Outline

Overview

Research and enquiry is implicit in every aspect of every career path in veterinary science. This unit will equip students with skills in generating research evidence as well as in searching and critically evaluating available evidence. The candidate will develop the skills necessary to formulate relevant questions and to collate, evaluate and synthesise evidence to answer these questions. The candidate will gain knowledge and develop fundamental skills in designing and conducting field experiments, including clinical trials, and evaluating journal articles about such experiments. Skills will be developed in using spreadsheets and conducting statistical analyses for data collected during simple experiments. Guidelines for publishing clinical trials will be discussed to enable candidates to critically evaluate methods (design, conduct and analysis) of clinical trials presented in journal articles and marketing brochures.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	VETS6103
Academic unit	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	3
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Navneet Dhand, navneet.dhand@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Evelyn Hall, evelyn.hall@sydney.edu.au
	Paul Hick, paul.hick@sydney.edu.au
	Hannah Pooley, hannah.pooley@sydney.edu.au
	Mehar Khatkar, mehar.khatkar@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Active participation in RLAs 100% participation with Required Learning Activities (RLAs)	0%	Ongoing	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Clinical decision making See instructions on Canvas.	50%	Week 08 Due date: 21 Apr 2020 at 23:59	See instructions on Canvas.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Data Analysis See instructions on Canvas.	50%	Week 14 (STUVAC) Due date: 03 Jun 2020 at 11:59	See instructions on Canvas.
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

See Canvas.

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	Work awarded a high distinction grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics: Accurately answers the question in an impressive, compelling, or highly persuasive manner Presents relevant material accurately in a thoroughly convincing or forceful manner or with the facts well-integrated into an extended and comprehensive explanation or argument Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate Evidence of exhaustive independent research Evidence of extensive critical analysis of concept, and/or innovative perspective on the topic, and/or deep understanding of problem Answers demonstrate striking originality, an innovative approach, or impressive analytical skill Answers are exceptionally well written, with excellent structure expression Is otherwise exceptional in some way
Distinction	75 - 84	Work awarded a distinction grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or presentthe described characteristics: Accurately answers the question in a convincing, confident manner Presents relevant material accurately in a concise manner or with the facts well-integrated into a comprehensive explanation or argument Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate Evidence of extensive independent research Evidence of extensive critical analysis of concept, and/or innovative perspective on the topic,and/or deep understanding of problem Answers are well written, with clear structure and cogent expression
Credit	65 - 74	Work awarded a credit grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics: An appropriate, accurate and reasonable detailed answer or response is provided Appropriate key point or points (facts) and/or concepts clearly presented without significant errors or misconceptions Presents relevant material concisely with facts clearly integrated into the explanation Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate Evidence of some independent research or critical analysis of concept or problem Answers are easily understood with both clear expression and structure if appropriate
Pass	50 - 64	Work awarded a passing grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics: An appropriate but superficial answer or response is provided Presents relevant material in a superficial manner or in a simplistic descriptive style Correctly identifies key point or points (facts) but does not develop an appropriate explanation or argument if this is required Contains some minor errors or presents minor inaccuracies and misconceptions Little or no evidence of indepth analysis or deep understanding of the concept Answers can be understood but may be poorly worded or somewhat flawed due to poor grammar, expression or structure
Fail	0 - 49	Work may fail for any or all of the following criteria: No answer or response is provided Does not address or otherwise answer the question Contains numerous minor errors or presents a significant misconception Presents irrelevant material No evidence of research or analysis Presents a significantly inaccurate or flawed argument The answer is incomprehensible or difficult to understand due to significant problems with grammar, expression or structure

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:

Written assignments submitted late without permission (see Special Considerations: http://sydney.edu.au/students/special-consideration-and-arrangements.html) will incur a late penalty equal to 5% of the maximum awardable mark per day. These deductions will continue for 10 calendar days or until a solution for the assignment is released or marked assignments are returned to other students. At that point the mark awarded will be zero.

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.

Learning support

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 02	Introduction to research and enquiry	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Turning information needs into answerable questions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Writing and evaluating a scientific journal article	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Ethical considerations in research	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Searching literature and managing research data	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Introduction to randomised control trials	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Design a randomised control trial	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Probability refresher	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Descriptive analysis	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Comparison of means between two groups	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Comparison of means for >2 groups	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Association between two quantitative variables	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	General linear regression	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Revision	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to your Induction Book regarding actions to be taken in the event of absence from a learning activity.

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.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

Cockcroft, P.D. and Holmes, M. (2003). Handbook of Evidence‐Based Veterinary Medicine. Oxford: Blackwell.
Dohoo, I., Martin, W. and Stryhn, H. (2009). Veterinary Epidemiologic Research, 2nd edition. Canada: AVC.

Learning outcomes

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. formulate relevant questions and source, evaluate and synthesise evidence to answer these questions across a range of veterinary contexts
LO2. design field trials including randomized control trials and critically evaluate the design of published trials
LO3. analyse data from field trials, interpret and present the results; and interpret the statistical results presented in journal articles.

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
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 1. Scientific method at a level adequate to provide a rational basis for present veterinary practice, and to assimiliate the advances in knowledge which will occur over their working life 10. To collect, organise and analyse information in relation to specific problems, assessing its validity and reaching probabilistic judgements 15. An appreciation of the complexity of ethical issues, the diversity of stakeholder perspectives and the range of cultural values 17. An awareness of the need to communicate with clients and to involve them fully in planning and management American Veterinary Medical Association - 1. comprehensive patient diagnosis (problem solving skills), appropriate use of diagnostic testing, and record management 8. ethical and professional conduct; communication skills including those that demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity to how clients’ diversity and individual circumstance can impact health care 9. critical analysis of new information and research findings relevant to veterinary medicine. European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Understanding of, and competence in, the logical approaches to both scientific and clinical reasoning, the distinction between the two, and the strengths and limitations of each. 2.2. Research methods and the contribution of basic and applied research to veterinary science. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology 2.11. Communication skills 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs 3.6. Research
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 1. Scientific method at a level adequate to provide a rational basis for present veterinary practice, and to assimiliate the advances in knowledge which will occur over their working life 10. To collect, organise and analyse information in relation to specific problems, assessing its validity and reaching probabilistic judgements 5. The principles of epidemiology, of diseases and zoonoses and their impacts on the environment American Veterinary Medical Association - 1. comprehensive patient diagnosis (problem solving skills), appropriate use of diagnostic testing, and record management 2. comprehensive treatment planning including patient referral when indicated 7. understanding of health promotion, and biosecurity, prevention and control of disease including zoonoses and principles of food safety 9. critical analysis of new information and research findings relevant to veterinary medicine. European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Understanding of, and competence in, the logical approaches to both scientific and clinical reasoning, the distinction between the two, and the strengths and limitations of each. 2.2. Research methods and the contribution of basic and applied research to veterinary science. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology 3.6. Research
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 1. Scientific method at a level adequate to provide a rational basis for present veterinary practice, and to assimiliate the advances in knowledge which will occur over their working life 10. To collect, organise and analyse information in relation to specific problems, assessing its validity and reaching probabilistic judgements 12. To work and communicate effectively and empathetically with colleagues and clients through a range of media with compassion, courtesy, respect, honesty and without discrimination American Veterinary Medical Association - 1. comprehensive patient diagnosis (problem solving skills), appropriate use of diagnostic testing, and record management 7. understanding of health promotion, and biosecurity, prevention and control of disease including zoonoses and principles of food safety 9. critical analysis of new information and research findings relevant to veterinary medicine. European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 2.2. Research methods and the contribution of basic and applied research to veterinary science. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology 2.11. Communication skills 3.6. Research

Responding to student feedback

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

- Split the tutorials into smaller groups from the next year (6 instead of 4) to improve interaction and engagement. - Changed the final examination to an assignment to better align the assessment task with the learning outcomes. - Removed an assessment task to write an abstract as it is now included with the assignment. - Updated a couple of tutorials. - Included a revision lecture and a tutorial.

Additional information

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

VETS6103: Research and Enquiry 1A

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect