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VET40580

Academic Year 2025/2026

FACS - Herd Health (VET40580)

Subject:
Veterinary Medicine
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Veterinary Medicine
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Catherine Mc Aloon
Credit Split by Trimester:
Autumn 2.5
Spring 2.5
Trimester:
2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
Module Type:
Clinical Module
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This 2-week module specifically focuses on herd health, both weeks will be delivered as 2 out of the 3 weeks of the Autumn trimester farm animal clinical studies rotation. It is designed to integrate with farm animal medicine where students will integrate clinical skills, clinical reasoning and knowledge of the key diseases of ruminants at the flock and herd level. Students will develop skills in interpretation of basic farm data. Students will develop transferable skills in client communication and report writing. Students will be expected to develop a basic understanding of and approach to the main herd level problems.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

The learning outcomes of the module reflect the role of the farm animal practitioner in a rapidly changing agricultural industry of the 21st century. The rotation focuses on developing key skills that enable the practitioner to work at the herd level, in recognition and understanding of the main production diseases of cattle. Students will develop an understanding of the investigation, control and monitoring of the major animal health themes for the international and Irish dairy industry.

Having completed this module, students will be able to:
1. Recognise the main cattle farming systems in Ireland, understand the key health and production performance indicators
2. Develop farm evaluation, including record analysis and investigation criteria for the main production diseases of dairy farming systems
3. Assess farm activity as it relates to farm performance and prioritise areas for investigation
4. Develop key disease prevention strategies for the major production diseases of cattle farming systems
5. Produce a basic farm report based on analysis of the data available
6. Communicate the key report findings with peers and farmers

(Transferable skills)
At the completion of the rotation, the student will have displayed evidence of:

a. Communication and interpersonal skills;
b. Participation and the ability to work in a team;
c. Professionalism and reliability;
d. Enthusiasm for the subject of farm animal clinical studies.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Tutorial

35
Practical

25
Autonomous Student Learning

65
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Students will be exposed to a broad range of teaching and learning approaches on this module. These include case-based learning, active/task-based learning, student presentations and small group tutorials. This module uses an alternative semi-linear grade scale as adopted by the School of Veterinary Medicine Programme Board in 2021.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students must be familiar with the clinical examination of farm animals including normal ranges for vital parameters as well as the main key performance indicators at the herd level for mastitis, fertility, lameness and calf health.

Learning Recommendations:

Students should have reviewed material from clinical lectures and the herd health module in advance of the farm animal rotations.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Additional Information:
Must have completed and passed all modules in Stages 1-4 of the Veterinary Medicine (VTS1) programme Or Must have completed and passed all modules in Stages 1-3 of the Graduate Entry to Veterinary Medicine (VTS3) programme


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): A clinical interpretative examination based on herd problems and MCQ component Week 14 Spring, Week 15 Spring Other No
100
 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
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

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.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Marijke Beltman Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Salem Djebala Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Emmet Kelly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Raffaela Marian Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Luke O'Grady Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Eoin Ryan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Eilidh Thomson Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Deirdre Campion Tutor
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