Skip to main content
Unit of study_

VETS6102: Professional Skills 1A

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

In this unit of study students will be introduced to, and begin to develop confidence and competency in, fundamental professional skills relevant to veterinary practice. The skills will include basic animal handling, basic clinical skills, personal and professional attributes, basic laboratory skills and clinical experience in veterinary teaching hospitals. Successful completion of this unit of study requires students to: (1) Attend and actively participate in all compulsory classes, (2) Achieve at least a pass grade in all compulsory assessment tasks, and (3) Submit all compulsory documents (veterinary teaching hospital site contracts and skills logs, feedback forms etc.).

Unit details and rules

Unit code VETS6102
Academic unit School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
VETS6104
Assumed knowledge
? 

Basic knowledge of clinical veterinary practice; empathy for and confidence in interactions with animals, 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 Paul Sheehy, paul.sheehy@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Skills-based evaluation Skills list/supervisor assessment
See Canvas for more details
0% Ongoing Variable
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Placement Attend and actively participate in all compulsory classes
100% participation with Required Learning Activities (RLAs)
0% Ongoing See Canvas for more details
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Skills-based evaluation Individual assessment of animal handling, practical, clinical and safety skills
See Canvas for more details
0% Ongoing Dependent on task
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Skills-based evaluation Submission of skills logs
See Canvas for more details
0% Ongoing n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3

Assessment summary

Students are assessed on competency of completion of skills outlined in a skills list (core and opportunistic) for each practical class.

Details of skills lists and practical class activities are detailed in Canvas.

Assessment criteria

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

Successful completion of this unit of study requires students to:

  • Actively participate in all compulsory classes;
  • Achieve at least a pass grade in all compulsory assessment tasks
  • All assessments are pass/fail and must be completed
  • Required learning activities are compulsory classes

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.

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 02 Horse handling 1 Practical (9 hr) LO1
Surgery 1 Practical (2 hr) LO2
Biosecurity 1 Practical (2 hr) LO2
Week 03 Horse handling 2 Practical (7 hr) LO1
Clinical consultation skills Practical (3 hr) LO2
Week 04 Cattle handling 1 Practical (4 hr) LO1
Cattle pregnancy diagnosis 1 Practical (2 hr) LO1
Small animal workshop Tutorial (8 hr) LO1
Week 05 Clinical consultation skills 2 Practical (3 hr) LO2
Small animal handling 1 Practical (8 hr) LO1
Week 06 Clinical consultation skills 3 Practical (3 hr) LO1
VTH-S1 Practical (9 hr)  
Week 07 Clinical consultation skills 4 Practical (3 hr) LO2
Pig handling 1 Practical (3 hr) LO1
Week 08 Clinical consultation skills 5 Practical (3 hr) LO2
VTH-C1 Practical (9 hr)  
Week 09 Clinical consultation skills 6 Practical (4 hr) LO2
Week 13 Poultry 1 Practical (3 hr) LO1
Therapeutics 1 Practical (3 hr) LO2
Sheep handling 1 Practical (4 hr) LO1

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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 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. Confidently and competently perform basic animal handling skills to species commonly presented to veterinary practice
  • LO2. Confidently and competently perform basic clinical, laboratory and necropsy skills
  • LO3. Contribute as a member of the inter-disciplinary team workplace of a veterinary hospital

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
10. Safely perform sedation and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint.
11. Perform routine procedures, including surgeries, identifying associated indications and contraindications and adjusting the procedures as indicated.
16. Assess and advise, at individual and population levels, on clinical and production factors such as the physical condition, welfare, nutritional status, performance and associated management factors of an animal/ group of animals.
2. Handle, restrain and otherwise manage animal(s) safely and humanely, considering animal behaviour and welfare, and instruct others in helping the veterinarian perform these techniques.
25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context.
32. Prescribe, dispense and use medicines correctly and prudently, including recording and reporting adverse reactions, in accordance with legislation and current prescription guidelines.
35. Reflect on personal actions, including inviting and responding to constructive feedback on performance.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
2.11. Communication skills
2.7. Veterinary products
2.8. Animal welfare
2.9. Veterinary legislation and ethics
LO2
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
1. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment.
15. Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings.
19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities.
22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC).
23. Perform antemortem and postmortem inspection of animals and make appropriate decisions to protect the food chain and animal welfare at the point of slaughter.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
2.2. Transboundary animal diseases
2.3. Zoonoses
2.4. Emerging and reemerging diseases
2.5. Disease prevention and control programs
2.6. Food hygiene
2.8. Animal welfare
3.2. Inspection and certification procedures
3.4. Food hygiene (2)
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.
28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion.
29. Collaborate with external referral, diagnostic and other professional services, including providing an appropriate history and clear communication.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
2.11. Communication skills
3.8. Administration and management

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

Compulsory Student feedback has been withdrawn and class timetabling reviewed to consolidate activity requiring travel.

Work, health and safety

There are inherent risks in working with animals and with medicines, and every effort must be made to minimise these. It is your duty to take reasonable care, not just for yourself, but also for staff, other students, and anyone else likely to be affected by your actions. The (SSVS) expects that agencies providing placements for veterinary students of The University of Sydney will provide a safe working environment.

Further information regarding work, health and safety requirements can be found under Placements Information page on the SSVS Student Portal –https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/7935/pages/placements-information

Risk assessments for each class can be found on Canvas.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.