Outline

Overview

Veterinarians make vital contributions - at local, regional and global levels - to some of the most pressing challenges facing modern society, including emerging infectious diseases, food safety and food security, and antimicrobial resistance. This unit introduces you to the knowledge and technical skills that underpin the roles of veterinary professionals in serving the public good. Specifically, this Unit of Study will prepare you to: contribute to Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) response; oversee animal welfare and food safety in abattoirs; and advise clients, community members and policy developers on risks associated with zoonotic diseases and how to minimise them. During the intensive, you will participate in lectures, interactive tutorials and practicals designed to integrate prior learning on epidemiology, animal welfare, pathology, microbiology, and parasitology within the context of EAD response and food safety. You will also be introduced to the global frameworks that support animal health and food safety at an international level and learn about the application of HACCP in food processing including a site visit. During the semester, you will consider risk management and risk communication in practice settings in relation to a number of common zoonotic disease scenarios in Australia. Legislation relevant to the above areas will be introduced throughout the unit.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	VETS6301
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 and VETS6201 and VETS6202 and VETS6203 and VETS6204 and VETS6205 and VETS6206 and VETS6207 and VETS6208
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jenny-Ann Toribio, jenny-ann.toribio@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Ruth Zadoks, ruth.zadoks@sydney.edu.au
	Jenny-Ann Toribio, jenny-ann.toribio@sydney.edu.au
	Katrina Bosward, katrina.bosward@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Attendance 100% attendance at Required Learning Activities (RLAs)	0%	Ongoing	Varies
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Online quiz Preparation for abattoir	20%	Week 01 Due date: 19 Feb 2024 at 23:59	To be advised
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Group assignment - emergency animal disease Written assignment	20%	Week 02 Due date: 03 Mar 2024 at 23:59	To be advised
Outcomes assessed:
Supervised exam ?	Final exam In-person supervised written examination	60%	Week 06 Due date: 25 Mar 2024 at 09:00	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

*Students must achieve a mark of 50% or more in the Final Exam to pass the unit.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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.

Note: In alignment with the DVM Attendance Provisions 2018 at the University of Sydney students are required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLA’s) and assessment tasks.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (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	Work awarded a high distinction grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics: Accurately answers the question in an impressive, compelling, or highly persuasive manner Presents relevant material accurately in a thoroughly convincing or forceful manner or with the facts well-integrated into an extended and comprehensive explanation or argument Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate Evidence of exhaustive independent research Evidence of extensive critical analysis of concept, and/or innovative perspective on the topic, and/or deep understanding of problem Answers demonstrate striking originality, an innovative approach, or impressive analytical skill Answers are exceptionally well written, with excellent structure expression Is otherwise exceptional in some way
Distinction	75 - 84	Work awarded a distinction grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or presentthe described characteristics: Accurately answers the question in a convincing, confident manner Presents relevant material accurately in a concise manner or with the facts well-integrated into a comprehensive explanation or argument Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate Evidence of extensive independent research Evidence of extensive critical analysis of concept, and/or innovative perspective on the topic,and/or deep understanding of problem Answers are well written, with clear structure and cogent expression
Credit	65 - 74	Work awarded a credit grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics: An appropriate, accurate and reasonable detailed answer or response is provided Appropriate key point or points (facts) and/or concepts clearly presented without significant errors or misconceptions Presents relevant material concisely with facts clearly integrated into the explanation Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate Evidence of some independent research or critical analysis of concept or problem Answers are easily understood with both clear expression and structure if appropriate
Pass	50 - 64	Work awarded a passing grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics: An appropriate but superficial answer or response is provided Presents relevant material in a superficial manner or in a simplistic descriptive style Correctly identifies key point or points (facts) but does not develop an appropriate explanation or argument if this is required Contains some minor errors or presents minor inaccuracies and misconceptions Little or no evidence of indepth analysis or deep understanding of the concept Answers can be understood but may be poorly worded or somewhat flawed due to poor grammar, expression or structure
Fail	0 - 49	Work may fail for any or all of the following criteria: No answer or response is provided Does not address or otherwise answer the question Contains numerous minor errors or presents a significant misconception Presents irrelevant material No evidence of research or analysis Presents a significantly inaccurate or flawed argument The answer is incomprehensible or difficult to understand due to significant problems with grammar, expression or structure

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:

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 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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 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 2023. 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	International	Lecture (3 hr)
	Zoonoses	Lecture (11 hr)
	Food	Lecture (4 hr)
	Emergency Animal Disease	Lecture (6 hr)
	General topics/Intersections tutorials	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Food tutorials	Tutorial (5 hr)
	Emergency animal disease tutorials	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Food practical classes	Practical (4 hr)
Week -01	Introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
	Food	Independent study (6 hr)
	Emergency Animal Disease/Biosecurity	Independent study (3 hr)
Week 03	Wrap-up	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students must attend: (a) all Required Learning Activities (RLAs); and (b) all assessments. Attendance of at least 90% of lectures is also expected.

For a list of RLAs for this unit, please see the Session Outline in Canvas (Unit information page).

Absence, for any reason, from more than 10% of the compulsory components of any course constitutes failure to make satisfactory progress for the purposes of the Coursework Policy 2014 and may lead to the award of a fail grade for the unit of study.

As per the DVM Attendance Provisions, the School will monitor attendance and participation at RLAs using the University’s Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES) or Zoom meeting reports or Submissions of individual tasks. In the event of system unavailability for in-person RLAs, a roll will be taken.

Any absence from an RLA requires the submission of an application to the Special Consideration Online Portal that includes justification for the absence. If the absence is accepted under special consideration, the student will be granted opportunity to attend a compulsory make-up class or complete a compulsory replacement activity in order to gain the learning for the missed RLA.

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. identify and articulate the contributions of veterinarians to the achievement of public health, one health, food security, animal welfare and biosecurity.

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) - 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. 20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species 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). 23. Perform antemortem and postmortem inspection of animals and make appropriate decisions to protect the food chain and animal welfare at the point of slaughter. 24. Apply veterinary elements of food safety standards and practices throughout the production chain, including on the farm and during food processing. 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. 32. Prescribe, dispense and use medicines correctly and prudently, including recording and reporting adverse reactions, in accordance with legislation and current prescription guidelines. 34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted. 38. Promote health and safety of patients, clients, colleagues and themselves in the veterinary setting, including applying risk management principles to practice. 9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology 2.2. Transboundary animal diseases 2.3. Zoonoses 2.4. Emerging and reemerging diseases 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs 2.6. Food hygiene 2.7. Veterinary products 2.8. Animal welfare 2.9. Veterinary legislation and ethics 3.1. Organisation of Veterinary Services 3.2. Inspection and certification procedures 3.3. Management of contagious diseases 3.4. Food hygiene (2) 3.5. Application of risk analysis 3.7. International trade framework 3.8. Administration and management

Responding to student feedback

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

It was pleasing to know that this unit provided a broader perspective on veterinary career options and that some students saw great value in the inclusion of guest lecturers who discussed their experiences dealing with animal health issues. Your comments on content load have prompted a review of topic learning outcomes and to identify and remove duplication plus consider inclusion of more examples of application for tutorials and in lectures. Thank you for all the practical suggestions to improve the unit.

Additional information

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

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

VETS6301: Veterinary Public Practice

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camden, 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

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect