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VSC218 Veterinary Practice 2 (8)

Abstract

Veterinary Practice 2 is a professional practice subject that builds on the learning students have undertaken in Veterinary Practice 1. This subject provides students with appropriate experiences to further their personal and professional development. It uses principles of small group learning, active participation and integration in order to:
  • contextualise, consolidate and extend learning in scientific subjects using practical and case-based learning
  • support development of communication and relational capabilities
  • promote personal and professional development

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
InternalWagga Wagga Campus
Session 2
InternalWagga Wagga Campus
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: VSC218
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
Two sessionHD/FLSchool of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Enrolment restrictions

Bachelor of Veterinary Science
Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science
Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
students only
Prerequisite(s)
VSC118

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • display a developing awareness of professional practice and the concept of being a professional, in discussion with workplace supervisors, academic staff and peers.
  • be able to behave in a professional and appropriate manner in the veterinary workplace
  • be able to draw on and extend classroom learning in anatomy and physiology, and apply knowledge in practical classes and to cases seen in the workplace or case-based material.
  • be able to critically evaluate a variety of resources and perspectives on animal welfare in the context of veterinary practice and animal production, including interpretation of relevant legislation and codes of practice.
  • be able to explain when euthanasia of an animal may be necessary; describe the methods that may be used, and the legal and ethical considerations around this process.
  • be able to take a thoughtful, active and courteous part in discussions based on a variety of veterinary issues encountered in the workplace
  • be able to describe the basic Calgary-Cambridge structure of the veterinary consultation and give examples of process and content skills, and use the guide as the basis for a clinical scenario with a simulated client
  • be able to demonstrate developing proficiency in communication skills with clients and colleagues.
  • be able to present written and oral reports that display appropriate information gathering from a variety of sources, cited correctly in the text and in a reference list; a developing capability in critical thinking; a developing professional writing and speaking style appropriate to a variety of audiences.
  • be able to work according to evidence-based medicine principles and demonstrate application of these principles in relation to on campus classes and workplace learning activities.
  • continue to develop the practice of reflecting on experiences in workplaces and on campus, and representing these reflections in written or spoken form.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  • Workplace learning in veterinary clinics
  • Client and colleague communication.
  • Evidence based medicine
  • Animal welfare in veterinary practice
  • Ethical, social and professional dimensions of veterinary practice
  • Anatomy and physiology in practice contexts

Work Place Learning

This subject contains a Compulsory Workplace Learning component of 4 days duration. The primary purpose of these short workplace learning experiences is for orientation and familiarisation to the variety of veterinary clinical settings and the workplace cultures encountered therein. Students visit two of 15 veterinary practices within a 2 hour driving time from Wagga. These practices have been visited and audited for their suitability by university staff, and have volunteered to be invoved with the veterinary science program. Learning activities before the practice visits prepare students for their experience. Students have specific objectives during their visits, which comprise discussion topics and areas to observe. These are discussed afterwards in small group debriefs with academic staff who have clinical experience. Students can contact academic staff at any time to discuss concerns or any issues they encounter while in workplaces.

Specialised Resources

Students are required to make their own way to their work placement at participating practices. These locations are a maximum of 2 hours travelling time from Wagga, and students will travel in pairs.

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The information contained in the 2015 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 01 October 2015. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.