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Unit of study_

VETS6101: The Veterinary Professional 1

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This Unit of Study introduces the student to foundational knowledge, skills and attitudes for being an effective veterinary professional. Key themes include lifelong learning, professionalism, one health, communication, teamwork, ethics, the human-animal bond and anthrozoology, cultural competence, emotional intelligence and leadership. The course also orientates you to studying with the Faculty and University as you attain your veterinary degree. Specifically, this Unit of Study will prepare you for: contributing to society as a professional veterinarian; making the most of your veterinary degree; conducting effective veterinary consultations; working successfully in veterinary workplace environments and teams; fostering positive practices in relation to professional wellbeing and self-care; maintaining clear professional records; upholding professional standards and ethics; effectively approaching situations in different cultural settings; managing your finances and career; and consistently improving your professional practice. Developing your knowledge and skills in these areas will help you develop veterinary graduate attributes essential for long term effectiveness and success in your veterinary career.

Unit details and rules

Unit code VETS6101
Academic unit School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points 3
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

One semester of study in each of: general chemistry (physical and inorganic), organic chemistry, biology and biochemistry

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Ingrid Van Gelderen, ingrid.vangelderen@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Participation Participation in RLAs
active participation in all Required Learning Activities (RLAs)
0% Ongoing See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Supervised exam
? 
hurdle task
Written examination
Multiple choice and short answer questions
60% Week 05 1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment group assignment Team Presentation with Peer Assessment
Presentation
40% Week 08
Due date: 17 Apr 2024 at 23:00
See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Group work: Team presentation with peer assessment of a case study applying professional practice principles in a veterinary context.

Written examination: Multiple choice and short answer questions evaluating learning outcomes and based on lecture notes, class discussions, online modules and relevant literature.

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator. 

Note: In alignment with the DVM Attendance Provisions 2018 at the University of Sydney students are required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLA’s) and assessment tasks. 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Student has demonstrated the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by assignment grade descriptors and exam question exemplars provided.

Distinction

75 - 84

Student has demonstrated the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by assignment grade descriptors and exam question exemplars provided.

Credit

65 - 74

Student has demonstrated the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by assignment grade descriptors and exam question exemplars provided.

Pass

50 - 64

Student has demonstrated the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by assignment grade descriptors and exam question exemplars provided.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with the University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 23:59 on the due date: 1) Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. 2) After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week -01 Orientation and Welcome - Day 1 Presentation (6 hr)  
Orientation and Welcome - Day 2 Workshop (6 hr) LO2
Introduction to Professional Practice Lecture (1 hr)  
Self Awareness Lecture (2 hr) LO2
Life-long Learning and Reflective Practice Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Professionalism and Ethics Lecture (3 hr) LO1
Effective Communication Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Clinical Communication Lecture (2 hr) LO3
Managing Self and Others Lecture (2 hr) LO2
Resilience and Self care Workshop (2 hr) LO2
Personality Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Perfectionism and Growth Mindset Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Week 01 Professionalism and Student Conduct Lecture (3 hr) LO1
Cultural Competence Workshop (4 hr) LO2 LO3
Managing Challenging Relationships Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Building Successful Teams Workshop (4 hr) LO2 LO3
Risk assessment & Risk management Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Career Management Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Financial Health - Budgets Independent study (2 hr) LO2
Anthrozoology Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Assessment Tasks Information Session Presentation (1 hr)  
Financial Health - Panel Forum (1 hr) LO2
Team Presentation Preparation and Feedback Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Veterinary Ethics Lecture (3 hr) LO1
Veterinary Careers - Panel Forum (1 hr) LO2
Communication Workshop Workshop (2.5 hr) LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

DVM Attendance Provision, required learning activities (RLAs):

  1. DVM Orientation activities
  2. Cultural Competency Workshop
  3. Building Effective Teams Workshop
  4. Financial Health Panel
  5. Career Panel
  6. Communication Worksho

Note: In alignment with the DVM Attendance Provisions 2018 at the University of Sydney students are required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLA’s) and assessment tasks.  

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. appraise and critically apply codes of conduct and ethical frameworks to decision making in diverse veterinary, university and cultural contexts
  • LO2. critically evaluate the influence of personal leadership, emotional intelligence and self-care on developing co-operative relationships for working sustainably and effectively as a veterinarian
  • LO3. apply effective and context specific communication strategies for working successfully as a veterinarian

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals.
27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice.
30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body.
7. Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts.
9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
2.8. Animal welfare
2.9. Veterinary legislation and ethics
3.1. Organisation of Veterinary Services
3.5. Application of risk analysis
3.7. International trade framework
LO2
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice.
28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion.
33. Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency.
34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted.
35. Reflect on personal actions, including inviting and responding to constructive feedback on performance.
36. Practise time management, including recognising the impact of time management on stakeholders and self.
37. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the organisation, management, business principles, legislation related to veterinary business(es), and personal financial management.
38. Promote health and safety of patients, clients, colleagues and themselves in the veterinary setting, including applying risk management principles to practice.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
3.8. Administration and management
LO3
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context.
27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice.
28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion.
34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted.
35. Reflect on personal actions, including inviting and responding to constructive feedback on performance.
36. Practise time management, including recognising the impact of time management on stakeholders and self.
7. Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
2.11. Communication skills
2.8. Animal welfare
3.8. Administration and management

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Overall, this two-week intensive provided students an opportunity to focus on professional and personal development. Students engaged positively with the material and contributed to learning activities both during and outside of structured class time. The key themes that emerged from student feedback are summarised below, and where relevant, a response to student suggestions for improving the Unit is provided: 1. Teaching quality was ranked highly (96% agreement). Many students commented about the enthusiasm and passion demonstrated by the teaching staff and how they felt motivated to learn. The organisation and structure of the classes and unit of study as a whole was also a positive for students. Students enjoyed the interactive nature of the classes and the engaging and open discussions. 2. Students indicated that they developed professional skills, knowledge and attitudes that will be relevant for their future (96% agreement). This is the core objective of VETS6101 and this response confirms the importance and relevance of this unit to DVM students. 3. Students felt part of a learning community (92% agreement) and were actively engaged in their learning (92% agreement). Co-teaching was introduced into this unit to better support and actively engage students in the learning process. The aim was to create a safe and supportive learning environment where ideas can be shared openly, and to demonstrate the team-based approach we want students to adopt as part of their professional development. The student feedback indicates these aims are being achieved. 4. Effective communication was established by the teaching staff (92% agreement) and students appreciated the in-class discussions, the regular comms through Canvas announcements and email, as well as the sharing of ideas via the discussion board. 5. Importantly, students were able to see the link between the assessment tasks, the learning outcomes, and the different learning activities (92% agreement). The Professional Practice curriculum aims to develop the skills, knowledge and attributes essential for success as a veterinarian regardless of what the future role of veterinarians will look like. For this reason, professional ethics, communication, emotional intelligence, reflective practice, leadership and self-care form the foundations of this unit, and it is encouraging to see that students responded positively to the content of this unit and most engaged fully with the learning activities. It is also encouraging to see that the adjustments made to some of the learning activities led to better alignment within the unit as was evident from the students being able to link assessment to learning outcomes and activities. In the open comments students provided invaluable feedback on how the unit could be improved. 1. Improve Canvas layout to make it easier to navigate. 2. Teach each topic/theme as a block. 3. Improve organisation of groups Response to student suggestions: 1. In 2023 a new Canvas structure was introduced across all DVM units. The aim was to provide consistency for students when navigating Canvas sites. Further work will be done in consultation with the Education Innovation team to improve this structure and enhance the end-user experience. 2. Efforts are always made, where possible, to deliver the content in topic blocks and maintain delivery continuity of key themes such as Ethical Reasoning, Communication, and Leadership and Collaboration. However, because multiple staff teach into the UoS, there are sometimes scheduling restrictions which interfere with this due to staff availability. 3. It was unclear which aspect of “the organisation of groups” students wanted changes made to. Groups are randomly allocated for a group assessment task. In future, more consultation will occur about how groups are formed.

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