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Unit outline_

VETS6321: Abattoir Placement

Intensive October, 2024 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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
The census date for this unit availability is 27 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Tutorial quiz Tutorial quizzes
Open Book. 20 minutes each (7 quizzes at 20 minutes)
0% Week -01 20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task Supervisor Report Form
Supervisor Report Form (SRF)
0% Week -01 Not applicable
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Placement Rotation feedback form
Set questions to be answered.
0% Week -01 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes

Attendance and class requirements

Due to new site access conditions the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is unable to ensure access to on-plant veterinarians (OPVs) at export establishments for ALL DVM 3 students in 2024. Hence, your two-day abattoir placements scheduled during semester breaks have been replaced this year by Online Abattoir Training.


This Online Abattoir Training comprises modules designed to deliver important knowledge and understanding that would normally be attained during abattoir placements. Please note: completion of abattoir training is essential to satisfy the requirements of your degree.

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 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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
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.
12. Assess and triage animals in an emergency, perform first aid to stabilise the patient, and refer promptly to appropriate colleagues as needed.
13. Assess and manage pain.
14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely.
15. Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings.
16. Assess and advise, at individual and population levels, on clinical and production factors such as the physical condition, welfare, nutritional status, performance and associated management factors of an animal/ group of animals.
17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems.
18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals.
19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities.
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.
20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species
3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context.
4. Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis.
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.
6. Develop appropriate treatment and preventive plans and administer appropriate treatments
7. Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts.
8. Utilise traditional and digital technologies and information sources to inform patient care and manage health data.
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 - OIE
2.1. Epidemiology
2.2. Transboundary animal diseases
2.3. Zoonoses
2.8. Animal welfare
3.5. Application of risk analysis
LO2
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely.
15. Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings.
16. Assess and advise, at individual and population levels, on clinical and production factors such as the physical condition, welfare, nutritional status, performance and associated management factors of an animal/ group of animals.
17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems.
18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals.
19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities.
20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species
21. Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment.
22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC).
23. Perform antemortem and postmortem inspection of animals and make appropriate decisions to protect the food chain and animal welfare at the point of slaughter.
24. Apply veterinary elements of food safety standards and practices throughout the production chain, including on the farm and during food processing.
25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context.
26. Maintain accurate, consistent, and contemporaneous records in a clinic database, which allows for case transfer and protects client privacy.
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.
29. Collaborate with external referral, diagnostic and other professional services, including providing an appropriate history and clear communication.
30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body.
31. Issue certificates, applying principles appropriate to 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.
34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted.
35. Reflect on personal actions, including inviting and responding to constructive feedback on performance.
36. Practise time management, including recognising the impact of time management on stakeholders and self.
37. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the organisation, management, business principles, legislation related to veterinary business(es), and personal financial management.
38. Promote health and safety of patients, clients, colleagues and themselves in the veterinary setting, including applying risk management principles to practice.
39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
40. Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
2.1. Epidemiology
2.2. Transboundary animal diseases
2.3. Zoonoses
2.4. Emerging and reemerging diseases
2.5. Disease prevention and control programs
2.8. Animal welfare
3.5. Application of risk analysis
LO3
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
15. Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings.
23. Perform antemortem and postmortem inspection of animals and make appropriate decisions to protect the food chain and animal welfare at the point of slaughter.
24. Apply veterinary elements of food safety standards and practices throughout the production chain, including on the farm and during food processing.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
2.5. Disease prevention and control programs
2.6. Food hygiene
2.8. Animal welfare
3.2. Inspection and certification procedures
3.3. Management of contagious diseases
3.4. Food hygiene (2)
3.5. Application of risk analysis
3.7. International trade framework
LO4
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - AVBC
25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context.
26. Maintain accurate, consistent, and contemporaneous records in a clinic database, which allows for case transfer and protects client privacy.
30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body.
31. Issue certificates, applying principles appropriate to the relevant veterinary statutory body.
37. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the organisation, management, business principles, legislation related to veterinary business(es), and personal financial management.
38. Promote health and safety of patients, clients, colleagues and themselves in the veterinary setting, including applying risk management principles to practice.
39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice.
40. Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - OIE
2.10. General certification procedures
2.11. Communication skills
2.9. Veterinary legislation and ethics
3.1. Organisation of Veterinary Services
3.2. Inspection and certification procedures
3.6. Research
3.7. International trade framework
3.8. Administration and management

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

Feedback is valued and considered.

Site visit guidelines

Please refer to Canvas.

Work, health and safety

The Abattoir unit of study for 2024 will be delivered online. 

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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