Outline

Overview

This unit will build on previous Research and Enquiry units in Year 1 and 2 of the DVM. It will consolidate and extend student skills relevant to the planning and conduct of research, and to applications of enquiry and investigation encountered across units in Year 3 and rotation placements in Year 4. Skills in evidence based practice will be extended to the evaluation and conduct of systematic reviews relevant to a clinical question; consideration of the investigation of outbreaks involving multiple premises and the application of surveillance to inform evaluation of disease risk; and in communication to identification of communication tools appropriate for conveying research outcomes to specific target audiences. Awareness of ethical issues in research will be extended to research that involves sourcing data from people and the requirements for a human ethics application. Each student will prepare a project brief for research in an area of the veterinary science of interest to the student and receive feedback on the proposed work. Where appropriate, this unit will integrate with VETS6208 Principles of Animal Disease B by utilizing content and examples across aligned modules. Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses. Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an inherent requirement for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than week two of the enrolled teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete. Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment. Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally. Please refer to the University鈥檚 website /students/q-fever-vaccinations.html for more information on student vaccinations.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	3
Prerequisites ?	[(VETS6101 and VETS6102 and VETS6103 and VETS6104 and VETS6105 and VETS6106 and VETS6107 and VETS6108) or (VETS6111 and VETS6113 and VETS6104 and VETS6115 and VETS6116 and VETS6108)] and [(VETS6201 and VETS6202 and VETS6203 and VETS6204) or (VETS6231 and VETS6235 and VETS6203 and VETS6204)]
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Victoria Brookes, victoria.brookes@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Online Ethics Modules Human ethics and animal ethics training modules	10%	Multiple weeks	60 MCQs and completion of modules	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Project brief Written assignment	40%	Week 09 Due date: 11 Oct 2026 at 23:59	1000 words + 1 page curriculum vitae	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Evidence-Based Scholarly Perspective Article Written assignment	50%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 23:59	Page limit (4 + references)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

听

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

All required hurdle tasks and compulsory assessments must be submitted by 11:59 PM Australian Eastern Time, unless an approved Special Consideration application or an academic plan with an adjusted submission date has been granted.听

An overall result of 鈮�50% is required to pass this unit of study.

Attendance and class requirements

The Sydney School of Veterinary Science has established attendance guidelines to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements.

DVM students are expected to be present for all scheduled classes and activities to achieve learning outcomes. This includes arriving on time and staying for the duration of each class. Students who fail to attend a minimum of 80% of classes (not including lectures) may not be eligible for reassessment.

In addition to the requirements outlined above, and in accordance with the听DVM attendance provisions, DVM students are also required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLAs) and assessment tasks. If absent for a RLA or assessment, for any reason, students must notify the unit coordinator and apply for a special consideration at the earliest opportunity.

Classes identified as a RLA will be available on the Canvas site.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the 听(Schedule 1).

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the听Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website听provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the听Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)听which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a听simple extension.鈥� The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can鈥檛 complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for听special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,听听includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy听reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week -01	What is a 鈥済ood鈥� veterinary research project for DVM3?	Lecture (1 hr)
Week -01	Meet the Researcher	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 01	Systematic Reviews I: What, why, when (and when not), how	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Focus on CATs	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	From topic to research question (and beyond!)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Examples then work on their project	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Human ethics	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Animal ethics	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 07	Research professionalism and practice	Lecture (1 hr)
	Animal Ethics	Tutorial (3 hr)
	ShutUp and Write!	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Narrative reviews done properly	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	ShutUp and Write!	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Systematic Reviews II: Using SRs to support evidence-based practice	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Review a published SR	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Complex systems - One Health and VPH	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Rapid evidence retrieval	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Evidence and uncertainty in complex systems	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Dealing with uncertainty	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

All assessment tasks must be completed to pass this unit of study

The Sydney School of Veterinary Science has established attendance guidelines to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements.

Classes identified as a RLA will be available on the Canvas site.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Textbook
Thrusfield, M. (2007). Veterinary Epidemiology. Oxford: Blackwell. 3rd edition.

Note: An online version of this book can be accessed via the University Library; a later version is available as a hardcopy.

Additional resources list can be found on Canvas

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Design and justify a feasible veterinary research investigation, demonstrating appropriate study design, consideration of bias, and compliance with research ethics and regulatory requirements
LO2. Critically synthesise and evaluate scientific literature, integrate over-arching themes, and articulate a knowledge gap that supports further research
LO3. Communicate research rationale and scholarly argument clearly and coherently to a professional audience

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all 爆料王 graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one鈥檚 personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 1. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment. 13. Assess and manage pain. 14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely. 16. Assess and advise, at individual and population levels, on clinical and production factors such as the physical condition, welfare, nutritional status, performance and associated management factors of an animal/ group of animals. 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals. 19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities. 20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species 21. Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment. 22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC). 23. Perform antemortem and postmortem inspection of animals and make appropriate decisions to protect the food chain and animal welfare at the point of slaughter. 24. Apply veterinary elements of food safety standards and practices throughout the production chain, including on the farm and during food processing. 26. Maintain accurate, consistent, and contemporaneous records in a clinic database, which allows for case transfer and protects client privacy. 28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion. 30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body. 31. Issue certificates, applying principles appropriate to the relevant veterinary statutory body. 32. Prescribe, dispense and use medicines correctly and prudently, including recording and reporting adverse reactions, in accordance with legislation and current prescription guidelines. 33. Engage in self-directed learning, continuing professional development and career planning, acknowledging the need for self- care in the context of maintaining competency. 34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted. 35. Reflect on personal actions, including inviting and responding to constructive feedback on performance. 36. Practise time management, including recognising the impact of time management on stakeholders and self. 37. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the organisation, management, business principles, legislation related to veterinary business(es), and personal financial management. 39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice. 4. Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis. 40. Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health. 6. Develop appropriate treatment and preventive plans and administer appropriate treatments 8. Utilise traditional and digital technologies and information sources to inform patient care and manage health data. 9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 1. Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group and its/their management and environment. 14. Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely and safely. 16. Assess and advise, at individual and population levels, on clinical and production factors such as the physical condition, welfare, nutritional status, performance and associated management factors of an animal/ group of animals. 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 18. Implement and advise stakeholders on practices that promote animal welfare for an animal or group of animals. 19. Recognise suspicious signs of reportable biosecurity risks (endemic, exotic and zoonotic diseases) and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities. 20. Advise on and implement preventive programs appropriate to the species 21. Use One Health principles in veterinary practice, promoting the health and safety of people and sustainability of the environment. 22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC). 23. Perform antemortem and postmortem inspection of animals and make appropriate decisions to protect the food chain and animal welfare at the point of slaughter. 24. Apply veterinary elements of food safety standards and practices throughout the production chain, including on the farm and during food processing. 34. Recognise limitations of knowledge, skills and resources, consult with colleagues as needed, and identify situations in which referral is warranted. 37. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the organisation, management, business principles, legislation related to veterinary business(es), and personal financial management. 39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice. 4. Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis. 40. Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health. 6. Develop appropriate treatment and preventive plans and administer appropriate treatments 8. Utilise traditional and digital technologies and information sources to inform patient care and manage health data. 9. Adapt and apply knowledge and skills to varied scenarios and contexts, including where information is incomplete.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 17. Apply principles of population medicine and epidemiological skills to investigate veterinary problems. 22. Develop, evaluate, recommend, and practise protocols for biosecurity, biosafety and infection prevention and control (IPC). 25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context. 26. Maintain accurate, consistent, and contemporaneous records in a clinic database, which allows for case transfer and protects client privacy. 27. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and act to respect and promote diversity in all elements of practice. 28. Work effectively as a member of a professional/ inter-professional team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional while promoting equity and inclusion. 29. Collaborate with external referral, diagnostic and other professional services, including providing an appropriate history and clear communication. 30. Act professionally and ethically, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements of the relevant veterinary statutory body. 39. Critically review and evaluate evidence from traditional and digital resources, aligned to evidence-based veterinary practice. 4. Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis. 40. Contribute as appropriate to the advancement and dissemination of veterinary knowledge to improve the quality of animal care and public health. 6. Develop appropriate treatment and preventive plans and administer appropriate treatments

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Student feedback鈥痠ndicates鈥痶hat VETS6207 continues to perform strongly, with stable overall results and high satisfaction with teaching quality, applied assessments, and the structured introduction to DVM3 research projects. Students particularly valued alignment between tutorials and assessments, the authenticity of the outbreak investigation task, and the support of teaching staff. Feedback also鈥痠dentified鈥痮pportunities to enhance assessment feedback, student engagement, and the organisation of learning resources. These areas are being considered as part of updates to the unit for 2026.鈥�

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses.

Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an听inherent requirement听for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than听the first day听of the enrolled听teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete.

Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment.

Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally.

Please refer to the University鈥檚 website听here听for more information on student vaccinations

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University鈥檚听听explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

Important: the 爆料王 regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an .

爆料王

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

VETS6207: Research and Enquiry 2B

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links