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VET30630

Academic Year 2024/2025

Vet Musc & Neurology I (VET30630)

Subject:
Veterinary Medicine
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Veterinary Medicine
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Ms Clodagh Kearney
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This is a core 4th year module for the undergraduate MVB degree and 3rd year module for the graduate entry MVB. The aim of the module is to enable students to gain an understanding of the diseases affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems of companion and production animals. The lecture series provides a course in the fundamental pathological processes affecting the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Additional species-specific lectures consider the clinical approach to investigating diseases of these systems. Included in this part of the course are specific lectures on orthopaedic and neurological evaluations and diagnostic imaging techniques. In discussion classes, students will explore the orthopaedic and neurological examinations and learn to problem solve clinical cases based on their presenting signs. There are also pathology practical classes involving the examination of histopathology slides and gross material along with the discussion of clinical cases and terminology. The group project is designed to allow students to link all of these aspects together and gain a holistic overview to the approach to clinical cases. This module is closely aligned with Veterinary Musculoskeletal and Neurology 2 which builds upon the foundation material presented here to further explore the diagnosis, management and treatment options of common clinical conditions.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
• Explain important pathological mechanisms affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems of domestic animals
• Explain features important to clinical examination of the lame animal and relate this to relevant anatomy
• Explain important features of the neurological examination in domestic animals and relate this to the relevant neuroanatomy
• Localise abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system based on the findings of gait analysis and diagnostic testing
• Localise abnormalities in the nervous system based on the findings of the neurological examination
• Construct differential diagnosis lists appropriate to individual clinical presentations across the domestic species
• Explain the indications and limitations of diagnostic techniques commonly utilised in these body systems and interpret the findings of these tests
• Select and explain the appropriate clinical approach for the diagnosis of common disorders the musculoskeletal and nervous systems in the domestic species
• Select and explain the appropriate clinical approach for the diagnosis and management of common developmental diseases of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems in the domestic species
• Work effectively as part of a team
• Communicate information relating to animals with musculoskeletal and neurological diseases in a clear, professional manner
• Critically reflect on their learning, using this approach to develop metacognitive skills and promote linkage between their prior knowledge and current learning, identify strategies for success and highlight areas for further development as they progress towards professional practice and lifelong learning

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

14

Autonomous Student Learning

76

Lectures

26

Small Group

12

Total

128


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Active/task-based learning
Enquiry & problem-based learning
Peer and group work
Case-based learning
Reflective learning
Student presentations

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

The student should have a solid grounding in the core disciplines contributing to this clinical course e.g. anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology and pathology.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
VET30050 - Applied Therapies, VET30560 - Veterinary Pathobiology I, VET30570 - Veterinary Pathobiology II

Required:
VET30160 - Intro Clinical Med and Surg


 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: Group project involving 3 components to be completed throughout the semester, with the final presentation in week 12, involving case based material. Will include self- and peer-assessment. Week 12 Other No

25

No
Exam (In-person): A combination of Single Best Answer and structured short answer questions based around clinical scenarios/clinical material. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Other No

75

No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Intra-semester on-line formative MCQs and SNAPIs will be offered to students during delivery of the module. Automated on-line feedback will be provided following completion of these exercises. Group project work will involve self- and peer-assessment along with the delivery of group / class feedback as part of this process. All students failing the assessment will be offered an opportunity to discuss their work with the Module Co-ordinator. Queries from passing students are dealt with on an individual basis.