VET-30009 - Module Specification
Harper and Keele Veterinary School
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

VET-10009 Professional Skills and Academic Practice

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

This module follows the stream which develops a students’ academic, personal and professional skills. Using a combination of visiting lecturers from industry and case study based approach this module examines ethical and professional constraints and requirements, and establishes the legal groundwork within which a veterinary surgeon operates.
This module addresses the following RCVS competencies:
1 - Act professionally, as informed by the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct.
2 - Act in a way that shows understanding of ethical and legal responsibilities, appropriately balancing competing interests.
26 - Act professionally in complex situations.

The aims of this module are to:
1. To examine professional requirements in certification
2. To introduce working concepts of the law as it relates to veterinary practice
3. To examine the ethical issues associated with interprofessional relationships, professional competence and animal welfare
4. To introduce the concepts of clinical governance

Intended Learning Outcomes

Apply knowledge of ethical frameworks, the legal system and regulatory requirements to aspects of the veterinary profession: 1
Define the functions of representative and regulatory organisations and analyse their role in the veterinary profession: 1
Evaluate the standards of professional conduct required for veterinary surgeons and the implications of working within a regulated profession: 1
Explain the principles of clinical governance and quality improvement in veterinary medicine and apply these principles through significant event analysis: 1

Study hours

20 hours lectures
8 hours GOAL
72 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment