Unit outline_

VETS6409: Extramural Placement 1

Semester 1 DVM Placement Rotation 3, 2025 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study involves placement at a Faculty-approved external location linked to the veterinary student intern's career interest area. Suitability of placements will be negotiated between the veterinary intern and the unit of study coordinator. Interns will be under the supervision of an extramural supervisor who will liaise with Faculty, review the aims of the rotation with the intern, and assess the performance of the intern via a standard report form. Interns are expected to fully participate in agreed activities whilst attending the placement, typically taking on the role and schedule of a fulltime, supervised veterinary associate. The requirements of this rotation include the completion of the following documents: an introductory letter to the placement at least four weeks prior to the rotation; a site contract; learning agreement form; activity/case log; and rotation feedback form. During the rotation interns are expected to participate in three meetings with the extramural supervisor and complete a communication task. 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. 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 3
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 and VETS6314
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

All content from Years 1, 2, and 3 of the DVM

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Mark Krockenberger, mark.krockenberger@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 21 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation hurdle task AI Allowed Communication task
Dependent on placement - see Canvas for more details.
0% Multiple weeks Varies
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task AI Allowed Supervisor report form (SRF)
Report from supervisors including attendance record - See Canvas
0% Multiple weeks Varies
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Placement hurdle task AI Allowed Acitvity/case log
Completed log of all cases participated in during the rotation.
0% Week 04 varies
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Placement hurdle task AI Allowed Feedback form
Complete feedback form on Canvas site.
0% Week 04 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO4
Placement AI Allowed Introductory letter
See Canvas for more information. Refer to the TEMPLATE Introductory Letter
0% Week 04 Variable
Outcomes assessed: LO2
Placement AI Allowed Learning agreement
See Canvas for more information.
0% Week 04 Variable
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

All required assessable tasks, and compulsory forms must be submitted by no later than 11:59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time on the last day of the placement unless otherwise prescribed by the relevant Unit of Study Coordinator in an approved Special Consideration application or an approved academic plan.

This includes marking your attendance on the Supervisor Report Form (SRF).  

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

1.    Activity log - USE the Activity log template found in Canvas
2.    Placement Feedback Form
3.    Communication Task
4.    Supervisor Report Form
Submission of ALL hurdle tasks must be completed by no later than 11:59pm AEST on the last day of the placeme
nt.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

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:

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy. Failure to submit ALL assessment tasks by the due date will result in a fail grade for this unit of study. The due date is the last day of placement unless an application for a special consideration is approved.

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Orientation and Induction meeting with supervisor - schedule for 19-day placement Clinical practice (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Discuss options for communication task Field trip (1 hr) LO2
Professional placement activities Field trip (33 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 Professional placement activities Field trip (33 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Meeting with supervisor - review of progress and fulfillment of learning outcomes planned Field trip (2 hr) LO4
Week 03 Professional placement activities Field trip (35 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Professional placement activities Field trip (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Present communication task Field trip (1 hr) LO3 LO4
Review and feedback with placement supervisor Field trip (26 hr) LO4

Attendance and class requirements

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

The DVM Attendance Provision 2024 is available on the University of Sydney policy register.

Further details are provided in the DVM student placement guidebook. 

All absences are subject to the University's special consideration application process and must be recorded on the Supervisor Report Form. Absences that equal or exceed 50% of the attendance requirement will result in the Unit of Study/placement being repeated.

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 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. acquire and record clinical information and interpret the available evidence to reach probabilistic judgements
  • LO2. develop diagnostic, preventative and therapeutic plans and apply these for the health and well being of animals, appropriate to the context
  • LO3. contribute, collaborate and communicate with others as an effective member of the veterinary workplace team
  • LO4. engage in reflective practice, self-regulation, professional development and attend to personal wellbeing.

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
1. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment.
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.
26. Maintain accurate, consistent, and contemporaneous records in a clinic database, which allows for case transfer and protects client privacy.
3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context.
4. Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis.
LO2
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species
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
7. Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts.
9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
LO3
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.
26. Maintain accurate, consistent, and contemporaneous records in a clinic database, which allows for case transfer and protects client privacy.
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.
LO4
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
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.
38. Promote health and safety of patients, clients, colleagues and themselves in the veterinary setting, including applying risk management principles to practice.
8. Utilise traditional and digital technologies and information sources to inform patient care and manage health data.

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

Student feedback from each extramural site is reviewed to ensure no consistent pattern of adverse experiences emerges. Looking ahead to 2025, the school aims to develop strategies to strengthen relationships with industry partners and reduce discrepancies in the student experience during industry placements.

Learning commitments: The goal of assessment in the extramural placements are geared towards the student becoming a veterinary practitioner, strengthening communication skills, expanding and recording disciplinary skills, develop and capture a portfolio of professional skills and experience and to enable tracking and monitoring of DVM4 learning opportunities.

More information can be found on Canvas.

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 week two (2) 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

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.