Program Overview

Unit of Study VETS3021 Clinical Rotation: Exotic, Native, Wildlife, Animal Shelter and Community Practice

Unit Snapshot

• Unit type: UG Coursework Unit
• Credit points: 12
• Faculty & College: Faculty of Science and Engineering
• Placement: Yes
• Pre-requisites: complete 384 credit points in - Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours)

Unit Description

This unit provides core competencies in avian, native, wildlife, exotic and zoo animal medicine and animal shelter and community practice. Students will apply previous knowledge of the animal body, pathophysiology, medicine and surgery and gain confidence in the diagnosis, treatment and management of the common conditions of the more unique species in veterinary practice. In addition, students will be able to manage the various challenges that are faced in animal shelter medicine.

Unit Content

This placement unit consists of six weeks of clinical placement in exotic, native, wildlife animal shelter and community veterinary practice including:

• Orientation: Professional expectations and requirements, Application of professional standards and principles, Revisiting course learning, Recording experiences
• Placement: Application of clinical skills, Formulation and application of diagnostic plans, Performing clinical procedures and implementing treatment plans, Professional interaction with clients, colleagues and team members
• Reflection: Sharing your experiences, Reviewing and reflecting on practice, Looking ahead

Availabilities

Not offered in 2025

Learning Outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning. On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

• proficiently and confidently apply advanced critical thinking and clinical skills in avian, native, wildlife, exotic and zoo animal medicine and animal shelter and community animal practice, integrating knowledge, experience, and ethical considerations to deliver optimal care for animals while engaging in reflective practice
• independently and skilfully formulate diagnostic plans based on clinical presentations, perform a range of common diagnostic tests, and interpret the results in avian, native, wildlife, exotic and zoo animal medicine and animal shelter and community practice settings
• demonstrate proficiency in performing common clinical procedures, implementing appropriate treatment plans, and managing groups of avian, native, wildlife, exotic and zoo animal medicine and animal shelter and community practice settings through practical hands-on experiences and case studies
• demonstrate proficiency in communication, teamwork and professional skills by effectively interacting with clients, colleagues, and team members in the avian, native, wildlife, exotic and zoo animal medicine and animal shelter and community practice settings

Fee Information

Domestic

• Commonwealth Supported courses: For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts
• Fee paying courses: For postgraduate or undergraduate full-fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees

Courses that Offer this Unit

• Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) (2026) - Lismore