Diagnosis and Critical Thinking in Veterinary Science

Abstract

Diagnosis and Critical Thinking in Veterinary Science will provide students with the tools to embark on the remaining components of the veterinary science degree. This subject will be taught in a Problem-based learning (PBL) format where students will work in teams to solve authentic, ill-structured problems, working though a set of Situation Analysis and Critical Thinking questions. PBL is student centred learning, rather than teacher centred learning. Therefore, students will be required to determine what they need to know in order to solve the problems presented, and then using prior knowledge, experiences and references, identify information that can be utilised to advance the case or solve the problem. PBL is collaborative; students do not work alone, but in a team for the entire session, and are therefore able to develop their communication and team skills. Knowledge acquired previously and knowledge and skills taught concurrently during the session in the other subjects will be applied to the PBL cases. There will be a strong connection between these clinical subjects and this subject, where students will be able to apply this knowledge to the case in a safe and supportive environment. Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies marks will also be collated into this subject. Students cannot progress to Phase 2 (Year 4 of the course), without the completion of Phase 1 (Years 1 to 3 inclusive).

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies: This subject will be a collection point for Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (AHEMS) Reports undertaken over the previous 2 years during vacations;Introduction to Problem Based Learning, including learning strategies, group dynamics, evidence-based veterinary medicine and preventive healthcare; … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject will cover the following topics:

Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies: This subject will be a collection point for Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (AHEMS) Reports undertaken over the previous 2 years during vacations;
Introduction to Problem Based Learning, including learning strategies, group dynamics, evidence-based veterinary medicine and preventive healthcare; and
There will be PBL packages covering a range of topics and animal species that allow integration of information obtained within the pre-clinical subjects.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

communicate veterinary knowledge and information clearly, effectively and efficiently to a variety of audiences utilising appropriate terminology, both verbally and in writing;

engage in the Problem Based Learning (PBL) process, working as part of an effective PBL team by demonstrating developing skills in team management, team communication and team efficiency;

demonstrate appropriate time management and organisational skills to permit completion of all PBL activities and assessment tasks;

demonstrate the development of self-directed learning skills, utilising appropriate quality references and sharing this knowledge with PBL team members in a collaborative and timely fashion;

utilise the PBL approach to develop a plan to investigate, diagnose and manage diseases of animals, and gather and interpret this relevant information to progress the cases; taking into account financial, clinical, welfare and social factors;

work according to the principles of Evidence Based Veterinary Medicine in applying knowledge from the pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical disciplines, to the health management, prevention and treatment of diseases of animals; and

demonstrate developing critical appraisal skills in self and peer evaluation of PBL performance.

Enrolment restrictions

Students enrolled in the following courses:

Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science
Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Veterinary Biology

Pre-requisite

Work integrated learning

Placement Duration 480 hours Details The WPL component is Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (AHEMS) which is comprised of 12 weeks off campus placements at student selected farm enterprises, undertaken in non-session time over a two year period, but at a time of the students choosing (approx 60 days of … For more content click the Read More button below.

Placement

Duration 480 hours

Details The WPL component is Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (AHEMS) which is comprised of 12 weeks off campus placements at student selected farm enterprises, undertaken in non-session time over a two year period, but at a time of the students choosing (approx 60 days of 8 hours per day) . Students can begin AHEMs placements at the end of Session 1 Year 1 and they must be completed before the end of Session 1 Year 3. Essentially the 12 weeks of AHEMS is a requirement of the veterinary science accrediting body of Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. VSC331 is the collection point of AHEMS reports and these will contribute to a significant component of the subjects grades.

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

Students must provide their own transport and accommodation for the Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies component of this subject, which is undertaken during out of session time at the students discretion.

Handbook

VSC331 - Diagnosis and Critical Thinking in Veterinary Science