Principles of Professional Practice PtA (VETS90070)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Werribee)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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This subject adopts a cross-species comparative approach, and has a focus on student acquisition of 'clinic readiness' in areas such as anaesthesiology, imaging, principles of surgery, oncology, emergency medicine, economics and business skills, and consultation technique. As some of these principles (for example: principles of imaging) will be required in other subjects studied during this year, they will be taught during an intensive period at the start of the year. Others (for example, practice economics and business skills) may form part of the 'transition to the clinic' program at the conclusion of DVM3.

Students will be introduced to principles of the diagnostic process, consultation technique, history taking, clinical examination and emergency examination, surgery, anaesthesia and analgesia, principles of imaging, preventative medicine and nutrition, economics, business skills, ethics and the law (including medical records), emergency and notifiable diseases and comparative and wildlife medicine. Throughout the year students will be given opportunities to apply these principles in the context of particular species and disease states, and to acquire proficiency in a defined list of clinical skills. Students’ understanding of the evidence base of clinical practice will be enhanced by participation in a research project.

Intended learning outcomes

This subject aims to equip students with a thorough understanding of the principles of clinical and professional practice, such that they are prepared for their transition to the final year of clinic based teaching (DVM4). In addition, students successfully completing this subject will have demonstrated competency in a designated list of clinical skills, and have developed communication skills appropriate for clinic-based interactions with clients and colleagues. Students' understanding of the evidence-base of good clinical practice will be enhanced by completion of a literature-based research project.

Generic skills

Students completing this subject will have developed:

  • An in-depth understanding of specific veterinary clinical disciplines
  • Manual dexterity and technical skills in the practical application of these disciplines
  • The ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, to trouble-shoot technical difficulties and to seek accurate solutions to complex biological problems
  • The capacity to apply a rigorous, critical and logical approach to problem-solving
  • Advanced experience in observation, interpretation of complex data, problem-solving, time management, record-keeping and communication in both written and verbal formats

Students will be able to research the scientific literature and to interpret reports in the scientific literature.

Last updated: 3 November 2022