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Course profile

Research Veterinary Elective (VETS5017)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
Gatton
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2025 (06/01/2025 - 22/11/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
Gatton
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
Gatton
Coordinating unit
Veterinary Science School

Implementation and presentation of a research project in an area of veterinary science, with emphasis on defining the research issue, undertaking research techniques, undertaking appropriate analysis of data and drawing defensible conclusions, writing up results in a format suitable for submission for publication, and presentation as an oral abstract.

VETS5017 enables you to undertake a small research project and gain skills in designing research projects, collecting and analysing data, and preparing results for publication and as an oral abstract presentation. This course gives you the freedom to investigate a subject area that interests you, working closely with an academic staff member experienced in research. These skills will equip you for an active veterinary career, in which you can professionally contribute new veterinary knowledge, participate in veterinary conferences, and provide the foundation for evidence-based medicine.

Benefits of developing research skills;

  • Can be used in practice to design and publish a study in an area of interest.
  • Enables better critical assessment of other studies on the efficacy of drugs or other therapies.
  • Helps make you more competitive if you are interested in a career in research.
  • Having a research publication increases your competitiveness for internships and residency positions in Australia and overseas. There is often strong demand for these positions, and if you submit your manuscript for publication and get it accepted, this can be a substantial advantage.
  • One-on-one training with staff in research skills
  • Personal satisfaction

Course requirements

Assumed background

Students are expected to have knowledge of the biological, veterinary and/or public health problems that form the basis of the Research Project undertaken in this course. It is anticipated that students also have a basic knowledge of scientific design and statistics. VETS5017 intends to offer training in biological or veterinary research to students after they have gained some clinical perspective and training in evidence-based medicine in the BVSc(Hons).

No credit will be given for the research elective. This elective is designed to develop research skills by applying skills and knowledge developed throughout the BVSc(Hons) program, particularly during the final year, to a Research Project. Students who have prior research experience and who do not wish to further develop their research skills by undertakingᅠthe research elective should instead choose the Clinical Elective.

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

Course coordinator

Dr Ildiko Erdelyi

Please note: I am a part-time lecturer at SVS and also have teaching responsibilities at SBMS on the St Lucia campus. As a result, I am not always available on the Gatton campus. The best way to contact me is via email, and if needed, I can arrange a Zoom meeting within 48 hours.

Course coordinator

Professor Rachel Allavena

Timetable

Additional timetable information

Although VETS5017 is formally timetabled only for the last few weeks of 5th year, students MUST NOT leave commencing their projects until then. Students are expected to start work on their projects early in 5th year and do much of the work in parallel with other rotations. By the time of the formal rotation, students should be in a position where all their data collection is complete, and most data analysis and much of the writing of the report is done. Note that EXTENSIONS ARE NOT GRANTED AT THE END OF THE YEAR FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT COMPLETED THEIR PROJECT unless there are outstanding medical or other compelling reasons.

The research project and consultation times will be conducted at a time that is agreed upon between the supervisor and the student. Students are expected to keep in regular contact with their supervisor and to attend any arranged meetings or project activities.

Students are also expected to check the Blackboard website regularly for any announcements and to actively participate in discussions on Blackboard.

Research reports and seminar presentations will both be due towards the end of the last week of the VETS5017 4week rotation block, so that all assessment for VETS5017 is completed before the week of your Capstone Exam.

Aims and outcomes

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the principles and practice of research in the field of veterinary science through the implementation and presentation of a research project, including data collection, analysis and interpretation, preparation of results in a format suitable for submission for publication and as an oral abstract presentation.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Demonstrate the ability to design and conduct a research project by applying appropriate scientific research methodologies, adhering to ethical considerations, and upholding principles of research integrity.

LO2.

Acquire in-depth knowledge of the chosen research area, critically assess relevant literature to identify existing knowledge gaps, validate research methodologies, and contextualize findings within the broader scientific framework. 

LO3.

Formulate a clear, focused, and testable hypothesis relevant to the research area, considering project feasibility within given resources and time constraints.

LO4.

Systematically collect, organize, and analyse data using rigorous and suitable methods to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and relevance of research outcomes. 

LO5.

Synthesize research findings to assess the validity of the hypothesis, interpret results critically, and draw comparisons with existing literature to contextualize the study's contributions. 

LO6.

Develop proficiency in written (e.g., Project Proposal and Journal Article preparation) and oral communication (e.g., presentations) to effectively convey research findings, methodology, and implications to both academic and professional audiences.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Essay/ Critique Project Proposal
  • Online
10%

31/03/2025 10:00 am

The Project Proposal will be submitted via a Turnitin portal on the VETS5017 Blackboard site (located in the Assessments folder).

Thesis Complete Journal Article
  • Hurdle
55%

10/11/2025 12:00 pm

The project is to start following a discussion between the Student and Supervisor. Please schedule this discussion as early as possible. Projects cannot commence before enrolling in the course.

Presentation Oral Presentation of Research Project
  • In-person
20%

The date will be confirmed later in 2nd semester. Check Blackboard for updates.

Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration Performance Assessment
15%

14/11/2025 2:00 pm

Assessed by your Supervisor throughout the duration of your Research Project. The marking criteria and evaluation form can be viewed, downloaded and submitted in the Assessments folder on the VETS5017 Blackboard site.

Supervisors: please be aware that you MUST submit the evaluation by the deadline.

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

Project Proposal

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
10%
Due date

31/03/2025 10:00 am

The Project Proposal will be submitted via a Turnitin portal on the VETS5017 Blackboard site (located in the Assessments folder).

Other conditions
Student specific, Longitudinal.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Students will submit a Project Proposal (maximum 1500 words) using the template and instructions provided on the VETS5017 Blackboard site.

A marking rubric will be provided with the task sheet on Blackboard.

Submission guidelines

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.

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.

Complete Journal Article

  • Hurdle
Mode
Written
Category
Thesis
Weight
55%
Due date

10/11/2025 12:00 pm

The project is to start following a discussion between the Student and Supervisor. Please schedule this discussion as early as possible. Projects cannot commence before enrolling in the course.

Task description

A Journal Article will be prepared following the guidelines of a journal appropriate to the field of study. The composition of the article will include the following sections;

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Materials and Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • References and Acknowledgements

Some deviations from this will be permitted if appropriate to the field of study.

Where a student fails this assessment item, it is the student's responsibility to organise a repeat attempt with the Course Coordinator. If these assessment items have not been completed by the SVS grade upload deadline for Semester 2, the student will fail the course. Regardless of scheduling constraints, students will be allowed only ONE repeat attempt at this individual assessment item.

Assessment will concentrate on a clear presentation of the introduction, aims, methods and results, appropriate analysis and interpretation of results, and defensible conclusions.

The research report will be assessed by your Supervisor as well as one additional examiner from within the SVS. The examiner will be organised by the Course Coordinator in consultation with the supervisor.  The % marks awarded will be the average of the two marks. Project marks will be subject to a moderation process conducted by the Course Coordinator if they differ by 15% or more.

Hurdle requirements

Students MUST pass the Journal Article assessment by achieving 50% or higher in the marking criteria.

Submission guidelines

This Research report will be submitted electronically as a Word document via Turnitin on the VETS5017 Blackboard (see Assessment Folder).

Submission

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on-time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.

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 your submission is missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, and 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.

Turnitin

By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment”.

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.

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.

Oral Presentation of Research Project

  • In-person
Mode
Oral
Category
Presentation
Weight
20%
Due date

The date will be confirmed later in 2nd semester. Check Blackboard for updates.

Task description

Students will prepare a short 10 minute Oral Presentation of their Research Project and will be given 5 minutes of question time. Seminars will be held in the week before Capstone Exams, as soon as practicable after submission of your thesis (11-14th Nov).

All students must be present for all seminars. The exact timing will be determined by Examiner availability and the number of Seminars.

This will be assessed by your Supervisor and either the additional report examiner (organised by the Supervisor in consultation with the Course Coordinator) or the Course Coordinator. The mark awarded will be the mean.

Due to the weight of this assessment item, all Seminars will be recorded and stored in Blackboard

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Performance Assessment

Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
15%
Due date

14/11/2025 2:00 pm

Assessed by your Supervisor throughout the duration of your Research Project. The marking criteria and evaluation form can be viewed, downloaded and submitted in the Assessments folder on the VETS5017 Blackboard site.

Supervisors: please be aware that you MUST submit the evaluation by the deadline.

Other conditions
Longitudinal.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Performance Assessment is a Supervisor evaluation of experimental work skills, including professional conduct and skill of the student during the research component. Criteria are the degree of scientific inquiry skills, development of research-related skills and professional attitude. Timely submission of manuscript drafts to supervisor and addressing comments in a timely way.

This assessment will be completed by your Supervisor.

The submission of this evaluation is due on the day of the final oral presentation of the student's work and is the responsibility of your Supervisor.

The rubric for supervisor evaluation will be available on Blackboard from Week 1 of the course and should be reviewed jointly, by the Supervisor and student, at your first meeting, so both parties have a clear understanding of expectations over the entire course.

If a clear understanding cannot be reached between the student and Supervisor, please contact the Course Coordinator immediately.

Submission guidelines

Submitted by the Supervisor on the day of the final oral presentation of the student's work.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

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 receive a passing grade for VETS5017, students must score at least 50% overall and;

  • achieve a PASS in the Journal Article assessment task

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

If an unsatisfactory grade is obtained for the final manuscript, the student will be offered the opportunity to resubmit up to one week before the final grades are to be uploaded (prior to graduation in the current year).

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

Some learning resources may be specific to the subject area of your chosen research topic. Your supervisor will be able to provide you with further details upon request.


TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN THIS COURSE

  • Select a supervisor who clearly understands the timelines for the elective and the assessment tasks and has the time to help you.
  • It is critically important that your project is the type of project that is guaranteed to get some results, whether they support the hypothesis or not.
  • The design of the project should be of sufficient quality that if you complete it successfully, the written report will be submissible and acceptable for publication (with some extra editing after submission for marking). The quality of the design of the project should not preclude publication. For example, a pilot study with too small a number of subjects to provide adequate power would not be considered suitable, if it would likely be rejected by journal reviewers on this basis. One outcome is that you would have the opportunity at some later stage to get a publication for your CV from this work.
  • Do not choose something too big; it should be similar or smaller in magnitude than a part-time honours project. Most 2# courses assume about 150 hours of work.
  • Projects that involve developing or utilising a test, assay or methodology that may or may not work, are generally not suitable unless it would be expected that whatever the outcome, it could be written up as a publishable manuscript.
  • Analysis of an existing unpublished data set is acceptable, as long as you can write up knowledgeably the materials and methods analyse the data and discuss the limitations of the study design.
  • Organiseᅠat least monthly meetings with your supervisor. Face-to-face is best, but phone, Zoom or Teams may also work if more convenient.
  • Communicate clearly what your availability for data collection is (remember clinical rotations).
  • If substantial obstacles arise and cannot be resolved with your supervisor, then contact the course coordinator. Don't leave it too late!
  • Once youᅠare past the cut-off date for withdrawing, you cannot simply swap to a clinical elective if things are not going right.
  • You must get data that can be written up to meet the learning outcomes of the elective in time to meet assessment deadlines.
  • Send written material through regularly (every 1-2 weeks) to your supervisor for input; writing skills take time to develop.
  • Discuss with the supervisor the themes for each paragraph in the manuscript eg. the Introduction is generally 500-700 words or 4-7 paragraphs, decide on the theme of each paragraph after discussion with the supervisor and write succinctly on that theme.
  • Write 1-3 paragraphs and send them to get frequent feedback to develop your writing skills.
  • If you require animal ethics clearance, you need to consider that this may take 2-3 months to get, and you cannot start data collection until the project is approved. Projects involving questionnaires interviewing people or projects with a client consent form need human ethics approval, which takes a few weeks generally. Check with your supervisor about ethics clearance requirements for your project.
  • You need to be working on your literature review before the Christmas break, so you can fine-tune the design of the project early in the semester. Data collection must occur early because the analysis of the data and writing up for publication standards takes longer than you think. The best outcomes occur when you schedule at least monthly face-to-face or phone conference meetings with your supervisor, and more frequently in the planning stage.
  • For those research projects that are not already funded by a larger grant, small amounts of money may be available from the School.

SWS + UQU 

Maintaining a work-life balance and seeking help early is crucial for successful university studies. UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) and the Student Union (UQU) offer numerous resources for UQ students. Student Services provides various mindfulness programs and counselling services to boost confidence and improve overall physical and mental wellbeing. UQU also offers a range of support, welfare, and wellbeing resources. 

For immediate assistance, please call the 24/7 UQ Counselling and Crisis Line at 1300 851 998. 

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 veterinary 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 aims to provide a safe, authentic, self-directed learning environment where students can practice their clinical skills according to their competence, beyond the scheduled contact hours of their programs and further enhance their capacity for self-directed, lifelong learning. As BVSc5 students, you will have swipe card access to the Hub from 6am-10pm, 7 days a week from December of BVSc4. See the Hub's Blackboard organisation for induction and OH&S requirements for access. 

If you cannot access the community or have other questions, please get in touch with the Hub Coordinator via svs-hub@uq.edu.au or ext 15046. 

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Not scheduled
General contact hours

Develop a Scientific Journal Article

Students will practice good research practice in generating an article suitable for submission to a scientific journal.

Sub-activity: Writing Time

Multiple weeks
Not Timetabled

Research Project

Students will undertake a small research project under the direction of a member of staff. Projects should have novel research as their focus but can encompass any field of study relevant to veterinary science.

Week 38

(10 Nov - 16 Nov)

General contact hours

Deliver a scientific Seminar summarising the outcomes of your research

Students attend a research forum where the outcomes from other VETS5017 research projects are presented by peers.

Sub-activity: Research elective seminar

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:

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: