Outline

Overview

This unit of study comprises two weeks of blended practical clinical experience. Student interns will be involved in the management of a wide variety of cases such as they are presented to general practice in a non-metropolitan setting. They will apply consultations skills, clinical reasoning, and consolidate knowledge of abnormal and normal presentions to determine animal health. They conduct wellness and preventative health consultation and perform immunisation, and formulate and conduct diagnostic and treatment plans withing the context of general practice. They recognise life threatening and serious conditions and initiate appropriate treatment. Student interns will formulate a rational approach to further investigation or patient referral taking into account owner preferences and financial constraints and they prepare documentation for referring patients. During this placement student interns will solidify knowledge and skills in anaesthesia and surgery by undertaking routine neutring procedures in dogs and cats. Emphasis will be placed on problem oriented approach and on making evidence based medical and therapeutic decisions, which integrate judgments based on previous foundational material including principles and approach to health and disease management.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	VETS6404
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 and VETS6301 and VETS6302 and VETS6303 and VETS6304 and VETS6305 and VETS6306 and VETS6307 and VETS6308 and VETS6309 and VETS6310 and VETS6311 and VETS6312 and VETS6313
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	All content from Years 1, 2, and 3 of the DVM
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jennifer Green (vet), j.green@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Activity/case log Completed log of all cases participated in during placement.	0%	Multiple weeks	n/a - online and/or in hospital
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Attendance/Participation with RLAs Engagement in Required Learning Activities (RLAs).	0%	Ongoing	2 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Sonia skills log Adequately fulfill the Surgery and Anaesthesia skills log - See Canvas	0%	Progressive	2 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Online quizzes WHS quiz; Pre-spey clinic quiz; Anaesthesia quiz; EMQ practice	0%	Week 01	See Canvas.
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Individual summative assessments Clinical reasoning Extended Matching Questions (online - open book)	0%	Week 02	35 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Supervisor report form (SRF) Report from supervisors - See Canvas	0%	Week 02	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Feedback forms Completion feedback form on placement website	0%	Week 02	n/a - online and/or in hospital
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

4 Online quizzes – WHS quiz; Spey Clinic; Anaesthesia; and EMQ.
Feedback Form – a summary of the learning experience gained while on placement
Activity Log – both clinical and virtual cases discussed during this online teaching module should be logged in the Activity Log.
Sonia skills – students record the skills which have been completed as they progress through the course.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

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.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Meet supervising vet/brief induction	Seminar (1 hr)
	Spey clinic preparation	Individual study (2 hr)
	Surgical tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Spey clinic preparation	Practical (1 hr)
	Anaesthetic plan preparation/patient examination	Practical (3 hr)
	Anaesthesia tutorial- plans and monitoring	Tutorial (2 hr)
	50% surgery / 50% anaesthesia	Clinical practice (10 hr)
	Spey clinic animal check	Clinical practice (3 hr)
	Anaesthesia- SC follow-up	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Induction - Hospital, treatment room, consult room	Practical (1 hr)
	Consultation / hospital patient care	Clinical practice (2 hr)
	Anaesthesia (consultations depending on anaesthesia case load)	Clinical practice (6 hr)
	Dermatology	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Consultation / hospital patient care	Clinical practice (7 hr)
Week 02	Anaethesia rounds	Tutorial (3 hr)
	50% surgery / 50% anaesthesia	Clinical practice (10 hr)
	Wellness day (same week as Saturday consultation day) Either Week 1 or Week 2, not both	Individual study (11 hr)
	Anaesthesia (consultations depending on anaesthesia case load)	Clinical practice (7 hr)
	Consultation / hospital patient care	Clinical practice (8 hr)
	Saturday consultation (Either Week 1 or Week 2, not both)	Clinical practice (7 hr)
	Dermatology	Tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Clinical exposure is a key component of all parts of the DVM but especially year 4, and attendance is required at all activities on each of the required days of final year rotations.

There is an on-call component for VETS6404. At last one student must be available (within 20 min) of clinic for ECC support of in hospital cases from Wed- Fri both weeks.

ALL STUDENTS MUST ATTEND SPEY CLINIC CHECKS MONDAY NIGHT, TUESDAY NGHT AND WEDNESDAY MORNING

Failure to attend irrespective of the reason will require the student to attend additional days and in the case of unexplained or unapproved absences, may result in a failed grade for the rotation. Students are required to engage and participate in learning opportunities including clinical consultations, patient care, diagnostic procedures, rounds presentations and discussions and by completing assignments.

For all subrotations there is a minimal compulsory attendance.
Students must inform UoS Coordinator if unable to attend
A medical certificate will be required for any absence due to illness

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

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. perform routine anaesthesia, surgical neutering and provide analgesia in dogs and cats under supervision
LO2. formulate and conduct a rational approach to investigate a clinical case with a common presenting complaint and formulate and undertake a treatment plan taking into account animal, owner and financial factors
LO3. communicate effectively with clients, lay people, and professional colleagues and seek advice, support and assistance.

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 Attributes - 10. To collect, organise and analyse information in relation to specific problems, assessing its validity and reaching probabilistic judgements 11. To perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures 2. The normal structure, function and development of animals, their interactions with their environment and the factors which may disturb these 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species 4. Fundamental clinical skills in a broad range of species 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 - 2. comprehensive treatment planning including patient referral when indicated 3. anesthesia and pain management, patient welfare 4. basic surgery skills and case management European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.29. Perform aseptic surgery correctly. 1.30. Safely perform sedation, and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint. 1.31. Assess and manage pain. 1.32. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it with respect of the animal, using an appropriate method, whilst showing sensitivity to the feelings of owners and others, with due regard to the safety of those present; advise on disposal of the carcase. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.8. Animal welfare
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 1. Scientific method at a level adequate to provide a rational basis for present veterinary practice, and to assimiliate the advances in knowledge which will occur over their working life 10. To collect, organise and analyse information in relation to specific problems, assessing its validity and reaching probabilistic judgements 11. To perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures 2. The normal structure, function and development of animals, their interactions with their environment and the factors which may disturb these 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species 4. Fundamental clinical skills in a broad range of species 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 - 1. comprehensive patient diagnosis (problem solving skills), appropriate use of diagnostic testing, and record management 2. comprehensive treatment planning including patient referral when indicated European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.17. Perform a complete clinical examination and demonstrate ability in clinical decision-making. 1.18. Develop appropriate treatment plans and administer treatment in the interests of the patients and with regard to the resources available. 1.23. Understand the contribution that imaging and other diagnostic techniques can make in achieving a diagnosis. Use basic imaging equipment and carry out an examination effectively as appropriate to the case, in accordance with good health and safety practice and current regulations.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 12. To work and communicate effectively and empathetically with colleagues and clients through a range of media with compassion, courtesy, respect, honesty and without discrimination 13. An ability to perform effectively in a workplace including an understanding of organisational systems, human and physical resource management, performance indicators, occupational health and safety, knowledge management and quality control 15. An appreciation of the complexity of ethical issues, the diversity of stakeholder perspectives and the range of cultural values 20. A recognition that it is not always in the interests of clients to do everything that is technically possible to make a precise diagnosis or attempt to modify the course of a disease American Veterinary Medical Association - 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 European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.22. Communicate clearly and collaborate with referral and diagnostic services, including providing an appropriate history. 1.26. Prescribe and dispense medicines correctly and responsibly in accordance with legislation and latest guidance. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.11. Communication skills

Responding to student feedback

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

Changes made in 2021 (prior to 2020 feedback being received): • removed wellness day, Saturday voluntary to aid in staff scheduling • on-call requirement to be self-managed within group to provide back-up support to ECC Wed-Fri both weeks • weekly rounds added in following success during online • cheat sheet to be set up for automated delivery prior to rotation • increase P/F to 60% for EMQ • continue feedback sessions on last Friday to aid in accurate and valuable completion of SRF • continue to use zoom tutorials basis • focus on assessments that drive decision making

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Q-fever vaccination and completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

Completion of WHS quiz at start of rotation

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

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

VETS6404: Small Animal Clinics D

Semester 2, 2021 [Professional practice] - 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

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect