VETS6107: Research and Enquiry 1B

This unit will contribute to graduates being able to create new knowledge and understanding through the process of research and enquiry. Within Research and Enquiry 1B students will continue to develop the skills necessary to synthesise evidence. This will be based within the context of using and interpreting diagnostic tests (module 1), and designing observational studies (module 2) to answer animal health and production questions relevant to veterinary science and allied professions. Scenarios that include client-owned individual animals within a clinical setting; herds, flocks and other groups of animals; and national control programs will be used to explain principles and purpose of sensitivity and specificity of diagnostics tests, and the principles of study design (such as target populations, case definition, sampling and measurement). Research and Enquiry 1B will focus on research in observational studies, building on Research and Enquiry 1A skills and knowledge in clinical trials. Students will critically incorporate available evidence (including peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed literature) and practice communication skills. Additionally students will become familiar with basic statistical methods to evaluate evidence, a framework for animal ethics in research and cultural competence as it relates to conducting research (module 3). Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses. Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses. Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an inherent requirement for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than week two of the enrolled teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete. Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment. Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally. Please refer to the University’s website https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/q-fever-vaccinations.html for more information on student vaccinations.