Outline

Overview

This unit will contribute to graduates being able to create new knowledge and understanding through the process of research and enquiry. Within Research and Enquiry 1B students will continue to develop the skills necessary to synthesise evidence. This will be based within the context of using and interpreting diagnostic tests (module 1), and designing observational studies (module 2) to answer animal health and production questions relevant to veterinary science and allied professions. Scenarios that include client-owned individual animals within a clinical setting; herds, flocks and other groups of animals; and national control programs will be used to explain principles and purpose of sensitivity and specificity of diagnostics tests, and the principles of study design (such as target populations, case definition, sampling and measurement). Research and Enquiry 1B will focus on research in observational studies, building on Research and Enquiry 1A skills and knowledge in clinical trials. Students will critically incorporate available evidence (including peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed literature) and practice communication skills. Additionally students will become familiar with basic statistical methods to evaluate evidence, a framework for animal ethics in research and cultural competence as it relates to conducting research (module 3).

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	3
Prerequisites ?	VETS6101 and VETS6102 and VETS6103 and VETS6104
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jaime Gongora, jaime.gongora@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Jaime Gongora, jaime.gongora@sydney.edu.au
	Victoria Brookes, victoria.brookes@sydney.edu.au
	Michael Ward, michael.ward@sydney.edu.au
	Evelyn Hall, evelyn.hall@sydney.edu.au
	Anne Quain, anne.quain@sydney.edu.au
	Imke Tammen, imke.tammen@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Short answer questions	60%	Formal exam period	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment Written report	40%	Week 09 Due date: 29 Sep 2024 at 23:59	Max 2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

As part of the group written report, students are required to complete a self and peer evaluation exercise which examines the individual contributions of each student to the group. The exercise will be worth 2 marks out of the 40 total marks for the assignment, and the results of the exercise will be made available to all students to prompt reflection on individual contributions within a team environment.

A pass grade (50%) for both the final exam and the assignment MUST be achieved and an overall >50% grade is required to receive a pass grade for this unit.

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator

Assessment criteria

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.

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:

In accordance with the University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: 1) Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. 2) 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.

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 03	Diagnostic tests 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Diagnostic tests 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Diagnostic tests 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Diagnostic tests 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Diagnostic tests 3	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Diagnostic tests 3	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Study design 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Study design 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Study design 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Study design 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Study design 3	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Study design 3	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 09	Study design 4	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Study design 4	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 10	Biostatistics 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Biostatistics 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Biostatistics 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Biostatistics 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Cultural significance of animals and cultural competence tool-kit for research	Lecture (1 hr)
	Case studies: research projects in Africa, Colombia and Indigenous settings	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Case studies: consultation and voluntarism	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Animal ethics framework	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Animal ethics framework	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Animal ethics regulations	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Animal ethics regulations	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

DVM program attendance requirements apply. Required learning activities (RLA) are identified in the timetable.

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.

Textbook: Thrusfield, M. (2007). Veterinary Epidemiology. Oxford: Blackwell

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. formulate relevant questions and design simple studies (with consideration of the ethical and cultural context) of animal health, performance, welfare and production and veterinary diagnostic tests
LO2. critically evaluate the design and report on the findings of published studies of animal health, performance, welfare and production and veterinary diagnostic tests
LO3. analyse data from simple field studies using a statistical program, interpret the results and present a summary in a scientific article.

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 (D1Cs) - 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context. 27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice. 28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion. 30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body. 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 - 2.1. Epidemiology 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs 2.8. Animal welfare 2.9. Veterinary legislation and ethics
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice. 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. 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 - 2.1. Epidemiology 2.11. Communication skills 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs 2.8. Animal welfare 2.9. Veterinary legislation and ethics
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC). 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. 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 - 2.1. Epidemiology 2.11. Communication skills 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs

Responding to student feedback

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

Thank you for the many positive comments made, especially those about the usefulness of the tutorials, the unit organisation, the variety of topics that are covered in this unit and for recognising the commitment of the teaching staff. Comments about the exam and moving it to intra-semester are noted. That is possible but means that study design would need to be presented as the final module in the unit and causing problems with a submission date at the end of semester. We’ll continue to think of options. Also, we have been told by the university that the exam must be a hurdle task (up until 2021 it was not). Thank you for all the comments about the tutorials, there were many and sometimes they are contradictory! Given the range of topics in this unit tutorials can vary in their length and the density of the content. Re-focusing some of the tutorials on what is required for assessment tasks and successful completion of your R&E project is a good suggestion. Given the nature of tutorials, unfortunately these cannot be recorded. Timetabling and venues are an ongoing issue. Your understanding about the difficulties experience during the semester is appreciated. Thank you for your input to VETS6107 and all the best for DVM2!

Additional information

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

Support for students

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

VETS6107: Research and Enquiry 1B

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, 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

Support for students

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect