DO0152, Basic Veterinary nursing, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-VH, 2025-11-11
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Veterinary Nursing

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to veterinary nursing as a scientific subject and the professional role of veterinary nurse.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to

• describe the basics and terminology of the veterinary nursing profession and of veterinary nursing care, as well as describing basic nursing needs,
• describe the behaviour of healthy animals, with correct terminology and at basic level, as well as animal husbandry and handling for the species horse, dog, cat and exotic pets,
• practically apply skills in handling dogs and horses,
• describe in general terms the basic concepts of ethics and apply these to ethical problems in veterinary nursing,
• describe the basic legislation relating to animal health staff, animal husbandry and animal handling,
• describe the basics of the interaction between humans and animals from an anthrozoological perspective, and how this interaction affects animal welfare and animal health work,
• search for, process, critically scrutinise and convey scientific information, verbally and in writing.

Content

Subject-related content
The course introduces the student to the veterinary nursing care process. The student gains an insight into basic ethological concepts and the natural behaviour of healthy animals, for the species specified in the intended course learning outcomes. The course also covers the basics of human-animal interactions from an anthrozoological perspective. The student is also introduced to how human-animal relationships affect work in animal health care and discusses examples where this understanding is important for communication, animal welfare and clinical meetings. Ethical theories and approaches are presented at a basic level and ethical issues in animal husbandry are discussed.
Through auscultation, the student gains further insight into the professional role of veterinary nurse. By working with scientific literature and describing the results during the course, the student will increase his/her insight into the importance of evidence-based veterinary nursing.

Teaching formats
To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used: lectures, exercises and seminars.
The course includes animal handling on live animals, where ergonomics and safety are also covered.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies:
Written and oral communication, group dynamics, critical thinking and ethics.

The following components are compulsory:
Seminars, written assignments and program-specific elements.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Approved written and oral examination. Approved participation in compulsory components, as well as oral and written reporting at seminars.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Clinical Sciences

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Veterinary Nursing programme

The Course Replaces

DO0129