FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies
VETERINARY ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - BVMS II
CURRICULUM FOR THE DEGREE OF BVMS
COURSE INFORMATION
2005-2006
COURSE LEADER:
QUALITY ASSURANCE OFFICER:
J J PARKINS
E R CAMERON
INFORMATION FOR THE SECOND YEAR COURSE IN
VETERINARY ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
ACADEMIC YEAR 2005/2006
CONTENTS
Page No
1.
Place of the Course in the BVMS Degree Curriculum
1
2.
Aims of the Course.
1
3.
Learning Objectives of the Course.
1
4.
Components of the Course (4.1 - 4.13)
5.
Course Content
9
6.
Course Texts and Required Reading
9
7.
Teaching Hours and Teaching Methods
11
8.
Methods of Assessment
Assessment of the Course
8.1
Assessment of student learning
Examination Instructions
Examination Structure
Code of Practice on incomplete assessment and good cause
8.2
Class Examinations
8.3
Second Professional Examination for the Degree of BVMS,
Veterinary Animal Husbandry
Marking and Oral Examination Procedures
Anonymity of marking and reporting
Procedures
Grading
8.4
External Examiner
8.5
Prizes
11
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12
12
12
13
14
9.
Policy on Exemptions and Course Certification
17
10.
Other Important Information
10.1 Arrangements for Practical Classes, Protective Clothing, Health & Safety
17
10.2 Staff and Student Liaison
18
10.3 Staff
18
10.4 Extramural Studies (EMS
18
10.5 Essential Competences Required of the Veterinary Surgeon
19-22
2-9
14
15
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Veterinary Animal Husbandry
INFORMATION FOR THE SECOND YEAR COURSE IN
VETERINARY ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
ACADEMIC YEAR 2005/2006
PLEASE NOTE
Items contained within this Course Information Document are sometimes unavoidably subject
to change. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the correct lecture,
practical, tutorial and examination schedules. Lecture venues may be changed during the
Course. The Year Notice boards and email should be checked daily.
In light of student feedback and External Examiner comments the following changes have been
made: - minor alterations to the timetabling schedules.
Code of Professional Conduct, Fitness to Practice
Students are reminded that they are expected to have read the above code which should be
signed for and duly implemented during the time spent in the Course.
1.
PLACE OF THE COURSE IN THE BVMS DEGREE CURRICULUM
The Veterinary Animal Husbandry & Management Course is given in the first and second years
of the 5 year BVMS degree course. The teaching is designed and administered as a singlestreamed course. The students are assessed at class examinations over the two years and the
First Professional Examination is held in the Whitsun Term of the first year and the second
Professional Examination at the end of year two.
Before completion of the second year of the course, students must have undertaken vacation
practical work (Extra Mural Studies, EMS) involving periods (amounting to a total of 12
weeks) on each of: a dairy farm, a pig unit, a livery or riding establishment and lambing on a
commercial sheep enterprise. Further, students are strongly advised to gain additional practical
experience wherever possible.
2.
AIMS OF THE COURSE
 To provide basic understanding of the importance of pet animal ownership, equine
management and food animal production.
 To provide basic biological data for individual farm, equine and companion animal species
and to present the basic principles of animal breeding with particular knowledge of
production/conformation enhancement.
 To impart knowledge essential for the optimal husbandry of individual farm, equine,
companion and laboratory animal species.
 To provide information for the effective prevention of management associated illnesses.
 To provide an understanding of the behavioural needs and welfare concerns of individual
farm, equine and companion animal species.
 To cultivate a sense of care and responsibility to animals.
 To cultivate a professional, open-minded and informed attitude towards the topics of animal
welfare and veterinary ethics.
 To provide information on legislation related to the care of animals.
 To develop practical skills; in particular, those required for the effective handling and safe
restraint of animals.
 To integrate practical experience of extramural studies into the formal course.
3.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE
 Be aware of the importance of the pet animal, equine and animal production industries.
 Know the behavioural, environmental and nutritional needs of individual farm, equine and
companion animal species at different life stages.
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Course Information
 Acquire a knowledge of good husbandry practices which allow for these behavioural,
environment and nutritional requirements to be achieved.
 Understand the basic principles of preventive health care.
 Know the basic biological data of individual farm, equine, cage and companion animal
species and the basic principles of animal breeding.
 Be aware of welfare issues and associated arguments relevant to individual animal species.
 Gain confidence handling equine, farm and companion animals
 Acquire first-hand experience of a variety of animal management systems.
4.
COMPONENTS OF THE COURSE
The principal components include the management, behaviour, welfare, feeding, breeding, and
housing of companion animals and horses and is extended to cover the main production systems
of farm and food animals.
Foundation courses, including animal nutrition, welfare, environment control and applied
genetics are threaded through the two-year course.
There is also a practical component which involves live animal instruction covering both farm
animals, horses and companion animals. Practical instruction is given both at the Veterinary
School and the University Farm & Research Centre at Cochno. There is also a series of outside
visits to places of veterinary interest.
Advanced husbandry instruction, as a preparation for later clinical studies, is given in tutorial
sessions in the later part of the course.
A strong emphasis is placed on the interaction between animal management and animal health
in a number of different species.
4.1
Genetics and Animal Breeding
Aims
 To provide a basic training in the principles of genetics which are necessary for the
understanding of animal breeding and genetically inherited susceptibility to disease.
Learning Objectives
 To understand sufficient genetic science to be able to provide breeders with relevant advice
on selective breeding problems.
 To know enough genetics to recognise genetically inherited diseases and formulate
appropriate control strategies.
4.2
Environment & Housing
Aims
 To present information on the relationship between housing and animal productivity, health
and welfare.
 To provide an understanding of the various factors which affect the environment in livestock
buildings.
 To present basic information on the design of animal housing.
 To provide an understanding of the changes that occur in the internal environment of
buildings when stocked with animals and the methods used to control these changes.
 To present information on and develop the practical skills required to assess the environment
in livestock buildings.
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Veterinary Animal Husbandry
 To illustrate how faults in the design of animal housing can affect the severity of disease and
how improvements can be used to control/prevent disease.
Learning Objectives
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Know the importance of housing in relation to veterinary work.
Understand the various factors which affect the environment in livestock buildings.
Have an appreciation of the design of animal accommodation.
Know the changes that occur in the internal environment of buildings when stocked with
animals and the methods used to control these changes.
 Be able to assess the environment in animal houses.
 Be able to identify a poor environment and in principle how this could be improved.
4.3
Animal Nutrition
Aims
 To provide a basic understanding of the principles of animal nutrition explaining the
concepts of proximate analyses, feed digestibility, utilisation and nutritive value.
 To be able to outline how feeds are analysed in the laboratory according to current
legislation and how the most important nutritive values are calculated.
 To outline a feed classification scheme of direct relevance to the practical formulation of
diets for animals and to present basic information on the important nutritive characteristics
of the major groups and display example feeds from each group, including conserved grass
materials.
 To impart a knowledge of energy partition in ruminant and monogastric species and how the
Digestible Energy and Metabolisable Energy systems operate.
 To give an essential outline of the modern concepts of protein digestion and utilisation and
how this is related to the Digestible Crude Protein and Metabolisable Protein systems.
 To provide essential information on the involvement of major and trace elements and
vitamins of importance in animal feeding. This includes the effects of veterinary importance
in practical deficiency and excess mineral supply situations.
 To explain the workings of modern commercial nutritional advisory organisations and how
feed mills operate in the production of farm feeds.
Learning Objectives
 To attain an understanding of the principles of animal nutrition.
 To understand how feeds are classified for animal nutrition purposes and how these are
sampled and analysed according to legally regulated procedures.
 To be able to identify feedstuffs of importance in animal feeding and know their broad
nutritional characteristics.
 To be able to explain the basis of the energy and protein feeding recommendations for
ruminant and monogastric species.
 To understand the important features of mineral/vitamin requirements and the effects of
deficiency or over-supply and how these may be presented to different classes of farm
livestock in the practical situation.
 To have an outline understanding of the workings and legislation surrounding the feed
industry.
4.4
Welfare and Legislation
Aims
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Course Information
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To introduce welfare as a concept.
To define the roles of animal welfare science, ethics and law.
To explain different types of welfare problems facing animals.
To introduce the roles and responsibilities of vets and to cultivate an open minded attitude
about animal welfare.
To describe the principles and problems involved in the transportation of animals.
To outline the UK/EU legislative process and raise awareness of legislation relevant to the
veterinary profession.
To introduce basic ethical concepts and highlight ethical challenges faced by vets.
To describe behavioural theory including cognition and animal sentience.
To outline behavioural approaches that are relevant to welfare research and assessment.
Learning Objectives
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Understand different definitions of welfare.
Know the different contributions of science, ethics and law to welfare debates.
Be aware of the range of welfare and ethical issues and the role of the veterinary profession.
Understand the principles involved in the transportation of animals.
Have working knowledge of legislation affecting the veterinary profession particularly in
relation to welfare and transportation.
 Understand basic ethical concepts.
 Demonstrate knowledge of behavioural theory and its relevance to welfare research and
assessment.
4.5
Cattle Husbandry
Aims
 To present an overview of cattle production with particular emphasis on the UK economic
situation including ongoing difficulties associated with restrictions caused by the FMD
crisis.
 Give instruction in the principles of selection for breeding, body condition scoring and linear
type assessment exercises. Give information on breed types and details of performance
characteristics. Provide details on how the AI service operates.
 To describe outlines of dairy cow herd annual management with emphasis on production and
reproduction events and the essentials of feeding and housing systems.
 To provide information explaining the role of grassland in the annual management of the
dairy herd.
 To demonstrate how dairy cow diets are nutritionally evaluated using different examples and
how these may be practically related to reproductive or production problems
 Give information on bovine milk characteristics and the factors which may affect them.
 Provide information on the rearing of calves and young replacement livestock from the dairy
herd.
 Detail the important features of beef suckler cow herd management including the important
aspects of health control, breeding and feeding.
 Describe the different systems of raising beef livestock to finished market condition with
details of feeding, health management and housing, also explaining the current EU financial
support packages.
Learning Objectives
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Veterinary Animal Husbandry
 Gain awareness of UK cattle and milk production in relation to the current FMD and EU
situation and trade restrictions; common breeds and main characters; BCS and LTA features
in describing cattle.
 Have a thorough knowledge of the annual reproductive events, feeding, milking, housing
and health needs of the dairy cow in different management systems including the importance
of grassland/silage utilisation in modern dairy production.
 To be able to undertake simple hand-steered calculations evaluating the energy supply
provided from example diets in different production situations and be able to comment on
the adequacy of supply.
 To be able to explain the principles of cattle selection and outline how AI services operate.
 To understand the structure of the UK beef industry, the systems used to produce finished
cattle from dairy and beef herds, health considerations, breeding and beef cow management
features.
 To know the essential features of the rearing of dairy and suckler beef calves and the
husbandry details associated with the rearing of female offspring to first service.
4.6
Sheep Husbandry
Aims
 To provide an understanding of the behavioural, environmental and nutritional requirements
which are necessary for the optimum management of sheep at various life stages.
 To provide a basic understanding of ovine reproduction and breeding management.
 To present basic information which allows for the effective prevention of management
associated illnesses and prophylaxis of common ovine diseases.
 To highlight ovine welfare issues.
 To introduce the most important aspects of legislation (e.g. tagging and movement order
requirements in wake of FMD crisis) relating to the ovine species.
 To present information and develop the practical skills required for the safe and effective
handling, restraint and examination of sheep.
 To provide a practical insight into the yearly management of sheep.
Learning Objectives
 Know the behavioural, environmental and nutritional requirements of sheep at different life
stages.
 Know basic ovine reproduction data.
 Know prophylactic measures commonly employed for the effective health management of
sheep.
 Appreciate ovine welfare issues.
 Appreciate the basic principles of legislation relating to sheep and to know the current
tagging and movement order restrictions in place.
 Gain confidence in the handling and restraint of sheep.
4.7
Pig Husbandry
Aims
 To provide information on the structure of the pig industry including marketing and the
suppliers’ objectives.
 To provide basic biological data concerning the pig.
 To give information concerning the genetic diversity of the national herd and the role of
genetic selection in promoting productivity.
5
Course Information
 To present information regarding pig reproduction and highlight those factors affecting the
reproductive performance and profitability of a breeding herd.
 To provide a practical insight into the nutritional requirements of the pig at different stages
of the life-cycle and highlight the common health and production problems that can arise due
to inappropriate nutritional care.
 To emphasise those environmental and management factors that promote health and good
welfare of pigs.
 To highlight those areas of welfare concern within the pig industry and provide examples of
how suboptimal environment or management can result in problems with regard to welfare,
health and production in different classes of pig.
Learning Objectives
 To provide an understand the structure of the pig industry and appreciate those factors
affecting profitability with different types of producer.
 To know the basic biological data concerning the pig.
 To give be able to identify different breeds, understand their use within the industry and
appreciate how genetic selection can affect production.
 To know the basic data concerning pig reproduction and be able to discuss the biological
and managerial factors that affect the reproductive performance of a breeding herd.
 To know the nutritional requirements of the pig at different stages of the life-cycle at a
practical level and be aware of the common problems arising from inappropriate nutrition.
 To know the environmental and management factors the promote health and good welfare
pigs and be aware of the major areas of concern.
4.8
Deer Husbandry
Aims
 To provide information on the biological data of the Red Deer and the natural history of deer
within the UK.
 To present information regarding the development of commercial deer farming in the UK
and the different types of farming practice.
 To outline the specific husbandry requirements of deer.
 To introduce the major areas of concern regarding health and welfare of farmed deer.
Learning Objectives
 To know the basic biological data of the Red Deer.
 To be aware of the development of commercial deer farming in the UK and the different
types of farming practice.
 To have knowledge of the specific husbandry requirements of deer.
 To have some basic knowledge of the major health and welfare problems in farmed deer.
4.9
Goat Husbandry
Aims
 To provide information regarding the various uses of goats at home and abroad and the
utility of the goat in agricultural production.
 To provide information concerning the basic biological data of the goat.
 To provide information regarding the different breeds of goat and their different production
characteristics.
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Veterinary Animal Husbandry
 To emphasise those aspects of management that are distinct from sheep husbandry and the
reasons underlying this.
Learning Objectives
 To have knowledge of the utility of the goat in agricultural production and the different
circumstances under which they are kept.
 To know basic biological data of the goat.
 To be able to identify different breeds of goat and discuss their different characteristics.
 To know about the specific husbandry requirements of goats.
4.10
Equine Studies
Aims
 To provide a basic understanding of the behavioural, environmental and nutritional
requirements which are necessary for the appropriate management of horses at different lifestages.
 To present basic information which allows for the effective prevention of management
associated illnesses and prophylaxis of common equine diseases.
 To provide a basic understanding of equine reproduction and breeding management.
 To present information and develop practical skills required for safe and effective handling
and restraint of horses.
 To highlight equine welfare issues.
 To introduce aspects of legislation/certification relating to equine species.
 To provide a practical insight into the day to day running of an equine establishment.
Learning Objectives
 Know the behavioural, environmental and nutritional requirements of equidae at different
life stages.
 Know basic equine reproductive data.
 Know prophylactic measures commonly employed for effective health management of
horses.
 Appreciate equine welfare issues.
 Appreciate the basic principles of legislation/certification relating to equidae.
 Gain confidence in handling horses.
4.11
Companion Animals Studies
Aims
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To provide the basic biological data of dogs and cats.
To present information regarding the wide range of uses of companion animals.
To highlight general areas of concern regarding the welfare of companion animals.
To provide basic information regarding dog/cat reproduction, including behavioural aspects
of reproduction, breeding management from puberty to weaning as well as the different
methods of contraception.
 To present information relating to the genetic diversity of the dog and cat and discuss the
management of genetic health.
 To provide a basic understanding of those aspects of environment and management that
promote good health and welfare including prophylactic control of important or common
diseases both within the home and within commercial premises.
7
Course Information
 To present information relating to the behavioural characteristics of dogs and cats and to
highlight common behavioural ‘problems’ in each of these species.
 To highlight those aspects of the law that have particular relevance to companion animals
and pet ownership.
 To discuss and demonstrate safe handling techniques and methods of restraint for both dogs
and cats.
 To provide a basic understanding of nutrients including requirements and their role in dogs
and cats.
 To present the relevant information allowing the calculating energy requirements in dogs
and cats.
 To provide insight into life stage nutrition and practical advice on feeding management.
 To describe nutritional related diseases and advice on their prevention.
 To introduce legal and production aspects of commercial pet food manufacturing.
 To introduce basic aspects on the treatment of obesity and nutrition of sick patients.
Learning Objectives
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4.12
To know basic biological data of dogs and cats.
Be aware of the diversity of uses of companion animals.
To be conscious of welfare issues with regard to companion animals.
To understand and know dog/cat reproductive biology including behavioural aspects of the
reproductive cycle and be able to advise on breeding/parturition management and
contraception.
To know the common breeds and be aware of the common diseases that have a genetic
component.
To be aware of those aspects of environment, management and prophylaxis that promote
good health and welfare both at home and within kennels/catteries.
To know the causes underlying cause of common behavioural problems and be able to
advise on their management.
To be aware of those aspects of the law pertaining to dogs and other companion animals.
To be confident at handling and restraining dogs and cats.
Know the nutrient requirements of dogs and cats, particularly the difference between these
species.
Be able to calculate nutrient requirements.
Be able to adapt diets to different life stages.
Be knowledgeable about pet food manufacturing and its legislation.
Have a basic understanding of obesity and the practical nutritional management of sick
patients.
Laboratory Animals
Aims
 To provide a basic understanding of the behavioural, environmental and nutritional
requirements of rodents, rabbits and ferrets.
 To provide a basic understanding of their reproductive cycles and breeding.
 To present information on the practical skills required for safe handling and restraint,
sampling of body fluids and euthanasia of these species.
 To present basic information on common disease problems and effective prevention of
management associated illnesses.
 To highlight welfare issues for these species.
 To describe aspects of legislation relating to the use of these species in scientific research.
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Veterinary Animal Husbandry
Learning Objectives
 Know the behavioural, environmental and nutritional requirement of rodents, rabbits and
ferrets at different life stages.
 Know the basic reproductive data for these species.
 Know prophylactic measures commonly employed for effective management of these
species.
 Appreciate welfare issues for these species.
 Appreciate the basic principles of legislation relating to the use of these species in scientific
research.
 Appreciate the basic principles of handling, sampling and euthanasia of these species.
4.13
Poultry
Aims
 To provide an overview of the current status of the poultry industry within the UK and
emphasise its crucial role in terms of human nutrition.
 To provide an understanding of the behavioural, environmental and nutritional requirements
which are necessary for the successful management of layers, broilers and parent stock.
 To present information on the factors influencing successful hatching of replacement stock.
 To develop an understanding of the changing requirements of chicks from day old, through
the brooding and rearing phases.
 To provide a basic understanding of the avian reproductive effort and the diversity of
function of the egg.
 To encourage an understanding of the pros and cons of the different types of housing used in
the poultry industry with respect to bird welfare.
 To compare and contrast the different environmental/management requirements of turkeys.
Learning Objectives
 To become aware of the fact that poultry lies second to beef in terms of its world economic
importance and that as a species it cannot be ignored by the veterinary profession.
 To appreciate that the poultry industry is constantly evolving and that it has a major role to
play in human nutrition.
 To know and understand the different requirements of layers, broilers and parent stock in
terms of management.
 To be aware of bird welfare issues and the contradictions that exist in terms of human
perception of what is better for the bird.
 To appreciate the economics of poultry production.
 To understand the different management requirements of turkeys.
5.
COURSE CONTENT
The distribution of the Lectures and Practical Classes throughout the academic year are
provided as separate leaflets. The details of the content of the Course are contained in the
individual component lecture notes which are supplied on Moodle for each of the module areas.
6.
COURSE TEXTS AND REQUIRED READING
9
Course Information
It is not possible to give a complete list of books which are entirely suitable for additional
reading. Some are very detailed and specialised but most of the following, which are generally
available in the James Herriot Library, are useful and are worth looking through.
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Management & Welfare of Farm Animals, UFAW
Animal Husbandry, Thomas et al (Bailliere Tindall)
Farm Animals. Husbandry, Behaviour and Veterinary Practice, M.W. Fox
Livestock, Health and Housing, Sainsbury and Sainsbury (Bailliere Tindall)
Understanding the Dairy Cow, John Webster (Collins)
Cattle Behaviour, Phillips, (Farming Press)
The Calf, Management of Health, Roy revised edition 2000, (Butterworth)
Milk Production, Science and Practice, Leaver (Longman)
Planned Beef Production, Allen & Kilkenny (Granada)
Veterinary Book for Sheep Farmers, D. Henderson (Farming Press)
Sheep Production, Science into Practice, Speedy (Longman)
Practical Lambing, Eales & Small (Longman)
Sheep Yearbook, Meat and Livestock Commission 2002
The Science & Practice of Pig Production, Whittemore (Longman)
The Health of Pigs, (Longman)
Housing the Pig, Brent (Farming Press)
Outdoor Pig Production, Thorton (Farming Press)
Poultry, Health & Management, Sainsbury (Granada)
Exotic Pets, BSAVA Manual, 2nd edition .
Raising Small Animals, Moody (Farming Press)
Manual of Canine Behaviour, BSAVA, V. O'Farrell
Dog and Cat Nutrition - commercial booklets will be supplied
The Dog Law Handbook, Sandys-Winsch (Shaw & Sons)
Companion Animal Death, Mary F Stewart Butterworths Heinmann
Horse Management Ed. J. Hickman
The Horse: Diseases and clinical management, Kobluk, Ames and Goer.
Equine Clinical Nutrition: Feeding and Care, Lon Lewis.
Producers' Journals:
Dairy Farmer, Livestock Farming, Veterinary Record, Pig International, Pig Progress Farmers
Weekly, Scottish Farmer (weekly).
Web Pages
DEFRA Home Page
Farmers Weekly Interactive
National Milk Records
Institute for Animal Health
(http://www. )
defra.gov.uk
fwi.co.uk
nmr.co.uk
iah.bbsrc.ac.uk
MOODLE
Moodle is the University's centrally supported Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The
Faculty Moodle site can be accessed from on- or off-campus at:
http://moodle.gla.ac.uk/vet/moodle/
Users should log in with their Novell username and password. After a successful login you
will be asked to update your profile.
Once you have logged on, you will be able to access individual courses within Moodle, as well
as general information, and information relating to EMS, summer vacation scholarships, and
career opportunities. Many of the courses require a one-time enrolment key.
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Veterinary Animal Husbandry
The one-time enrolment keys for Veterinary Animal Husbandry are: BVMS I VETHUSB1
BVMS II VETHUSB2
Within individual courses, you will find links to lecture notes and presentations, past papers,
timetables, and links to relevant websites that have been reviewed by your tutors. Throughout
the year your tutors may also add additional Moodle ‘activities’ such as self-test material,
assignments, surveys and discussion forums. Within ‘General resources and links for students’,
you will find links to courses designed to help you start using Moodle.
Moodle replaces the Student Web Server, a 2004-5 archive version of which is still available
on- or off-campus at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/faculties/vet/teaching/sws/
You will need to username 'vetstudent' and the password 'jamesherriot' to access this.
For any problems with Moodle please email Vicki Dale (v.dale@vet.gla.ac.uk).
7.
TEACHING HOURS AND TEACHING METHODS
The number of hours each student needs to attend all the classes in the Veterinary Animal
Husbandry Course are detailed in the Table below. The number of hours of academic staff time
needed to teach the Course are also shown.
Lectures
BVMS I
Hrs per Total hrs
student
staff
61
(62)
BVMS II
Hrs per Total hrs
student
staff
71
(71)
TOTALS
Total hrs Total hrs
student
staff
133
(122)
Practicals/Seminars
34
(127)
24
(90)
58
(167)
Outside visits/farms
16
(42)
10
(18)
26
(50)
Self instruction/revision
(IT Library)
24
(9)
10
(6)
34
(15)
Totals
155
(240)
115
(185)
270
(425)
Each student requires 271 hours of work for the whole course excluding the Examinations. The
academic staff require 425 hours to provide the Course excluding the time required for four
Class Exams and the Professional Examinations at the end of second year.
Lectures, invited experts and guest speakers, the provision of comprehensive lecture notes,
video presentations, demonstrations, a wide variety of practical instruction classes, seminars
and visits to farms, institutes and places of veterinary interest are used to present the Course to
students.
Many practical sessions are performed in small groups and attendance for practicals is
compulsory as are all outside visits. Active learning is encouraged particularly in the group
seminars and practical sessions. Scheduled revision practicals are available for all students in
the Whitsun term of the second year. Some interactive computer programs are used for student
instruction and are available on the cluster.
All staff are not routinely made aware of students with Special Needs. This information is
considered confidential unless such a person agrees to complete disclosure. Consequently, the
onus is on you to make individual staff aware of special needs you may have that impact on a
particular method of teaching; staff will attempt to make reasonable adjustments. E.g. you may
have a degree of red-green colour blindness and have difficulty distinguishing tissues or cells
during microscopy.
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Course Information
8.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment of the Course
The content of the Course, the presentation of the Course to students and the effectiveness of
the teaching are assessed regularly throughout the year by the staff and the findings are taken
into account when the Course for the following year is being prepared.
These assessments are made by considering the results of the Class Examinations and the
Professional Examination, the Report of the External Examiner as well as the views expressed
during informal discussions, the replies in Student Questionnaires that are circulated at the end
of each session and the comments arising from the Faculty Staff/Student Liaison Committee.
Formal consideration of these matters occurs at the regular meeting of the Course teachers and
at Quality Assurance meetings. The process for progressing the assessment documentation is
by reporting the Annual Course Monitoring Report to Board of studies; the recommendations of
that body to Faculty and any futher Faculty report to the Academic Regulation Committee (a
sub-committee the Universiy Education Committee) and ultimately to Senate.
Modifications to the course are made through the Course Approval process via the Board of
Studies, Faculty and Academic Regulation Committee if major changes are required. The
External Examiners comment on all proposed changes.
Student assessments involve Class Examinations and two Professional Examinations, the First
Year Professional Examination is taken at the end of level 1 (BVMS I) and the Second
Professional Examination at the end of year 2 (BVMS II).
8.1
Assessment of student learning
Examination instructions
 Special Needs students. Because of the level of confidentiality involved, the Teaching
Unit is not always aware of the currency of special need assessments. Therefore it is the
responsibility of special needs students to ensure that the Teaching Unit is informed in
adequate time of any new special needs evaluation prior to any summative assessment.
 Where appropriate special needs students will be given additional time for written
examinations, but no extra time will be given for the completion of oral examinations or
practical/clinical assessments.
 You are urged to read all examination papers carefully and plan your answers. Class exam
papers show the breakdown of marks awarded for each section. You must note carefully the
instructions given to candidates.
 Written papers are anonymous, only your Matriculation or Examination Number is to
be put on the answer books. Write ONLY on the right hand side page and leave the
margin clear for advisory comments from the examiner. Anything not to be considered by
the examiner must be clearly stroked out.
 You must NOT write in pencil. Ink or ballpoint pen only are allowed.
 Should you have any difficulties in an examination you must alert the invigilator
immediately.
 Examination Structure
All the examinations in Veterinary Animal Husbandry in 2005/2006 will be considered as
summative assessment, for the Degree Examination:
Term 1 (Martinmas)
Examination worth 7.5
Term 2 (Candlemas)
Examination worth 7.5
Whitsun Examination
Examination worth 85
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Veterinary Animal Husbandry
 The class examinations in Term 1 and Term 2 will be marked internally and the results will
be available to the students as provisional Grades.
 The final Grades will be assessed, and if necessary, modified after consultation with the
External Examiner, at the time of the Whitsun examination.
 The External will attend in Whitsun and August/September to oversee the examination, the
completion of the Grades and to conduct Pass/Fail and Distinction Orals.
 If a student fails to complete any of the Examinations then the Code of Practice on
incomplete assessment and good cause (University of Glasgow Calendar 2005-2006
available in the Library or from the Department) will apply. Relevant extracts are
reproduced below.
“XXII CODE OF PRACTICE ON INCOMPLETE ASSESSMENT AND GOOD CAUSE
22.1
This section sets out the rules covering the treatment of students prevented by good
cause from completing an assessment or performing adequately therein.
(i)
For the purposes of this section ‘good cause’ shall mean illness or other adverse
personal circumstances serious enough to prevent a candidate from completing a
summative assessment at or by the due time; ‘evidence’ shall mean a full medical
report, not merely a medical certificate, or a written report detailing the adverse
personal circumstances including independent written evidence as appropriate.
If a candidate believes that good cause has prevented a piece of summative
assessment, including an examination script, being completed at or by the due time or
has seriously prejudiced his or her performance in a summative assessment, then he
or she must promptly notify the Head of Registry and submit appropriate evidence.
Notification later than a week after the due date for completion of the assessment will
not normally be taken into account except where circumstances prevented the student
from notifying the Head of Registry within this time. The Head of Registry will notify
the relevant Head(s) of Department.
The Head of Department shall have discretion to set a later completion date for the
assessment in question including a special sitting of an examination. The candidate
shall have the right to decline such an alternative unless the assessment has been
designated as compulsory in the assessment scheme approved by Senate in respect of
the course or programme concerned and published in the course data-base. Where
the Head of Department does not exercise discretion to set a later completion date, or
where the candidate declines such an alternative, the candidate may pursue the claim
for good cause.
Where the claim for good cause is pursued the evidence submitted shall be
considered by the Board of Examiners which shall determine.
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(a) if the evidence is of sufficient weight to constitute evidence of good cause;
(b) if sufficient material has been presented in respect of the summative assessment
in question for it to be regarded as completed, rather than merely attempted; in
the latter case the assessment shall be treated as though it had been prevented by
good cause from being completed.
22.2
If a candidate fails to complete a summative assessment required by a course without
adequate evidence of good cause then he or she shall be awarded zero marks or
equivalent for that assessment, and his or her mark or grade for the course shall be
calculated accordingly.
22.4
If a candidate is adjudged by the Board of Examiners to have been prevented by good
cause from completing the assessment of the course, then the following arrangement
shall apply;
(i)
The extent of the completion of the assessment shall be determined as a
percentage of the totality of summatively assessed work, based on assessment
13
Course Information
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
weightings published in the course data-base, required by the assessment
scheme approved by the Senate.
The Board of Examiners shall make an overall judgement of the standard
reached in the completed part of the assessment, using as far as possible the
same procedures as apply to candidates who have completed the assessment.
If the candidate has completed 85 per cent or more of the assessment the
Board of Examiners shall recommend the award of an appropriate grade (or
no credit) on the basis of the completed proportion.
If the candidate has not completed 85 per cent of the assessment then the
candidate shall be regarded as not having attempted the assessment.”
Second Diet of Examination – August/September
The Grades for the second diet will be based on the single written examination and practical
assessments as described in 8.3.
8.2
Class Examinations
BVMS II
There is a Class Examination held at the end of each of the Martinmas and Candlemas terms
during the second year of the Course in Veterinary Animal Husbandry. Each consists of a
written examination (2 hours) which may cover all topics given in both lecture and
practical/seminar classes during the course of that term.
8.3
Second Professional Examination for the Degree of BVMS, Veterinary Animal Husbandry
The Professional Examination in Veterinary Animal Husbandry & Management is taken after
the second year of the course (BVMS II) and may include subject matter given during the
entire content of the two years of the Course. The Second Professional Examination is the
principal Examination of the course in Veterinary Anatomy, Animal Husbandry, Physiology
and Biomolecular Science. The examination dates are given in the current notice ‘University of
Glasgow - Final Dates Degree Examinations’ and Course timetables. The Rules and
Regulations governing these examinations are contained in the current University Calendar, the
document ‘University of Glasgow Code for Degree Examinations’. Copies of these papers can
be seen in the Library or at the Veterinary Faculty Office. Additional important information is
displayed on the Noticeboards relating to the Course.
The Second Professional Examination in Veterinary Animal Husbandry taken in the Whitsun
Term consists of the following components:
 A Written Paper composed of 6 questions, each with a value of 10 marks (60 marks
possible). Topics will be taken from the whole course covered in both first and second years
of the BVMS degree course. There is a choice of questions and no single question is
compulsory.
 A Practical Examination consisting of two assessments (combined value of 25 marks).


14
One (or both) of the practical assessments may be held at Cochno. One assessment
may be held at Garscube. Suitable protective clothing must be taken to Cochno.
University transport is provided. No other form of travel to and from Cochno is
permitted during these assessments.
Each assessment may be constituted of practical and oral assessments of topics
covered in both first and second years of the Veterinary Animal Husbandry
component of the BVMS Degree Course.
Veterinary Animal Husbandry
 A proportional mark from the combined Class Examinations taken in Martinmas and
Candlemas terms (Continuous Assessment) amounting to 15 marks.
 The Final Mark is the total combined mark of:
Written 60 + Practical 25 + Continuous Assessment 15 = Total marks 100.
 The Final Mark is converted to a Grade according to the system approved by The University
(see Schedule A). Candidates can pass the examination with Distinction, Commendation or
Pass depending on the grade achieved. A pass with Distinction can only be awarded on the
decision of the External Examiner after attendance by the candidate at an Oral Examination.
 Some candidates may be required to attend an Oral Examination in which the External
Examiner presides. This interview will normally last for a minimum period of 15 minutes
and no longer than 30 minutes (see Marking and Oral Examination Procedures).
Resit Examination
Should a candidate fail the examination at the first diet, they may take the Resit Examination
(normally held at the end of August/ beginning of September) which has the following format:
 A Written Examination composed of 6 questions, each with a value of 10 marks (60 marks
possible)
 A Practical Examination consisting of two practical/oral assessments held at Cochno, each
with a value of 20 marks (40 marks possible).
 The Final Mark is the total combined mark of:
Written 60 + Practical 40 = Total marks 100
 The Final Mark is converted to a Grade according to the system approved by the The
University (see Schedule A).
 All other conditions are as described for the first diet of the Examination.
Marking and Oral Examination Procedures for the Second Year Professional
Examination in Veterinary Animal Husbandry
Anonymity of marking and reporting
Examination answer books can only be identified to staff by matriculation number or
examination number thus ensuring student anonymity. Examination results are reported
anonymously by matriculation number or examination number. Under the Data Protection
Act students are entitled to see their examination scripts but staff will not discuss individual
scripts in detail.
Procedures
The Written and Practical Examination answers are marked by academic members of staff who
are the Internal Examiners and the Total Combined Mark for each candidate is calculated. The
marks are reviewed by a panel of Internal Examiners who may adjust the Written and Practical
Marks. All papers are made available to the External Examiner.
The External Examiner is specifically requested to examine papers of those candidates with a
provisional grade of less than Grade D and those with provisional marks above or just below
Grade A. The External Examiner has the discretion to adjust the marks awarded in the Written
and Practical Examinations.
After the External Examiner has confirmed the marks for the Written and Practical
Examinations in consultation with the Internal Examiners, candidates with less than Grade D
are required to attend a Pass/Fail Oral Examination conducted by the External Examiner
with at least one of the Internal Examiners in attendance.
In addition, candidates with Grade A at the first attempt at the Examination are invited to
attend an Distinction Oral Examination conducted by the External Examiner with at least one
of the Internal Examiners in attendance. A Pass with Distinction may be awarded at the
discretion of the External Examiner.
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Course Information
Grading
The University uses a grading scheme for all examinations.
The University policy on grading is shown in Schedule A (University Calendar) with only
grades A-D representing passes. There shall be three categories of award; honours,
commendation and pass. A candidate who is not placed in one of the three categories shall
have failed the programme.
Non-honours Courses
Primary
Grade
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
CR
8.4
BVMS
Gloss
Exemplary range and depth of attainment of intended
learning outcomes, secured by discriminating
command of a comprehensive range of relevant
materials and analyses, and by deployment of
considered judgement relating to key issues, concepts
and procedures
Conclusive attainment of virtually all intended
Very Good learning outcomes, clearly grounded on a close
familiarity with a wide range of supporting evidence,
constructively utilised to reveal appreciable depth of
understanding
Clear attainment of most of the intended learning
Good
outcomes, some more securely grasped than others,
resting on a circumscribed range of evidence and
displaying a variable depth of understanding
Acceptable attainment of intended learning
Satisfactory outcomes, displaying a qualified familiarity with a
minimally sufficient range of relevant materials, and
a grasp of the analytical issues and concepts which is
generally reasonable, albeit insecure
Attainment deficient in respect of specific intended
Weak
learning outcomes, with mixed evidence as to the
depth of knowledge and weak deployment of
arguments or deficient manipulations
Attainment of intended learning outcomes
Poor
appreciably deficient in critical respects, lacking
secure basis in relevant factual and analytical
dimensions
Attainment of intended learning outcomes markedly
Very Poor deficient in respect of nearly all intended learning
outcomes, with irrelevant use of materials and
incomplete and flawed explanation
No convincing evidence of attainment of intended
No Credit learning outcomes, such treatment of the subject as is
in evidence being directionless and fragmentary
CREDIT
Failure to comply, in the absence of good cause,
REFUSED with the published requirements of the course or
programme.
Excellent
External Examiner
16
SCHEDULE A
Primary verbal descriptors for attainment of
Intended Learning Outcomes
Honours
Commendation
Pass
Fail
Veterinary Animal Husbandry
For the session 2005-2006, the external examiner for the Course in Veterinary Animal
Husbandry is John Fishwick (RVC London). Mr Fishwick’s period of appointment continues
until the end of the session 2007-2008. All papers are made available to the External Examiner.
8.5
Prizes
There are three special Awards in Veterinary Animal Husbandry and Management:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
9.
A Silver Medal awarded by the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society to the student
with the highest marks in the Degree Examination
The Alexander Thompson Prize for the student with the best overall performance in
the practical component of the Degree Examination.
The Iams Eukanuba Prize for the student with the highest marks for the nutritional
component of the Degree Examination whose overall performance in the examination
lies within the top 10% of the class.
POLICY ON EXEMPTIONS AND COURSE CERTIFICATION.
Exemptions are not given. However, a student entering the Veterinary Course directly into
second year is deemed to have been exempt from the First Year Professional Examination held
in BVMS I. All students must attempt the Veterinary Animal Husbandry component of the 2nd
Professional Examination and obtain a Pass in order to proceed to the 3rd Year of the BVMS
Degree Course.
Course Certificates
Satisfactory attendance and performance
A candidate may not be admitted to the Professional Examination unless attendance and work
in that course has been assessed as being satisfactory by the Course Leader.
(Supplementary Regulation 12, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Glasgow University Calendar).
It should be noted that attendance at all practical classes and outside visits is mandatory.
Satisfactory performance includes the attainment of no less than a Grade F in all class
examinations.
Special provision will be made for those students who are ill at the time of examinations
(providing a medical certificate is available).
All students must attempt the Veterinary Animal Husbandry component of the 2nd Professional
Examination and obtain a Pass in order to proceed to the 3rd Year of the BVMS Degree
Course.
10.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
10.1
Arrangements for Practical Classes, Protective Clothing, Health and Safety
In most cases the location of practical sessions are shown on the timetables, otherwise you will
be informed of the exact location in advance. Many of these are held at the University Farm at
Cochno, the Small Animal Hospital and the equine facilities at the Weipers Centre, Old Yard
and indoor arena at Garscube. All classes must start promptly at the times stated. In
particular, buses must leave on time for Cochno Farm and other off-campus locations.
17
Course Information
Pick-up point for buses will be from the Security Control Centre Gatehouse at the Garscube
Campus unless otherwise informed. Attendance is particularly required for all visits to
commercial farms and other outside locations. Suitable protective clothing, in clean condition,
must be worn for all farm classes (wellington boots and wet weather clothing). Students who
are not properly dressed will not be permitted to attend - particularly for outside farm visits
where hygiene is extremely important.
In the interest of safety it is important that students always conduct themselves in an orderly
and responsible manner. This is particularly important whenever live animals are used for
demonstration.
Precautions should be carefully noted with respect to zoonoses (animal diseases which are
transmissable to humans) - an information sheet will be provided.
10.2
Staff-Student Liaison
All staff teaching the course welcome the opportunity to discuss any problems associated with
the course with students, either on a group or individual basis. You are particularly invited to
contact Professor Cameron, Dr Fishwick and Professor Parkins. Alternatively you are welcome
to make representation through the Class Representative. This is particularly useful for
occasional timetable problems. Some other difficulties that may arise may be more usefully
dealt with by the Faculty Staff/Student Liaison Committee by arrangement through the second
year Representative.
10.3
STAFF
Staff members who participate in the teaching of Veterinary Animal Husbandry
Course Leader/Examinations Officer - Professor J J Parkins (email: j.parkins@vet.gla.ac.uk)
Quality Assurance Officer : -Professor E R Cameron
Division of
Animal Production and
Public Health
Prof J J Parkins
Prof E. R. Cameron
Dr G. Fishwick
Prof M. Stear
Mr D. C. Barrett
Dr Dorothy McKeegan
Clinical Scholars
10.4
Division of Companion
Animal Sciences
Prof S Love
Dr Karen MacEachern
Dr Lance Voute
Dr Philippa Yam
Ms Clare Knottenbelt
Rory Bell
Nursing Staff
Division of
Cell Sciences
Dr M Purton
Dr M Bain
Visiting Lecturers
Prof G Marshall
Prof A Lawrence
Mrs Mandy Pfeffer
SSPCA
Hills Pet Food
Dr J Ferguson
Dr Samantha Lindley
Extramural Studies
Regulations require students to complete practical experience on each of a dairy farm, equine
establishment, pig or poultry unit and a sheep enterprise at lambing time. This total of 12
weeks experience is to be completed before entry into BVMS III. Seeing practice forms
(obtained from the EMS Office) are to be completed and countersigned by each of the owners
concerned. Exemption in one or more experience areas may be granted to those students who
can provide written evidence that satisfactory prior experience has already been gained. For
further advice regarding EMS contact Mr David C Barrett. A nation-wide farm (and equine)
register of farms and units which have previously accepted students for experience work is kept
by the Secretary of GUVMA.
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Veterinary Animal Husbandry
10.5
ESSENTIAL COMPETENCES REQUIRED OF THE VETERINARY SURGEON
INTRODUCTION
1. An important statutory function of RCVS is to determine the “standard of proficiency”
and “knowledge and skill” to fit veterinary surgeons for practising in the United
Kingdom. The standard set for registration is a key benchmark that affects the approval
of veterinary degree courses in the UK and overseas, and should also be seen as the
starting point for consideration of an individual’s continuing education and training
needs after registration. Maintaining and further developing professional competence is
a requirement for all veterinary surgeons.
2. This document sets out the essential competences required of the veterinary surgeon for
membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
3. There are many definitions of ‘competence’ and many views on how it can be developed
and assessed. In general terms, however, competence is a concept that integrates
knowledge, skills and attitudes, the application of which enables the professional to
perform effectively, and to respond to contingencies, change, and the unexpected.
4. This document takes a broad definition of competence as being “the ability to perform the
roles and tasks required by one’s job to the expected standard” (Eraut & Boulay,
20001). The definition recognises that requirements and expectations change depending
on the job role and context. It also recognises that competence develops, and that an
individual may work ‘competently’ at many different levels, either at different stages of
their career, or indeed from one day to the next depending on the nature of their work.
5. Eraut and Boulay (2000) point out the importance of distinguishing between an
individual’s competence – what one can do, and performance – what one actually does.
RCVS is concerned with competence when it undertakes its primary function of
determining “the standard of proficiency required for registration” and ensuring that
individuals “will have acquired the knowledge and skill needed for the efficient practice
of veterinary surgery” (Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, section 3). Performance may be
affected by factors such as workload, working conditions, levels of support, and so on.
The regulation of performance is a function of RCVS through its statutory disciplinary
powers.
6. The essential competences have been broken down into three main areas. They are:
-
-
A General professional competences and attributes
describing the distinguishing characteristics of a veterinary surgeon
B Underpinning knowledge and understanding
describing in general terms the breadth of knowledge and understanding needed for a
career as a veterinary surgeon, and for subsequent professional development in
whatever sphere of veterinary science the individual wishes to pursue
C Practically-based veterinary competences
describing the basic practical competences that are expected at the point of
graduation.
1 “Developing the Attributes of Medical Professional Judgement and Competence”, a review funded by the Postregistration
Medical and Dental Education Research Initiative of the Dept. of Health’s Policy Research Programme, by Professor
Michael Eraut and Benedict du Boulay, University of Sussex.
The full paper is available on the web at
http:/www.cogs.susx.ac.uk/users/bend/doh
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Course Information
The ten guiding principles of the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct should be seen
as overarching requirements for registration (and by implication, continued
registration) with the College. The Guide states that:
Your clients are entitled to expect that you will: 1. make animal welfare your first consideration in seeking to provide the most
appropriate attention for animals committed to your care
2. ensure that all animals under your care are treated humanely and with respect
3. maintain and continue to develop your professional knowledge and skills
4. foster and maintain a good relationship with your clients, earning their trust,
respecting their views and protecting client confidentiality
5. uphold the good reputation of the veterinary profession
6. ensure the integrity of veterinary certification
7. foster and endeavour to maintain good relationships with your professional
colleagues
8. understand and comply with your legal obligations in relation to the
prescription, safe-keeping and supply of veterinary medicinal products
9. familiarise yourself with and observe the relevant legislation in relation to
veterinary surgeons as individual members of the profession, employers,
employees and business owners
10. respond promptly, fully and courteously to complaints and criticism.
“DAY ONE SKILLS”
A1 - GENERAL PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
The new veterinary graduate should be able to:
A1.1 Communicate effectively with clients, the lay public, professional colleagues and responsible
authorities; listen effectively and respond sympathetically to clients and others, using
language in a form appropriate to the audience and the context
A1.2 Prepare clear case reports and maintain patient records in a form satisfactory to colleagues
and understandable by the public
A1.3 Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of services to
clients
A1.4 Be aware of the ethical responsibilities of the veterinary surgeon in relation to individual
patient care and client relations, and also more generally in the community in relation to their
possible impact on the environment and society as a whole
A1.5 Be aware of the economic and emotional climate in which the veterinary surgeon operates,
and respond appropriately to the influence of such pressures
A1.6 Be willing to use one’s professional capabilities to contribute as far as possible to the
advancement of veterinary knowledge in order to benefit veterinary practice and further
improve the quality of animal care and public health
A1.7 Have an elementary knowledge of the organisation and management of a veterinary practice,
including:
 awareness of own and employer’s responsibilities in relation to employment and health and
safety legislation, and the position relating to lay staff and public liability
 awareness of how fees are calculated and invoices drawn up, and the importance of
following the practice’s systems for record keeping and book-keeping, including computer
records and case reports
 ability to use information technology effectively to communicate, share, collect, manipulate
and analyse information
 importance of complying with professional standards and policies of the practice
20
Veterinary Animal Husbandry
A1.8
Understand the need and professional obligation for a commitment to continuing education
and training, and professional development, throughout one’s professional life
A1.9 Conduct oneself in a professional manner with regard to the veterinary surgeon’s professional
and legal responsibilities and understand and apply the ethical codes as set out in the RCVS
Guide to Professional Conduct
A1.10 Be able to cope with uncertainty and adapt to change
A1.11 Develop a capacity for self-audit and willingness to participate in the peer-review process
A1.12 Be aware of personal limitations, and demonstrate awareness of when and from where to seek
professional advice, assistance and support.
(Commentary: This last item is considered to be one of the most important, and should guide all new
veterinary graduates when undertaking their professional duties. Veterinary surgeons
undertaking procedures on patients must at all stages in their careers be fully competent in
their performance, or be under the close supervision of those so competent. When in doubt,
the new veterinary graduate must seek professional support and in the interests of animal and
human health, should not attempt to undertake complex procedures unsupervised.)
B1 - UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The new veterinary graduate will need to have acquired a thorough knowledge and understanding of
the following:
B1.1 The sciences on which the activities of veterinary surgeons are based
B1.2 Research methods and the contribution of basic and applied research to all aspects of
veterinary science
B1.3 How to evaluate evidence
B1.4 The structure and functions of healthy animals, and all aspects of their husbandry
B1.5 The aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of the common diseases
and disorders that occur in the common domestic species in the UK
B1.6 Legislation relating to the welfare (including transport) of animals and notifiable diseases
B1.7 Medicines legislation and guidelines on responsible use of medicines
B1.8 The principles of disease prevention and the promotion of health and welfare
B1.9 Veterinary public health issues including zoonoses.
C1 - PRACTICAL COMPETENCES
The new veterinary graduate should be able to undertake the following:
C1.1
C1.2
C1.3
C1.4
Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group, and its/their
environment
Handle and restrain an animal safely and humanely, and instruct others in performing these
techniques
Perform a complete clinical examination
Attend all species in an emergency and perform basic first aid
(Commentary: problems to be handled for any species include first aid management of
haemorrhage, wounds, breathing difficulties, eye & ear injuries, unconsciousness,
clinical deterioration, burns, tissue damage, internal organ damage and cardiac
arrest. First aid to be applied includes bandaging, cleaning, immobilising limbs,
resuscitation procedures, haemorrhage control.)
C1.5
Assess correctly the nutritional status of an animal and be able to advise the client on
principles of husbandry and feeding
(Commentary: this applies to commonly presented cases and would not, for example, be expected to
include advanced nutritional advice for complex cases, eg. high performance horses, high
yielding dairy cows, certain exotic or zoological species.)
C1.6 Collect, preserve and transport samples, perform standard laboratory tests, and interpret the
results of those generated in-house, as well as those generated by other laboratories
(Commentary: new graduates are expected to have a working knowledge of tests to be undertaken
include conditions relating to infectious & contagious diseases; alimentary system;
respiratory system; circulatory system; urinary system; nervous system; endocrine system;
21
Course Information
mucucutaneous system; musculoskeletal system; trauma; poisoning; obstetrics; paediatrics;
parturition; reproduction)
C1.7 Use radiographic, ultrasonic, and other technical equipment which can be used as a diagnostic
aid, safely and in accordance with current regulations
C1.8 Follow correct procedures after diagnosing notifiable, reportable and zoonotic diseases
C1.9 Know and apply the RCVS twelve Principles of Certification correctly
C1.10 Access the appropriate sources of data on licensed medicines; prescribe and dispense
medicines correctly and responsibly in accordance with relevant legislation and ensure that
medicines and waste are safely stored and/or disposed of
C1.11 Correctly apply principles of sterilisation of surgical equipment
C1.12 Correctly apply principles of aseptic surgery
C1.13 Safely perform sedation, general and regional anaesthesia, implement chemical methods of
restraint, and assess and control pain
C1.14 Advise on, and administer appropriate treatment
(Commentary: the new veterinary surgeon must always seek professional advice and support if
presented with a case beyond his or her immediate capability – see item A.12)
C1.15 Recognise when euthanasia is necessary and perform it humanely, using an appropriate
method, whilst showing sensitivity to the feelings of owners and others, and with due regard
to the safety of those present; advise on disposal of the carcase
C1.16 Perform a basic gross post mortem examination, record details, sample tissues, store and
transport them
C1.17 Perform ante mortem inspection of animals destined for the food chain and correctly identify
conditions affecting the quality and safety of products of animal origin
C1.18 Assess and implement basic health and welfare records (and production records where
appropriate)
C1.19 Advise on, and carry out preventive and prophylactic programmes appropriate to the species
and commensurate with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards, seeking
advice and assistance where necessary from professional colleagues
C1.20 Minimise the risks of contamination, cross infection and accumulation of pathogens in the
veterinary premises and in the field.
22