| Unit name | Companion Animal Science B |
|---|---|
| Unit code | VETS35021 |
| Credit points | 0 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Professor. Warman |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites | |
| Co-requisites | |
| School/department | Bristol Veterinary School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
Companion Animal Science B (CAS-B) is one of the professional examinations in the final BVSc and consists of clinical rotations beginning in the summer of the fourth year and running through the final year. The assessment of CAS-B depends on clinical rotation marks (55%), practical exam (computer based steeplechase) 15% and final vivas (30%). Aspects of veterinary public health are included in CAS-B as they relate to the subject area (e.g. zoonoses arising from companion animals). The clinical rotations include exposure to small animal surgery, small animal medicine, first opinion small animal practice, small animal imaging, equine imaging, anaesthesia of large and small animals, dermatology in companion animals, clinical pathology, histopathology, equine medicine, equine surgery, and first opinion equine practice.
Aims:
The overall aim is to apply previously gained knowledge and understanding of the principles of the aetiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of the more common medical, surgical and reproductive diseases of companion animals. In parallel, students are equipped with the skills necessary to:
The Unit provides background information that supports the teaching delivered in the Farm Animal Science B unit. In addition the unit endeavours to assist students to develop both observational and interpersonal skills and to formulate opinions on topics of public concern relating to companion animals. Specific aims for each element within the unit are listed separately in the clinical rotation handbook.
Upon successful completion of CAS B, students will be competent to diagnose and treat the more common medical and surgical diseases of companion animals, and thereby meet the requirements pertaining to companion animals for membership of the RCVS.
Additionally, they will be able to demonstrate the clinical application of knowledge developed in the CAS-A and VPH Units in 4th year. Specific objectives for clinical rotations are included in the handbook Specific objectives for each aspect of the unit are listed separately in the clinical rotations handbook.
Clinical rotations and seminars/directed self education within them.
Students attend clinical rotations in 6 blocks each of three weeks. For each block, a single assessment grade is given, derived from assessment of a combination of oral presentations, written work and evaluation of practical clinical work, depending on the particular rotation. (Further details of each block are provided for students in the clinical rotations handbook). A candidate must past 5/6 clinical rotations in CAS-B. In addition s/he must obtain an average of at least 50% for the viva examinations, and a minimum of 50% in at least 3 of the 4 components of the viva examinations. Students who fail a rotation will be required to discuss their performance with the clinical rotation co-ordinator and/or the unit organiser. There is the opportunity to repeat one failed assessment (or one that is not completed due to illness) during the Easter vacation or just before the final examinations. If two rotations are failed there is usually only time to repeat one in the time available. A maximum of 50% will be awarded for any rotation that is passed on a second attempt following failure.
Clinical rotations: equal marks from each block (55%) Written exam (steeplechase) (15%) Oral examinations (30%).
If a final year elective is taken within the subject area of CAS-B, it contributes 10% of the total marks for this Unit (the above elements are therefore scaled to constitute the remaining 90%).
In the event of a resit, marks from passed clinical rotations (and the elective) can be carried forward. Any failed rotations must be retaken and passed. The steeplechase and oral examinations must be retaken.
Details of the elective are provided to students separately.
4th year CAS A and VPH notes and related texts
