Course coordinator
Dr Kate Dutton-Regester
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Veterinary Science School
One Health represents the intersection between human medicine, veterinary/animal science, and ecosystems health. It refers to the complex interplay of infectious or toxic agent, various host species, and the environment in mediating the emergence and dissemination of disease. Although not a new idea, the One Health concept has been recently re-invigorated because of its value in understanding and controlling Emerging Infectious Diseases (i.e. Hendra virus or SARS). The majority of these diseases are zoonotic or involve animal interaction, so biological scientists and veterinarians play a key role in this process. However, a true One Health approach requires multi-disciplinary expertise, including sociological, agricultural, ecological and non-technical knowledge and skills. This course provides an introduction to One Health concepts and approaches.
More than 60% of infectious diseases of humans have an animal origin, some of which can have devastating consequences to the health and wellbeing of human and animal populations. These diseases are termed zoonoses, and globally, governments employ a One Health approach to dealing with the complex health problems that arise at the human-animal interface. This course is unique in that it offers a chance for undergraduate students to commence One Health training early in their studies. This is in contrast to most One Health programs, which are delivered as postgraduateﾠ extensions to re-contextualise already acquired knowledge in discipline areas such as infectious diseases, food security, toxicology, biostatistics and epidemiology. Instead, this course aims to arm students with an understanding of One Health disease transmission and control concepts and approaches that they can apply to their training and practice as they continue their studies. This course offers a unique blend of training in human and animal disease control and epidemiology,ﾠpublic health sciences and communication applied to disease surveillance and response, environmental health, and multidisciplinary research skills. All sessions in this course are broadcast between the Gatton and St Lucia Campuses.
Course requirements
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- Another instance of the same course
Same course run instantaneously through Gatton campus
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Kate Dutton-Regester
Professor Ricardo Soares Magalhaes
Tutor
Dr Lea Indjean
Miss Lauren Sam
Dr Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
Dr Josefina Abedin
Teacher
Dr Kate Dutton-Regester
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course will be video linked between Gatton and St Lucia in designated rooms.
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
VETS1030 aims to equip students with the ability to understand and apply a One Health approach to the control and prevention of zoonotic infectious diseases and public health practice. It will allow students to develop skills to independently research and understand key biological facts about zoonoses of One Health importance. Students will learn to work in teams to build and assimilate various One Health themes (e.g. drivers for disease emergence, methods of disease surveillance, control and pandemic preparedness). It will also enhance students' understanding of the value of multi-disciplinary approaches to complex problem solving and broaden students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills to broad cultural and disciplinary contexts.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Develop and describe key concepts in One Health, including how medical, veterinary, ecological disciplinary fields intersect.
LO2.
Using topical examples, outline the causes of health issues at the human-animal interface, their impacts and approaches to control and prevention.
LO3.
Work independently to access, assimilate and critically evaluate information pertaining to One Health scenarios.
LO4.
Use effective teamwork to investigate, problem-solve and evaluate One Health scenarios.
LO5.
Apply One Health concepts and skills to different contexts (e.g. societal, geographic), recognising the global importance and approaches to control for One Health problems.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | One Health Assignment | 30% |
1/09/2025 - 10/10/2025 |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Assessment Sequence: Tutorial Case Studies
|
30% 15% each |
18/09/2025 12:00 pm 24/10/2025 12:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Assessment details
One Health Assignment
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
1/09/2025 - 10/10/2025
Task description
Learning Objectives
On completion of this assessment, students will demonstrate their ability to:
- Critically evaluate and synthesise factual information relating to One Health
- Interpret and communicate scientific knowledge to a broad audience
- Reflect on concepts and interventions for One Health disease control
Instructions
STEP 1: Choose a One Health Topic
- Select a disease or health issue relevant to One Health (intersecting animal, human, and environmental health).
- The OneHealther magazine (https://flipboard.com/@rjsmagalhaes/the-onehealther-7769qhifz ) is a recommended source.
- Confirm topic choice with the course coordinator or tutor by Friday of Week 2 (8 August 2025).
STEP 2: Prepare a 10–15-Minute Presentation (Recorded)
- Present your topic orally, using visuals such as slides to explain key ideas.
- Your presentation must include:
- A brief overview of the disease and its relevance to One Health
- Discussion of biological and epidemiological characteristics
- A causal diagram of exposure pathways and risk factors
- Analysis of control/prevention strategies across sectors
STEP 3: Submit Supporting Written Component
A 1,200–1,600 word (+/- 10%) written document that includes:
1. Reflective Summary (800–1,000 words suggested)
- A concise, evidence-based reflection that critically analyses:
- Is inter-agency collaboration in your chosen One Health scenario working?
- What are the main challenges and pain points for collaboration in your chosen One Health scenario?
- Lessons learned from your research and what you believe could constitute opportunities to improve One Health outcomes?
Note: Rather than re-stating content from your presentation, this reflection should expand on key issues or controversies and provide deeper insight supported by references.
2. Annotated Reference List (400–600 words suggested)
- Minimum of 10 scientifically valid sources (e.g., peer-reviewed articles, reports from WHO, OIE, Government, etc.)
- Each reference should include a 2–3 sentence annotation explaining:
- Why the source was selected
- How it informed your critical analysis/reflection
* Use Vancouver style referencing.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submit your Assessment through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard.
Before submitting your assessment item to Turnitin, please name your file in the following way:
For example, SMITH Bob_54329876_VETS1234_OHAssignment
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if one or more of your submissions are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty or, after seven days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time.
If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
Assessment Sequence: Tutorial Case Studies
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 30% 15% each
- Due date
18/09/2025 12:00 pm
24/10/2025 12:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Students will be assessed at the individual level during 2 tutorial case-study sessions. This will be done through individual submission of tutorial answers on Blackboard.
Individual level achievement within tutorials will be assessed as follows:
- There will be 2 tutorial case-studies to be assessed per student; each assessable tutorial is worth 15% of the overall mark.
- Marking templates and assessment criteria for the Tutorials are provided available in the assessment folder on Blackboard.
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.
Submission guidelines
Submit your Assessment through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard.
Before submitting your assessment item to Turnitin, please name your file in the following way:
For example, SMITH Bob_54329876_VETS1234_Case_study_1
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if one or more of your submissions are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty or, after seven days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time.
If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
End of Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Examination of students' understanding of factual and conceptual material developed in lectures and tutorials. The exam will be delivered as an on campus, invigilated, paper based exam.
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: 0-29% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 30-44% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 45-49% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50-64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65-74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75-84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85-100% |
Additional course grading information
To pass VETS1030
- Students must achieve 50% overall to pass this course.
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.
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
The Grade Centre in Blackboard will post marks for assessment items as the semester progresses.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Tutorial |
Tutorial Series Tutorials will be conducted every week of the semester. These are intended to be practical sessions to consolidate technical content but also to assist students with different sections of the assignment. Refer to the course schedule on Blackboard for details. |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lecture Series |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course: