Doctor of Veterinary Science

Candidates for the Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVSc) have undertaken original scientific work to the extent that they have authoritative standing in that field and have made a substantial published contribution to Veterinary Science. The work need not be limited to a particular field of research, but it would be expected that a particular field be covered in depth. Some unpublished work may be included.

An applicant may provide his/her published work in an unbound submission to establish whether the work meets the criteria for acceptance of candidature. Publications are then put together to form a thesis which is examined by at least two examiners, one or both of whom are external to the Faculty of Veterinary Science. The published contributions would in large part be original papers published in refereed journals of high standing.

The University simply acts as an examining body for this degree and no time is spent as a candidate in the Department of Veterinary Science.

The student is expected to have achieved a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding in a particular field or set of related fields in veterinary science. Students awarded this degree should:

• Be able to apply scientific methods to the definition and solution of problems by research and approach research in a critical, perceptive and constructive way;
• Have acquired skills in the searching and manipulation of scientific literature and other relevant data bases;
• Be effective in scientific communication through both the spoken and written medium and to both professional colleagues and the wider community;
• Have an understanding of the financing and management of scientific research;
• Demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics or code of practice; and
• Develop interpersonal skills to work as part of a team.

See 'course overview' above.

A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Science must be a graduate in veterinary science of at least three years' standing and have made substantial published contributions to veterinary science.

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

The University expects its research graduates to have the following qualities and skills:

• an ability to initiate research projects and to formulate viable research questions;
• a demonstrated capacity to design, conduct and report independent and original research on a closely-defined project;
• an ability to manage time to maximise the quality of research;
• an understanding of the major contours of international research in the research area;
• a capacity for critical evaluation of relevant scholarly literature;
• well-developed and flexible problem-solving abilities appropriate to the discipline;
• the ability to analyse research data within a changing disciplinary environment;
• the capacity to communicate effectively the results of research and scholarship by oral and written communication;
• an understanding of and facility with scholarly conventions in the discipline area;
• a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of research and scholarship;
• a capacity to cooperate with other researchers; and
• an ability to manage information effectively, including the application of computer systems and software where appropriate to the student's field of study.

Application Due Date: Researchers are invited year-round to contact Professor Andrew Fisher, Coordinator, with an expression of interest in this course.

The University's Code of Conduct for Research must be observed. Any Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee requirements and any industrial health and safety competency requirements relating to the experimental work must be met.