Veterinary Professional Contexts (VETS3024)

Course overview

This course aims to develop an understanding of the basic fundamentals of business management, so that students can appreciate how these principles impact upon the way veterinarians operate in private practice. In addition, students will explore the application of business fundamentals to enhance the delivery of veterinary services to animal enterprise clients. Completion of preclinical extramural placements on animal enterprises is an important component of the course.

This course is designed to build on the introductory content and activities from VETS1018 to further explore how the veterinary professional operates within the context of private veterinary practice and also how they interface with other industries, including animal enterprises. An understanding of these concepts is critical for veterinary practitioners, both in terms of managing their own businesses (or contributing to their employer's business) and in terms of how they relate to clients who themselves own or operate animal-based businesses. The course has been developed in response to feedback from employers requesting that Australian veterinary graduates exhibit a greater understanding of general business principles. The subject also explores a range of important contemporary issues for veterinarians in Australia and enables students to build skills in areas such as intercultural communication and ethical decision-making.ﾠIn addition, students will further develop their clinical consultation skills - married with a relationship-centred approach to the diagnostic plan and financial estimates.

Course requirements

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

VETS1018, VETS1023, VETS1024

Restrictions

Enrolment restricted to Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) students only.

Course contact

Course staff

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

This course further explores the context/s of veterinary professional practice with a range of content covered including veterinary professionalism and ethics, communication and cultural awareness, employability and entrepreneurship, veterinary practice organisation and operations, veterinary practice and personal financial management, legislation of importance to veterinary practice in Queensland, veterinarians and their interface animal enterprises and agribusiness. This subject aims to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of business management so that students can appreciate how these principles impact the way veterinarians operate in private practice. Students will explore the application of business fundamentals to enhance the delivery of veterinary services to animal enterprise clients. We will further explore and develop a range of skills related to relationship-centred care and explore a range of contemporary issues of relevance to veterinarians. 

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Consultation & Medical Records Assignment

• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Oral, Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

10%

Due date

One week after the Consult Workshop in Semester 2

Learning outcomes

L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submit your Assignment through the 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_Essay1

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.

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.

Preclinical AHEMS Reflection

Mode

Written

Category

Reflection

Weight

5%

Due date

24/10/2025 2:00 pm

Other conditions

Work integrated learning.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L03, L05

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submit your Reflection through the 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_Essay1

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.

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.

Hot Topics

• Identity Verified
• Team or group-based

Mode

Oral, Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation

Weight

20%

Due date

Discussion Paper: Beginning of Week 5 - Semester 2

Conference Presentations: During Week 5 - Semester 2

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submit your Discussion Paper through the Turnitin submission point in Blackboard.

Before submitting, please name your file in the following way:

For example: SMITH_Bob_54329876_VETS1234_Essay1

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

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.

Clinic Visit Assignment

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection

Weight

5%

Due date

24/10/2025 2:00 pm

Other conditions

Work integrated learning.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

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_Essay1

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.

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 1 Examination

• Identity Verified
• In-person
• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

60%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

Other conditions

Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Exam details

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.

Preclinical AHEMS Placements

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Activity/ Performance

Category

Placement

Weight

P/F

Due date

24/10/2025 5:00 pm

Other conditions

Work integrated learning.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L05, L06

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

This task is ongoing assessment that commences at the completion of Year 1 of studies until the final week of semester 2 of a student’s third year of enrolment.  Students must be proactive in sourcing placement opportunities. Applicants for extensions must follow University policy on acceptable reasons for extensions and must show evidence of a prolonged inability of a student to complete their AHEMs in the eligible periods. 

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

To pass VETS3024

• Students must achieve an overall mark of at least 50% (i.e. for the combined assessment tasks)
• Students MUST have completed their preclinical AHEMS placement milestoneﾠ

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

Group Assignment Resources

Useful information regarding groupﾠassignments:

Student Services has information to assist you when working in a group, including how to overcomeﾠproblems associated with group work.

Getﾠstrategies and tools for working with a group onlineﾠfrom the Communicate and collaborate online module, including:

• What messaging tool to use
• Collaboratingﾠonline on a document
• Holding online meetings.

Group Presentation Resources

https://web.library.uq.edu.au/node/4290/4#4ﾠ

Background readings and other resources will be provided to complement the lecture materials. These will be available through the VETS3024 BlackBoard site.ﾠ

Core Technical Skills

The School of Veterinary Science has developed a list of core technical skills that you will achieve by the time of graduation. You now have the opportunity to self-assess the skills on the list. The link to the ePortoflio for the BVSc Core Technical Skills is available on the Veterinary Skills Hub Blackboard Site.

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.

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.

You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:

• Fitness to Practise Policy
• Work Integrated Learning and Work Experience Policy