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VET40530

Academic Year 2025/2026

Equine Clinical Studies (VET40530)

Subject:
Veterinary Medicine
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Veterinary Medicine
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Anna Juan de Pedro
Credit Split by Trimester:
Autumn 5
Spring 5
Trimester:
2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
Module Type:
Clinical Module
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The objective of this module is to build generic and species-specific medical and surgical skills and competencies through problem-solving and evidence-based learning. Previous training should ensure that veterinary students have received not only a good grounding in theoretical clinical subjects but also a broad education in more general areas such as problem solving skills, obtaining an academic level of thought and work, appropriate social/communication skills and awareness of the importance of lifelong learning.

The greatest emphasis is placed upon training of a clinical nature. Students will attend the University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital, Lyons Farm and local equine premises on the UCD Equine Field Service. First-opinion equine cases will be seen on ambulatory visits; referral equine medicine, surgery and fertility cases will be seen in the hospital. Exposure to basic and referral cases and subsequent group discussions will develop basic problem-solving and decision making skills. Farm based practical classes and Clinical Skills Laboratory work will form a key part of the rotation and are aimed at training students in basic clinical skills related to equine general practice to foster competence in ‘Day One Skills’ required for registration as a veterinary practitioner.

Clinical rotations are full time and may include evening and weekend on call duties. Participation in the rotation and the practical components of the module is compulsory.

Self directed learning in the form of online tutorials and additional reading will form an important part of the learning experience in this module.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Be able to put on a head collar, pick up a front/hind limb, estimate weight, BCS and height.
Discuss basic health management: nutrition, vaccination, deworming and dental care.
Carry out a full clinical examination: know normal ranges and interpret abnormal findings.
Carry out a full musculoskeletal examination including dynamic gait assessment (lameness exam).
Carry out a neurological examination.
Carry out an ophthalmic examination.
Perform basic techniques such as intravenous/intramuscular injection; take a jugular blood sample; pass a stomach tube; take horse markings; perform a routine dental examination.
Discuss appropriate restraint and sedation techniques.
Perform basic reproductive techniques such as speculum examination of the cervix; obtain a cervical/clitoral swab and interpret the cytology and culture.
Interpret a basic reproductive ultrasound examination of a mare
Discuss the investigation/management of common medical, surgical and reproductive conditions
Use of herd health plans, isolation facilities and biosecurity principles in the management of contagious disease in the horse, and procedures for reporting notifiable diseases
Discuss the responsible/legal use of medicines in horses in Europe.
Discuss the prudent use of antibiotics
Discuss procedures involving equine welfare infringements.
Discuss the responsible/legal disposal of horses.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Small Group

50
Practical

150
Total

250

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Small group tutorials, task-based learning in groups, case-based learning, problem-based learning, group work, student presentations, practical skills learning opportunities

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Clinical Interpretative Examination (CIE) End of trimester
Duration:
1 hr(s)
 Other No
50
 No
Exam (In-person): Clinical Management Exam (CME) End of trimester
Duration:
1 hr(s)
 Other No
50
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat (CFP) Within Three Semesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

An end of rotation feedback form will be provided to individual students at the end of the rotation that will indicate their strengths and weaknesses across the assessment categories - knowledge, practical skills and professionalism. Clinical rotations with their associated workplace-based assessments (WBA) are a must pass, core component of this module. Their contribution to the overall module grade is weighted at 0% - see derogation listing for all final year modules. Students will receive written feedback regarding their participation in clinical rotations and their associated workplace-based assessments (WBA). Students who fail their rotations will be invited for verbal feedback. Students who fail their rotation will be offered one opportunity to repeat prior to the Programme Examination Board. Students will receive individual formative feedback on deficiencies in performing relevant direct observational procedural skills and repeated opportunities to correct these deficiencies. Students who fail the module will be encouraged to speak with the module co-ordinator post assessment. Passing students will receive feedback on an individual basis.

Name Role
Dr Sinead Devine Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Vivienne Duggan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Anna Juan de Pedro Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Clodagh Kearney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Niamh Lewis Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr John Mark O'Leary Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Julie Storme Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Nicola Walshe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Miss Aoife O'Kane Tutor
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