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Intro to the Veterinary Profession (VETS90122)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery
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This subject introduces students to aspects of professional practice for veterinarians, such as the role of the veterinarian in the community, characteristics of veterinary leadership and the skills required to work effectively as a team member and attend to the well-being of self and others. This subject also examines the major non-production animal industries in Australia and internationally, with a focus on the impact of management practices on the health and welfare of animal populations. Students will develop an appreciation of the major determinants of profitability, productivity and sustainability of these industries, be able to describe the basic principles of breeding, management, nutrition, animal welfare and disease control as they relate to non-production animal industries, and specify where veterinary input may be important. Students will gain an understanding of the ethical and legal frameworks that govern animal industries in Australia, assuring the safe, ethical and legal management of animals. Students will be given the opportunity to develop skills in risk assessment and handling of cattle, horses, sheep, dogs and cats before demonstrating their proficiency in the structured assessments.

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Describe the major non-production animal industries and the common management systems within them, and the role of the veterinarian in these industries
  • Describe the basic principles of breeding, management, nutrition, animal welfare and disease control as they relate to non-production animal systems and specify where veterinary input may be important
  • Apply principles of animal behaviour and risk assessment in order to safely handle and restrain the common domesticated animal species
  • Describe the ethical and legal frameworks that govern the major non-production animal industries in Australia in order to understand the role of the various players, including veterinarians, in assuring the safe, ethical and legal management of animals
  • Describe the varied roles of the veterinarian in the community and in industry, and develop and demonstrate the professional skills required to work effectively as a leader, a team member and independently
  • Attend to the well-being of self and others, including applying principles of personal financial risk management
  • Describe principles of scientific method and how research results are communicated and accessed

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students will:

  • Be able to seek solutions to problems through the application of knowledge, be able to initiate and integrate new ideas, appreciate the broad picture of science, and understand the importance and application of scientific method
  • Be able to deal with integrity and honesty with professional colleagues and clients
  • Have the capacity to demonstrate empathy and concern for animals and people
  • Have a deeper understanding of the vocational aspects of veterinary science
  • Have a heightened awareness of the veterinarian's role in society, and the capacity to be a leader in the community.

Last updated: 3 November 2022