Outline

Overview

This Unit of Study applies knowledge and skills from Professional Competency 1A and aims to consolidate and further develop veterinary professional competencies. The unit focuses on ethical reasoning, career exploration and self-care; consolidates proficiency in communication, safe animal handling and restraint, and biosecurity, and introduces routine animal husbandry, surgery, and other technical skill competencies. The key themes of professionalism, leadership and collaboration, communication and foundational animal husbandry and clinical skills will be extended. In addition, ethical reasoning, cultural competency, career management and self-care strategies will be explored. The practical component of the unit builds upon the tasks covered in Professional Competency 1A with the aim of preparing students for intramural hospital and extramural farm placements. The competencies achieved in this unit provides a foundation for developing more advanced technical and clinical skills in DVM 2. 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.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	VETS6111 and VETS6113 and VETS6104
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jose A. Quinteros, jose.quinteros@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Written examination Multiple choice and short answer questions.	50%	Formal exam period	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Team Presentation with Peer Assessment Oral presentation	15%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Written assignment Written assignment, submission of completion document for extracurricular activity.	5%	Multiple weeks	Less than 500 words.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Attendance/Participation with RLAs Attendance at all required learning classes including practical classes.	0%	Multiple weeks	Throughout semester.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical exam ?	Practical examination OSCE exam	30%	Week 13	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

All required hurdle tasks and compulsory assessments must be submitted by 11:59 PM Australian Eastern Time, unless an approved Special Consideration application or an academic plan with an adjusted submission date has been granted

A pass grade ≥ 50% for the written exam and the practical exam MUST be achieved and an overall of ≥ 50% grade is required to receive a pass grade for this unit.

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

The OSCE takes place in the final week of the semester. To support student progression, those who do not pass the examination will be offered the opportunity for remediation in the second week of the official examination period. This remediation will focus on reassessing the specific skills the student did not successfully demonstrate. If a student fails the remediation, they will be awarded an FR grade (Failed Requirements) for this unit of study.

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.

Attendance and class requirements

DVM students are expected to be present for all scheduled classes and activities to achieve learning outcomes. This includes arriving on time and staying for the duration of each class.

The Sydney School of Veterinary Science has established attendance guidelines to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements.

In accordance with the DVM attendance provisions, DVM students are required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLA’s) and assessment tasks. If absent for any reason, students must notify the UOSC and apply for a special consideration at the earliest opportunity.

Classes identified as a RLA will be available on the Canvas site.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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	Demonstrates a clear understanding of the basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery for all body systems. Able to recall knowledge/basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery, including ruminant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology microbiology, nutrition, preventive medicine, biosecurity and zoonoses; and apply this satisfactorily for a range of clinical presentations. Able to integrate this understanding with other discipline knowledge.
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates a clear understanding of the basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery. Able to recall knowledge/basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery, including ruminant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology microbiology, nutrition, preventive medicine, biosecurity and zoonoses; and apply this satisfactorily for a range of clinical presentations. In many circumstances able to integrate this understanding with other discipline knowledge.
Credit	65 - 74	Demonstrates an understanding of the basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery. Able to recall knowledge/basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery, including ruminant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology microbiology, nutrition, preventive medicine, biosecurity and zoonoses; and apply this satisfactorily for a range of clinical presentations. In some circumstances able to integrate this understanding with other discipline knowledge.
Pass	50 - 64	Demonstrates an understanding of the basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery. Able to recall knowledge/basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery, including ruminant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology microbiology, nutrition, preventive medicine, biosecurity and zoonoses; and in most cases apply this knowledge satisfactorily using a problem orientated approach.
Fail	0 - 30 31-49	Demonstrates an incomplete understanding of the basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery. Unable to recall or apply knowledge/basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production surgery, including ruminant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, nutrition, preventive medicine, biosecurity and zoonoses. Demonstrates a weak understanding of the basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery. Able to recall some knowledge/basic principles of ruminant medicine, herd health, production and surgery, including ruminant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology microbiology, nutrition, preventive medicine, biosecurity and zoonoses; but unable to apply it using a problem orientated approach.

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.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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:

Late submission In accordance with the University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm 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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 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. 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity	Learning outcomes

Attendance and class requirements

Note: The Sydney School of Veterinary Science has established attendance guidelines to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements.

The DVM Attendance Provision 2024 is available on the University of Sydney policy register.

Students are required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLA’s) and assessment tasks.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ATTENDANCE AT ALL PRACTICAL CLASSES AND TUTORIALS IS COMPULSORY - FAILURE TO ATTEND ALL OF THESE CLASSES WILL RESULT IN AN "ABSENT FAIL" GRADE FOR VETS6304.

If you miss a practical class(es) and have received a special consideration or concessions from the faculty, you will be required to make up the practical class(es) at a time convenient for staff and animals. This could be in Semester 2.

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

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. Critically evaluate and apply codes of conduct to decision making in diverse veterinary, and university contexts.
LO2. Appraise and utilise relevant concepts in communication, cultural competency, teamwork and self-care to build effective teams and promote career success and sustainability.
LO3. Demonstrate safe work practices when handling and restraining common species.
LO4. Perform foundational technical skills and basic husbandry procedures relevant to common veterinary contexts.

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 (D1Cs) - 30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 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. 33. Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 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. 21. Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment. 22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC).
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 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.

Responding to student feedback

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

Dear Students, Thank you for your enthusiastic participation in our recent Unit of Study survey! Your feedback is invaluable and greatly appreciated. It's fantastic to hear how much you enjoyed the practical classes and the overall experience at Arthursleigh. Your positive remarks about these sessions are a testament to the hard work of our academic and support staff, whom I will proudly commend on your behalf. We acknowledge your constructive suggestions too. Integrating more digital and online tools into our curriculum is a priority, and we are exploring innovative ways to enhance your learning experience, particularly in clinical and laboratory settings. Additionally, we are taking steps to optimize alternative activities during hospital sessions and to ensure a quieter environment during overnight stays at Arthursleigh. Your feedback has been instrumental in shaping a more effective and enjoyable learning environment. We are committed to continuously improving and adapting our unit based on your insightful comments and the needs of future cohorts. Thank you once again for your contribution and for helping us enhance the quality of our Veterinary Science program. We are excited to implement these changes and look forward to another successful year. All the best, Jose Quinteros UoS Coordinator josea.quinteros@sydney.edu.au

Additional information

Work, health and safety

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 (2) 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 here for more information on student vaccinations.

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

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

VETS6116: Professional Competency 1B

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links