Professional Portfolio

This subject is not offered in 2016.

170 hours

Students must take the following subjects at the same time as this subject:

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

This subject provides Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students with the opportunity to develop enhanced skills and knowledge in their professional area of interest. Students will choose to develop their portfolio in one of; Small Animals, Equine, Production Animals or Government, Industry and Conservation Health. Students will undertake small group practical classes applicable to their chosen field, and record their achievement of relevant professional skills in their portfolio. Students will also undertake advanced training in clinical communication through participation in simulated consultation sessions. This subject also provides careers training and equips students with skills to enhance their resilience and wellbeing in the workplace.

On completion of this subject, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate competency in a specific list of clinical and non-clinical professional skills in their chosen discipline
• Demonstrate the manual dexterity and technical skills required for professional practice in their chosen discipline
• Demonstrate communication skills appropriate for veterinary professional interactions with clients and colleagues
• Develop a detailed career plan and write an appropriate curriculum vitae for a position in their field of interest

All assessments in this subject are hurdle requirements:

• Written professional portfolio due at the end-of-the-year
• Participation in communications practicals throughout semester
• Participation in careers and wellbeing training throughout semester
• Recorded simulated job interview throughout semester to be completed by week three semester 2

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students completing this subject will have developed:

• the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, to trouble-shoot technical difficulties
• advanced experience in observation, interpretation of complex data, problem-solving, time management, record-keeping and communication in both written and verbal formats
• communication skills appropriate for professional and clinical contexts
• the ability to deal with integrity and honesty with professional colleagues and clients
• empathy and concern for animals and people
• an understanding of the vocational aspects of veterinary science
• a heightened awareness of the veterinarian’s role in society, and prepared to be a leader in the community

To enrol in this subject students must have satisfactorily completed all subjects in the second year of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.