Outline

Overview

This Unit of Study extends the foundational knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective veterinary professional. This includes both technical skills performed routinely by veterinarians and non-technical skills that determine how a veterinary professional works and interacts with others. Key themes of this unit include clinical communication, decision-making in veterinary contexts, iatrogenic harms of veterinary care, animal welfare and veterinary care, legislation, animal handling, physical examination, and core clinical competencies that veterinarians require for the investigation and management of clinical problems. The practical component of this unit comprises handling and restraint of common domestic species with a focus on developing physical examination skills and progressing core technical competencies including clinical pathology, surgery, and anaesthesia relevant to common domestic species. This also includes veterinary teaching hospital visits to observe and apply the knowledge and skills in a clinical setting. Broadly, this Unit of Study will build on and extend professional competencies relevant to veterinary professional practice. This includes application of relevant codes of conduct and legislation, and communication strategies to solve clinical problems, manage difficult clinical encounters, address animal welfare issues, and engage effectively with the community. This unit will also expand understanding of normal and abnormal animal behaviour, reinforce safe work practices; build on safe animal handling and restrain proficiency. Application of this knowledge provides a foundation for learning to perform a physical examination, perform core technical skills, and interpret clinical findings. 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 vaccinepreventable 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 ?	(VETS6101 and VETS6102 and VETS6103 and VETS6104 and VETS6105 and VETS6106 and VETS6107 and VETS6108) or (VETS6111 and VETS6113 and VETS6104 and VETS6116 and VETS6115 and VETS6108)
Corequisites ?	VETS6203 and VETS6204 and VETS6231
Prohibitions ?	DVM 1.0 Year 1 units (VETS6101 or VETS6102 or VETS6103 or VETS6104 or VETS6105 or VETS6106 or VETS6107 or VETS6108) or DVM 1.0 Year 2 S1 units (VETS6201 or VETS6202)
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Roslyn Bathgate, roslyn.bathgate@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Practical Quizzes Preparation quiz for practical classes. Students have multiple attempts to pass; first attempt mark is recorded for UoS mark. Max. 20 quizzes throughout semester.	15%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes each quiz	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Annotated bibliography Preparatory task, engage critically with diverse and credible sources.	5%	Week 06 Due date: 30 Mar 2026 at 23:59	700-1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Response to complaint Demonstration of critical reasoning and professional decision-making.	20%	Week 09 Due date: 30 Apr 2026 at 23:59	1000-1200 words OR 10-12 minute video	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	OSCE (Practical Clinical Skills Assessment) Demonstrate technical competence	50%	Week 13	60 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Independent Learning Project Describe whether and how learning outcomes were/were not achieved, and how this contributes to your career development. Suggest constructive criticism.	10%	Week 13	300 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Attendance at all RLAs (Required Learning Activities) Attendance at all required learning activities and demonstration of relevant skills.	0%	Weekly	Variable	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

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.

Attendance and class requirements

The Sydney School of Veterinary Science has established attendance guidelines to ensure compliance with accreditation 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. Students who fail to attend a minimum of 80% of classes (not including lectures) may not be eligible for reassessment.

In addition to the requirements outlined above, and in accordance with the DVM attendance provisions, DVM students are also required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLAs) and assessment tasks. If absent for a RLA or assessment, for any reason, students must notify the unit coordinator 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 (Schedule 1).

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.

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
Multiple weeks	Responding to veterinary challenges professionally	Lecture (15 hr)
	Clinical Pathology Laboratory diagnostics	Practical (2 hr)
	General Surgery	Practical (10 hr)
	Anaesthesia and Therapeutics	Practical (6 hr)
	Necropsy	Practical (6 hr)
	Core Clinical Skills Training	Practical (7 hr)
	Small Animal Physical Examination	Practical (6 hr)
	Cattle Physical Examination	Practical (5 hr)
	Equine Physical Examination	Practical (7 hr)
	Farm Animal Physical Examination Pigs and Sheep	Practical (6 hr)
	Examination of other common species	Practical (3 hr)
	UVTH placements	Practical (8 hr)
Week 01	Communication	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 02	Veterinary Legislation	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 03	Therapeutic fluids administration	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Difficult communications	Workshop (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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

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

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.

Required readings

Detailed information on any required readings may be found on Canvas.

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 professionalism and professional decision making in diverse veterinary workplace environments, and apply frameworks to make professional decisions.
LO2. Apply principles derived from current legislation, ethical standards of the profession and animal welfare to manage problems in diverse veterinary practice scenarios.
LO3. Apply safe animal handling and restraint practices to learn and conduct components of a complete systematic physical examination of common domestic species.
LO4. Perform introductory core technical skills necessary for investigation and treatment of clinical problems.

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) - 25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context. 28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion. 29. Collaborate with external referral, diagnostic and other professional services, including providing an appropriate history and clear communication. 33. Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency. 35. Reflect on personal actions, including inviting and responding to constructive feedback on performance. 9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
	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. 29. Collaborate with external referral, diagnostic and other professional services, including providing an appropriate history and clear communication. 30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body. 34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted. 35. Reflect on personal actions, including inviting and responding to constructive feedback on performance.
	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. 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. 3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 11. Perform routine procedures, including surgeries, identifying associated indications and contraindications and adjusting the procedures as indicated. 15. Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings. 5. Select appropriate diagnostic tests and techniques, including diagnostic imaging. Safely apply diagnostic techniques and safely collect, preserve and transport samples as applicable. Interpret results of diagnostics, accounting for their limitations. 6. Develop appropriate treatment and preventive plans and administer appropriate treatments

Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
11		Perform routine procedures, including surgeries, identifying associated indications and contraindications and adjusting the procedures as indicated.
15		Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings.
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.
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.
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.
29		Collaborate with external referral, diagnostic and other professional services, including providing an appropriate history and clear communication.
3		Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context.
30		Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body.
33		Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency.
34		Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted.
35		Reflect on personal actions, including inviting and responding to constructive feedback on performance.
5		Select appropriate diagnostic tests and techniques, including diagnostic imaging. Safely apply diagnostic techniques and safely collect, preserve and transport samples as applicable. Interpret results of diagnostics, accounting for their limitations.
6		Develop appropriate treatment and preventive plans and administer appropriate treatments
9		Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.

Responding to student feedback

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

This is the first time the unit is offered. The unit was developed as part of the revised DVM curriculum following extensive consultation and in response to evolving accreditation requirements.

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 the first day 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

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

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

VETS6235: Professional Competency 2A

Semester 1, 2026 [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

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