Unit information: Companion Animal Science in 2014/15

Unit name	Companion Animal Science
Unit code	VETS34019
Credit points	0
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Dr. Fonfara
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Completion of BVSc 2
Co-requisites	All other units in BVSc 3 & 4 respectively
School/department	Bristol Veterinary School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

Companion Animal Science (CAS) is one of four units which contribute to BVSc Year 4. The formal taught elements are undertaken in the 3rd and 4th years. Lectures are complemented by practical classes. CAS is followed by the Clinical Veterinary Science unit with core and track rotations and an elective, beginning in the summer term of 4th year and running through 5th year. There are written examinations in CAS at the beginning of the summer term in 4th year. Continuation into Clinical Veterinary Science is dependent upon passing the written examinations (pass mark 50%).

Unlike most units within the BVSc programme, CAS does not contain elements of DSE but these appear extensively in the final year, to which it closely relates. All material within CAS is examinable within Clinical Veterinary Science, but the latter requires students to be able to integrate the knowledge from all previous units (including CAS) and apply them within the clinical environment.

Aims:

The overall aim is to provide knowledge and understanding of the principles of the aetiopathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the more common medical, surgical and reproductive diseases of companion animals. Exotic animal aspects are included in some elements.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of CAS, students will be competent in the theory used to diagnose and treat the more common medical and surgical diseases of companion animal species. Completion of final year is required to develop this knowledge to a level for clinical application, as required by the RCVS.

Teaching Information

Lectures, practical classes.

Assessment Information

4th year summer term

Two papers:

1. Multiple choice questions (MCQ) - 1.5 hours
2. Short answer questions (SAQ), 12 questions, all of which are compulsory - 2 hours

A minimum mark of 50% must be achieved in CAS to proceed to final year. Failure to achieve this will result in re-sit examinations in September.

Reading and References

Essential Reading: Lecture Notes, specific references indicated within lecture notes.

Additional Reading:

1. Howitz, Mills and Heath (eds). (2002) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine
2. Crowell-Davis and Murray (2006). Veterinary Psychopharmacology. Blackwell Publishing
3. Overall (1997). Clinical Behavioural Medicine for Small Animals. Mosby.
4. Turner and Bateson (2nd ed). The Domestic Cat. Cambridge University Press Serpell. The Domestic Dog. Cambridge University Press"