Outline

Overview

This unit will continue to build on previous Research and Enquiry 1A and 1B units of study. This unit will continue to expand students' appreciation of the contribution of research to the veterinary sciences and develop their skills in the synthesis and communication of new and existing knowledge. Where possible this unit will integrate with the UoS Principles of Animal Disease A VETS6204 by utilising content and examples from the relevant module/s as triggers to explore this unit`s themes. The themes for this unit are to i) synthesise an animal ethics proposal that complies with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes with an emphasis on the '3Rs' (reduction, replacement and refinement) of animal use; ii) elaborate on principles introduced in Research and Enquiry 1B to explore diagnostic test validation in a laboratory and field settings using pathogen susceptibility testing to anti-infective drugs as an exemplar and how the results are interpreted with reference to population data from both the animals and pathogens (with this theme culminating in consideration of the 'prudent use' of anti-infectives; iii) appreciate and utilise effective practices in the generation of visual communication tools and verbal presentation techniques and iv) explore the skills and tools applied to investigate a disease outbreak or herd problem involving one premise or event. 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	3
Prerequisites ?	(VETS6101 and VETS6102 and VETS6103 and VETS6104 and VETS6105 and VETS6106 and VETS6107 and VETS6108) or (VETS6104 and VETS6108 and VETS6111 and VETS6113 and VETS6115 and VETS6116)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Content of all DVM Year 1 units of study
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Merran Govendir, merran.govendir@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Jenny-Ann Toribio, jenny-ann.toribio@sydney.edu.au
	Rachael Gray, rachael.gray@sydney.edu.au
	Jan Slapeta, jan.slapeta@sydney.edu.au
	Merran Govendir, merran.govendir@sydney.edu.au
	Carola Venturini, carola.venturini@sydney.edu.au
	Evelyn Hall, evelyn.hall@sydney.edu.au
	Kate Worthing, kate.worthing@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Caroline Marschner, caroline.marschner@sydney.edu.au
	Nirmala Liyanage, nirmala.liyanage@sydney.edu.au
	Ruth Zadoks, ruth.zadoks@sydney.edu.au
	Emily Francis, emily.francis@sydney.edu.au
	Victoria Brookes, victoria.brookes@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam 10 minutes reading time. MCQ and/or short responses, Exam 1 hr in duration	30%	Formal exam period	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment A Written responses to questions	40%	Week 05 Due date: 28 Mar 2025 at 23:59	4 pages & extra page for bibliography
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment B Written responses to questions	30%	Week 10 Due date: 11 May 2025 at 23:59	3 pages & 1 extra page for bibliography
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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.

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.

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

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.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

In accordance with the University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 23:59 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 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.

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
Week 02	Introduction to unit of study	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Analysis of veterinary pharmacokinetic data & incorporation of the 3 Rs	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Introduction to prudent use of antimicrobials	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to prudent use of antimicrobials	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Assessment A questions	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Introduction to antibacterial susceptibility testing	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Introduction to antibacterial susceptibility testing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Principles to calculate sample size for research studies	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Principles to calculate sample size for research studies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Know your poison: how to interpret flea control product lables	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Know your poison: creating comparative table from flea control product lables.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Haematological and biochemical analyte reference intervals	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Haematological and biochemical analyte reference intervals	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Limitations of bacterial antimicrobial susceptibility testing	Lecture (1 hr)
	Limitations of bacterial antimicrobial susceptibility testing	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Assessment B questions	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Case study on antibiotic Pk/PD model	Tutorial (1 hr)
	AST interpretation	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Species differences	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Scenarios of drench or parasite treatment failure and its management	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Scenarios of drench or parasite treatment failure and its management	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	The Investigation Process – when n>1 - single premise or event (1)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	The Investigation Process – when n>1 - single premise or event (1)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	The Investigation Process – when n>1 - single premise or event (2)	Tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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.

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

Referencing guidelines: The default style referencing style recommended for the Sydney School of Veterinary
Science is Harvard-Flinders.

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. demonstrate factual and persuasive arguments for the study design in an animal ethics application to justify use of animals in a research study
LO2. test population data to predict the clinical status of an individual or a group of patients
LO3. propose principles to minimise selection of resistant microbes when antimicrobials are administered to an individual or group of animals
LO4. elaborate on analytical and exploratory (evidence based) approaches to investigate a disease or suboptimal productivity involving a single premise or event.

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) - 18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals. 22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC). 25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context. 30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 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. 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities. 8. Utilise traditional and digital technologies and information sources to inform patient care and manage health data. 9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 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). 24. Apply veterinary elements of food safety standards and practices throughout the production chain, including on the farm and during food processing. 30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body. 32. Prescribe, dispense and use medicines correctly and prudently, including recording and reporting adverse reactions, in accordance with legislation and current prescription guidelines. 38. Promote health and safety of patients, clients, colleagues and themselves in the veterinary setting, including applying risk management principles to practice. 40. Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health. 7. Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities. 21. Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment. 24. Apply veterinary elements of food safety standards and practices throughout the production chain, including on the farm and during food processing. 39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.

Responding to student feedback

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

This unit consistently receives > 4/5 for all unit of study evaluation questions. VETS6203 tutorials are no longer required learning activities (RLAs), and this is the only major change made since this unit was last offered. AI is permitted to be used in assignments A and B

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) and automated writing tools

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

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

VETS6203: Research and Enquiry 2A

Semester 1, 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) and automated writing tools

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

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links