BI2S104 - Veterinary Diagnostics 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 7

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BI2S104
Module Title: Veterinary Diagnostics
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Biological and Forensic Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Science
Module Leader: Rhiannon Stundon
Module Team: Theona Aristidou, Rachel Perry, Katie Davies, Paul Jones, Rhian Jones
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100532 - veterinary nursing
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 7
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

This module aims to provide the student veterinary nurse with the extensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to correctly prepare and run veterinary diagnostic tests on small animal patients.

The paramount importance of Animal Welfare and the Health & Safety of staff are firmly embedded throughout the module and students will learn to advocate for their patients during diagnostic tests to ensure their well-being.

The module will enable the student to operate equipment safely and effectively and give the student confidence to recognise clinical abnormalities and diagnostic artefacts.

Content Summary

The content of this module will be applied across all aspects of veterinary diagnostics for canine, feline and exotic species and includes:

Demonstration of patient preparation and sampling techniques for diagnostic procedures.

Performance of common laboratory diagnostic and imaging diagnostics frequently undertaken in small animal veterinary practice to include haematology, blood biochemistry, urinalysis, microscopy, radiography, ultrasonography and endoscopy.

Ability to recognise abnormal findings, differentiate them from sample and equipment artefacts, and take the appropriate action, to include discussion of Quality Improvement and Clinical Governance.

Application and analysis of the principles and techniques of laboratory diagnostics to include: safe use of equipment and materials (biochemistry analysers, haematology analysers, blood gas analysers, serology analysers, commercial test kits, refractometer, microscope, stains); collect, prepare, store (including packing for transportation to external laboratory) and test pathological samples to include: blood, urine, faeces, skin & hair, other body tissues, other body fluids, cadavers; discussion of infection control and health and safety measures in relation to One Health and sustainability.

Application and analysis of the principles and techniques of diagnostic imaging to include: legal requirements of radiography; principles of imaging using ionising radiation to include: radiography, scintigraphy, computed axial tomography (CAT/CT scan), fluoroscopy; principles of ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopy; patient positioning; image processing, evaluation and storage; discussion of environmental sustainability and One Health.

The pass mark is set using a modified Angoff Method. Pass marks will vary.

The RCVS Day One Competences and Day One Skills for Veterinary Nurses are the minimum essential requirements that all student veterinary nurses are expected to have met in order to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses. Further information can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk

The content of this module will cover the following RCVS Day One Competences: 1, 4-5, 7-9, 12-13, 15, 17, 21-23, 37.

The content of this module will cover the following RCVS Day One Skills for Veterinary Nurses: 1.1-1.2, 2.1-2.3, 2.8-2.11, 3.2, 3.5, 4.5, 5.1-5.9, 6.1-6.6, 8.1, 8.3-8.4.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Seminar 5
Lecture 50
Tutorial 5
Demonstration 20
Practical classes and workshops 20
Independent Study 100
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Analyse and appraise laboratory diagnostics and diagnostic imaging in veterinary practice
LO2 Perform laboratory diagnostic and diagnostic imaging techniques in veterinary practice

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Practical Test 1 Prepare and test laboratory samples and position patients and set up for the taking of radiographs 15 N/A 30 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 Veterinary Diagnostics: 35 MCQ and 8 SAQ questions 75 N/A 45 No 0
Asynchronous Assessment Case study 1 Appraisal of the laboratory and imaging diagnostics in a single case 0 1250 25 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Test 1
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1
Case study 1

Reading List

Sirios, M., 2019. Laboratory Procedures for Veterinary Technicians. 7th ed. Oxford: Elsevier.

Rudd, S. & Hotston Moore, A., 2008. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Advanced Veterinary Nursing. 2nd ed. Gloucester: BSAVA.

Mullineaux, E., Turner, L. & Cooper, B., 2020. The BSAVA textbook of veterinary nursing. 6th ed. Gloucester: BSAVA.

McConnell, F. & Holloway, A., 2013. BSAVA Manual of canine and feline radiography and radiology: a foundation manual. Gloucester: BSAVA.

Jones, M. & Mullineaux, E., 2007. BSAVA Manual of Practical Veterinary Nursing. Gloucester : BSAVA.

Hutchinson, T. & Robinson, K., 2015. BSAVA Manual of Canine Practice: A Foundation Manual. Gloucester: BSAVA.

Gerrard, E., 2021. BSAVA pocketbook for veterinary nurses. 2nd ed. Gloucester: BSAVA.

Harvey, A. & Tasker, S., 2013. BSAVA manual of feline practice: a foundation manual. Gloucester : BSAVA.

Easton, S., 2012. Practical Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. 2nd ed. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

Bexfield, N. & Lee, K., 2014. BSAVA guide to procedures in small animal practice. 2nd ed. Gloucester : BSAVA.

Ayers, S., 2012. Small Animal Radiographic Techniques and Positioning. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

Aspinall, V., 2019. Clinical procedures in veterinary nursing. 4th ed. Oxford: Elsevier.

Ackerman, N., 2016. Aspinall's complete textbook of veterinary nursing. 3rd ed. Oxford: Elsevier.

Villers, E. & Ristic, J., 2015. BSAVA manual of canine and feline clinical pathology. 3rd ed. Gloucester: BSAVA.

Relevant peer-reviewed journal articles will be provided as part of your expected learning in this module.