VET TECH 1010RW - Foundations of Science for Veterinary Technologists I

Roseworthy Campus - Semester 1 - 2023

The aims of this course are to provide students with an overall understanding of the principles and concepts involved in complex biological systems and to develop the core knowledge essential for undertaking advanced studies in Veterinary Technology.

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Course Details

Course Code	VET TECH 1010RW
Course	Foundations of Science for Veterinary Technologists I
Coordinating Unit	School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	Roseworthy Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 7 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Assumed Knowledge	Prior study of chemistry is recommended (Year 11 - SACE Stage 1)
Restrictions	Restrictions: Available to Bachelor of Veterinary Technology students only
Assessment	Practical theory assessments, Written scientific report, Online revision quizzes, Team-based learning tests, Group assignment, Final theory exam

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Sasha Lanyon

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course students should be able to:
1	Demonstrate and apply basic knowledge and understanding of organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, biology and cellular biology in the context of animal health.
2	Describe the processes of scientific methodology and collaborative work.
3	Develop critical thinking and problem solving ability.
4	Demonstrate proficiency in common chemistry and biological laboratory techniques.
5	Communicate biological and chemical concepts and experimental results in written and oral forms in a professional manner.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.	1, 2, 3
Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.	1, 3, 4, 5
Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.	2, 5
Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.	2, 3, 5
Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.	2, 3, 5
Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.	.
Attribute 7: Digital capabilities Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.	.
Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.	3, 5

Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

This course is taught in predominantly face-to face, with approx 2-3hrs of lecture content per week, one 2-hour practical and one 2-hour tutorial each week.

Lecture slots include traditional didactic lecture delivery, but also regularly include active learning or flipped classroom delivery. In some instances pre-class preparation (such as short readings, videos or digital interactives) are required. Students are advised that active learning and flipped classrooms often do not record well, so attendance is strongly encouraged. On occasion, face-to-face lectures may be replaced with online alternatives. Individual and team tests will take place during lecture slots as scheduled and failure to attend will have negative impacts on a student's grade.

Tutorial activities are conducted in learning teams, and may incorporate team based learning activities, and case-based learning and short answer exam-style questions. Students are encouraged to make good use of access to academic staff during tutorial times to consolidate their learning and understanding of lecture materials. Tutorials are compulsory teaching activities.

Practicals are laboratory and/or computer-based and align with the lecture content. Studentw will work in pairs to complete the laboratory protocols, and will individually record their results and answer study questions that are the basis for practical assessment. Practicals are compulsory teaching activities.

Course materials including lecture notes, tutorial activities & questions and practical worksheets will be provided via MyUni. Students are responsible for printing practical worksheets and any other materials they require in hard copy. On occasion, students will need to bring to class a device from which they can access the internet - students that do not have access to an appropriate device should speak to the course coordinator.

The lecture content is reinforced and supported by the tutorial and practical content.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures, practicals and tutorials), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading, revision, online learning activities and assessments).

Learning Activities Summary

Lecture topics:
·        Atoms, Chemical states of matter including physical properties, elements, compounds and mixtures
·        The Periodic table
·        Chemical reaction calculations
·        Chemical change and bonding
·        Acids, bases and pH, REDOX reactions
·        Organic nomenclature
·        Organic compounds and functional groups
·        Structure and bonding, physical and chemical change
·        Molecular and biological basis of evolution including the diversity of organisms
·        Cell structure and function
·        Protein structure and function
·        Mechanisms and control of enzyme action
·        Biochemistry of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism
·        Energy generation and storage
·        Ruminant specific biochemistry
·        The role of nucleic acids in genetic information transfer including protein synthesis

Practical topics:
·        Accurate weighing of compounds, preparation, mixing and pH adjustment of solutions
·        Acid/base titration
·        Organic chemical reactions
·        Introduction to micro-organisms
·        Microscopy
·        Aseptic techniques
·        Gram staining
·        Osmosis
·        Chromosomes, meiosis and mitosis
·        Extraction and analysis of biological samples

Apply these key biological concepts to areas of animal science and veterinary medicine.

Specific Course Requirements

Attendance at all practicals is compulsory. Alternative practical sessions may be arranged on a case by case basis.

Students are strongly advised not to miss lectures as they may miss assessable components such as quizzes, which will have negative implications for their final grade.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Task Type	Weighting	Hurdle Yes or No	Learning Outcomes	Approximate timing of assessment
Team Based Learning Quizzes	Formative and summative	10%	No	1, 2, 3	Througout Semester
Laboratory Quizzes	Formative and summative	20%	No	1, 2, 4	Weeks 1 - 9
Online multiple choice quizzes	Formative and summative	10%	No	1, 3	Weeks 1 - 11
Group Case Study	Summative	10%	No	1, 3, 5	Week 7
Practical Report	Summative	10%	No	1, 2, 4	Week 12
Theory Exam	Summative	40%	Yes	1, 3	Exam period

Assessment Related Requirements

Assessment Item with Hurdle	% needed to meet hurdle requirement	Is additional assessment available if student does not meet hurdle requirement	If additional assessment is available, explain what type
Theory Examination	40%	Yes	Supplementary examination

Assessment Detail

Team-based learning quizzes (TBL): 3 quizzes (10%) Throughout the semester
Quizzes will consist of 10 multiple choice and short answer questions. In groups of 3-4, students will research and discuss topics from a provided list. TBL’s will be assessed and feedback during and at the end of each session.

Laboratory Quizzes (10%) Weeks 1 - 9
Students will record the outcomes/findings of practical classes (weeks 1-9). Practical findings will be assessed in weekly MyUni quizzes.

Online multiple choice quizzes (10%) Throughout the semester
Students will individually complete multiple online quizzes during semester (approx. 10 quizzes, worth 10% combined). These quizzes will be completed and submitted online. Feedback will also be delivered online. The quizzes will consist of multiple choice and short ‘fill-in-the-blank’ type questions. The aim of these quizzes is to encourage students to pro-actively revise lecture material as the semester progresses.

Group Case Study (20%) Week 7
Students will make a 10 minute oral presentation to the class on a topical issue in diversity of organisms, organic or inorganic chemistry from a provided list of topics. Students will research the claims made in the topic, with references to the currentstate of knowledge. Students will also provide evidence to support or refute the claims and make further recommendations on research required for this topic.

Practical Report (10%) Week 12
Students will perform extractions of various biological samples and analyse the resulting constituents. Students will then prepare a traditional practical report analysing and presenting the data collected (800-1000 words).

Theory Exam (40%) open book
The final three hour theory exam will examine all theory components of the course. It will consist of multiple choice, short answer and long answer questions. The theory exam will occur during the examination period. Successful completion (>40%) will demonstrate proficiency in areas of chemistry, biology and biochemistry.

Submission

If an extension is not applied for, or not granted, then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator