Outline

Overview

The 2-day Abattoir Placement provides practical exposure to the work that veterinarians do in export abattoirs. The placement builds on content delivered in earlier years of the degree, as well as VETS6301 Veterinary Public Practice (e. g. foodborne zoonoses, carcass inspection, abattoir pathology, chemical residues testing, and animal welfare at slaughter). During this placement you will be under the supervision of an On-Plant Veterinarian (OPV) who will liaise with the School, review the aims of the rotation with you, and assess your performance via a standard report form. You are expected to fully participate in agreed activities whilst attending the placement. Abattoir placements are a mandatory requirement of the DVM and are undertaken at Sydney School of Veterinary Science approved placements at export abattoir sites in Australia and overseas. You will complete this 2-day placement after completion of the food safety content in VETS6301 in Semester 1 within one of the School's prescribed rotation periods.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	0
Prerequisites ?	VETS6101 and VETS6102 and VETS6103 and VETS6104 and VETS6105 and VETS6106 and VETS6107 and VETS6108 and VETS6121 and VETS6122 and VETS6123 and VETS6124 and VETS6125 and VETS6126 and VETS6127 and VETS6128 and VETS6201 and VETS6202 and VETS6203 and VETS6204 and VETS6205 and VETS6206 and VETS6207 and VETS6208 and VETS6221 and VETS6222
Corequisites ?	VETS6301
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Content of all DVM Year 1, Year 2 units of study, VETS6301
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Russell Bush, russell.bush@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Russell Bush, russell.bush@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Placement	Rotation feedback form Set questions to be answered.	0%	Multiple weeks	Set questions to be answered.
Outcomes assessed:
Placement	Supervisor Report Form Set questions answered by supervisor.	0%	Multiple weeks	Set questions answered by supervisor.
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

SUPERVISOR REPORT FORM

A standard Supervisor Report Form is used for grading all placements. At the end of the placement students should organise a meeting with their supervisor to discuss their overall performance. The Supervisor will then complete and sign the Supervisor Report Form, before sending it to the School Office.

If your work is considered unsatisfactory overall, you will be informed of further action as soon as possible. If you have any grievances about your performance evaluation after this meeting, you should raise them with the School Office in the first instance.

ROTATION FEEDBACK

You are required to evaluate your learning experience in each placement using the Rotation Feedback Form, which should be completed after the final meeting with your Supervisor. Student interns need not discuss their evaluation of the placement experience with the Supervisor, unless specifically asked for feedback. You must submit this form at the end of your placement.

Please note: completion of abattoir training is essential to satisfy the requirements of your degree.

Assessment criteria

Assessment

title

Description

of assessment

Indiv. or

group?

Weight

% final mark

Due date & time

Supervisor report form

Report Form

Individual

Proficient, satisfactory or Unsatisfactory

End of placement

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	Learning outcomes

Attendance and class requirements

During this placement it is expected that the student will become an honorary staff member and work closely with the On-Plant Veterinarian and his/her delegates. A student intern’s commitment – in terms of time and attendance – will thus be negotiated between the student intern and the On-Plant Veterinarian with the understanding that the School expects interns to work similar hours to those expected of a full time employee of the site.

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.

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. Apply knowledge from pre-clinical and para-clinical units of study to common situations encountered in export abattoirs.
LO2. Understand the role of on plant veterinarians (OPV) and meat inspectors at export abattoirs.
LO3. Show competence in relevant technical skills relevant to postmortem inspections.
LO4. Demonstrate knowledge on major legislative and regulatory frameworks relevant to animal welfare, the slaughter process as well as food quality.

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
	Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Day One Competencies - 10. Understand and apply principles of clinical governance, and practise evidence-based veterinary medicine. 11. Use their professional capabilities to contribute to the advancement of veterinary knowledge, in order to improve the quality of animal care and public health. 2. Understand the ethical and legal responsibilities of the veterinary surgeon in relation to patients, clients, society and the environment. 3. Demonstrate a knowledge of the organisation, management and legislation related to a veterinary business. 4. Promote, monitor and maintain health and safety in the veterinary setting; demonstrate knowledge of systems of quality assurance; apply principles of risk management to their practice. 8. Understand the economic and emotional context in which the veterinary surgeon operates.
	Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Day One Competencies - 10. Understand and apply principles of clinical governance, and practise evidence-based veterinary medicine. 11. Use their professional capabilities to contribute to the advancement of veterinary knowledge, in order to improve the quality of animal care and public health. 12. Demonstrate ability to cope with incomplete information, deal with contingencies, and adapt to change. 13. Demonstrate that they recognise personal and professional limits, and know how to seek professional advice, assistance and support when necessary. 14. Demonstrate a commitment to learning and professional development, both personal and as a member of a profession actively engaged in work-based learning. This includes recording and reflecting on professional experience and taking measures to improve performance and competence. 15. Take part in self-audit and peer-group review processes in order to improve performance. 16. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group, and its/their environment. 18. Perform a complete clinical examination. 2. Understand the ethical and legal responsibilities of the veterinary surgeon in relation to patients, clients, society and the environment. 21. Assess the physical condition, welfare and nutritional status of an animal or group of animals and advise the client on principles of husbandry and feeding. 22. Collect, preserve and transport samples, select appropriate diagnostic tests, interpret and understand the limitations of the test results. 23. Communicate clearly and collaborate with referral and diagnostic services, including providing an appropriate history. 25. Recognise suspicious signs of possible notifiable, reportable and zoonotic diseases and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities. 3. Demonstrate a knowledge of the organisation, management and legislation related to a veterinary business. 30. Apply principles of bio-security correctly, including sterilisation of equipment and disinfection of clothing. 34. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely, using an appropriate method, whilst showing sensitivity to the feelings of owners and others, with due regard to the safety of those present; advise on disposal of the carcass. 35. Perform a systematic gross post-mortem examination, record observations, sample tissues, store and transport them. 36. Perform ante-mortem inspection of animals destined for the food-chain, including paying attention to welfare aspects; correctly identify conditions affecting the quality and safety of products of animal origin, to exclude those animals whose condition means their products are unsuitable for the foodchain. 37. Advise on, and implement, preventative programmes appropriate to the species and in line with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards. 4. Promote, monitor and maintain health and safety in the veterinary setting; demonstrate knowledge of systems of quality assurance; apply principles of risk management to their practice. 5. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience concerned. 6. Prepare accurate clinical and client records, and case reports when necessary, in a form satisfactory to colleagues and understandable by the public. 7. Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of services. 8. Understand the economic and emotional context in which the veterinary surgeon operates. 9. Be able to review and evaluate literature and presentations critically.
	Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Day One Competencies - 10. Understand and apply principles of clinical governance, and practise evidence-based veterinary medicine. 11. Use their professional capabilities to contribute to the advancement of veterinary knowledge, in order to improve the quality of animal care and public health. 12. Demonstrate ability to cope with incomplete information, deal with contingencies, and adapt to change. 14. Demonstrate a commitment to learning and professional development, both personal and as a member of a profession actively engaged in work-based learning. This includes recording and reflecting on professional experience and taking measures to improve performance and competence. 15. Take part in self-audit and peer-group review processes in order to improve performance. 16. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group, and its/their environment. 22. Collect, preserve and transport samples, select appropriate diagnostic tests, interpret and understand the limitations of the test results. 23. Communicate clearly and collaborate with referral and diagnostic services, including providing an appropriate history. 25. Recognise suspicious signs of possible notifiable, reportable and zoonotic diseases and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities. 30. Apply principles of bio-security correctly, including sterilisation of equipment and disinfection of clothing. 35. Perform a systematic gross post-mortem examination, record observations, sample tissues, store and transport them. 4. Promote, monitor and maintain health and safety in the veterinary setting; demonstrate knowledge of systems of quality assurance; apply principles of risk management to their practice. 5. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience concerned. 6. Prepare accurate clinical and client records, and case reports when necessary, in a form satisfactory to colleagues and understandable by the public. 7. Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of services. 9. Be able to review and evaluate literature and presentations critically.
	Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Day One Competencies - 10. Understand and apply principles of clinical governance, and practise evidence-based veterinary medicine. 2. Understand the ethical and legal responsibilities of the veterinary surgeon in relation to patients, clients, society and the environment. 3. Demonstrate a knowledge of the organisation, management and legislation related to a veterinary business. 30. Apply principles of bio-security correctly, including sterilisation of equipment and disinfection of clothing. 37. Advise on, and implement, preventative programmes appropriate to the species and in line with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards. 4. Promote, monitor and maintain health and safety in the veterinary setting; demonstrate knowledge of systems of quality assurance; apply principles of risk management to their practice. 5. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience concerned. 6. Prepare accurate clinical and client records, and case reports when necessary, in a form satisfactory to colleagues and understandable by the public. 7. Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of services. 9. Be able to review and evaluate literature and presentations critically.

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Day One Competencies -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
10		Understand and apply principles of clinical governance, and practise evidence-based veterinary medicine.
11		Use their professional capabilities to contribute to the advancement of veterinary knowledge, in order to improve the quality of animal care and public health.
12		Demonstrate ability to cope with incomplete information, deal with contingencies, and adapt to change.
13		Demonstrate that they recognise personal and professional limits, and know how to seek professional advice, assistance and support when necessary.
14		Demonstrate a commitment to learning and professional development, both personal and as a member of a profession actively engaged in work-based learning. This includes recording and reflecting on professional experience and taking measures to improve performance and competence.
15		Take part in self-audit and peer-group review processes in order to improve performance.
16		Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group, and its/their environment.
18		Perform a complete clinical examination.
2		Understand the ethical and legal responsibilities of the veterinary surgeon in relation to patients, clients, society and the environment.
21		Assess the physical condition, welfare and nutritional status of an animal or group of animals and advise the client on principles of husbandry and feeding.
22		Collect, preserve and transport samples, select appropriate diagnostic tests, interpret and understand the limitations of the test results.
23		Communicate clearly and collaborate with referral and diagnostic services, including providing an appropriate history.
25		Recognise suspicious signs of possible notifiable, reportable and zoonotic diseases and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities.
3		Demonstrate a knowledge of the organisation, management and legislation related to a veterinary business.
30		Apply principles of bio-security correctly, including sterilisation of equipment and disinfection of clothing.
34		Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely, using an appropriate method, whilst showing sensitivity to the feelings of owners and others, with due regard to the safety of those present; advise on disposal of the carcass.
35		Perform a systematic gross post-mortem examination, record observations, sample tissues, store and transport them.
36		Perform ante-mortem inspection of animals destined for the food-chain, including paying attention to welfare aspects; correctly identify conditions affecting the quality and safety of products of animal origin, to exclude those animals whose condition means their products are unsuitable for the foodchain.
37		Advise on, and implement, preventative programmes appropriate to the species and in line with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards.
4		Promote, monitor and maintain health and safety in the veterinary setting; demonstrate knowledge of systems of quality assurance; apply principles of risk management to their practice.
5		Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience concerned.
6		Prepare accurate clinical and client records, and case reports when necessary, in a form satisfactory to colleagues and understandable by the public.
7		Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of services.
8		Understand the economic and emotional context in which the veterinary surgeon operates.
9		Be able to review and evaluate literature and presentations critically.

Responding to student feedback

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

This is the first year this unit has run as a formal unit for on-site placements.

Additional information

Additional costs

Students to cover costs. See handbook for financial support links.

Site visit guidelines

See specific requirements for each site.

Work, health and safety

Abattoir placements involve potential exposure to sharps (scalpels and knives) and contact with potentially infectious material (especially Q fever, leptospirosis, foodborne pathogens such as E. coli, and Toxoplasma). To minimize the risks involved:

All students should be vaccinated against tetanus and Q fever or have a certificate stating they are not eligible for vaccination against Q fever. Students should carry their Q fever vaccination certificate with them as abattoirs may ask for evidence.
Students should take with them: clean overalls, lab coat, gum boots (disinfected prior to arrival) and a box of gloves. Additional PPE will be provided by the abattoir.
Students should remove all jewellery/watches and cover any pre-existing cuts before arrival at site, and wash hands regularly and thoroughly whilst on site.

Students who are pregnant or immunocompromised should discuss with the AP Coordinator well in advance of the placement so that risks can be appropriately managed.

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

Attendance and class requirements

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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

VETS6321: Abattoir Placement

Intensive April, 2023 [Professional practice] - 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

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect