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Unit outline_

AVBS4000: Professional Development

Semester 1, 2024 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

A key component of The AVBS degree is the Placement program. This is a workplace-based program requiring a minimum of 40 days of placement to be completed by the end of the third year (6th semester) of your degree. At least 15 days must be completed On-Farm. The remaining days are undertaken in a range of other approved work environments. The aim of the program is to encourage students to gain experience in a wide range of animal related industries and introduce them to the many career options available to them after graduation. We encourage students to apply their skills and knowledge in a professional environment, while also developing a real-world view of animal industries.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
ANSC3106 AND AVBS2011 AND AVBS2012 AND AVBS2013 AND AVBS2014
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
AVBS3000
Assumed knowledge
? 

Professional Placements Program - they should have undertaken 40 days of industry placements (during years 1-3) prior to enrolling in this UoS. Reporting is captured via SONIA and Canvas across their degree

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Sabrina Lomax, sabrina.lomax@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment CV writing
Prepare a cover letter and CV
10% Week 04
Due date: 13 Mar 2024 at 23:59
1-2 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO6
Assignment Professional experience reports
Reports to integrate experiences gained through placements. Submitted y 1-3
50% Week 05
Due date: 18 Jan 2024 at 23:59
max 2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8 LO7 LO5 LO3 LO2
Assignment Portfolio Pitch
Presentation integrating placement experiences. In person presentation
10% Week 08
Due date: 17 Apr 2024 at 23:59
5 min presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Assignment Final Reflective Portfolio
Portfolio integrating placement experiences and reflection for career path
30% Week 12
Due date: 15 May 2024 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO8 LO5 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

See Placements Canvas Site for the rubric.

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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

This work shows excellent understanding of the topic and clear evidence of independent
critical thought. It may contain blemishes, but these are compensated for by signs of high
intellectual quality, especially clear, well-organised and forceful argument; reading and
understanding beyond the set literature; and originality of approach.

Distinction

75 - 84

This work shows a very good understanding of the relevant content; the essay reflects
independent thought; significantly it attempts to develop evaluative and critical arguments.
Such arguments may be second-hand and/or they may be flawed, but a serious and
sustained attempt at criticism has been made.

Credit

65 - 74

This work shows a clear understanding of the relevant material; it contains only small gaps
or minor errors; reading has obviously gone beyond lecture material; there are signs of
independent thought, and some attempt is made to evaluate arguments or develop critical
arguments.

Pass

50 - 64

This work shows evidence of a satisfactory level of understanding of the relevant material; it
may contain gaps, errors or other kinds of blemishes, but it is obvious that the student has
read and digested material from lectures and/or set literature. The essay, however, is largely
derivative – it simply reports the views of others - and little or no criticism or evaluation of
arguments is attempted.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard. There may be a significant amount of ‘parroting’ of material from lectures or tutorials or set
reading, but this work shows little or no evidence of satisfactory understanding of the
relevant content; it may contain either serious errors or major gaps in what is considered
essential information.

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.

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

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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
Multiple weeks 3 x online seminars (zoom) from industry guests on career opportunities and career /employability development Independent study (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
3 x face to face in person seminars from industry guests to highlight career opportunities and develop employability skills e.g. cv writing workshop, interview practice, reflection. Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Ongoing Students must have completed 40 days of industry placements (minimum of 4 placements) by the time they enter their 4th year, before commencing AVBS4000. Placement (320 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7 LO8

Attendance and class requirements

3 x in person seminars (guest speakers from industry) - compulsory attendance 

3 x zoom seminars (for guest speakers that are inter state or regional) - compulsory attendance

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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 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. Experience and Evaluate the major and emerging animal industries first-hand
  • LO2. ​Understand and evaluate the production, development, finance, marketing, research and management of domestic, native and exotic animals and animal products across a range of environments and managerial systems
  • LO3. ​Analyse the current issues associated with animal science in a global context
  • LO4. Apply the range of interpersonal skills necessary to establish a professional rapport with clients, colleagues and academics​
  • LO5. ​Synthesise the learnings from your degree to develop particular interests that may inform your choice of career
  • LO6. Develop and practise skills in CV writing and job interview techniques
  • LO7. Execute skills in professional consultant-style report writing.​
  • LO8. ​Critically reflect on the pivotal relationships between your degree, the rural environment, your professional placements, and your personal beliefs and values and those of your peers, community and society.

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

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

changes to the assessment and seminar structure have been made integrating feedback from previous USS feedback

Work, health and safety

NA

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.