Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Veterinary Science School
This course provides a general introduction to the veterinary profession and industry, professional studies, critical research skills and an evidence-based approach to veterinary practice. VETS1018 covers a range of foundational topics for veterinary science and veterinary technology students.
'Veterinary Professional Foundations' provides a general introduction to the veterinary profession and industry, foundational clinical knowledge and skills,ﾠevidence based veterinary medicine and veterinary research skills. As such, VETS1018ﾠexplores a range of important topics that underpin the activities of veterinarians and veterinary technologists. As is the case in veterinary practice, veterinary science and veterinary technology student cohortsﾠwill work together in VETS1018. Foundational research skills explored in this subject will prepare students for assignments across the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons) and Bachelor of Veterinary Technology programmes, and for continued professional development following graduation.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
There are no specific prerequisites for this course over and above those required for entry into the veterinary science or veterinary technology program. The research skill component of the course builds on topics covered in the Queensland Senior Mathematical Methods syllabus. Students are expected to be familiar with concepts such as types of variables; graphical displays including bar charts, histograms, boxplots; summary statistics and measures of spread such as mean, median, standard deviation, interquartile distance; and probability distributions including the normal distribution. Some understanding of the roles of veterinarians and veterinary technologists in the Australian veterinary profession and industry would be useful.
Restrictions
Enrolment restricted to Veterinary Science and Veterinary Technology students only
Course contact
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Course staff
Lecturer
Mrs Courtney Stewart
Mrs Iffy Glendinning
Mr Jamie Knox
Guest lecturer
Dr Patricia Clarke
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please check your course Blackboard site frequently for the latest Timetable information.
Please note that unexpected changes to the Timetable may occur throughout the Semester. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly check the course Blackboard site. Any updates to the timetable will be communicated to students via Blackboard Announcements.
Aims and outcomes
Veterinary Professional Foundations provides a general introduction to the veterinary industry and explores a range of foundational topics that underpin the skills, knowledge and attitude/values of veterinary personnel. The course will also provide an introduction to research skills for veterinary research. VETS1018 introduces elements of veterinary professional practice (the 'art') and fundamental research skills (the 'science' of veterinary science), highlighting how these elements are both symbiotic and essential for veterinary professional teams.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Outline the origins and contemporary status of the veterinary profession and allied animal health industries including key notions (eg. professionalism, interprofessional practice) and related frameworks and governance.
LO2.
Describe the nature of veterinary service provision in terms of inclusive communication, human-animal connections (including Indigenous Australian perspectives), veterinary ethics and one welfare.
LO3.
Apply general patient care approaches and management principles within the context of contemporary veterinary practice.
LO4.
Apply the principles of evidence-based veterinary medicine to develop and answer research questions.
LO5.
Critically evaluate the scientific literature and investigate, analyse and interpret data to make evidence-based decisions in veterinary science.
LO6.
Engage in personal and professional development linked to academic support and success, research skills, wellness and career planning.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
In-semester Exam
|
40% |
17/04/2025 |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Practical Exam
|
20% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
School-based Prac Exam |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
In-semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
17/04/2025
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Time limited.
Task description
This examination will cover selected content from Weeks 1-6. See Blackboard Timetable for more information.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).
If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.
Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.
Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.
Practical Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
School-based Prac Exam
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L03
Task description
A practical examination relating to the content from all clinical workshops. Refer to Skills List to be provided. See Blackboard for further information.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).
If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.
Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.
Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.
End of Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L04, L05, L06
Task description
This examination will cover selected content from Weeks 1-13. See Blackboard Timetable for more information.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).
If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.
Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.
Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 0-29% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 30-44% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Overall mark of 45-49% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 50-64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 65-74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 75-84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 85-100% |
Additional course grading information
To pass VETS1018
Students must achieve an overall mark of at least 50% (i.e. for the combined assessment tasks).
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) (BVSc(Hons) students ONLY)
A passing grade must be attained in ALL Year One courses prior to the commencement of the Animal Husbandry & Pre-Clinical Work Integrated Learning (WIL) milestone.
Grade calculations
When rounding final marks for grade calculations, part marks of <0.5 will be ROUNDED DOWN to the nearest whole number, and part marks of >/= 0.5 will be ROUNDED UP to the nearest whole number.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Assessment using the Inspera platform
Students must click the ‘SUBMIT NOW’ button on the summary page to submit their answers. After submission, a confirmation will appear on the dashboard indicating that the answers have been submitted and can no longer be edited.
For all exams lasting 60, 90, 120, or 180 minutes, an additional 10 minutes of planning time is provided to read the questions and plan responses, though students may start working immediately if they choose.
It’s crucial to ensure your laptop meets the device requirements for Inspera assessments before the exam. If you don’t have a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. Check Get Familiar with Inspera for the most up-to-date information about using the platform. Note that power outlets will not be available during exams.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services
Harmonising study and life commitments and seeking help early when needed is essential for successfully navigating university studies. UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) and UQU Student Advocacy and Support (SAS) offer numerous resources for BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech students, including various mindfulness programs and counselling services to boost confidence and promote overall physical and mental wellbeing.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the UQ Counselling and Crisis Line on 1300 851 998 (available 24/7, 365 days a year).
The Hub
The Student Clinical Skills Hub is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art self-directed learning facility located centrally in the School (John Mahon (8105), Room 101) with two main areas and an online resource community available for all SVS students.
The Hub has a lab where students can practice their clinical skills using standard veterinary equipment, on simulators and/or models in conjunction with supporting audio-visual resources and a smaller communications suite with two working consult rooms, a viewing room and a debriefing space.
The Hub’s aim is to provide a safe, authentic, self-directed learning environment where students can practice their clinical skills in accordance with individual competences beyond the scheduled contact hours of their programs and further enhance their capacity for self-directed, lifelong learning.
If you cannot access the community or have any other questions, please contact the Hub Coordinator via svs-hub@uq.edu.au or ext 15046.
SVS BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech Student Support
The 2025 School of Veterinary Science Student Support Blackboard Site can be found by visiting [SCIE0586] Student Support for BVSc & BVetTech programs 2025 SCIE0586_7520_00101
This site contains links to valuable resources and information for all BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech students. Here you will find information on topics such as:
- Orientation and new student information
- Mental health and wellbeing
- OH&S
- Program rules and requirements
- Study planners
- Equity, diversity and inclusion
- Study help and support
- Useful SVS staff contacts –
- Academic Student Mentors, International Student Mentor, Peers Support Network, SVS Academic Progression and Integrity Officer, SVS Chief Examiner, SVS Director of Students and Admissions, etc.
- SVS Student Information Resource Handbook
The site also offers a way for you to share your valuable feedback directly with the School about your experiences as a student. We welcome and encourage your input, as it helps us continually improve our processes. If you have a formal grievance regarding academic or teaching standards, please refer to the Student Grievance Resolution Policy to understand your options and the steps you can take.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Workshop |
Patient Care Foundations Workshops These Workshops cover key features of clinical veterinary practice in Australia related to staff roles, premises, equipment and workflow; how to establish the general health of a veterinary patient and how to apply general first aid and patient care principles for small and large animals; the general principles, terminology, equipment and team roles that underpin the practice of veterinary medicine, therapeutics and surgery. Sub-activity: Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Multiple weeks |
General contact hours |
Professional Orientations Lectures This lecture series provides a broad introduction to foundational topics relevant to the veterinary profession and industry in Australia, attributes of professions and emergent professions, inter professional practice, reflective practice, professional ethics, one welfare and how these relate to the legislative framework in which the veterinary team operates, general communication strategies useful to the veterinary team and the fundamentals of veterinary medical terminology, the nature of the human-animal bond (including Indigenous Australian perspectives) and why these concepts are important for members of the veterinary healthcare team. Sub-activity: Veterinary industry: Foundations Veterinary industry: Current status Professionalism and interprofessional practice 1 Human-Animal Bond (First Nation perspectives) Introduction to clinical communication 1 Introduction to Key Legislation for Veterinary Industry One Welfare Career planning tips Human-animal bond Ethics For Veterinary Teams International Animal Health BVSc/BVT Careers Forum |
General contact hours |
The 'Science' of Veterinary Science Lectures This lecture series covers the principles of evidence-based veterinary medicine, how to access, review and critically appraise peer-reviewed veterinary medical literature, the general features, advantages and disadvantages of veterinary epidemiological study designs, how to perform calculations of measures of association in veterinary practice and in veterinary research, apply the principles of causality in clinical and research activities and general statistical methods of relevance to veterinary research. Sub-activity: How to read a Scientific Paper Introduction to Evidence Based Veterinary Medicine (EBVM) Study Design Measures of association (MOA) Bias and confounding Causation Introduction to Statistics Statistical Approaches Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
The 'Science' of Veterinary Science Tutorials These tutorials cover the principles of evidence-based veterinary medicine, how to access, review and critically appraise peer-reviewed veterinary medical literature, the general features, advantages and disadvantages of veterinary epidemiological study designs, how to perform calculations of measures of association in veterinary practice and in veterinary research, apply the principles of causality in clinical and research activities and general statistical methods of relevance to veterinary research. Sub-activity: Study Design Tutorials (online and Face to Face) MOA Tutorial half class (in-class) Causation Tutorial Revision EBVM EBVM Mock Exam Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
|
General contact hours |
Patient Care Foundations Lectures This lecture series covers key features of clinical veterinary practice in Australia related to staff roles, premises, equipment and workflow; how to establish the general health of a veterinary patient and how to apply general first aid and patient care principles for small and large animals; the general principles, terminology, equipment and team roles that underpin the practice of veterinary medicine, diagnostics, therapeutics, imaging, anaesthesia and surgery. Sub-activity: Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
General contact hours |
Academic Success, Self-care, and Wellness Lectures These lectures cover the nature of personal support and wellness programmes available for UQ students; the nature of work in the veterinary industry and strategies for supporting wellness during your studies and following graduation; the nature of academic student support available for UQ students and tips for successfully approaching lectures, note-taking, time management, assignments and study for examinations; foundational research skills, including library and database searching; the nature of employability and tips to prepare a basic resume to build throughout your programme, and capitalise on the range of career preparation opportunities afforded during your time studying at UQ Sub-activity: Learning outcomes: L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.