Outline

Overview

Veterinarians make vital contributions - at local, regional and global levels - to some of the most pressing challenges facing modern society, including emerging infectious diseases, food safety and food security, and antimicrobial resistance. This unit introduces you to the knowledge and technical skills that underpin the roles of veterinary professionals in serving the public good. Specifically, this Unit of Study will prepare you to: contribute to Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) response; oversee animal welfare and food safety in abattoirs; and advise clients, community members and policy developers on risks associated with zoonotic diseases and how to minimise them. During the intensive, you will participate in lectures, interactive tutorials and practicals designed to integrate prior learning on epidemiology, animal welfare, pathology, microbiology, and parasitology within the context of EAD response and food safety. You will also be introduced to the global frameworks that support animal health and food safety at an international level and learn about the application of HACCP in food processing including a site visit. During the semester, you will consider risk management and risk communication in practice settings in relation to a number of common zoonotic disease scenarios in Australia. Legislation relevant to the above areas will be introduced throughout the unit.

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
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jenny-Ann Toribio, jenny-ann.toribio@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Ruth Zadoks, ruth.zadoks@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Katrina Bosward, katrina.bosward@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Attendance 100% attendance at Required Learning Activities (RLAs)	0%	Ongoing	Varies
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Online quiz Preparation for abattoir	20%	Week 02 Due date: 28 Feb 2022 at 23:59	To be advised
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Group assignment - emergency animal disease Written assignment	20%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2022 at 23:59	To be advised
Outcomes assessed:
Final exam (Record+)	Final online exam* Online exam	60%	Week 07 Due date: 04 Apr 2022 at 09:00	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

*Students must achieve a mark of 50% or more in the Final Exam to pass the unit

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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 2014 (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	Work awarded a high distinction grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics: Accurately answers the question in an impressive, compelling, or highly persuasive manner Presents relevant material accurately in a thoroughly convincing or forceful manner or with the facts well-integrated into an extended and comprehensive explanation or argument Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate Evidence of exhaustive independent research Evidence of extensive critical analysis of concept, and/or innovative perspective on the topic, and/or deep understanding of problem Answers demonstrate striking originality, an innovative approach, or impressive analytical skill Answers are exceptionally well written, with excellent structure expression Is otherwise exceptional in some way
Distinction	75 - 84	Work awarded a distinction grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or presentthe described characteristics: Accurately answers the question in a convincing, confident manner Presents relevant material accurately in a concise manner or with the facts well-integrated into a comprehensive explanation or argument Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate Evidence of extensive independent research Evidence of extensive critical analysis of concept, and/or innovative perspective on the topic,and/or deep understanding of problem Answers are well written, with clear structure and cogent expression
Credit	65 - 74	Work awarded a credit grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics: An appropriate, accurate and reasonable detailed answer or response is provided Appropriate key point or points (facts) and/or concepts clearly presented without significant errors or misconceptions Presents relevant material concisely with facts clearly integrated into the explanation Accurate quotation and/or source identification when appropriate Evidence of some independent research or critical analysis of concept or problem Answers are easily understood with both clear expression and structure if appropriate
Pass	50 - 64	Work awarded a passing grade will usually achieve the following minimum standards or present the described characteristics: An appropriate but superficial answer or response is provided Presents relevant material in a superficial manner or in a simplistic descriptive style Correctly identifies key point or points (facts) but does not develop an appropriate explanation or argument if this is required Contains some minor errors or presents minor inaccuracies and misconceptions Little or no evidence of indepth analysis or deep understanding of the concept Answers can be understood but may be poorly worded or somewhat flawed due to poor grammar, expression or structure
Fail	0 - 49	Work may fail for any or all of the following criteria: No answer or response is provided Does not address or otherwise answer the question Contains numerous minor errors or presents a significant misconception Presents irrelevant material No evidence of research or analysis Presents a significantly inaccurate or flawed argument The answer is incomprehensible or difficult to understand due to significant problems with grammar, expression or structure

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.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	General topics in Veterinary Public Practice	Lecture (5 hr)
	Zoonoses	Lecture (11 hr)
	Food	Lecture (3 hr)
	Emergency Animal Disease	Lecture (5 hr)
	General topics tutorials	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Food tutorials	Tutorial (4 hr)
	Emergency animal disease tutorials	Tutorial (6 hr)
	Food practical classes	Practical (4 hr)
Week 01	Food	Independent study (6 hr)
Week 01	Emergency Animal Disease	Independent study (2 hr)

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

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. identify and articulate the contributions of veterinarians to the achievement of public health, one health, food security, animal welfare and biosecurity.

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 Attributes - 21. Recognition of the critical role of veterinarians in biosecurity and in the management of veterinary issues that have national and international implications American Veterinary Medical Association - 7. understanding of health promotion, and biosecurity, prevention and control of disease including zoonoses and principles of food safety 8. ethical and professional conduct; communication skills including those that demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity to how clients’ diversity and individual circumstance can impact health care European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 1.24. Recognise suspicious signs of possible notifiable, reportable and zoonotic diseases and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities. 1.26. Prescribe and dispense medicines correctly and responsibly in accordance with legislation and latest guidance. 1.27. Report suspected adverse reactions. 1.28. Apply principles of bio-security correctly, including sterilisation of equipment and disinfection of clothing. 1.35. Perform inspection of food and feed including post-mortem inspection of food producing animals and inspection in the field of food technology. 1.36. Advise on, and implement, preventative programmes appropriate to the species and in line with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.1. Epidemiology 2.10. General certification procedures 2.11. Communication skills 2.2. Transboundary animal diseases 2.3. Zoonoses 2.4. Emerging and reemerging diseases 2.5. Disease prevention and control programs 2.6. Food hygiene 2.7. Veterinary products 2.8. Animal welfare 2.9. Veterinary legislation and ethics

Responding to student feedback

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

It was pleasing to know that this unit provided a broader perspective on veterinary career options and that the relevance of aspects to everyday life was valued. The inclusion of guest lecturers and their discussion of real situations was a positive. On the basis of 2021 student feedback, more time for independent study is included in the 2022 timetable.

Additional information

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.

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

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

VETS6301: Veterinary Public Practice

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Camden, 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

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect