Program Overview

Introduction to VSC218 Veterinary Practice 2

VSC218 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 to achieve its objectives.

Subject Objectives

The subject aims 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

Availability

The subject is available in two sessions:

• Session 1 (30) on the Wagga Wagga Campus
• Session 2 (60) on the Wagga Wagga Campus

Subject Information

Grading System

The grading system used is HD/FL.

Duration

The subject spans two sessions.

School

The subject is offered by the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences.

Enrolment Restrictions

Enrolment is restricted to students in the following programs:

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

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for this subject is VSC118.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• display a developing awareness of professional practice and the concept of being a professional
• behave in a professional and appropriate manner in the veterinary workplace
• 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
• critically evaluate a variety of resources and perspectives on animal welfare in the context of veterinary practice and animal production
• explain when euthanasia of an animal may be necessary and describe the methods that may be used, along with the legal and ethical considerations
• take a thoughtful, active, and courteous part in discussions based on a variety of veterinary issues encountered in the workplace
• describe the basic Calgary-Cambridge structure of the veterinary consultation and give examples of process and content skills
• demonstrate developing proficiency in communication skills with clients and colleagues
• present written and oral reports that display appropriate information gathering, critical thinking, and professional writing and speaking style
• 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

This 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

Workplace Learning

The subject contains a 4-day compulsory workplace learning component. 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, which have been audited for their suitability by university staff and have volunteered to be involved with the veterinary science program. Learning activities before the practice visits prepare students for their experience, and 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.

Special Resources

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