish a definitive diagnosis in animals with dermatologic, ophthalmic, reproductive, neonatal, locomotory and respiratory presentations
  • Formulate and recommend appropriate strategies that promote preventative health and that address common and important medical and surgical conditions in dogs and cats with dermatologic, ophthalmic, reproductive, neonatal, lameness and respiratory presentations, taking into account prognostic, economic, public health and animal welfare considerations

Generic skills

 Students completing this subject will have developed:

  • An in-depth understanding of specific veterinary clinical disciplines
  • Manual dexterity and technical skills in the practical application of these disciplines
  • The ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, to trouble-shoot technical difficulties and to seek accurate solutions to complex biological problems
  • The capacity to apply a rigorous, critical and logical approach to problem-solving
  • Advanced experience in observation, interpretation of complex data, problem-solving, time management, record-keeping and communication in both written and verbal formats.

Last updated: 19 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Satisfactory completion of all subjects at DVM 2 level

Corequisites

All students are to enrol into the following corequisite subjects, unless directed by Melbourne Veterinary School:

All of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
VETS90143 Ruminants and Camelids A
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Werribee)
 6.25
VETS90144 Horses A
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Werribee)
 6.25
VETS90145 Poultry and Aviary Birds
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Werribee)
 6.25

Non-allowed subjects

None

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: 19 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Written examination

  • 2 hours
Late in the semester35%

Written examination

  • 2 hours
Hurdle requirement: Students must achieve a minimum mark of 40% in the written examination to be eligible to pass the subject.		During the examination period45%

Aggregate Mark

Hurdle requirement: Students must pass the subject on aggregate mark.		N/A

Up to 4 online quizzes, each equally weighted (15minutes (each); 1 hour (total))

  • 15 minutes (each)
Throughout the semester20%

Last updated: 19 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1 (Early-Start)
    CoordinatorsMaija Hagman, Peta Rak, and Jennifer Carter
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Werribee)
    Contact hours85 hours of lectures, practical classes and workshops
    Total time commitment200 hours
    Teaching period10 February 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date21 February 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 (Early-Start) contact information

    jennifer.carter@unimelb.edu.au

    maija.hagman@unimelb.edu.au

    peta.rak@unimelb.edu.au

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 19 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseDoctor of Veterinary Medicine

Last updated: 19 March 2025