Outline

Overview

This Unit introduces the student to intermediate veterinary professional skills for approaching a clinical investigation and engaging with complex professional encounter. It also builds on and extends their knowledge of professional competencies introduced in VETS6101 and required as an effective veterinary professional. Key themes include clinical reasoning and an introduction to clinical problem solving; communication during difficult clinical encounters; cross-cultural communication; professionalism and community engagement; animal welfare and social justice; veterinary legislation; mental health training; veterinary career pathways and career resilience. Developing and extending their knowledge and skills in these areas will help students attain veterinary graduate attributes essential for long term effectiveness and success in their veterinary career. An integral part of this unit of study is an opportunity for students to extend their professional capabilities in an area of personal interest through the Independent Learning Project, allowing them to differentiate their capabilities from others in future employment applications.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	VETS6201
Academic unit	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	3
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	VETS6101 and VETS6102 and VETS6103 and VETS6104 and VETS6105 and VETS6106 and VETS6107 and VETS6108
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anne Quain, anne.quain@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Ingrid Van Gelderen, ingrid.vangelderen@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Group report The written summary to be submitted in Canvas.	25%	Week 01 Due date: 06 Mar 2022 at 23:59	2 pages + references
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Independent learning project Short response form and contract	10%	Week 01 Due date: 28 Feb 2022 at 23:59	15-18 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group presentation Group oral presentation	15%	Week 02 Due date: 07 Mar 2022 at 09:00	10 minutes in total.
Outcomes assessed:
Final exam (Record+)	Online Final exam Multiple choice questions	40%	Week 03 Due date: 14 Mar 2022 at 09:00	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	ILP completion document Short response form and contract	10%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Jun 2022 at 23:59	15-18 hours
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

Group presentation: In pre-allocated groups you will apply principles derived from current legislation, ethical standards of the profession and animal welfare to a veterinary practice scenario.

Group assessment: The written summary of your response to the scenario must be supported by a reference list in which you cite the sources used for your presentation. Referencing must use the Harvard style guide.

Independent learning project – contract: Select a personal interest project that extends and differentiates abilities in veterinary professional practice; develop and describe intended learning outcomes.

Independent learning project – completion and feedback document:Describe whether and how learning outcomes were/were not achieved, and how this contributes to your career development. Suggest constructive criticism.

Final exam: Multiple choice questions and short answer questions.

A pass mark of at least 50% MUST be achieved for the examination in order to pass the 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.

Assessment criteria

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

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit of study at an exceptions standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit of study at a very high standard.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit of study at a good standard.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit of study at an exceptable standard.
Fail	0 - 49	Awarded 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:

10 per cent per day.

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	Communication: difficult clinical encounters	Online class (2 hr)
	Community engagement/education	Online class (1 hr)
	Persuasive communication and writing for the media	Online class (2 hr)
	Alternative career pathways	Online class (1 hr)
	Fear Free/Low stress handling	Online class (2 hr)
	Review session	Online class (1 hr)
Week -03	Introduction to unit and assessment	Online class (1 hr)
	Legislation - introduction	Online class (1 hr)
	Clinical reasoning	Online class (2 hr)
	Finance, ethics and welfare	Online class (2 hr)
	Animal welfare and social justice	Online class (2 hr)
	Errors and complications: Animal welfare & ethics	Online class (1 hr)
	Networking and career resilience	Online class (3 hr)
	Communication: cross cultural situations	Online class (1 hr)
	Communication: deaf awareness training	Online class (1 hr)
	Communication LGBTIQ+ community	Online class (1 hr)
	Communication: Indigenous cultures	Online class (1 hr)
	Legislation: registration and acts of veterinary science	Online class (2 hr)
	Legislation: The VPB, code of conduct and complaints	Online class (1 hr)
	Resilience and self care: conservation of resources	Online class (1 hr)
Week 03	Group presentations	Presentation (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance requirements: Students in all years of the DVM are expected to attend all Required Learning Activities (RLAs) (practical classes, tutorials, research workshops) and other sessions as announced on Canvas.

Attendance at RLAs will be monitored using the University’s Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES) or similar. Absence from more than 10% of RLAs for any course may lead to the award of a fail grade for the unit of study.

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

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 professional and clinical reasoning frameworks in diverse veterinary workplace environments and apply these frameworks to make decisions
LO2. demonstrate career management and resilience strategies that promote working sustainably and effectively as a veterinarian in a global context
LO3. apply principles derived from current legislation, ethical standards of the profession and animal welfare to manage problems in diverse veterinary practice scenarios.

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 13. An ability to perform effectively in a workplace including an understanding of organisational systems, human and physical resource management, performance indicators, occupational health and safety, knowledge management and quality control 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species 4. Fundamental clinical skills in a broad range of species 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 9. critical analysis of new information and research findings relevant to veterinary medicine. European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.12. Demonstrate that they recognise personal and professional limits, and know how to seek professional advice, assistance and support when necessary. 1.18. Develop appropriate treatment plans and administer treatment in the interests of the patients and with regard to the resources available. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.9. Veterinary legislation and ethics
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 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 14. Self-management and group leadership 18. An ability to recognise when a clinical problem exceeds their capacity to deal with it safely and efficiently and of the need to refer the case for help from others when this occurs American Veterinary Medical Association - 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 European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.11. Demonstrate ability to cope with incomplete information, deal with contingencies, and adapt to change. 1.12. Demonstrate that they recognise personal and professional limits, and know how to seek professional advice, assistance and support when necessary. 1.13. Demonstrate an ability of lifelong learning and a commitment to learning and professional development. This includes recording and reflecting on professional experience and taking measures to improve performance and competence. 1.14. Take part in self-audit and peer-group review processes in order to improve performance.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 15. An appreciation of the complexity of ethical issues, the diversity of stakeholder perspectives and the range of cultural values 16. A desire to promote animal welfare 19. A willingness to work effectively in a team with other relevant professionals 21. Recognition of the critical role of veterinarians in biosecurity and in the management of veterinary issues that have national and international implications 8. The veterinary legislative environment American Veterinary Medical Association - 7. understanding of health promotion, and biosecurity, prevention and control of disease including zoonoses and principles of food safety 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 European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.11. Demonstrate ability to cope with incomplete information, deal with contingencies, and adapt to change. 1.18. Develop appropriate treatment plans and administer treatment in the interests of the patients and with regard to the resources available. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.8. Animal welfare 2.9. Veterinary legislation and ethics 3.1. Organisation of Veterinary Services

Responding to student feedback

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

Due to overwhelming positive feedback we have scheduled lectures for mornings (9-1) only, to give students afternoons for studying/completing the ILP. We are continuing to update lectures in light of student feedback.

Additional information

Learning commitments: You are responsible for your own learning. Each aspect of this unit of study is designed to help you in your learning and progress as a junior veterinarian. The teaching staff will endeavour to assist you in your learning by explaining concepts, demonstrating skills and providing resources. However, development of understanding, skills and abilities in this course will require considerable personal effort on your part.
Teacher consultation guidelines: Staff members are available to consult with students at mutually convenient times. Making an
appointment to meet with staff is advised since they have many commitments outside this unit of study. Seek help from your peers in understanding course materials before consulting staff members.

More information can be found on Canvas.

Work, health and safety

Q-fever vaccination and completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

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

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

VETS6201: The Veterinary Professional 2

Semester 1, 2022 [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

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect