Skip to main content
Unit of study_

VETS6307: Research and Enquiry 3A

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

This unit forms a first part of a capstone experience in which the student formulates a question based on systematic investigation of a topic related to a discipline in veterinary medicine or an allied health science, under the guidance of a research advisor and peers under independent review. The investigation can include lab/bench, field/clinic research or secondary data analysis. The investigation must demonstrate independent data collection, critical analysis and reflection on existing dimension of knowledge. Narrative literature reviews are not acceptable.

Unit details and rules

Unit code VETS6307
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 Jan Slapeta, jan.slapeta@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Progress report
See Canvas for more details
100% Week 13
Due date: 06 Jun 2021 at 23:59
2000-2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3

Assessment summary

The assessment task for this unit is a Progress report on professionally focused project. The progress report will be submitted via ScholarOne as a continuation (.R1) of the student’s original project proposal submission. Each student submits individually, even if working on a joint project.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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

As for the criteria for Distinction.  However, the work also shows a high degree of originality and creativity. There is excellent evidence of reflection on the best practice.

Distinction

75 - 84

The work shows a good appreciation of the general purpose of the topic.  The project is feasible within the timeframe. There is good coverage of the topic with relevant and accurate support and a well-developed argument and approach. The student shows willingness to critically evaluate and interpret research and/or clinical data. There is good evidence of application of content to a relevant context.

Credit

65 - 74

The work is relevant, and there is demonstration of understanding in relation to a reasonable amount of the content and an argument has been advanced. There is emerging evidence of an overall integrative view of the topic, and growing awareness of application or integration of research and/or clinical data.

Pass

50 - 64

The information in the various aspects of the work is relevant and accurate, but is not integrated. The work indicates a limited understanding of the topic.

Fail

0 - 49

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.

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to R&E3A Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Student-advisor meeting 1 Individual study (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Research Individual study (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Student-advisor meeting 2 Individual study (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Research Individual study (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Student-advisor meeting 3 Individual study (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Research Individual study (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 Student-advisor meeting 4 Individual study (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Research Individual study (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 10 Student-advisor meeting 5 Individual study (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Research Individual study (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 13 Student-advisor meeting 6 Individual study (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Research Individual study (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

You will be working on the Professionally Focused Project and will be advised by an academic, expected interacton is 0.5h per week for face to face interaction, but may take different form based on availability. 

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas. In addition you will be working with an acacdemic advisor with whom you will liaise about required readings.

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 interpret data related to a discipline in veterinary science or an allied health science
  • LO2. discuss and justify the selection of the best approach to investigation and analysis in your research project
  • LO3. question, construct and improve the validity of research findings and utilise the process of peer review.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - AVBC
5. The principles of epidemiology, of diseases and zoonoses and their impacts on the environment
9. The ability to acquire information from and about clients and perform and record a clinical examination of their animals and to store and retrieve such information
American Veterinary Medical Association - AVMA
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
9. critical analysis of new information and research findings relevant to veterinary medicine.
European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - ECCVT
1.10. Use their professional capabilities to contribute to the advancement of veterinary knowledge, in order to improve the quality of animal care and veterinary public health.
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.
2.1. Understanding of, and competence in, the logical approaches to both scientific and clinical reasoning, the distinction between the two, and the strengths and limitations of each.
2.2. Research methods and the contribution of basic and applied research to veterinary science.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
2.11. Communication skills
3.6. Research
LO2
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - AVBC
5. The principles of epidemiology, of diseases and zoonoses and their impacts on the environment
6. Public health and food safety
7. Economically and environmentally sustainable animal production systems
9. The ability to acquire information from and about clients and perform and record a clinical examination of their animals and to store and retrieve such information
American Veterinary Medical Association - AVMA
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
9. critical analysis of new information and research findings relevant to veterinary medicine.
European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - ECCVT
1.14. Take part in self-audit and peer-group review processes in order to improve performance.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
2.11. Communication skills
2.9. Veterinary legislation and ethics
3.6. Research
LO3
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - AVBC
5. The principles of epidemiology, of diseases and zoonoses and their impacts on the environment
6. Public health and food safety
7. Economically and environmentally sustainable animal production systems
9. The ability to acquire information from and about clients and perform and record a clinical examination of their animals and to store and retrieve such information
American Veterinary Medical Association - AVMA
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
9. critical analysis of new information and research findings relevant to veterinary medicine.
European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - ECCVT
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.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
3.8. Administration and management

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

There are no major changes to this unit in the coming year. The feedback has been extremely positive. For the upcoming year we have planned sessions to provide support to you advisors.

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.