B.Sc. in Veterinary Nursing - Stage 1 Handbook

Student Information Pack

B.Sc. in Veterinary Nursing Stage 1 2013-2014

DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED SCIENCES

B.Sc. in VETERINARY NURSING

STAGE 1

INFORMATION PACK

2013/14



Table of Contents

WELCOME ...................................................................................................................3DEPARTMENTAL RULES and POLICIES ................................................................4CLASS CONDUCT:......................................................................................................5LABORATORY CONDUCT:.......................................................................................5ASSESSMENT OF LABORATORY CLASSES: ........................................................5CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT (CA):.........................................................................6PLAGIARISM ...............................................................................................................7EXAMINATIONS:........................................................................................................8Programme Schedule .....................................................................................................9Veterinary Nursing Student equipment .......................................................................11Booklist ........................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.Appendices...................................................................................................................12

DkIT Laboratory Rules ............................................................................................12School of Health and Science. .............................................................................14Continuous Assessment Coversheet ....................................................................14

Continuous Assessment Appeal Form .........................................................................15Continuous Assessment Absence Form ...................................................................17



WELCOME

On behalf of all of the staff in the Department of Applied Sciences DkIT, I would liketo welcome you to the Institute and to the Department.We hope that you will enjoy your chosen science programme and will develop a levelof knowledge and skills that will allow you to move into employment as a fullyqualified and registered veterinary nurse.

During your first year here, you will undergo an important transition from a secondlevel to a third level environment. If you are a mature student, you may be returningto full time study after a long break from education. As you face the challenges thatlie ahead, it is important to remember that there is a lot of help available to you withinthe Institute and the Department.

One of the challenges you will encounter is the move towards a more independentmode of learning. This means that a successful learning experience here will belargely up to you. Your lecturers and I will help and guide you as much as possiblebut it is ultimately your responsibility to attend your programme and complete yourassignments. If your attendance at classes is poor and you do not maintain a steadyroutine of study throughout the semester, this will seriously affect your opportunity tobe successful in your first year and progress to the second stage of your programme.

If you encounter difficulties which may affect your ability to complete your course ofstudy, whether they be academic, personal or practical, it is important to speak withyour year convenor, lecturers and/or myself as early as possible. I can be contactedby calling to my office or by making an appointment with Geraldine in the Scienceoffice.

On behalf of the staff of the Department of Applied Sciences, I wish you anenjoyable, fulfilling and successful first year.

Kind regards,

Dr Breda BrennanHead of Department of Applied Sciences



PROGRAMME DIRECTOR

Welcome to DkIT and the veterinary profession. I am looking forward to workingwith you and helping you to achieve your goal of becoming a registered veterinarynurse.

Kind regards,

Karen Dunne

What is this document for?

This handbook contains important information about the veterinary nursing courseand how the Dept. of Applied Sciences works. You need to be aware of this to ensureyou give yourself the best possible chance of completing the course withoutencountering problems.

This is your chosen course of study: it is your responsibility to ensure you read thisdocument carefully and refer back to it when necessary.

If you have queries about modules, examinations, continuous assessment etc. youshould begin by looking for the answer to your question here.

Please DO NOT email staff without checking first to see if you can find out theanswer yourself.

Remember that each lecturer deals with dozens, if not hundreds, of individualstudents, so they cannot reasonably be expected to deal with queries where studentshave not first made the effort to find the solution for themselves.

Readthis bit!!



DEPARTMENTAL RULES and POLICIES

CLASS CONDUCT:

Students in a third level environment have considerably more freedom than insecondary school. However, in lectures, tutorials and practical classes, you areexpected to behave in a manner that is respectful of your lecturer and fellow studentsand does not jeopardise other students’ learning opportunities. You are expected to:

Be punctual for class, Give your full attention to the learning tasks, Switch off your mobile phone and/or other electronic devices (e.g. iPods).

Students causing significant disruption in a class environment may be asked to leave.If there are circumstances that will affect your ability to adhere to these policies,please inform your lecturer.

LABORATORY CONDUCT:

Laboratory classes are an important part of your learning activity and can be verystimulating and enjoyable. However, it is important that you follow these simple rulesto ensure your safety and the safety of other students. Please see appendix for full listof laboratory rules.

Smoking, eating, drinking and chewing gum are prohibited in all laboratories. Laboratory coats must be worn at all times (with the exception of the Physics

lab). If you don’t have a coat, you can rent one for 3 Euros per lab session. Safety glasses must be worn in all labs, with the exception of the Physics lab

and the Food Technology lab. You may be allowed to remove your safetyglasses in some laboratories (e.g. Biology, Microbiology) – this will be at thediscretion of your lecturer. If you do not have safety glasses, you can rentthem at a cost of 3 Euro per lab session.

You must arrive on time for laboratory classes. These classes generally beginwith an explanatory lecture and practical demonstration or skills training. Ifyou are late, your lecturer may not allow you to join the class if there aresafety implications.

You must follow the instructions of your lecturer during laboratory periods.Your lecturer may ask you to leave the laboratory if you are behaving in amanner that compromises the safety of yourself or your fellow students.

Open-toed footwear and finger rings should not be worn during laboratoryclasses.

Students do not have access to the Science Preparation Room.

ASSESSMENT OF LABORATORY CLASSES:

During the semester, you will be assessed on your effort and participation inlaboratory classes as well as on weekly, written, laboratory reports. Making a good



effort in laboratory classes and submitting high quality reports is an effective way ofaccumulating marks throughout the year, as well as a means of developing importantlaboratory skills. Your total mark for lab work will calculated from the average ofyour weekly marks.

If you do not attend a laboratory class, you will be awarded a mark of zero for thatclass. If you attend the class but do not submit a report, you will be awarded lessthan 30% of the available marks. You should strive to attend all of your laboratoryclasses.

Normally, no marks will be deducted for up to two missed laboratory classes whereevidence of legitimate absence is provided (e.g. sick certs). Notes from sportscoaches (where students are representing the Institute in sports activities) will beconsidered in the same manner. Other valid reasons for missing classes, e.g. familybereavements, may also be considered at the discretion of the lecturer. Please provideoriginal sick certs and other notes to the Science office and provide all of yourlecturers with copies of these, within 10 days of the scheduled class.

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT (CA):

In most of your subjects, a significant proportion of the total marks for the modulewill be awarded for continuous assessment activities. These can take many formsincluding laboratory reports (see above), essays, projects, class tests and otherassignments.If you are unable to attend laboratory classes or continuous assessment tests or youmiss a deadline for submission of an assignment as a result of illness or any medicalappointment (including a visit to the Nurse or Dentist) or another valid reason (e.g.family bereavement), you must complete a CA absence form which is available fromthe Science Office (see appendix) and attach a medical certificate or note. You shouldsubmit this to your lecturer and provide a copy to the Science Office, within 10 daysof the continuous assessment activity or deadline.If you miss a continuous assessment for a legitimate, verifiable reason (e.g.bereavement or illness), you may be allowed to an opportunity to recover the marksavailable for the assignment or have the deadline extended. Consult your lecturer(s)about whether the assignment is recoverable. (Please note, laboratory classes andfield trips are not recoverable).If you miss a continuous assessment for a reason that is not legitimate and/orverifiable and the assignment accounts for a considerable proportion of your totalmodule mark, you may be allowed to repeat it to achieve a maximum mark of 40%.Consult your lecturer about whether the assignment is repeatable.

The attached CA Cover Sheet should form the cover of all submitted continuousassessment work. This outlines the penalties for late submission of CA material.

If a student does not agree with the mark awarded for any CA component, they mayrequest a review of the mark. Prior to this, the student should discuss the mark withtheir lecturer. The CA appeal form is available from the Science Office (seeappendix). Once completed by the student, this form should be submitted to the Headof Department.



For further information about continuous assessment policies, please consult theContinuous Assessment Procedures Document (AC.DOC 98.11.02) which is availableon the Institute website.

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is the representation of the words or ideas of another as your own in anyacademic exercise (i.e. cogging and copying).

Acknowledgment is required when material from another source stored in print,electronic or other medium is paraphrased or summarised in whole or in part in yourown words. Direct quotes should be presented using quotation marks at the beginningand end of the passage. In the field of science, it is very unusual to quote another’swork verbatim and quotations should be used sparingly. A common example ofplagiarism is cutting and pasting information directly from the Internet into an essayor project. You must present this information in your own words and reference thesource of the information.

Plagiarism is a breach of the Institute Academic Integrity policy and the penalties canbe very severe. For example you may lose all the available marks for an exercise if itis discovered that a significant proportion of the material presented has beenplagiarised from another source. Please note that your lecturers have access toplagiarism detection software called Turnitin, which can calculate the percentage ofyour document that has been directly copied from another source.

If you are unsure about whether you may be plagiarising material in an academiccontext, please consult your lecturer or Head of Department.

Dos and Don’ts of Plagiarism:

Do read the reference material

Do write it in your own words

Do reference correctly using the Harvard system

Do put quotations in inverted commas (and use quotations sparingly)

Do use the School cover sheet for all assignments and sign it

Don’t copy material word for word

Don’t copy material word for word and then change a few words randomly

Don’t use too many quotations – use only where necessary

Don’t reference websites unless absolutely necessary and only if the information isfrom a reliable source (e.g. recommended by your lecturer).



EXAMINATIONS:

The rules governing examinations are detailed in the Student Handbook. Please readthese very carefully before your examinations. If you are confused about any issue inrelation to your exams, please consult your Head of Department. Some generalinformation that may help you to interpret your examination results is as follows:

The academic year is divided into 2 semesters: Semester 1 from Sept. to Dec.and Semester 2 from Jan. to May. During each semester of first year, you willalso be completing 4 weeks of work placement in a veterinary practice.

Your programme is 3 years duration, i.e. 6 semesters. During each semester you will take 4, 5 or 6 mandatory modules and will be

assessed in each one, either by continuous assessment or end-of-semesterexamination or in most cases, a combination of both of these. End of semesterexaminations occur in December and May. You will have an opportunity torepeat exams from both semesters in mid-August.

Each module is assigned a number of credits. You are awarded the creditsassociated with a module when you pass it. The total credits awarded for eachsemester is 30 and for each stage of a programme is 60. If you complete theprogramme, you will have accumulated 180 credits.

The pass mark in all Science modules is 40%. You may pass by compensationif you have 35-40% in a module and double the deficit (i.e. 2-10%) has beenachieved in another module at the same sitting. For example, if you get 38%in module A and 44% in module B, you can compensate. You can onlycompensate in one module per sitting if you have 4 modules or less and youcan compensate in two modules if you have 5 or 6 modules at that sitting.

In addition to achieving an overall pass mark of 40%, you must also achieve atleast 30% in the Final Examination and Practical components of each of yourmodules (where these components exist).

You must pass all modules in each semester of your programme to obtain youraward, i.e. you must gain 180 credits.

You can progress from one stage of the programme to the next stage with 55credits but the remaining 5 credits for the stage must be cleared within the nextstage. For example, if you fail a 5-credit module in semester 1 of first yearand are unsuccessful in the Autumn repeat examination, you may progress tostage 2 of the programme but you must pass the stage 1 module in secondyear. Students are strongly advised to obtain all 60 credits before progressing.Also, it is important to remember that this ’55-credit’ rule does not necessarilymean that you can ‘carry a subject’. Many of the Science subjects have beenassigned 7.5 credits and cannot be carried.



Programme Schedule

Stage 1Semester 1

Module: Hours/wk

Lecturers: Credits ContinuousAssessment %

Examination %

Introduction to VeterinaryNursing

10 Fionnuala Power, DoireannDowling, (Karen Dunne:manual handling)

10 50 50

Anatomy and Physiology 1 6 Karen Dunne 5 50 50

Cellular Biology 4 TBC 5 50 50

Mathematics and Computing(year long module)

4 Sean Kenny (computing)Marina Bellini (maths)

5 65 35To be held in May

2014Work Placement 1(year long module)

(35) Fionnuala PowerCatherine Staunton (workplacement officer)

5 100

TOTAL 24 30

Programme Schedule



Stage 1Semester 2

Module: Hours/wk

Lecturers: Credits ContinuousAssessment %

Examination %

Microbiology & Biochemistry 5 Annamarie RogersOrla Sherlock

5 50 50

Animal Husbandry 5 Karen Dunne (this moduleincludes 1 residential week inBallyhaise College in March2014)

5 50 50

Anatomy and Physiology 2 6 Fionnuala Power 5 50 50

Client Care & RelationshipMarketing

4 Eamon Mullen 5 50 50

Mathematics and Computing(year long module)

4 Sean Kenny (computing)Marina Bellini (maths)

5 65 35

Work Placement 1 (year longmodule)

(35) Fionnuala PowerCatherine Staunton (workplacement officer)

5 100

TOTAL 24 30



Veterinary Nursing Student equipment list

Laboratory Practicals:*White laboratory coat*Laboratory goggles

Work Placement:*Stethoscope*Digital thermometer*Round tipped scissors*Pen & small notebook*3 sets of scrub suits

*Slip leadWrist watch or fob watch with secondhandPen torch

Large Animal Practicals (Ballyhaise, Semester 2):OverallsWelliesWaterproof jacket and trousersBoots with toe protection

Items marked with an * are available in the college shop. Large animal protectiveclothing is available from Portwest, Unit 3, Exchange Building, Long Walk, Dundalk orToolFix, Park Street, Dundalk (042 9351162). See www.portwest.ie or www.toolfix.ie

Note: It is strongly recommended that all veterinary nursing students have up to dateTB and Tetanus vaccinations. Please contact your GP to make sure you areadequately protected.

Book List

Recommended purchase:*Veterinary Nursing Dictionary by Lane

Recommended reading (available in the library, have a look before you buy any):Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, 8th Edition, by McCurnin & Bassert(2013)The Complete Textbook of Veterinary Nursing, 2nd Edition by Aspinall (2011)Clinical Anatomy & Physiology for Veterinary Technicians, 2nd Edition by Colville &Bassert (2007)Clinical Procedures in Veterinary Nursing, 2nd Edition by Aspinall (2008)BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing 5th Edition (2011)Large Animal Clinical Procedures for Veterinary Technicians, 2nd Edition byHoltgrew-Bohling (2011)Introduction to veterinary Anatomy & Physiology textbook by Apsinall (2009)

Plus other texts as recommended by lecturers in specific modules



Appendices

DkIT Laboratory Rules

Continuous Assessment Cover Sheet

Continuous Assessment Appeal Form

Continuous Assessment Absence Form



DKIT DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED SCIENCESLABORATORY RULES

You must follow the instructions of your lecturer during laboratory periods. Yourlecturer/demonstrator will ask you to leave the laboratory if you are behaving in a mannerthat compromises the safety of yourself or your fellow students.

1. Do not enter the laboratory without supervision.2. You must arrive on time for laboratory classes. These classes generally begin with an

explanatory lecture and practical demonstration or skills training. If you are late, yourlecturer/demonstrator will not allow you to join the class if there are safetyimplications.

3. Laboratory coats must be worn at all times and buttoned up properly (with theexception of the Physics laboratory).

4. Safety glasses must be worn in all labs (with the exception of the Physics and FoodTechnology laboratories). Contact lens should not be worn in laboratory areas. Wearsafety glasses over prescription glasses or use prescription safety glasses. You may beallowed to remove your safety glasses in some laboratories (e.g. Biology,Microbiology) – this will be at the discretion of your lecturer.

5. Sandals or open shoes must not be worn in the laboratory.6. Tie long hair back and remove dangling accessories and finger jewellery.7. Protective gloves should be worn where necessary.8. Mobile phones should be switched off while in the laboratory.9. Smoking, eating, drinking, chewing gum and applying cosmetics are prohibited in all

laboratories.10. Students who are suspected to be under the influence of a toxicant (i.e. alcohol or

drugs) to the extent that they may endanger their own or other’s safety will be askedto leave the laboratory.

11. Read the practical procedures and pay attention to the warnings about dangerouschemicals and biohazards, taking care to follow any safe work procedures that havebeen outlined.

12. Know the locations of the emergency exits, first aid boxes, fire extinguishers, fireblankets, safety showers and emergency contacts (see below).

13. Evacuate the building once the fire alarm has sounded. Comply with fire wardeninstructions.

14. Entrances and exits must be kept free. Bags, coats etc. must be stored in lockers orunder benches.

15. Report all accidents to the lecture/demonstrator or technician.16. Report all equipment breakages to the lecturer/demonstrator or technician.17. Do not pipette by mouth. Use appropriate pipette pumps or automatic pipettes.18. Solvents should be disposed of in the relevant labelled disposal waste bottles

provided. Do not mix chlorinated and non-chlorinated solvents.19. Broken glass or sharp objects should be placed in the sharps bin.20. Working areas, fumehoods and equipment must be kept tidy.21. Always wash your hands when leaving the laboratory.

Emergency Contacts:For health and fire emergencies, contact reception: 042 9370200/Extn. 500

College Nurse: 087 8518702/Extn. 2777National Poison Centre: 01 8092566/8092568



School of Health and Science.Continuous Assessment Coversheet

Academic Conditions associated with Continuous Assessment

Assignments should be submitted in accordance with the instructions given by the lecturer associated with themodule

Work not submitted on time will be subject to a penalty as follows: Material submitted four weeks after the due submission date or after the start of the examination

period at the end of the relevant semester will not be marked. The marks awarded will be reduced by 20% for material submitted up to one week following the

submission date.(e.g. a essay submitted four days late which had a face value of 60% would be given 48%, a piece of

work of value 45% would be allocated 36%)

If an assessment is overdue by more than one week but is submitted within four weeks of the duedate it should be marked as above but the maximum mark attainable is 40%.

Name: Programme:

Module: Stage: Date of Submission:

I declare that plagiarism has been explained to me. I understand that plagiarism will be dealt withthrough the formal institute disciplinary procedures.Student’s Signature:

Lecturers Comments:

Provisional Mark: Lecturer’s Signature : Date:



DUNDALK INSTITUTE of TECHNOLOGY

School of Health and ScienceContinuous Assessment Appeal Form

(See reverse side for information on the use of this form)

For Student Use

Student Details

Name: _________________________________________

Programme: _________________________________________

Stage: ____________________

Details of Assessment Exercise

Lecturer’s Name: _____________________ Module Title: ________________________

Mark Allocated: ______________________ Date of Receipt of Mark : ______________

Have you consulted with your lecturer, if so on what date ?

______________________________________________________________________________

Why are you appealing this mark?______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

******************************************************************************

For Head of Department Use

I accept the above as a valid reason: I do not accept the above as a validreason:

Decision: ______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Signed: ______________________________ Date: ________________



Continuous Assessment Appeal Form

Using this Form

This form must be completed by any student who is submitting an appeal of aContinuous Assessment mark.

The form must be submitted within 10 working days of receipt of the ContinuousAssessment mark.

The student must apply directly to the Head of Department.

A duplicate of the application must also be submitted to the relevant DepartmentOffice within the same deadline.

This form refers to both Theory and Practical continuous assessment.



DUNDALK INSTITUTE of TECHNOLOGY

School of Health and ScienceContinuous Assessment Absence Form

(See reverse side for information on the use of this form)

For Student Use

Student Details

Name: _________________________________________

Programme: _________________________________________

Stage: ____________________

Details of Assessment Exercise

Lecturer’s Name: ___________________ Module Title: ________________________

Assessment Completion Date: ______________________

Have you consulted with your lecturer, if so on what date ? ____________________________

State why you missed the exercise/deadline (attach supportingevidence/documentation where possible).

______________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

****************************************************************************

For Lecturer’s Use

Lecturer’s Name: _________________

I accept the above as a valid absence: I do not accept the above as a valid absence:

Decision : _______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Signed: ______________________________ Date: ________________



Continuous Assessment Absence Form

Using this Form

This form must be completed by any student who has been absent from aContinuous assessment or Course Work exercise, or has missed a deadline forsubmission of work and requests that their absence be given special consideration.

The form must be submitted within 10 working days of the date of theexercise/deadline.

Supporting documentation such as explanatory details or medical certificates etc.,must be attached if possible.

The student must apply directly to the module lecturer.

A duplicate of the application must also be submitted to the relevant DepartmentOffice within the same deadline.

Original medical certificates etc. must be attached to the relevant DepartmentOffice copy.

This form refers to both Theory and Practical continuous assessment.

B.Sc. in Veterinary Nursing - Stage 1 Handbook

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