Veterinary Professional Studies

Subject 250-105 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 6.25
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 26 hours of lectures, computer laboratory, library and workshop exercises.
Total Time Commitment: 72 hours (minimum)
Prerequisites: Entry to the Bachelor of Veterinary Science course gives automatic entry to this compulsory first-year subject.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Prof Ken Hinchcliff
Subject Overview: Veterinary Professional Studies lays the foundation for the veterinary course at the University of Melbourne. It provides a framework to view the structure and organisation of the veterinary profession and its interaction with other professions and the community. The subject gives a broad overview of the profession as well as investigating the process and technology of information analysis and communication that relates to veterinarians in their professional work and development. Practical examples are used to demonstrate the requirement to work in teams involved in the management of animals in society. Details regarding team development and understanding of why teams fail or succeed are presented and discussed. The subject also details the attributes expected of veterinarians as students progress through the Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne and once they graduate. A brief introduction to veterinary ethics and laws regulating professional activities is given to assist students understand the framework under which the veterinary profession operates.
Objectives:

At the completion of this course the student should:

  • be able to explain the organisation of the veterinary profession and the responsibilities of veterinarians in the management of animals in society;
  • be familiar with and be able to locate reference material dealing with the ethical, moral and legal conventions associated with veterinary practice;
  • be able to outline some of the common issues in society based around animals and objectively compare differing viewpoints on these issues;
  • be able to identify the generic skills, attributes and competencies expected of a graduate in veterinary science.
Assessment: One 2-hour end of semester written examination (50%), a syndicate project presented orally mid-semester (24%) with follow-up syndicate essay of up to 2,000 words (24%). A 500 word reflective essay on student experience in practical team sessions (2%).
Prescribed Texts: There are no prescribed texts for this subject. Stuents will be advised of any relevant material via the Learning Management System (LMS).
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

As a result of study in this subject, students should progressively acquire the following general skills:

  • be able to demonstrate effective team work within a small team both in person and via electronic means, within given time frames;
  • be able to use libraries and computers to collect, appraise and present data;
  • be able to critically evaluate reference material and present an objective written report on the material comparing different viewpoints;
  • be able to organise and produce an effective, oral group presentation;
  • the start of a recorded continuing professional development program
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Veterinary Science
Bachelor of Veterinary Science(PV)

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