VSC222 Veterinary Practice 2 (8)

This subject builds on previous learning in VSC122 (or VSC118) Veterinary Practice 1. Becoming a veterinarian involves learning scientific knowledge and practical skills but, equally importantly, also means engaging with complex real-world problems, understanding professional and animal ethics, and developing a professional identity. The subject content includes communication, animal welfare, professional ethics, institutions and legislation of the profession, veterinary business skills and self-care. Topics are presented separately, and subsequently integrated, drawing on authentic cases and scenarios. Professionalism is developed through practical classes and tutorials, in-class dialogue, and clinical workplace learning.

Availability

Year-long Period 1 (31)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: VSC222. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Only available to students enrolled in the:

  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)

Not available to students who have successfully completed VSC218.

Prerequisites

( VSC118 or VSC122 )

Subject Relationships

VSC218 replaced by VSC222

Incompatible Subjects

VSC218

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to display developing oral and written professional communication skills 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;
  • be able to demonstrate and analyse the behaviours, values and ethical standards expected of a novice professional through class activities and workplace learning, and in discussion with workplace supervisors, academic staff and peers;
  • be able to demonstrate developing knowledge of legal and ethical frameworks governing and influencing veterinary practice, animal welfare, and livestock industries;
  • be able to critically evaluate a variety of resources and perspectives on animal welfare, quality of life and euthanasia in the context of veterinary practice and animal production, including interpretation of relevant legislation and codes of practice;
  • be able to draw on and extend classroom learning in topics such as anatomy and physiology, and apply knowledge in practical classes, and to cases seen in the workplace or case-based material;
  • be able to take a thoughtful, active and courteous part in discussions based on classroom tasks or veterinary issues encountered in the workplace, including giving and receiving feedback; and
  • be able to demonstrate continued development of understanding about personal and professional learning and development needs, and sources of support.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Communication in clinical and academic settings
  • Evidence-based veterinary medicine
  • Applied anatomy and physiology in practical contexts
  • Animal welfare in veterinary practice
  • Veterinary business skills
  • Professional legislation and institutions
  • Veterinary wellbeing
  • Professionalism and ethics
  • Workplace learning in veterinary clinics

Workplace Learning

This subject contains a 2 days Compulsory Workplace Learning component.

The primary purpose of these short workplace learning experiences is to orientate and familiarise students to the variety of veterinary clinical settings and the workplace cultures encountered therein. Students visit one of 15 veterinary practices within a 2 hour driving time from Wagga. These practices have been assessed to ensure their suitability by university staff. Subject learning activities completed prior to the practice visits prepare students for their clinical experience. Students have specific objectives during their visits, which comprise of discussion topics and areas to observe. These objectives 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.

Special 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.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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