Vet Public Health Research Project

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

This subject code represents one half of a year long research project. Students undertaking a research project across two semesters will enrol in this subject twice.

Students undertaking a 25 point research project in one semester should enrol in the subject VETS90029.

The research project is available both via on campus mode and via distance mode.

170 hours

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Students will develop and attempt to answer a research question of veterinary public health (VPH) importance and/or importance for emergency animal disease preparedness and response. This will be achieved either by: a systematic review of the published and unpublished literature, design and conduct of an epidemiological study (or other appropriate study design) or through the analysis of an existing data set.

To successfully complete this subject students will enrol in this subject twice, across consecutive semesters.

The VPH Research Project provides an opportunity to acquire research methods skills and integrate knowledge and skills attained throughout the course and application of such knowledge and skills to address a research question of veterinary public health importance. Typically this will be applied research of direct industry relevance, arising in a practical setting with a professional context as in the extension of activities undertaken by a State or national government veterinary service or Department of Primary Industries.

Students may apply to undertake 25 points of elective supervised research on a topic of veterinary public health importance. Students have the option of applying to enrol in a year-long part time research project or a semester-long full time research project. Students enrolling in the year long project MUST complete the project in two semesters consecutively. Students should be aware that they must complete a 25 point research project in order for the MVPH-EAD to provide an entry pathway to a Research Higher Degree program (such as a PhD).

At the end of this subject, students are expected to be able to:

• Develop a research question of veterinary public health importance that can be addressed by epidemiological investigation or another form of appropriate research
• Develop a research study design that addresses the question
• Justify the research question and study design using available evidence
• Understand what is required to conduct the research
• Summarise, analyse and interpret research data and findings
• Communicate their research to a scientific and industry audience (i.e. write reports suitable for use by veterinary and/or public health agencies, prepare a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, or present their research at a scientific seminar or conference)

• An oral presentation of proposed research question/methods/interim analyses of 15 minutes (10 minute presentation, 5 minutes questions) due during the first semester of enrolment in this subject worth 10%
• An oral presentation of research findings of 20 minutes (15 minute presentation, 5 minutes questions) due during the second semester of enrolment in this subject worth 20%
• A written research report of 5000 to 8000 words due during the examination period of the second semester of enrolment in this subject worth 70%

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students will have:

• Demonstrated the integration and application of knowledge and skills developed throughout the course
• Addressed a research question important to veterinary public health and/or emergency animal disease preparedness and response
• Planned and executed a substantial research-based project
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analysis, initiative, autonomy and organization in addressing an important research question/ problem
• Demonstrated an ability to search, find, evaluate and using relevant information
• Successfully communicated research findings