(The front cover will look something like this)
The University of Sydney
Faculty of Veterinary Science
UNIT OF STUDY NAME
VETS XXXX
example of picture for front cover
Unit of Study Handbook
2005
Unit of Study Coordinator
Dr XXXX XXXXXXX
This handbook belongs to _________________________
(inside front cover)
UNIT OF STUDY DESCRIPTION
(this should be the same as in the Faculty handbook, excluding information about assessment
and textbooks)
for example:VETS 1006
Cell Biology 1A
4 credit points
Dr Paul Sheehy
Offered: February. Assumed knowledge: see UAC handbook.
Classes: 37 lectures, 8 hours of practical classes and 2 hours of tutorials.
This unit will introduce the student to the biology of the cell. Topics include cell structure and
molecular biology. The cell structure component includes a description of cell membranes
and organelles. The molecular biology component includes a discussion of enzyme structure
and metabolic pathways.
Clinical material is used to illustrate normal structure and function.
Copyright
This unit of study handbook is copyright of the various
source textbooks and the contributing staff members of the
Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney.
The handbook and associated printed teaching materials,
is distributed to enrolled students on a non-profit cost
recovery basis. Where illustrative material in the manual is
taken from standard textbooks it is on the assumption of fair
usage for teaching and is for non-commercial purposes.
Warning: Commercial use of any material in this teaching
manual is an infringement of copyright.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
For example
Page nos will be inserted later
1. GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION .......................................................x
1.1 Timetables...................................................................................x
1.2 Staff .............................................................................................x
1.3 Learning aims/Outcomes ........................................................... 7
1.4 Graduate Attributes .................................................................. 11
1.5 Textbook List ............................................................................ 12
1.6 Library Resources/VEIN ........................................................... 13
1.7 Online Learning ........................................................................ 13
1.8 Assessment.............................................................................. 15
1.9 Safety Notes/Responsibilities ................................................... 20
1.10 University Policies and Guidelines ........................................... 20
1.11 Faculty Guide for Assignments ................................................ 21
1.12 Improving the Course: Feedback from Students ...................... 27
1.13 University Learning Centre ....................................................... 28
the next three sections are optional and will vary according to the content of your Unit of Study
2. PRACTICAL CLASSES & TUTORIALS for example ............................ 29
2.1 Practical Class 1 - title ............................................................... 34
2.2 Practical Class 2 - title ............................................................... 34
2.3 Practical Class 3 - title ............................................................... 34
2.4 Practical Class 4 - title ............................................................... 34
2.4 Tutorial 1 – topic ............................................................................
2.5 Tutorial 2 – topic ............................................................................
3. READINGS (for example).......................................................................... 47
Journals articles/reviews ................................................................. 48
Case histories......................................................................................
4. LECTURE NOTES for example) .............................................................. 61
Lecture topic 1 ................................................................................. 62
Lecture topic 2 ................................................................................. 88
Lecture topic 3 ................................................................................. 90
5. APPENDIX for example ............................................................................ 157
Data sheets ..................................................................................... 62
Statistical tables .............................................................................. 88
Past exam papers ........................................................................... 90
1
1.1
GENERAL
COURSE
INFORMATION
TIMETABLE, Unit of Study name, VETS xxxx
The following is a good example of an easy to read timetable. Please create your timetables
in TABLE format as tab stops are too difficult to alter.
WEEKLY
PROGRAM
LE GE N D
L Lecture
P Practical Class
Week Class No.
Lecturer
1
2
VSCC
CARNE
VAL
GL4
Date
Veterinary Science Conference Centre
Carne Lecture Theatre, RMG Gunn Bld
Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory
Gunn Level 4 Lab A
PS
IT
Time
Venue
Lecture/Prac/Tutorial
Paul Sheehy
Imke Tammen
CB L1
CB L2
CB L3
CB L4
CB L5
CB L6
CB L7
CB L8
Prac  CB P1
Mon 8 Mar
Mon 8 Mar
Mon 8 Mar
Tue 9 Mar
Tue 9 Mar
Tue 9 Mar
Wed 10 Mar
Thur 11 Mar
Thur 11 Mar
9am
10am
11am
10am
11am
12noon
9am
10am
11-1pm
CARNE
CARNE
CARNE
CARNE
CARNE
CARNE
VSCC
VSCC
VAL
General Introduction to Cell Biology
PS/IT
Small Molecules, Energy and Biosynth 1 PS
Cell Types and Morphology
IT
Small Molecules, Energy and Biosynth 2 PS
Plasmalemma
IT
Small Molecules, Energy and Biosynth 3 PS
Small Molecules, Energy and Biosynth 4 PS
Cell Organelles 1
IT
Microscopy
PS/IT
2
Mon 15 Mar
Mon 15 Mar
Mon 15 Mar
Tue 16 Mar
Tue 16 Mar
Tue 16 Mar
9am
10am
11am
10am
11am
12noon
CARNE
CARNE
CARNE
CARNE
CARNE
CARNE
Cell Organelles 2
Macromolecules 1
Cell Organelles 3
Macromolecules 2
Cell Inclusions
Macromolecules 3
CB L9
CB L10
CB L11
CB L12
CB L13
CB L14
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IT
PS
IT
PS
IT
PS
CB L15 Wed 17 Mar 9am
VSCC
CB L16 Thur 18 Mar 10am
VSCC
Prac  CB P2
Thur 18 Mar 11-1pm VAL
1.2
Macromolecules 4
Enzyme Catalysis
Tissue Preparation
PS
PS
PS/IT
STAFF
For example: please include photos of staff and a description of their research interests Five
entries to each page.
Photo (50KB max Name
file size, image size 3
x 3cm)
Dr John Citizen
Dr Jack Horse-doctor
details
Research interests
Unit
of
Study
coordinator
Room 101, Gunn
Bldg
Tel: xxxx xxxx
Email:
johnc@xxxxxxx
Room
202,
Macmaster Bldg
Tel: xxxx xxxx
Cat behaviour
Paragraph of
words
20
Horse behaviour
Include support staff names and contact details, if relevant.
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3
1.3
LEARNING AIMS/OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES
Aims
1.
The Unit of Study Aims situate the Unit of Study in relation to the course as a whole.
The key points should be
The relationship of this Unit to previous Units of Study
The key focus of this Unit of Study
The relationship to subsequent Units of Study
Learning Outcomes
2.
The Unit of Study Learning Outcomes describe what you hope the students to attain
by the end of the Unit.
“By the end of this Unit of Study, students will be able to……”
here are some examples

Describe the main structural features of a nucleated cell. Explain the role of these
structures in the normal processes of cells. Describe, in general terms, how these
structures are made visible in special preparations of tissues and how they are used in
identification of different types of cells

List the elements that are essential for life, and give examples of elements that are toxic
and some which are used in therapy

Describe the basic form of the communication that takes place in a veterinary
consultation and identify those elements that are necessary for a successful outcome

Explain, using examples of common conditions, how perturbations of normal
biochemical processes can give rise to metabolic disorders, and how knowledge of the
biochemical pathways can be used in diagnosis of these disorders
4
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GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES
1.4
Notes:
The Faculty of Veterinary has its own list of generic attributes of the Veterinary graduate.
Those that are specifically addressed in your Unit of Study might be included here.
It shouldn’t be necessary be include the entire list in each book.
Faculty of Veterinary Science:
Revised Veterinary Graduate Attributes
REVISED DRAFT 10/2/04
1
2
Research and Inquiry. Graduates of the Faculty of Veterinary Science will be able
to create new knowledge and understanding through the process of research and
inquiry.
A.
Apply an understanding of normal and abnormal animal structure, function and
behaviour for diagnosis, management and prevention of animal disease
B.
Identify, define and analyse problems affecting animal health and production
C.
Collect and use the best available evidence to diagnose, prevent, cure or
manage animal health problems
D.
Maintain effective skills for identifying and responding to emerging
animal diseases and issues
E.
Engage in research-based practice, using critical judgment and
creativity
F.
Collaborate in the generation, application and dissemination of new
knowledge to benefit animal health and welfare
G.
Have an informed respect for the principles, methods, standards, values
and boundaries of their discipline and the capacity to contribute to and
question these
H.
Critically evaluate existing understandings and reflect on the limitations
of their own knowledge
Information Literacy. Graduates of the Faculty of Veterinary Science will be able to
use information effectively in a range of contexts.
A.
Identify acquire, store, retrieve, interpret, critically evaluate and use
scientific, clinical and other relevant information in print and electronic
sources
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5
3
4
B.
Prepare a scientific or clinical report in a form suitable for publication
and presentation
C.
Use networked services and information technology efficiently in
research, professional development and practice management
D.
Investigate emerging technologies and determine their relevance to the
profession
Personal and Intellectual Autonomy. Graduates of the Faculty of Veterinary Science
will be able to work independently and sustainably, in a way that is informed by
openness, curiosity and a desire to meet new challenges.
A.
Make independent, informed professional decisions and implement
them in managing animal health
B.
Evaluate one’s own abilities, identify deficiencies and commit to
continuing professional learning
C.
Identify situations where additional expertise is necessary, seek
specialist services and refer patients professionally
D.
Prepare a curriculum vitae, identify work opportunities, apply, present at
interview and negotiate an employment contract
E.
Have the capability and commitment to initiate and respond to change
F.
Develop a capacity for managing one’s own personal, physical,
emotional and social needs to sustain satisfaction and contribution to
profession
Ethical, Social and Professional Understanding. Graduates of the Faculty of
Veterinary Science will hold personal values and beliefs consistent with their role
as responsible members of local, national, international and professional
communities.
A.
Practice veterinary science professionally:
 with primary consideration to the welfare of the animals in care
 to uphold the ethical standards and legal requirements of the
profession
 to meet the health and safety needs of oneself, colleagues, ancillary
staff, clients and the community with colleagues, ancillary staff,
clients and the public with respect and without discrimination
6
B.
Apply the principles of animal welfare to the humane management and
euthanasia of animals
C.
Ensure animal products are free of chemical residues and other
contaminants
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5
D.
Protect the natural environment, maintain biodiversity and conserve
endangered species
E.
Ensure sustainability of agricultural activities through the practice of
veterinary science on livestock that considers the economic and social
needs of farms and the livestock industries
F.
Practice veterinary science in Australia with awareness of the need to
keep Australia free of non-endemic diseases and ensure exported
animals are free of disease
G.
Practice veterinary science in countries other than Australia with
awareness of local differences
Communication. Graduates of the Faculty of Veterinary Science will recognise
and value communication as a tool for negotiating and creating new
understanding, interacting with others, and furthering their own learning.
A.
Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, with a
variety of recipients and audiences and using a variety of media
B.
Consult effectively, eliciting the history and clinical signs from clients
systematically and with sensitivity
C.
Prepare and maintain records of clients and animals and the results of
veterinary interventions and procedures promptly, accurately and
concisely
D.
Work effectively as individuals, partners and as members of a team
E.
Contribute or lead a group in cooperative problem-solving
F.
Communicate with colleagues, ancillary staff, clients and the public with
patience, empathy and compassion
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7
1.5
TEXTBOOK LIST
include both compulsory and recommended textbooks, readings and journal articles.
1.6
LIBRARY RESOURCES/VEIN/ONLINE LEARN ING
University Library Services
While you are studying at the University of Sydney you have free access to the largest
academic library in the Southern Hemisphere. Badham and Camden Libraries are the
specialist libraries for veterinary science. The Library is happy to transfer items between
campuses for you. Resources available include books, journals, videos, research databases,
information skills training and access to qualified information specialists. Many of the
resources on your reading lists will be available in the Reserve Collection at Badham or
Camden. You will find that many of the journal articles and book chapters are available in
electronic format. This allows you to access the material anywhere on campus and from
locations off campus. Access to databases and some ejournals is also available off campus,
please see:
http://www.library.usyd.edu.au/databases/wam.html for more information.
Check these entries
Your Faculty Liaison Librarian at
Camperdown Campus is:
Sarah Graham
Your Faculty Liaison Librarian at
Camden Campus is:
Karen Black
Badham Library
Ground Floor, Badham Building, A16
Science Road, Camperdown Campus,
University of Sydney, NSW, 2006
Tel: 9351 7319
Fax: 9351 3852
Email: s.graham@library.usyd.edu.au
Camden Library
University of Sydney Farms, C15
Werombi Road, Camden,
NSW, 2570
Tel: 9351 1627
Fax: 46 55 6719
Email: k.black@library.usyd.edu.au
VEIN
VEIN, or the Veterinary Education and Information Network, is a web portal maintained by
the University Library and supported by the Faculty and the Veterinary Science Foundation.
It provides relevant, quality information to assist you in your studies. The website is:
http://vein.library.usyd.edu.au/
VEIN will allow you to easily access the facilities of the University Library, including
catalogues, research databases and high quality websites. The ‘What's New?’ page advertises
events on and off campus - please let the Library know if you have a Vet event coming up so
it can be listed. The ‘Links’ pages on VEIN gather together resources by area of study,
species and disease as well as providing information on personal and professional
8
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development, the use of technology and organisations. Please use VEIN and contribute to the
development of the Website by using the ‘suggest a site function’ on each page or by
contacting your Faculty Liaison Librarian.
Referencing and Bibliographies
The Faculty recommends the use of the Harvard referencing system, as modified by Flinders
University. Please see the Flinders University library website:
http://www.lib.flinders.edu.au/resources/sub/healthsci/referencing/referencelist.html
ONLINE LEARNING
1.7
Online learning
This Unit of Study has some elements available online. What follows is a brief introduction to
studying in this environment, including what equipment you will need to study online, how to
find your unit of study, how to make the most of studying in this environment and where to
go to find help.

What Do You Need
To study online you need regular access to a computer with internet connection
either at home or at the University or a local Internet Café. If you are using your
home computer the minimum requirements are:





 How
PC486 or better running Windows 95, 98 or 2000
Mac 68030 or better running at least OS 7.5
At least 16Mb RAM and 20Mb free disk space
Modem 28k bps or faster
A web browser IE4 or above or Netscape 4.** (not Netscape 6)
to Get In
Open a browser (either Netscape or Internet Explorer) and go the USydNet site:
http://intranet.usyd.edu.au, click on Units of Study – WebCT and you will be taken
to your online learning site (if at home you should probably bookmark this site).
You will be asked for a Username and Password these will be the Unikey (Extro
account) Username and Password that you were sent with your confirmation of
enrolment. Once you have entered appropriate Username & Password you will enter
the online area for your Unit of Study.
 What
to Expect
The web is a new learning environment for most people and it’s probably a good idea
to have a look around when you first arrive. Explore your online Unit of Study and
check out what information and tools are available. Remember this is a new medium
and will require some adjustment to use effectively – it is not a book and it is not a
classroom though it has elements of both be prepared to play around until you feel
comfortable and don’t be scared of making mistakes.
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9
The tool being used to support this learning environment is called WebCT if you
wish to know more about it there is a CD available from your lecturer or the IT
helpdesk. When using web based communication tools it is worth remembering there
are real people on the other end.
As there are no accompanying physical expressions or vocal cues to enhance
communication it is worth making extra effort to ensure our messages are clear and
easily understood. Inappropriate and discriminatory comments, which would not be
tolerated in the physical classroom, are equally unacceptable in the online
environment.
 Where
to Get Help
If you are in a WebCT session and you encounter problems the WebCT Help button
will give you quick, simple answers to most straight forward problems.
If you are having trouble logging in or are faced with more complicated WebCT
related problems email the ITS Help Desk at http://helpdesk.usyd.edu.au or by
ringing 9351 6000. If you are having trouble getting through to your online learning
site from home you may need to contact you own Internet Service Provider or the
ITS Help Desk.
If you have queries about the subject matter within the Unit of Study you should
contact the academic(s) in charge.
10
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1.8
ASSESSMENT
Use
the
University
policy
“Principles
http://www.usyd.edu.au/su/planning/policy/acad/Assess_Exam.pdfl
as a general guide for this section.
of
Assessment”
What are the grade descriptors, assessment components, due dates and weighting for
assessment tasks in your Unit of Study?
Give details of the requirements and format (essay, report, spoken presentation, etc) for each
type of assessment using examples appropriate to your discipline.
For due dates, use a non-dated format , for example “due on the second Friday of the
semester, that is, the end of the second week of the semester”.
Students should be reminded to submit assignments with the assignment cover sheet attached,
available form the Faculty Office and on the WebCT site for the Unit of Study.
Summative Assessment
A description of the grade descriptors; e.g. what will students have to achieve in order to get
a Credit, Distinction etc?
Timing of assessments, nature, value of each assessment, etc.
For example
Task No
1.
2.
3.
Component
(eg Due Date
essay, exam, etc)
Essay 1000 words
End of week 3 by 5 pm
Friday
Project presentation
End of week 7
(oral) 15 minutes
Written examination
Examination period
Weight
25%
25%
50%
Formative Assessment
The most important thing here is to explain how formative assessment will be given – in what
form, on what pieces of work and when.
A Faculty guide for assignments is available online through the WebCT Year sites
If WebCT on other online resources are used for assessment, they should be included here.
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11
1.9
SAFETY NOTES/ RESPONSIBILITIES
When handling animals in practical classes, students should be mindful of the ways in which
animals defend themselves. For the safety of personnel and animals, students should seek
advice from demonstrators if they are unsure how to handle or manipulate an animal.
This section should include specific instructions relating to the safe working procedures in
practical classes and other sessions in which the students will be required to take particular
precautions with respect to procedures, reagents, equipment and the like.
Notes on quarantine procedures should be included here.
Some examples
There is to be no smoking, eating or drinking in the laboratory at any time.
Laboratory coats and shoes must be worn at all times
Broken glass, needles etc should be placed in the “SHARPS” bin. They must not be placed in
normal rubbish bins.
Handle all cultures at all times with extreme care. All organisms used in classes are potential
pathogens.
When anaesthetising surgical patients scrub suits and protective shoes must be worn.
12
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RESOURCES – Faculty and University Policies &
1.10 Guidelines
The University of Sydney policies outline the roles and responsibilities of the University to its
students themselves.
Administrative requirements can be found in the Veterinary Faculty handbook and other
relevant requirements can be accessed via the Central Policy Index page at:
http://www.usyd.edu.au/policy/
Policies relevant to veterinary students can be found on the Veterinary Faculty home page at
http://www.vetsci.edu.au/
and follow the prompts to ENROLLED STUDENTS, then “Information for current students”.
Some important resources include:Faculty Assignment and Referencing Guide
Policy on Academic Honesty
Policy on Special Consideration
Plagiarism Policy
Plagiarism or copying in any form in assignment tasks or quizzes is not tolerated. A mark of
zero will be awarded when plagiarism occurs and the matter will be referred to the Associate
Dean for Teaching and Learning, Faculty of Veterinary Science for further disciplinary
action.
Plagiarism can be broadly defined as knowingly presenting another person’s ideas,
findings or written work as one’s own by copying or reproducing them without due
acknowledgement of the source. Plagiarism may involve copying the work of another
student, or it may involve paraphrasing or copying a published author’s text or
argument without giving a reference. At its worst, plagiarism is theft.
Students should be familiar with the following policies:
Student plagiarism: Coursework Policy and Procedure:
http://www.usyd.edu.au/senate/policies/Plagiarism.pdf
and
Academic Honesty in Coursework (Plagiarism):
http://www.usyd.edu.au/ab/policies/Academic_Honesty_Cwk.pdf
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13
1.11 Faculty Guide for Assignments
REFERENCING
Correct use of citations and bibliographies is an important aspect of scientific writing and is not difficult if
you follow these guidelines. The correct style is described on the following pages.
The most common flaws
 Failure to cite source of information in body of text
If a statement is made it must be supported by a reference, unless it is a well-accepted
scientific fact.
 Incorrect & incomplete in-text citations
Copying all the details of the reference (i.e. title, journal, as well as authors and year) into the body
of the text is incorrect. Similarly, incomplete citations are incorrect, eg. "Smith and Jones found
possums…" as the year of publication must be included.
 Inclusion/exclusion of references from the bibliography
A bibliography is not a list of papers which you read in preparing the essay, or which you would
recommend reading. It is a complete and comprehensive list of all the articles/books, which were
cited in the essay, including those used in figures or diagrams. It should not include references that
were not cited.
 Incorrect citations
The bibliography should be prepared last, after the essay is complete, so references are not
missed. The list should be carefully proof-read and cross-checked with the text. A bibliography with
many errors makes your work look sloppy.
Citation of References
The faculty referencing style is based on the Author-date (Harvard) referencing system used by School
of Nursing & Midwifery at Flinders University
For more information on the style see:
http://www.lib.flinders.edu.au/resources/sub/healthsci/referencing/contents.html
There are two methods of quoting, paraphrasing and referring to another author’s idea in your essay:
“Stone (1990, p.34) showed that...” or
“Rats excreted 75% of the ingested toxin”. (Stone 1990, pp. 25-26)
When two or three authors are involved, cite both each time they appear, thus:
14
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“Rose and Hodgson (2000, p. 10)...”
“Scott, Miller and Griffin (2001, pp. 191-196)...”
One study suggests (Scott, Miller & Griffin, 2001, pp. 191-196)...”
When four or more authors authored the article, mention the first author listed, followed by the
abbreviation et al. (meaning and others):
“Meehan et al. (2003) assumed the act of foraging was a” (et al. = and others)
When there are no identifiable authors:
One patient education leaflet (Loss of your pet 2001) states that
The Bibliography
(List of references at the end of the essay)
All forms of reference described below are arranged alphabetically according to authors’ names, eg:
Allen, WJ (1974)....
Allen, WJ (1976)....
Allen, WJ Baker, AB & Smith, DN (1973)...
Allen, WJ Carter, CW & Brown, JL (1971)…
Where more than one paper is published in one year by an author or group of authors, they are listed
chronologically thus:
Heywood, LH & Wood, AKW (1985a)...
Heywood, LH & Wood, AKW (1985b)...
The forms used for different types of references are given below.
Journals
Cite references thus:
Hurn, SD, & Edwards, GA 2003, ‘Treatment of fractures of the mandible and maxilla by mini
titanium plate fixation systems in dogs and cats’ Australian Veterinary Journal, vol. 81, no. 11,
pp. 666-670.
Note:




All author’s names and initials are given
The full article title is given
The name of the journal is not abbreviated
The first and last page numbers of papers are given.
Books
Normal texts, i.e where the author(s) are responsible for all the content, eg:
Blood, DC & Henderson, JA 1974, Veterinary Medicine, 4th edn, Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia.
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15
A chapter in an edited work (i.e. multi-author book), eg:
Watson, ADJ 1977, ‘Anti-microbial therapy’, in Current Veterinary Therapy, ed RW Kirk, Lea and
Febiger, Philadelphia.
Reports and Newspaper articles
A report sponsored by an organisation or institution:
NSW Department of Agriculture 1980 Annual Report, Government Printer, Sydney
A newspaper article where no author is listed:
‘Hazardous bacteria related to anthrax’ 2005, The Courier-Mail, 2 June, p.3.
Internet
Material on the Internet can be used as reference material for your essays and project reports. Such
material takes many forms. It can appear as a publication in a refereed or unrefereed electronic journal,
or as a general article. You should be aware of the nature of the publication being used, and its
intellectual authority. All material on the Internet is copyright. You should acknowledge the source of
any information used in your essay, and Internet publications must be listed in your bibliography.
An electronic journal article in a full text database:
Bradshaw, JSW, McPehrson, JA, Casey, RA & Larter IS 2002, ‘Aetiology of separation-related behaviour in
domestic dogs’, Veterinary Record, vol. 151, viewed 2 May 2005, (IngentaConnect).
A web site:
Royal Society for the Prevention of Animals 2004, Million Paws Walk, viewed 30 April 2005,
<http://www.rspca.org.au/news_info/events.htm>.
A web site with no identifiable author:
The Pig Site 2005, viewed 2 June 2005, < http://www.thepigsite.com/>.
16
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IMPROVING THE COURSE – FEEDBACK FROM
1.12 STUDENTS
We welcome feedback on this Unit of Study and thank you for taking the time to
offer constructive written feedback at the end of the semester
A number of avenues for student feedback might be described, and how this feedback might
be used to improve the course. Examples of improvements to the Course arising from student
feedback should be included here.
1.12 UNIVERSITY LEARNING CENTRE
http://www.usyd.edu.au/stuserv/academic_support/learning_centre/
The Learning Centre offers a wide range of workshops and other activities for students to
help develop the learning and language skills needed for academic study. The Centre’s
workshops are available free of charge to all enrolled students of the University throughout
the calendar year.
You can choose to participate in a range of workshops, varying in length from 3 to 12
hours, some of them being repeated many times throughout the year. During semester
times, workshops usually meet once a week for 2 or 3 hours per session, over several
weeks. During vacation, workshops usually meet over 1 to 4 days. The purpose of the
workshops is both to teach particular skills and to provide an opportunity for practising
those skills in a systematic way. There are also independent learning resources
including some specially designed resources for practising reading, writing, speaking
and listening skills.
Some examples of courses offered are: Essay and assignment writing
Oral communication skills
Studying at university
Conducting research
For information and registration for any course contact the Centre: tel 9351 3853.
Location: new Education building, level 7,room 722, A35, next to Manning House.
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17
2
PRACTICAL
CLASSES &
TUTORIALS
Some examples follow
18
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PRACTICAL CLASS 1
2.1
Some examples:
Histology Practical Class 1
BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD
Videomicroscopy
Exercise 1
This exercise will familiarise you with the microscopic structure of the cerebrum.
HV 20.1 This H&E stained tissue section was taken from the cerebrum of a dog.
Hold the slide up to the light and against a white paper background. Note that the gyri and
sulci are dorsal and that the straight edge of the tissue is ventral.
IDENTIFY:

gyri

sulci

tracts of white matter

corpus callosum

eaudate nucleus

Scan the slide using the 4x objective.
IDENTIFY:
tissue folding artefact lines

gyri

sulci

pia mater

Scan the slide using the 10x objective.
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IDENTIFY:
the relatively cell free molecular layer adjacent the pia mate

pyramidal cells

stellate cells

large pyramidal cells

fusiform cells

nerve fibres of the white matter

oligodendrocytes in the white matter

Using the 40x objective.
Examine each of the cell types observed in the 10x objective scan.
Note: The cerebral cortex is described as having 6 layers:
• Molecular. Adjacent pia mater. Relatively cell body free.
• External granular layer. Small neurons
• External pyramidal layer. Medium to large pyramidal cells
• Internal granular layer. Small stellate neurons.
• Internal pyramidal layer. Medium to large pyramidal cells.
• Fusiform layer. Spindle shaped neurons. Adjacent white matter.
The prominence of each layer varies depending on the level of section of the cortex.
Q.
How many layers can you confidently identify on your section?
Note: H&E does not highlight neuron processes and synapses. However, neuron cell bodies
and nuclei do stain well in these sections.
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Another example
STUDENT EXPERIMENT 2
MAYFARM BEEF HERD
Matching nutrient requirements and feed available for a hypothetical herd of beef cattle to be
run on Mayfarm, The University of Sydney.
How can we determine how many cattle can be supported by any particular area of land
? To do this we need to know the type of animal – species, age, weight and sex and the
nutrient requirements of that class of animal (specifically and primarily energy and
protein requirements – more on this later). We then need to assess the productivity of
the piece of land in question. We can do this ‘first hand’ by collecting pasture samples
and analysing them for energy and protein content or we can estimate the ‘carrying
capacity’ of the land using information available from a variety of sources. In the
following exercise we will do both.
Carrying capacity
The productivity of any piece of land can be described in terms of its ‘carrying capacity’ i.e
how many animals it can support. We can measure this using the ‘dry sheep equivalent’
system. A dry sheep is defined as a 2 year old wether weighing 45 kg, maintaining weight (i.e
not gaining or losing weight) and obviously not lactating or pregnant. Thus, land which is
rated at 1 DSE/ha can carry one 45 kg sheep fitting the conditions above, all year round on
one hectare of that land. Animals requiring more energy have a higher DSE rating and
animals requiring less energy have a lower rating. For example, a 450 kg cow in the last
month of pregnancy requires about 6.5 times as much energy as a dry sheep and thus has a
DSE of 6.5. (N.B Caution – many people/articles still speak in DSE per acre – the conversion
factor is 2.47 acres to 1 hectare or 1 acre is 0.405 hectares).
Q: What is an approximate carrying capacity (DSE/ha) for the following categories of land ?
(a) native pasture ? ………………………………………………………………………
(b) improved pasture ? …………………………………………………………………...
(c) irrigated pasture ? …………………………………………………………………...
Where did you find this information ?
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Another example
PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF FOODS
DRY MATTER
1.
Take two (2) dry matter tins and note the numbers stamped on them. (Do not write
on the tins).
2.
Accurately weigh to three decimal places, approximately 5-10 g of sample into a dry
matter tin (do not fill more than three-quarters).
3.
Place lids beneath the tins and place tins onto a tray. Dry for 24, hours in the oven at
100-105C.
4.
Remove the tray of tins from the oven, replace lids using gloves or tongs and allow
to cool in a desiccator.
5.
Weigh tins again to 3 decimal places. The loss in weight is reported as moisture.
6.
Calculate % dry matter of the sample to one decimal place.
Results:
Pot number
Wt. pot + sample
Wt. Pot
Wt. Sample
Wt. pot + dry matter
Wt. dry matter
% dry matter
Mean % dry matter
Question:
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1.
For accurate work the empty tins are dried at 100in a desiccator and then handled with metal tongs during the weighing procedure and when
returned to the oven. Why is this?
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TUTORIALS
For example
RUMEN PATHOPHYSIOLOGY TUTORIAL
Students are expected to discuss their answers to the following questions, answers must
be prepared before the class.
Consult the reference books listed at the end of the tutorial questions.
You have been called to a dairy farm. The farmer has reported that many cows have become
ill overnight, and two are dead.
On arrival at the farm, you are presented with six recumbent cows. Some cows seem
unaffected and are eating form troughs it he paddock. You find bread in the troughs, and the
farmer says that he thought it would be good idea to feed stale bread to the cows.
Clinically, you find that the recumbent cows are depressed and dehydrated, They also have
tachycardia and are tachypnoeic. The cows are grinding their teeth and have diarrhoea. Your
diagnosis is acute rumen overload.
Questions
24
1.
Which metabolite(s) has accumulated in the rumen and is an important
contributor to the clinical signs?
2.
Would you ever find this metabolite in the ruminal fluid of a clinically
normal ruminant?
3.
Why are the animals clinically dehydrated (with sunken eyes and
inelastic skin)? Why do they have tachycardia and tachypnoea?
4.
What laboratory tests would you undertake to assess the degree of
dehydration?
5.
Consider the likely arterial blood acid-base status of the recumbent cows
(pHa, bicarbonate concentration and PaCO2).
6.
Why do the animals appear depressed and why do some of the animals
that are still walking appear to be weak and/or blind?
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3
3.1
READINGS
READING 1 - TOPIC
The place for inclusion of journal articles/reviews peculiar to the course (to be used for
tutorials, etc)
3.2
CASE HISTORY 1 - TOPIC
Place for inclusion of case histories
3.3
LECTURE NOTES - TOPIC
Place for inclusion of lecture notes. The following headings may be useful:
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Outcome 1
2. Outome 2
3. etc.
R e c o m m e n d e d
r e a d i n g
Martin et al. (1987) pages 3-9
Smith (1995) pages 1-11
LECTURE OUTLINE
Heading 1
Heading 2
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4
APPENDIX
Space for miscellaneous material that does not ‘fit’ anywhere else. For example, statistical
tables, clinical reference data such as normal ranges, past examination papers, data sheets
for sample collection in pathology for example.
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