Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

The program of study will be four years full time, and will be delivered at the Parkville campus (Years One and Two) and at the Werribee campus (Years Three and Four).

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum will assume prior knowledge and experience of scientific thought processes. This will allow for the early introduction of an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to veterinary studies, an approach that provides opportunities for students to apply their understanding to authentic cases, to practise evidence-based decision-making, to solve clinical problems and to acquire clinical competencies in an ordered and sequential way, from the first year of their course. By the time they reach the final year of the DVM, students will be immersed in a community of best practice in the University’s Hospital, where the explicit teaching of the lecture theatre, practical class and tutorial room gives way to peer to peer teaching and experiential learning.

Students successfully completing the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation of the Animal Health and Disease major of the BSc will have guaranteed progression to the DVM, with credit for all subjects in DVM1.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with Distinction

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with Distinction will be awarded to completing students (graduates) who have achieved a weighted average mark of 80% or more across all subjects in the final three years of the DVM course.

The primary aim of the Melbourne DVM curriculum is to graduate highly capable veterinary scientists whose abilities to solve problems, to draw on the substantial body of veterinary knowledge, to interpret evidence, and to make decisions and act upon them within a clear ethical and professional framework embody all of the graduate attributes to which the Faculty aspires.

The DVM curriculum has been developed around five learning domains that describe the student’s progressive acquisition of the graduate attributes of a veterinary scientist. These domains or strands, that traverse all subjects of the DVM program, are:

• The scientific basis of clinical practice
• Ethics and animal welfare
• Biosecurity and population health
• Clinical skills, and
• Personal and professional development.

All subjects in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine are compulsory.

See section below (Subject Options) for the structure of this course.

All subjects in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine are compulsory - there are no majors/minors/specialisations

All subjects in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine are compulsory.

Year One (DVM 1)

Students enrolled in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

N.B. All students are to enrol in the Year Long availabilities of these two subjects, unless directed by the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences.

Year One (DVM 1) with advanced standing

Students enrolled in the DVM who have been granted advanced standing based on completed studies at the University of Melbourne.

For students who have previously completed all three of:

• VETS20014 Foundations of Animal Health 1
• VETS20015 Foundations of Animal Health 2
• VETS30015 Veterinary Bioscience: Cells to Systems

These students should enrol in both

Year One (via Veterinary Bioscience specialisation in the BSc)

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science - Animal Health and Disease Major (Veterinary Bioscience specialisation).

N.B. The subjects VETS20014 Foundations of Animal Health 1 and VETS20015 Foundations of Animal Health 2 are completed prior to the final year of the Bachelor of Science.

Year Two (DVM 2)

N.B. All students are to enrol in the Year Long availabilities of these three subjects, unless directed by the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences.

Year Three (DVM 3) 2016 and 2017 only

Year Three (DVM 3) from 2018

From 2018 the third year structure of the DVM will change and will incorporate tracks. For further information about these changes please go to:

http://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/study/courses/doctor-of-veterinary-medicine/student-experience#nav

In 2018 students will study the following subjects:

Year Four (DVM 4)

Normal Entry (i.e. ‘graduate selection’)

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Biomedicine or Bachelor of Agriculture degree at the University of Melbourne, or an equivalent degree from another institution, including specified prerequisite subjects (at least one semester of study in biology and at least one semester of study in biochemistry); and
• a personal statement demonstrating interest and commitment to animal health, production and welfare and in pursuing a career in the veterinary science profession and any experience working with animals and/or other fields relevant to veterinary science.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance (based on grade-point average protocols approved specifically for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine); and
• the personal statement.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance Band 7.0 is required.

Entry with advanced standing via the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation of the Animal Health and Disease major of the Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne (i.e. ‘undergraduate selection’)

The alternative pathway for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is available to current undergraduate students who have completed two years of the Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne (including the prerequisite subjects of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (or equivalent) and Foundations of Animal Health 1 and 2).

Applicants apply for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the end of their second year and, if successful, are enrolled into subjects in Veterinary Bioscience specialisation of the Animal Health and Disease major of the Bachelor of Science. Students selected via this pathway who then successfully complete the Bachelor of Science, including all subjects in the Animal Health and Disease major (Veterinary Bioscience specialisation) will be assured entry in to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, with credit for all subjects at the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine first year level (100 points). The selection point into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is therefore prior to the third year of the Bachelor of Science.

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• the first and second years of the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Biomedicine degree at the University of Melbourne, including specified prerequisite subjects (biochemistry and foundations of animal health); and
• a personal statement demonstrating interest and commitment to animal health, production and welfare and in pursuing a career in the veterinary science profession and any experience working with animals and/or other field in fields relevant to veterinary science.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance in science subjects, with greater weight placed on second or third-year subjects than on first-year subjects; and
• the personal statement.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Additional Notes

The Selection Committee will consider Graduate Access Melbourne applications and may make appropriate adjustments to applicants' grade-point average as appropriate. Adjustments will be considered in the selection process for Commonwealth-supported places and Australian Fee paying places.

Guaranteed entry into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is offered for high-achieving school leavers who commence undergraduate studies at the University of Melbourne. This pathway is via the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation of the Animal Health and Disease major in the Bachelor of Science and the selection point is prior to the third year of the Bachelor of Science. The approved arrangement is as follows:

For a Commonwealth supported place:

• achieve an ATAR (or equivalent) of 98.5 (in the final year of schooling in Australia); commence a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Melbourne following completion of schooling; and complete the first two years of the Bachelor of Science, including the appropriate prerequisite subjects, with a minimum weighted average mark of H2B (70%) for both level 1 and level 2 science subjects.

For a Fee-paying place (international or Australian):

• achieve an ATAR (or equivalent) of 95.0; commence a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Melbourne following completion of schooling; and complete the first two years of the Bachelor of Science, including the appropriate prerequisite subjects, with a minimum weighted average mark of H2B (70%) for both level 1 and level 2 science subjects.

For full Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Admissions Policy including Selection Guidelines, see:
http://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/study/courses/doctor-of-veterinary-medicine/overview

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison website:
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

It is a requirement of the course that students fully participate in teaching activities involving the use of animals. There are no exceptions to this.

The University has a policy regarding the conscientious objection to animal use. However within the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine activities involving the use of animals for teaching purposes are essential to the development of relevant skills and attributes and the requirement for all students to fully and actively participate cannot be waived.

Additional requirements of the course are that students agree to be vaccinated against Q fever and tetanus and that they undertake and complete an approved short course in animal handling and safety.

The Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences policy outlining requirements in relation to student disability for entry to and progression within the DVM are outlined below.

All students of the DVM must possess the intellectual, ethical, physical and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence at graduation required by the faculty and the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria.

While the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences will make reasonable adjustments to minimise the impact of a disability, all students must be able to participate in the program in an independent manner. It is not reasonable for students to use an intermediary as an adjustment to compensate for a disability impacting on any of the five categories listed below. In the clinical environment there is a primary duty of care to the patients and the needs of students cannot compromise this. It is expected that all students will be able to participate fully in all classroom based learning activities and to successfully fulfil the self-study requirements of the course. The presence of a disability will not automatically entitle the student to preferential treatment in clinical place allocation.

A candidate for the DVM must have abilities and skills in the following five categories across all aspects of the course including practical classes and in clinical work:

• Observation
• Communication
• Motor
• Intellectual
• Behavioural and social.

Observational Skills

Visual acuity is required in most aspects of the program. Students must be able to observe and participate in practical laboratory classes in the basic sciences, including physiology and pharmacology demonstrations and experiments, anatomy dissection classes, and practical classes in histology, general pathology, parasitology, microbiology and immunology. Visual acuity is necessary to identify and interpret gross lesions indicative of disease, view and interpret tissue sections and fluid smears via light microscopy, recognise pathogenic agents either with the naked eye or by microscopic examination, and read and interpret the results of many diagnostic tests.

Communication Skills

Students must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in written form. They must be capable of preparing written case reports, essays and other written assignments, of making oral presentations, and of satisfactorily completing examinations that require comprehension skills, clarity of expression, and the demonstration and application of relevant knowledge that is presented in a logical and coherent fashion.

Students must be able to maintain comprehensive and accurate written or electronic records, and to communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing) with the lay public, farmers, representatives of animal industries, diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical agencies, government and other responsible authorities, and members of the veterinary profession, using language that is appropriate to the audience and context.

Motor Skills

Students must possess sufficient motor function to be able to participate fully and independently in all classes. Practical class and clinical work activities require coordination of gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision. Students must be capable of identifying the potential risk of injury and take responsibility for their own safety, the safety of others and the safety of animals (including animal handling) whilst undertaking these activities.

Intellectual Skills

Problem-solving, a critical skill demanded of disease investigators, requires conceptual, integrative and quantitative intellectual skills. Students are expected to have the necessary intellectual capacity to permit them to develop and hone their skills in measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis and synthesis over the course of the program, building on a strong foundational knowledge of the biological sciences. Students must also have the capacity to develop skills in critically evaluating scientific evidence and to comprehend and integrate complex information relating to multiple scientific disciplines.

Behavioural and Social Skills

Students must possess the behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. As they also contribute to the learning of other students in a collaborative learning environment, they are expected to demonstrate inter-personal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment components may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

Students program must be capable of working effectively both as individuals and as members of teams. They are expected to behave in a respectful and collegial fashion not only with other students but also with academic, administrative and technical staff of the Faculty, members of the veterinary profession, representatives of animal and allied industries, and government authorities.

Students must be mature, self-aware and have the emotional health necessary to utilise their intellectual abilities fully. They must be aware of their personal limitations, and be cognisant of when and where to seek assistance or professional advice and support.

The DVM program encourages students to achieve the attributes of all graduates of the University of Melbourne in terms of academic excellence, knowledge acquisition, community leadership and responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and international awareness.

In particular, the Melbourne School of Veterinary Science intends that graduates of its DVM program should:

• Be able to seek solutions to problems through the application of knowledge, the ability to initiate and integrate new ideas, an appreciation of the broad picture of science, and an understanding of the importance and application of scientific method
• Deal with integrity and honesty with professional colleagues, clients and the general public
• Demonstrate empathy and concern for animals and people
• Possess an understanding of both scientific and vocational aspects of veterinary science
• Be motivated to be a veterinarian, aware of the veterinarian’s place in society, and prepared to be a leader in the community
• Have broad knowledge of veterinary science and be able to develop intellectual and physical skills as circumstances dictate
• Be trained in all disciplines and aspects of veterinary science
• Be adaptable to changes in their specific field of employment and to advancements in veterinary science in general
• Be confident in their veterinary capabilities on day one post-graduation whilst recognising the limitations of their training
• Be aware of the global society and equipped to contribute to it
• Be a graduate of choice for employers.

As a Masters level course, the DVM assumes and builds on the prior knowledge and experience in scientific thinking of students entering the course. From the first year of study an integrated and interdisciplinary approach is adopted. Students are expected to appraise data critically, to integrate concepts acquired in different disciplines, and to apply their understanding to authentic cases. They will be provided with opportunities to practise evidence-based decision-making, to solve clinical problems and to acquire clinical competencies in an ordered and sequential way.

The veterinary program at the University of Melbourne is accredited by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (London, United Kingdom), and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Accreditation is reviewed on a 7 year cycle for all accredited veterinary schools. The accrediting authorities have been informed of the changes to the degree structure through the customary annual reporting process. A formal review of the program will occur in line with the normal accreditation process.

The primary aim of the Melbourne DVM curriculum is to graduate highly capable veterinary scientists whose abilities to solve problems, to draw on the substantial body of veterinary knowledge, to interpret evidence, and to make decisions and act upon them within a clear ethical and professional framework embody all of the graduate attributes to which the Faculty aspires.

The DVM curriculum has been developed around five learning domains that describe the student’s progressive acquisition of the graduate attributes of a veterinary scientist. These domains or strands, that traverse all subjects of the DVM program, are:

• The scientific basis of clinical practice
• Ethics and animal welfare
• Biosecurity and population health
• Clinical skills, and
• Personal and professional development

The DVM program encourages students to achieve the attributes of all graduates of the University of Melbourne in terms of academic excellence, knowledge acquisition, community leadership and responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and international awareness.

Knowledge

Graduates of the Melbourne DVM will have:

• An extensive body of contemporary knowledge encompassing all disciplines and aspects of veterinary science
• A knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to veterinary science and its professional practice

Skills

Graduates of the Melbourne DVM will have:

• An advanced understanding of concepts, mechanisms and practical skills that underline veterinary science and its professional practice
• The ability to investigate and seek solutions to complex problems and synthesise information encountered as a veterinary scientist, employing practical skills and the application of knowledge
• The ability to apply their knowledge and technical skills to evaluate ideas and concepts presented to a veterinary scientist
• The ability to interpret scientific findings and justify professional decisions through effective communication to clients, colleagues and support staff with empathy and concern for both animals and people
• The ability to apply their knowledge, practical and communication skills to formulate and implement management strategies for addressing problems encountered as a contemporary veterinary scientist

Application of knowledge and skills

Graduates of the Melbourne DVM will demonstrate the application of knowledge & skills:

• With the ability to adapt to changes in their field of employment and to advancements in veterinary science
• With the ability to develop intellectual and physical skills in order to initiate and integrate new ideas into veterinary practice
• With confidence in their veterinary capabilities on day one post-graduation, whilst at the same time recognising the extent of these capabilities and assuming individual professional responsibilities for them
• By being a graduate of choice for employers
• By being motivated to be a veterinarian, by being aware of the veterinarian’s place in global society and by being prepared to contribute to and be a leader in the community
• To complete a professionally focussed research project and participate in a capstone experience

As a Masters level course, the DVM assumes and builds on the prior knowledge and experience in scientific thinking of students entering the course. From the first year of study an integrated and interdisciplinary approach is adopted. Students are expected to appraise data critically, to integrate concepts acquired in different disciplines, and to apply their understanding to authentic cases. They will be provided with opportunities to practise evidence-based decision-making, to solve clinical problems and to acquire clinical competencies in an ordered and sequential way.

The veterinary program at the University of Melbourne is accredited by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (London, United Kingdom), and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Accreditation is reviewed on a 7 year cycle for all accredited veterinary schools.

Progression in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

STANDING RULES – All Years

Progression in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program is by year not by semester. The subjects undertaken each year are prerequisites for those of the following year.

A student may not proceed to the next year of the program without having satisfied completely all of the requirements of the preceding year.

Convening of the Course Unsatisfactory Progress Committee (CUPC)

The Faculty's Course Unsatisfactory Progress Committee will convene after results have been certified for each subject to review the progress of any student in the Repeat Year or Termination of Enrolment category. Students in these categories will be invited to make an oral and/or written submission to the Committee. The CUPC is authorised to make decisions on behalf of the Faculty with regard to the progress of individual students and to vary the Standing Rules if it deems that progression of a student can be facilitated without adversely affecting academic standards.

STANDING RULES - Years 1, 2 and 3

1. Hurdle Reassessment

1.1 A hurdle reassessment is a further assessment that will be offered for a failed hurdle component of a subject provided the student has

• Achieved a mark of 40% or greater in the subject, and
• Failed no more than three hurdle requirements (for DVM-1) or two hurdle requirements (for DVM-2 or DVM-3) across all subjects in the year.

1.2 Hurdle reassessment will be offered to eligible students following the release of final subject results.

1.3 A hurdle reassessment is a complete examination in the hurdle component and is the sole determinant of the mark for that hurdle component.

1.4 The format of the hurdle reassessment may differ from that of the original assessment. The maximum mark recorded a hurdle reassessment is 50%.

1.5 Some hurdle requirements may not contribute to the final grade in a subject. Where the numeric result for a hurdle requirement contributes to the overall subject result, the hurdle reassessment mark will be used in that calculation.

2. Supplementary Examinations

2.1 Supplementary examinations will be offered for a subject in which a student achieves a mark between 40% and 49% (inclusive) and has satisfactorily completed all prescribed hurdle requirements.

2.2 A supplementary examination will not be offered for a subject in which a student has failed a hurdle reassessment.

2.3 Supplementary examinations will not be offered if a student falls into the Repeat the year or termination of Enrolment categories.

2.4 Supplementary examinations will not be offered for subjects that a student fails whilst repeating a year.

2.5 A supplementary examination is a complete examination in a subject and is the sole determinant of the final mark for that subject. No earlier assessment components of the subject will contribute to the final mark in that subject. The format of the supplementary examination may differ from that of the original examination(s) in that subject. A supplementary examination may be comprised of more than one assessment type. The maximum mark recorded for a supplementary examination is 50%.

3. Repeat the Year

3.1 Students in DVM-1 will not be permitted to repeat subjects.

3.2 Students in DVM-2 and DVM-3 will be permitted to repeat if they do not fall into the Termination of Enrolment category.

3.3 Repeating students are required to undertake only those subjects that they have failed and must complete all components of those subjects.

3.4 Students repeating subjects must pass all components of those subjects outright and are not eligible for supplementary examinations or hurdle reassessments.

4. Termination of Enrolment

4.1 A student will be placed in the Termination of Enrolment category if he or she

• Fails one or more subjects in DVM-1
• Fails two or more subjects in DVM-2
• Fails all subjects in DVM-3
• Fails any subject in a year at the first attempt with a mark of less than 40%
• Fails any repeated subject

STANDING RULES – Year 4

1. Hurdle reassessment requirements

Hurdle reassessments will be offered to eligible students who have failed oral examinations, clinical rotations/placements or the research project. Students who are repeating the year are not eligible for hurdle reassessments.

1.1 Oral examinations

1.1.1 Students will be allowed up to two reassessments (one per subject/topic) if they fail no more than two oral hurdle examinations at the end of fourth year.

1.1.2 The format of the oral reassessments may differ from that of the original examinations.

1.2 Research project

1.2.1 A student who fails the research project hurdle will be permitted to re-submit the project during the supplementary examination period. The maximum mark recorded for this reassessment is 50%.

1.3 Rotations

1.3.1 Students will be permitted to repeat up to two failed internal or external clinical rotations or extramural elective placements. These hurdle requirements can be repeated during the year or after the examination period. A repeat rotation/placement will be of the same duration as the failed rotation/placement. The maximum mark recorded for a repeat rotation/placement is 50%.

2. Supplementary Examinations

2.1 Students will be offered a supplementary examination if they do not fall into the Repeat the Year or Termination of Enrolment category. To be eligible for a supplementary examination, students must have passed all five themes of VETS70009 Veterinary Professional Practice and have an overall subject mark of more than 40%.

2.2 A supplementary examination will be granted for eligible students who fail the end of year written examination or oral examination hurdle.

2.3 A supplementary examination will be granted for eligible students who fail three rotations (internal or external clinical rotations or extramural placements), or a repeated rotation.

2.4 Failure of the research project will result in a supplementary examination provided a student has passed all five themes of VETS70009 Veterinary Professional Practice and has an overall mark of more than 40%.

2.5 The format of the supplementary examination may differ from that of the original examination(s). A supplementary examination is a complete examination and alone determines the final mark for the subject. The maximum mark that may be recorded for the subject is 50%.

2.6 A supplementary examination will not be granted if a student is repeating the year.

3. Repeat the Year

3.1 A DVM-4 student who does not fall into the Termination of Enrolment category will be permitted to repeat the year if he or she:

• fails four or more rotations, i.e. clinical rotations, electives or extramural placements, or
• fails a supplementary examination, or
• fails any one of the five themes of VETS70009 Veterinary Professional Practice with a mark between 40 and 49%, or
• fails the subject with a mark between 40 and 49%.

3.2 Repeating DVM-4 students are required to undertake and successfully complete all components of VETS70009 Veterinary Professional Practice in the first repeated attempt.

4. Termination of Enrolment

4.1 A DVM-4 student will be placed in the Termination of Enrolment category if he or she

• fails VETS70009 Veterinary Professional Practice at the first attempt with a mark of less than 40%, or
• fails any of the five themes of VETS70009 Veterinary Professional Practice with a mark of less than 40%, or
• fails two or more of the five themes of VETS70009 Veterinary Professional Practice, or
• fails any examination or a theme in a repeated year.