Ruminants and Camelids A (VETS90143)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 6.25On 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 production animal practice and the specific approach to diagnosis, control and prevention of disease in production animals, with a focus on public health. 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 examination, history and epidemiological data in an individual or herds of ruminants and camelids in order to develop contextually appropriate prioritised differential diagnoses related to skin, ophthalmic, reproductive, neonatal, lameness and respiratory presentations
  • Analyse records of production, health and reproductive performance of ruminant and camelid herds and flocks in order to make recommendations that optimise health and productivity
  • Justify and perform appropriate ancillary laboratory tests and interpret the results of the laboratory reports in order to establish a definitive diagnosis of diseases and production-limiting conditions that affect ruminants and camelids
  • Formulate and recommend appropriate therapeutic and control strategies for important endemic and exotic diseases of individuals or herds of ruminants and camelids to achieve farm financial, animal health and production performance targets (taking into account the legal, ethical, prognostic, economic, welfare, public health and food safety 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 commucation in both written and verbal formats.

Last updated: 4 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 the Melbourne Veterinary School:

All of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
VETS90142 Dogs and Cats A
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Werribee)
 12.5
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


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: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Written test

  • 1 hours
Mid semester40%

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 period60%

Aggregate Mark

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

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1 (Early-Start)
    Principal coordinatorPeter Mansell
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Werribee)
    Contact hours43 hours of lectures, practical classes and workshops
    Total time commitment100 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

    pmansell@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: 4 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: 4 March 2025