Clinical Veterinary Elective (VETS5016)

Course overview

Development of clinical and research skills through understanding the principles of translating a clinical case (problem) to a well-structured clinical question to search and systematically evaluate the evidence found in relevant literature pertinent to the case, in particular during clinical practical work in one of a number of clinical disciplines.

The course consists of TWO major components:

1. Clinical Elective Placement
2. Systematic Review - Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine (EBVM)

(1) CLINICAL ELECTIVE PLACEMENT

An elective clinical placement (internal rotation OR extramural WIL), which is scheduled as a four (4) week block from 19th October to 15th November 2026.ﾠ

• Students will complete the clinical elective placement as either a UQ internal rotation (allocated by the Course Coordinator based on student preference, suitability, and availability) or an extramural WIL placement (self-sourced by the student at an external clinic).
• The goal of the elective placement is to give depth to the clinical experience in a particular field (mixed, small animal, equine, production animal, etc.). The 4-week duration within one environment allows both the student and the supervisory team to get to know each other, and allows more tasks and responsibilities to be delegated to the student over time. Splitting the rotation will only be considered under exceptional circumstances.
• An overview of the UQ internal rotation elective placements is available in the VETS5016 course Blackboard site under Elective Profiles. Specific questions not addressed in the placement description should be directed to the rotation supervisors in the first instance or the course coordinator as required.
• Students seeking a UQ internal rotation for their elective placement will submit around mid-year three preferences and a supporting statement for their first preference. If the number of submissions for a particular placement is greater than the available places, the placement supervisor and the Course Coordinator will rank applicants based on student statements.
• Elective preferences for internal rotations must be submitted via InPlace by 10am Friday 24th July 2026. Internal rotations will be allocated by the Course Coordinator. Please consider carefully when submitting your preferences, as allocations are final once published and confirmed in InPlace.
• Students choosing to complete their elective placement as extramural WIL are to source their own placement with an external provider and submit details via InPlace before 10am Friday 7th August 2026.
• The clinical elective placement must be completed in line with the published InPlace schedule i.e., 19th October - 15 November 2026. Variations to the InPlace schedule can only be approved by the School of Veterinary Science Chief Examiner via a Deferred Examination Request - see Additional Timetable Information below for more details.
• Students will submit a Case Log of 10 cases through MyKnowledge Map by 10am Monday 9th November 2026. This task is to encourage students to reflect on the cases that they have seen and what they have learned. More information on the task will be provided on Blackboard. Be mindful that this task needs to be completed by week 3 of the elective placement, not week 4, to give enough time for marking ahead of grade finalisation. 
• The rotation/placement supervisor will collect comments from the team the student has worked with and summarise them into an assessment form submitted via InPlace by the last day of the placement and/or by 10am Sunday 15th November 2026 at the latest. Please do not hesitate to remind your rotation supervisor to fill out your performance assessment at the end of the placement, as this is an important assessment item for the course. The SVS Placements Team will manage this process.
• The clinical placement performance is a Pass/Fail assessment. The course coordinator will review the marking grid as well as the comments filed by the rotation/placement supervisor and finalise the assessment for each student. Should a rotation supervisor mark one of the assessment variables as 'not meeting requirement', a FALP would be put in place.

(2) SYSTEMATIC REVIEW (EBVM)

Evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM), consists of an evidence-based systematic review of an intervention in veterinary medicine.

• Students are expected to learn how to transform a clinical problem (a topic of interest) into an answerable research question, search for and evaluate evidence, and communicate their findings in concise and scientific language. Key learning objectives relating to evidence-based veterinary medicine will be assessed in this task, which is supervised by the course co-coordinator and an academic (principal) supervisor (nominated by the student). The EBVM consists of multiple assessment components requiring student actions throughout the year.
• In collaboration with the UQ Gatton Library, one or two structured, flexible delivery library sessions via Zoom will be scheduled between January and April. Additional flexible delivery sessions may also be held on demand and in consultation with the course co-coordinator. Sessions will focus on literature search strategies, EndNote and the use of AI. Drop-in sessions will be negotiated on request. The intent will be for all sessions to be recorded and posted on Blackboard.
• Potential supervisors can be identified via the School of Veterinary Science’s website and the UQVETS hospital websites. This allows students to engage with the breadth of staff working in different disciplines and to locate supervisors based on special interests. All staff are available to participate in this task: academic and non-academic, clinicians, and lecturers from any year of the BVSc (Hons) program. When approaching potential supervisors, be creative, adaptive and flexible in the topics or questions you are proposing, which will widen the pool of potential supervisors.
• The nominated (principal) supervisor will identify a secondary supervisor who will provide an independent assessment of the final review.
• Interns, residents and professional staff are available as principal supervisors, but in such circumstances, the secondary supervisor must be academic staff. The secondary advisor does not have to be in the same discipline as the primary supervisor, nor a specialist nor an expert in the proposed EBVM topic. Secondary supervisors are usually staff within the School; however, occasionally, adjunct staff or former staff who still have ties with the School can be secondary supervisors, but approval must be obtained from the course coordinator.

The first EBVM assessment task requires students to choose a review topic, nominate primary and secondary supervisors, and upload the details to Blackboard (Ultra). This is a P/F (hurdle) task and must be submitted by 10am Friday 6th March 2026 with the objective being early in the year identification of topic and advisory staff. It is STRONGLY advised that students begin working on the EBVM review early in the year, and securing an advisor early is ESSENTIAL for students to manage this task effectively throughout the year and to submit the completed review by the required date.

Should students have difficulties securing an EBVM supervisor, please contact the course supervisor at least TWO (2) weeks ahead of Friday 6th March. Students who are unable to secure a supervisor by the deadline must still submit the assessment form, providing evidence of attempts to secure a supervisor to be eligible to pass this assessment task.

The second EBVM assessment task requires submission of the systematic review protocol form, which must be submitted by 10am Friday 17th April 2026. This task requires students to have defined their research question using the PICO framework, to have identified relevant articles through a systematic database search using appropriate inclusion criteria, and preparation of a data collection template. The protocol form needs to be reviewed and approved by your principal supervisor prior to submission.

The third EBVM assessment task is the EBVM supervisor performance assessment, which is due by 10am Friday 31st July 2026

The objective is to ensure close collaboration between students and their primary supervisor. Student-supervisor interactions are an essential component of the EBVM systematic review to achieve high-quality outcomes. Student communication with supervisors, appropriate time management, progression of work throughout the year and ethical use of AI are assessed. It is recommended that students submit a draft of their review and meet with their supervisor in advance of the deadline to discuss progress and understanding of the review topic.

Please remind your supervisor to complete the form by the due date.

The fourth and final EBVM assessment task is the EBVM systematic review submission, which is due by 10am Friday 4th September 2026.

The EBVM systematic review is separately assessed by the principal and secondary supervisor, and an average mark is awarded. If there is a disparity of 20% or greater in the mark allocated by the two supervisors, the course coordinator will nominate themselves or an experienced, independent third person to assess the review. In such circumstances, the mark awarded will be the average of the two marks that are the closest to each other.

Course requirements

Prerequisites

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

VETS4010, VETS4022, VETS4035, VETS4034, VETS4040.

Restrictions

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

Course contact

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Clinical Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Placement Schedule

Prior to enrolment in the final year of the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) program, you will be allocated a schedule of Clinical Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements in UQ’s placement management system, InPlace. A condition of your enrolment in courses with a Clinical WIL placement requirement is the completion of all scheduled WIL placements, including internal and external WIL placements, as per your allocated InPlace schedule.

Once published, variations to your InPlace schedule can only be approved by the School of Veterinary Science Chief Examiner via the submission of an official ‘Extension to Assessment Due Date’ request (incl. acceptable supporting documentation). 

Variation requests will ONLY be considered in line with the acceptable reasons for an extension published on myUQ.

See Learning Activities > Additional Learning Activity Information for more information about Attendance and Absence.

Clinical Extramural WIL Placements (EXTERNAL) 

Clinical Extramural WIL (CEMWIL) Placements must be self-sourced in line with the placeholder dates in your InPlace schedule. 

Self-sourced placements must be registered via the VETS5016 Self Placement link on your InPlace dashboard within the following timeframes: 

• A minimum of four (4) weeks prior to the placement start date for domestic placements (within Australia). 
• A minimum of six (6) weeks prior to the placement start date for international placements (outside Australia) – more than 6 weeks’ notice, ideally 8 to 12 weeks notice is preferred. 

Failure to register your self-sourced placements within the above timeframes may cause you to miss the allocated CEMWIL block in your schedule, which in turn may delay your graduation. 

If you require assistance sourcing an external placement, contact vetenquiries@uq.edu.au to seek support from the SVS Placements Team. Include the following information in your request: 

• Placement dates (as per the placeholder in your InPlace schedule) 
• Course code and any specific placement requirements (e.g., [VETS5016] – small animal clinic) 
• Locations other than your normal semester residence in SI-net where you have access to free accommodation (e.g., staying with family or friends) 
• Distance you can travel daily for your placement 
• Interest / ability to relocate for the placement and support yourself with paid accommodation 
• The type of clinic experience you are seeking for this placement (e.g., emergency, specialist, primary care) 

The SVS Placements Team will provide assistance with sourcing placements within Australia only. All international placements are self-sourced by the student and subject to approval by the Course Coordinator and Head of School. 

Pre-placement requirements

All students must complete the OHS modules on Blackboard before commencing rotations in the VMC. Additional timetable and induction information is available on Blackboard and should be reviewed by students prior to commencing their respective rotations.

Please be aware that you should not plan to visit farms or interact with livestock either at UQ or on private farms for 7 days after returning to Australia from another country. This is for biosecurity reasons (i.e., avoiding the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease or any other contagious animal diseases). Therefore, you should ensure that you return to Australia at least 7 days prior to the starting date of your elective placement.

EBVM Library Sessions

The library sessions will commence in January 2026ﾠand continue until April 2026. The sessions will be delivered monthly via Zoom. The exact date and time will be announced on Blackboard.

Clinical Elective Placements

• Students are expected to complete their elective placements in the four week period between 19th October and 15th November 2026.
• The timing of the elective is to ensure that students have completed their core internal rotations prior to embarking on their elective placements. This will ensure that knowledge and skills gained during core rotations can be further developed during the elective placement e.g., students interested in small animal cardiology placement will have completed their small animal medicine rotation.
• Standard elective placements are 4 weeks in duration.
• Students are required to attend the equivalent of 40 hours/week in each week of the elective placement.
• Exceptions to the aboveﾠrequirements areﾠat the discretion of the Course Coordinator and SVS Chief Examiner.
• Internal elective placement preferences are due 10am Friday 24th July 2026 while self-sourced external elective placement preferences are due before 10am Friday 7th August 2026.
• Students who do not submit preferences or a self-sourced placement will have an electiveﾠplacement allocated to them by the Course Coordinator.
• Once published and confirmed in InPlace, placement allocations are final.

Please check your course Blackboard site frequently for the latest announcements and updates.  

Please note that unexpected changes may occur throughout the Semester. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly check the course Blackboard site. Any updates will be communicated to students via Blackboard Announcements.  

Aims and outcomes

The aim of this course is to develop the research skills of veterinary students in order to better understand the connectivity between professional practice and research, and how to apply evidence-based medicine to better manage clinical problems. Students will also develop their clinical knowledge and skills in a specific area of selected practice. 

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

Clinical Elective: Activity Report / Case Log

Mode

Written

Category

Notebook/ Logbook

Weight

15%

Due date

9/11/2026 10:00 am

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L04, L05

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submitted through MyKnowledge Map.

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.

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. ue date will lose 1 mark per day past the due date.

Clinical Elective: Placement Performance Assessment

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Activity/ Performance

Category

Placement

Weight

Pass/Fail

Due date

Online submission on InPlace by the Placement Supervisor

Other conditions

Work integrated learning, Secure.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

Online submission on InPlace by the Placement Supervisor by 10am Sunday 15 November 2026.

At the end of Week 3 of the placement, UQ will send a request via email to your supervisor to complete an assessment on your performance in the workplace. Supervisors will submit this report directly to UQ as per instructions in the email. The formal feedback will be released to you following review by UQ.

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.

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.

EBVM: Student details, Topic and Supervisor Confirmation

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Notebook/ Logbook

Weight

P/F

Due date

6/03/2026 10:00 am

Learning outcomes

L01, L03, L04

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

Submission will be through MyKnowledge Map.

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.

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

EBVM: Project Plan (also called Protocol Form)

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project

Weight

20%

Due date

17/04/2026 10:00 am

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L04, L06

Task description

Submission guidelines

Upload your assessment through the submission point (or Turnitin) in Blackboard Ultra.

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

For example: SMITH Bob_54329876_VETS1234_Assignment1

Students must download the digital receipt from the Assignment Inbox as confirmation of submission. It is the student’s responsibility to review the assignment preview and ensure the submission is successful. In the event of a Blackboard outage, students are required to notify the Course Coordinator immediately and verify the outage with ITS.

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.

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. 

EBVM: Supervisor Performance Assessment

• In-person

Mode

Activity/ Performance

Category

Performance

Weight

15%

Due date

31/07/2026 10:00 am

Other conditions

Secure.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L04, L06

Task description

Submission guidelines

The form is triggered by the student on MyKnowledge Map in the weeks prior to the deadline. The primary supervisor must complete and submit this form on Blackboard by 10am 31 July 2026. Ideally, the form should be filled out at the time of a meeting organised by the student in the month of July to discuss the topics highlighted in the form. This assessment is not about the marking of the final EBVM essay but on the process of writing and interacting with the literature, AI and supervisor, as well as time management.

The goal of this form is to assess and testify to the progression of the student over the year, and particularly the acquisition of knowledge on the topic chosen, the development of critical thinking skills, time management skills and diligence in performing the EBVM task while maintaining contact with their supervisor. The form has been designed to guide discussions between student and supervisor in relation to the topic itself, but also on the project management as to set up expectations early on. Students should use this form to guide the discussions with their supervisor early on in the process.

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.

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. 

EBVM: Systematic Review of an Intervention

Mode

Written

Category

Essay/ Critique

Weight

50%

Due date

4/09/2026 10:00 am

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L04, L06

Task description

Submission guidelines

Upload your EBVM Systematic Review assessment through the submission point (or Turnitin) in Blackboard Ultra Assessments folder.

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

For example: SMITH Bob_54329876_VETS1234_Assignment1

Students must download the digital receipt from the Assignment Inbox as confirmation of submission. It is the student’s responsibility to review the assignment preview and ensure the submission is successful. In the event of a Blackboard outage, students are required to notify the Course Coordinator immediately and verify the outage with ITS. with ITS.

Please note: this assessment should also be submitted to the nominated primary advisor and secondary assessor electronically by email to remind them of this assessment being submitted.

Plagiarism

Turnitin is used to check for plagiarism. Penalties can be severe for plagiarism.

The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another either intentionally or unintentionally. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.

Students are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy at: ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct

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.

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. 

Course grading

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

Additional course grading information

Attendance and absence 

Attendance is required at all rostered shifts during each clinical rotation, and forms part of the professionalism criteria on the assessment tasks for each rotation. 

• Students are expected to remain until all cases are up-to-date and treated. 
• Students must take appropriate breaks as required (at least 10 minutes’ break every two hours) to ensure health and wellbeing. 
• Students should check with their rotation supervisor prior to taking a break or leaving for the day. 

All students MUST follow the instructions in the Learning Activities > Additional Learning Activities Information section of this course profile to notify of any absence 

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.  

To pass VETS5016

Student MUST achieve a minimum of 50% overall in the SUM of the following graded assessment tasks:

• EBVM: Systematic Review of an Intervention
• EBVM: Project Plan (also called Protocol Form)
• EBVM: Supervisor Performance Assessment 
• CLINICAL ELECTIVE: Activity Report/Case Log
• CLINICAL ELECTIVE: Obtain a PASS on the 'Clinical Elective Placement Performance Assessment'
• AND submit the 'EBVM Student details, Topic and Supervisor Confirmation.' 

Rotation Performance Assessment and FALP 

Students who receive a “Does not meet standard,” in any category, will be required to undertake a “Formalised Additional Learning Plan” (FALP). A FALP is tailored to the individual student to provide opportunities to improve on and/or demonstrate achievement of the learning objective not met in the performance assessment. ﾠ 

• The FALP may include a repeat of up to 50% of the total rotation time for students who receive a “Does not meet standard” in one or two categories and up to 100% for students who receive a “Does not meet standard” for more than two categories.  
• FALPs may also include clinical case scenarios, written assignments, HUB skills demonstrations, or oral viva-type examinations. ﾠ 
• Upon completion of a FALP, and demonstration of satisfactory performance the mark in that category, the mark in the related category may be adjusted to no greater than 1.0 ("Meets standard"). 
• If the remediation is judged, by the course coordinator, to be unsuccessful, it remains a “Does not meet standard”, the grade remains a zero in that category,ﾠand the student will formally fail the rotation and the course. Students who fail the course may be eligible for a supplementary assessment. 

Details of the FALP will be recorded in the online marking platform, written by the Course Coordinator in collaboration with the student. It will clearly state the deficiency, remediation required and time commitment. The student, in consultation with the Course Coordinator, will be booked in for additional learning as required by the plan by the SVS administration team. The plan should be completed, if possible, no later than one week before the final grade upload for graduation in the current year. Students must make themselves available when additional learning is offered.  

If the plan cannot be completed before grade upload, students will be awarded an INC (Incomplete grade) and may miss graduation for that year.  

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. 

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

General

• The learning objectives for the listed elective placement will be available on the VETS5016 course Blackboard site under the heading Elective Profiles. A generic placement profile is also available for students doing GP placement outside UQ as a guideline to share with their placement supervisor. In the rare circumstances where an elective placement is specifically tailored for an individual student (for example Public Health placement), the student can consult with the course coordinator Dr Meler and the placement supervisor to establishﾠspecific learning objectives appropriate for the placement.
• Submission of assessment items will be carried out electronically. Guides for completing tasks will be provided on Blackboard and should be referred to by the student when completing the submission.
• Students are expected to utilise a variety of learning resources relevant to their chosen elective placement. Students should actively research the relevant veterinary literature via textbooks, journals, and reputable online resources using the online UQ library. Students should also actively involve themselves in reflective learning and in discussion with knowledgeable mentors such as the clinicians involved in the elective placements.
• For students completing an internalﾠrotation in the Small Animal Hospital, a large collection of veterinary textbooks and computer-based teaching programs is located in the Veterinary Medical Centre.
• Students should register as a student user at Veterinary Information Network (VIN) - http://www.vin.com/promo/students.htm. The VIN membership is sponsored by the Royal Canin pet food company. It is important that you register using your official UQ student email account as this provides proof that you are a veterinary student. Please note that it may take a day for access to be granted.
• Students should also refer to the International Veterinary Information Service website at http://www.ivis.org, which provides free access to a wide range of online veterinary texts and proceedings. You willﾠneed to register (no fee) to obtainﾠaccess.

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 2026 School of Veterinary Science Student Support Blackboard Site can be found by visiting: [SCIE0586] Student Support for BVSc & BVetTech programs 2026

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.

Additional learning activity information

Attendance at Clinical WIL placements

Clinical WIL placements are a compulsory component of the final year of the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) program. Attendance at all Clinical WIL placements as per your InPlace schedule is expected, and full attendance is required to be eligible to pass the course. The requirements for attendance are as per the ECP and shift times will be advised by the Rotation Supervisor (internal placements) or the Placement Supervisor (external placements). 

Absence from clinical placements 

Attendance at a clinical placement is treated in the same way as a course assessment item. Acceptable reasons for absence from clinical placement are in line with the Acceptable reasons for an extension to assessment due date. 

In the event you are unable to attend a clinical placement due to illness or other exceptional circumstances, you must take ALL the following steps: 

1. Notify your placement site prior to your shift start time by phone or email; AND 
2. Email the relevant Course Coordinator and svs-studentabsence@uq.edu.au prior to your shift start time; AND 
3. Submit documentary evidence for your absences (i.e., medical certificate, statutory declaration) no more than 48 hours from when the absence has occurred to svs-studentabsence@uq.edu.au. 

Rescheduling missed day/s 

To make up the lost time resulting from your absence to meet the placement requirements of your course, the following options are available and will depend on the duration/timing of your absence. 

Option 1: Make up day/s 

If it is possible to schedule and complete the required make up day/s within the existing dates of the scheduled placement, this can be arranged directly with your Placement Supervisor/Course Coordinator and ‘resolved’ within the scheduled placement. 

Option 2: Extension* 

Extension applications are required in the following scenarios: 

• It is not possible to schedule and complete the required day/s within the existing scheduled placement dates; OR 
• You are absent for the entire scheduled placement; OR 
• You have missed enough day/s to require rescheduling of the entire placement. 

Apply for an extension to your placement dates via the my.UQ Extension to Assessment Due Date process, to be considered by the SVS Chief Examiner. 

If approved, the SVS Placements Team will liaise with the placement site and adjust your InPlace schedule as required. Where possible*, the make up day/s or rescheduled placement will be scheduled to occur within a holiday period in your schedule. 

*Possible delayed graduation 

Scheduling make up day/s or rescheduled placements within the same academic year will depend on the capacity of the placement site (internal or external) and the student’s individual InPlace schedule. 

In some cases, it may not be possible to schedule make up day/s or reschedule the placement prior to the end of year results release, which may result in delayed completion of the course and program requirements and potentially affect your eligibility to graduate. Because elective placements occur late in the year and close to end of semester it can be difficult to reschedule days to finalise course marks on time.

Library access and training sessions

Key references and other sources of information included in the EBVM essay must be consistently identified; advisors and experienced librarians will provide assistance.

Voluntary assistance sessions to refresh library and research skills (including the use of search databases and Endnote) will be available at the UQ Gatton Library via Zoom (see Blackboard for relevant dates).

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
• AI for Assessment Guide

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

Course guidelines

Professional Conduct

SVS takes professionalism extremely seriously. Professionalism involves treating all individuals with respect in every face-to-face, phone, or email interaction, when using social media, and when completing course and staff evaluations (SECaTS). Disrespectful, unreasonable, offensive and aggressive behaviour is unacceptable.

SVS promotes an inclusive culture and diverse workforce. As you fill out evaluations, you are asked to resist stereotypes and focus your opinion on the content of the course and ability of the instructor to deliver this content.

Inherent Requirements

Some programs and courses at UQ have inherent requirements (https://future-students.uq.edu.au/apply/inherent-requirements) that must be met in order to graduate. Inherent requirements are core activities, tasks and skills that are essential to successfully completing a program or course. They can include:

• physical and cognitive requirements
• communication and interpersonal skills
• professional behaviour
• ethical conduct

Inherent requirements help us to maintain the integrity of our programs, learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They are based on a program’s learning outcomes, which are designed to reflect required professional standards.

The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) program has a specific set of inherent requirements (https://future- students.uq.edu.au/apply/admissions/inherent-requirements/inherent-requirements-veterinary-science-programs) that you must meet to be able to graduate.

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements should be read in conjunction with other information such as the BVSc(Hons) Program Rules as well as:

• Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Statement on Fitness to Practice (https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/publications/fitness-to- practise-a-guide-for-uk-veterinary-schools-and/)
• UQ Fitness to Practise Policy, Procedures and Guidelines (https://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.30.14-fitness-practise).

If you think you may experience any problems meeting inherent requirements, contact a Diversity, Disability and Inclusion Adviser (https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/student-support/diversity-disability-inclusion).

We can make reasonable adjustments for cultural or religious reasons, or for students with a disability or medical condition (including mental health conditions and temporary conditions). Even with reasonable adjustments, you still have to meet inherent requirements and all academic standards to graduate. If you’re unable to carry out some inherent requirements, you may fail part of your program and be unable to graduate.