THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2020/2021

Information in the Degree Programme Tables may still be subject to change in response to Covid-19

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies : Veterinary Sciences

Postgraduate Course: Small Animal Surgical Practice (C-SAS.1) (VESC11136)

Course Outline
SchoolRoyal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course typeOnline Distance Learning AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThe objective of this module is to promote a scientific, evidence based approach to small animal surgery, and to help candidates develop both practical and theoretical skills in the field. The candidate will be able to evaluate their own standards of practice and develop strategies for continuous improvement in the future.
Course description This assessment-only course should be seen as a 'core' surgery module, which provides the foundation needed for further development in the other small animal surgery modules of the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. The objective of this module is to promote a scientific, evidence based approach to small animal surgery, and to help candidates develop both practical and theoretical skills in the field. The candidate is expected to build on the foundation skills developed when undertaking the A and B modules, and to demonstrate progression towards advanced practitioner skills. The candidate will be able to evaluate their own standards of practice and develop strategies for continuous improvement in the future.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2020/21, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Quota:  None
Course Start Flexible
Course Start Date 03/08/2020
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 100 ( Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 98 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) The assessment of this module is in two parts: a case book of three reflective case essays, and a case log.

1. Case book
For each essay, the candidate must select one case from their surgical case-load and use this to illustrate one of the three topics listed below. Each essay must illustrate a separate topic from the list. The candidate must state which topic the essay is illustrating. A separate case must be used for each essay.

Each essay must be a maximum of 2000 words excluding reference list, tables and figure legends. Case reports that exceed the prescribed word count will be returned unmarked. References from both the current published literature and standard reference sources should be used sparingly to support major statements in the text.

The candidate must clearly indicate which topic the essay demonstrates:

Topic 1: Discuss the application of theory and selection of wound products using a case as an example of open wound management in small animal practice.

Topic 2: Demonstrate the importance of surgeon and patient preparation using a case undergoing surgery in small animal practice. This may include a discussion on the rational use of antibiosis in the perioperative period.

Topic 3: One additional case that reflects one aspect of the module outcomes (excluding topics 1 and 2) should be described.

2. Case log
A case log of 100 consecutive surgical cases should be submitted, which should include elective and routine surgical procedures including brief details of the procedures used and outcome of the case.

The case log should demonstrate a variety of surgical methods. To maintain this variety, stop including surgeries after 25% of the same of any one type has been reached (e.g. no more than 25% TPLO surgeries for the treatment of cruciate disease). This equates to 25 surgeries in the C-SAS.1 module and 5 surgeries in the other surgery modules.
Feedback Students will have the option to submit drafts of one case study for formative written feedback to aid in preparation for submission.

Full written feedback will be provided with results, and students are encouraged to contact the programme team to discuss if they have any queries.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Gain a sound understanding of the principles of tissue healing and the physiological consequences of surgery on all body systems.
  2. Critically appraise their current working practices with regard to preparation and management of the surgical patient, the surgical environment, staff and instruments.
  3. Use the information gained in this module to modify their working practices and upgrade to best practice techniques in preparation for gaining the surgical or medical skills in other C modules.
  4. Recognise the moral responsibility to provide adequate levels of care and facilities for particular surgical procedures.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills A. Research and Enquiry
Graduates of the University will be able to create new knowledge and opportunities for learning through the process of research and enquiry. This may be understood in terms of the following:
- be able to identify, define and analyse problems and identify or create processes to solve them
- be able to exercise critical judgment in creating new understanding
- be ready to ask key questions and exercise rational enquiry
- be able to critically assess existing understanding and the limitations of their own knowledge and recognise the need to regularly challenge all knowledge
- search for, evaluate and use information to develop their knowledge and understanding
- have an informed respect for the principles, methods, standards, values and boundaries of their discipline(s) and the capacity to question these
- understand economic, legal, ethical, social, cultural and environmental issues in the use of information
- recognise the importance of reflecting on their learning experiences and be aware of their own learning style

B. Personal and Intellectual Autonomy
Graduates of the University will be able to work independently and sustainably, in a way that is informed by openness, curiosity and a desire to meet new challenges. This may be understood in terms of the following:
- be able to identify processes and strategies for learning
- be independent learners who take responsibility for their own learning, and are committed to continuous reflection, self-evaluation and self-improvement
- be able to make decisions on the basis of rigorous and independent thought, taking into account ethical and professional issues
- be able to use collaboration and debate effectively to test, modify and strengthen their own views
- be intellectually curious and able to sustain intellectual interest
- be able to respond effectively to unfamiliar problems in unfamiliar contexts

C. Communication
Graduates of the University will recognise and value communication as the tool for negotiating and creating new understanding, collaborating with others, and furthering their own learning. This may be understood in terms of the following:
- make effective use of oral, written and visual means to critique, negotiate, create and communicate understanding
- use communication as a tool for collaborating and relating to others
- further their own learning through effective use of the full range of communication approaches
- seek and value open feedback to inform genuine self-awareness
- recognise the benefits of communicating with those beyond their immediate environments
- use effective communication to articulate their skills as identified through self-reflection

D. Personal Effectiveness
Graduates of the University will be able to effect change and be responsive to the situations and environments in which they operate. This may be understood in terms of the following:
- appreciate and use talents constructively, demonstrating self-discipline, motivation, adaptability, persistence and professionalism
- be able to create and harness opportunities
- be able to manage risk while initiating and managing change
- be responsive to their changing surroundings, being both flexible and proactive
- have the confidence to make decisions based on their understandings and their personal and intellectual autonomy
- be able to flexibly transfer their knowledge, learning, skills and abilities from one context to another
- understand social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities and issues
- be able to work effectively with others, capitalising on their different thinking, experience and skills
- work with, manage, and lead others in ways that value their diversity and equality and that encourage their contribution to the organisation and the wider community
Keywordsveterinary,certavp,surgery,small animal,rcvs
Contacts
Course organiserMs Sharon Boyd
Tel: (0131 6)51 7449
Email: Sharon.Boyd@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Linda Pollock
Tel: (0131) 650 6149
Email: Linda.Pollock@ed.ac.uk
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