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Unit of study_

VETS6411: Extramural Placement 3

Semester 1 DVM Placement Rotation 4, 2024 [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 full-time, 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.

Unit details and rules

Unit code VETS6411
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 and VETS6314
Corequisites
? 
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
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation hurdle task Communication task
Communication Task- develop and present a written or oral communication
0% Week 04 varies
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task Supervisor report form (SRF)
Report from supervisors - See Canvas
0% Week 04 varies
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Placement hurdle task Activity/case log
Summary of clinical cases managed- see Canvas
0% Week 04 Multiple weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Placement hurdle task Feedback form
Complete feedback form on Placement website
0% Week 04 varies
Outcomes assessed: LO4
Placement Introductory letter
See Canvas for more information. Refer to the TEMPLATE Introductory Letter
0% Week 04 Variable
Outcomes assessed: LO2
Placement Learning agreement
See Canvas for more information.
0% Week 04 Variable
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. See the 2022 DVM4 Student Attendance and Assessment Guide.
1.    Activity log - USE the Activity log template found in Canvas
2.    Placement/Rotation Feedback Form
3.    Communication Task
4.    Supervisor Report Form
Submission of the 2 Barrier tasks must be completed by no later than 11:59pm AEST on the last day of the placement or sub-rotation.

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.

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:

Failure to submit on time and satisfactory barrier tasks will delay finalisation of the assessment of the Unit of Study until such time that satisfactory forms are submitted through Canvas.

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 Orientation and Induction meeting with supervisor - schedule for 18-day placement Clinical practice (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Discuss options for communication task Field trip (2 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

For each placement 100% attendance is required. You will experience areas of veterinary practice as an honorary employee, and you are encouraged to make the most of each placement opportunity.

All extramural units of study require you to attend each placement for a minimum of 15 days within the placement period. This 15-day requirement must not be completed consecutively; you must be provided with one day in seven free from all clinical responsibilities. Each working day is considered 8 hours (minimum). Please refer to the relevant Unit of Study Outlines for further information.

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.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
2.11. Communication skills
2.8. Animal welfare
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.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
2.5. Disease prevention and control programs
2.8. Animal welfare
3.5. Application of risk analysis
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.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
2.11. Communication skills
3.8. Administration and management
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.
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 has not been any feedback that has led to an alteration to this placement. As each placement site and attendance leads to individual feedback, these are reviewed to ensure there is no consistent pattern of adverse experiences. If these are identified the Unit of Study Coordinator and Placement Coordinator will review the concerns.

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

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.