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Professional Veterinary Practice (VETS40018)
Undergraduate level 4Points: 100On Campus (Werribee)
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Year Long
Overview
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This subject is undertaken as a series of 25 weeks of scheduled clinical rotations, internally within the University Veterinary Hospital and in external placements, 19 weeks on extramural elective placements, and concludes with a one week capstone 'transition to the workplace' lecture and workshop series. The subject comprises 45 weeks of study.
This subject addresses and assesses the five core learning domains of Veterinary Professional Practice:
- Personal and Professional Development
- The Scientific Basis of Clinical Practice
- Clinical Skills
- Ethics and Animal Welfare, and
- Biosecurity and Population Health
The internal rotations include training in clinical disciplines such as; general practice, small animal medicine, small animal surgery/neurology, equine medicine and surgery, production animal medicine, diagnostic imaging, anaesthesiology, small animal emergency medicine and pathology.
The external rotations include training in clinical disciplines such as; veterinary public health, dairy cattle medicine and surgery, and shelter medicine and surgery.
Nineteen weeks of extramural elective placements must be completed, of which 15 weeks are scheduled in the final year rotation schedule. The remaining 4 weeks may be completed immediately after achieving passes in all subjects in Year 2 of the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (i.e. BVSc2). The scheduled 15 weeks must be completed after achieving passes in all subjects in BVSc3. These may be taken in sequences lasting from one to five weeks' duration. They may be undertaken in approved veterinary practices in Australia or internationally, in government veterinary laboratories or other organisations, or in a veterinary research environment. A research project may be undertaken during extramural elective rotations.
A compulsory Capstone series of lectures and workshops concludes the year with reviews of topics that prepare students for transition to the workplace. An annual research project under supervision of an appropriate mentor is also required to be completed.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an extensive body of contemporary knowledge encompassing all disciplines and aspects of veterinary science
- Apply research methodology and integrate knowledge and research skills to address a research question in veterinary science
- Apply knowledge and skills to solve problems that arise in practical settings and professional contexts in veterinary science and develop an integrated understanding of knowledge and practice
- Apply an understanding of the development of evidence-based practice and evidence-based methods in practical setting in veterinary science.
- Recognise the importance of and utilize evidence-based methods in veterinary practice
- Investigate, evaluate, interpret and manage problems encountered as a veterinary scientist employing practical skills and the application of knowledge
- Perform the Day One Competencies as outlined in the document Day One Competencies of a Graduate of the Melbourne School of Veterinary Science
- Graduate and register as a veterinarian with certifying bodies that recognise the DVM degree
- Contribute to the further advancement of veterinary knowledge and veterinary practice
Generic skills
Students completing this subject will:
- Be able to seek solutions to problems through the application of knowledge, the ability to initiate and integrate new ideas, an appreciation of the broad picture of science, and an understanding of the importance and application of scientific method
- Deal with integrity and honesty with professional colleagues, clients and the general public
- Demonstrate empathy and concern for animals and people
- Possess an understanding of both scientific and vocational aspects of veterinary science
- Be motivated to be a veterinarian, aware of the veterinarian’s place in society, and prepared to be a leader in the community
- Have broad knowledge of veterinary science and be able to develop intellectual and physical skills as circumstances dictate
- Be trained in all disciplines and aspects of veterinary science
- Be adaptable to changes in their specific field of employment and to advancements in veterinary science in general
- Be confident in their veterinary capabilities on day one post-graduation whilst recognising the limitations of their training
- Be aware of the global society and equipped to contribute to it
- Be a graduate of choice for employers
Last updated: 3 November 2022