Module Details

Module Code: BIOL8029
Title: Veterinary Diagnostics
Long Title: Veterinary Diagnostics
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4211 - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will provide the student with a detailed overview of clinical and laboratory techniques used in veterinary science under the thematic areas of clinical biochemistry, blood sciences, histopathology and microbiology. It will also include a case-based approach to common pathogens and infectious agents found in agricultural animals.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critically discuss the role of blood sciences in the diagnosis of common diseases in agricultural animals
LO2 Evaluate the tests performed to analyse samples from agricultural animals
LO3 Assess the role of traditional and molecular diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of microbial pathogens in agricultural animals
LO4 Examine and critique histopathological techniques and specimens to determine the health status of an animal
LO5 Perform relevant diagnostic techniques on laboratory specimens, and interpret and troubleshoot generated data
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Blood Sciences
Clinical and laboratory haematology investigation. Erythropoiesis, Blood Proteins. Anemia. Haemostasis. Bone Marrow. Leukocytes. Blood Parasites.
Clinical Biochemistry
Clinical and laboratory biochemical investigation. Sample collection. Common clinical tests including electrolytes, serum enzymes, urinalysis, glucose, bilirubin, creatinine, and blood urea.
Diagnostic Microbiology
Microbiology investigation in agricultural animals. Common pathogenic and infectious agents including bacteria, fungi, viruses and prions. Isolation from clinical specimens. Microbe identification techniques.
Histopathological Techniques
Histopathological techniques in agricultural animals. Preparation of various tissues samples. Staining techniques. Post-mortem analysis.
Molecular Diagnostics
Uses of molecular diagnostic techniques in common clinical applications inlcuding; bioassays, ELISA, immunoblotting, DNA, RNA and protein diagnostics and pathogen identification.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Case study in Veterinary Diagnostics
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 15
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
Laboratory work and written reports on thematic areas
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Final examination on theoretical concepts
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory Every Week 2.50 2.5
Lab Contact Laboratory Investigations Every Week 0.50 0.5
Directed Learning Non Contact Self directed learning Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • BP Smith. (2015), Large Animal Internal Medicine, 5th. Mosby, Elsevier, USA, [ISBN: 9780323088398].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Stockham & Scott. (2008), Fundamentals of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 2nd. Wiley-Blackwell, New Jersey, USA, [ISBN: 9780813800769].
  • Quinn, Markey, Leonard, Hartigan, Fanning & Fitzpatrick. (2012), Veterinary Microbiology and Microbial Disease, 2nd. Wiley-Blackwell, New Jersey, USA, [ISBN: 9781405158237].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SAGBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agri-Biosciences 8 Mandatory