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Unit of study_

VETS6307: Research and Enquiry 3A

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

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 Michael Ward, michael.ward@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Michael Ward, michael.ward@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment hurdle task Research Proposal - Submission of Powerpoint slides
Students present proposal and receive feedback.
20% Week 05
Due date: 24 Mar 2024 at 23:59
PPT slides
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment hurdle task Progress report
See Canvas for more details
80% Week 11
Due date: 12 May 2024 at 23:59
2000-2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

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.

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

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 (D1Cs) - AVBC
39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
40. Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
3.6. Research
LO2
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context.
39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
40. Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
2.11. Communication skills
3.6. Research
LO3
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
40. Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
3.6. Research
DVM Day One Competencies -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
A1.1 T P A Communicate effectively with clients, the lay public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities; listen effectively and respond sympathetically and to clients and others, using language in a form appropriate to the audience and the context.
A1.10 P A Be able to cope with uncertainty and adapt to change.
A1.11 P A Develop a capacity for self-audit and willingness to participate in the peer-review process.
A1.12 P A Be aware of personal limitations, and demonstrate awareness of when and from where to seek professional advice, assistance and support.
A1.4 P A Be aware of the ethical responsibilities of the veterinary surgeon in relation to individual patient care and client relations, and also more generally in the community in relation to their possible impact on the environment and society as a whole.
A1.6 P A Be willing to use one’s professional capabilities to contribute as far as possible to the advancement of veterinary knowledge in order to benefit veterinary practice and further improve the quality of animal care and public health.
A1.7.d) P A Ability to use information technology effectively to communicate, share, collect, manipulate and analyse information.
A1.7.e) P A Importance of complying with professional standards and policies of the practice.
A1.8 P A Understand the need and professional obligation for a commitment to continuing education and training, and professional development, throughout one’s professional life.
B1.1 P A The sciences on which the activities of veterinary surgeons are based.
B1.2 P A Research methods and the contribution of basic and applied research to all aspects of veterinary science.
B1.3 P A How to evaluate evidence.

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

Assessment has been modified for 2024 to ensure consistency between VETS6307 and VETS6313, and to avoid 100% assessment tasks. Timetable hours allocated to each group have been revised to ensure fairness for all groups The feedback has been extremely positive otherwise.

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.