Skip to main content
Unit outline_

VETS6206: Professional Skills 2B

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camden, Sydney

In this unit of study students will continue in the development of their confidence and competency in, fundamental professional skills relevant to veterinary practice. These will include animal handling, clinical and laboratory skills, as well as the development of relevant personal and professional attributes, and clinical experience in veterinary teaching hospitals. Successful completion of this unit of study requires students to: (1) Attend and actively participate in all compulsory classes, (2) Achieve a pass grade in all compulsory assessment tasks, and (3) Submit all compulsory documents (skills logs, feedback forms etc.)

Unit details and rules

Academic unit School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
VETS6101 and VETS6102 and VETS6103 and VETS6104 and VETS6105 and VETS6106 and VETS6107 and VETS6108 and VETS6201 and VETS6202 and VETS6203 and VETS6204
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Kate Mills, k.mills@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small continuous assessment hurdle task Individual class assessments
See Canvas for more details
0% Multiple weeks Dependent on class
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Participation hurdle task Active participation in all RLAs
Expected to attend at least 100% of the required learning activities
0% Ongoing See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO2 LO1
Online task Radiology Quiz
Online Quiz 10 Questions Must score 8/10 or higher
0% Week 03
Due date: 13 Aug 2023 at 16:00

Closing date: 13 Aug 2023
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO2
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task Objective structured skills barrier examination (OSBE)
OSBE Wednesday 16th October, Thursday 17th October and Friday 18th October.
0% Week 11
Due date: 18 Oct 2024 at 23:00
Approximately 1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

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

This is a grade only unit where Students can receive an:

  • SR – Satisfied requirements: when you meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard or
  • FR – Failed requirements: when you don’t meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory 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.

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 Cattle handling 4 and bovine physical examination 2 Practical (5 hr) LO1 LO2
Pathology (Necropsy) 3 Practical (7 hr) LO2
Pig handling 4 Practical (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Therapeutics 4 Practical (3 hr) LO2
Surgery 6 (Partial Group Only) Practical (4 hr) LO2
Surgery 7 Practical (3 hr) LO2
Surgery 8 Practical (3 hr) LO2
Clinical consultation skills 7 Practical (3 hr) LO2
Horse handling 5 and equine physical examination 2 Practical (8 hr) LO1 LO2
Sheep handling 4 Practical (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Pathology (Necropsy) 4 Practical (7 hr) LO2
Clinical consultation skills 8 Practical (3 hr) LO2
Clinical consultation skills 9 Practical (3 hr) LO2
Small animal physical examination 3 Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Clinical consultation skills 10 Practical (4 hr) LO2
Week 08 Radiology Lecture (2 hr) LO2

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance:

  • Unless otherwise stated, students are expected to attend at least 100% of timetabled activities as defined in the unit of study outline, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean.
  • A student may fail a unit of study because of inadequate attendance.
  • All are practical classes and we require 100% attendance.

The School of Veterinary Science will monitor attendance at RLAs using the University’s Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES) or similar.

Absence from any RLAs in this unit constitutes failure to make satisfactory progress for the purposes of the Coursework Policy 2014 and may lead to the award of a fail grade for the unit of study. Irrespective of the reason for absence or type of required learning activity missed, it is a student’s responsibility to ensure all relevant learning outcomes associated with the missed activities are addressed (to the satisfaction of the respective UoS coordinator).

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. confidently and competently perform basic animal handling skills to species commonly presented to veterinary practice
  • LO2. confidently and competently perform basic clinical and diagnostic skills
  • LO3. contribute as a member of the inter-disciplinary team workplace of a veterinary hospital.

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
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.
30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body.
33. Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency.
38. Promote health and safety of patients, clients, colleagues and themselves in the veterinary setting, including applying risk management principles to practice.
LO2
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.
11. Perform routine procedures, including surgeries, identifying associated indications and contraindications and adjusting the procedures as indicated.
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.
22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC).
3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context.
30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body.
33. Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency.
38. Promote health and safety of patients, clients, colleagues and themselves in the veterinary setting, including applying risk management principles to 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.
LO3
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
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.
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.
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.

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

OSBE formative consists of a recorded tutorial and quiz that students must score 18/20 to then attend preliminary formative examination in the semester 1 examination period. Attendance is compulsory. OSBE summative exam will be held on Wednesday 16th – Friday 18th October 2024. Remediation OSBE training is scheduled on 29th October and 1st November 2024. OSBE 2nd exam will be held in the second week of the formal exam period.

Work, health and safety

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

There are inherent risks in working with animals and with medicines, and every effort must be made to minimise these. It is your duty to take reasonable care, not just for yourself, but also for staff, other students, and anyone else likely to be affected by your actions. The (SSVS) expects that agencies providing placements for veterinary students of The University of Sydney will provide a safe working environment.

Further information regarding work, health and safety requirements can be found under Placements Information page on the SSVS Student Portal –https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/7935/pages/placements-information

Risk assessments for each class can be found on Canvas.

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.