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Veterinary Science (BVMS, BSc)This five-year course of study leads to a registrable professional qualification in veterinary medicine. A degree of Bachelor of Science is awarded after the successful completion of the first three years and is a prerequisite for entry to the final two years that lead to the degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS). There is an entry quota. Admission Requirements: Onshore course offerings: The Division of Health Sciences does not have any rigid prerequisites for admission, but past experience has shown that students are well prepared for the course if they have a background in Mathematics, Chemistry and either Physics or Biology. Mature-age students with other educational backgrounds are also considered for entry into the course. Suitably qualified applicants who have completed one or more years of tertiary study may be eligible for direct entry into Part II of the course if the quota is not full. Special Requirements: Veterinary Science is an animal-based course. Students are required to participate in practical work involving living and dead animals and/or tissue from animals throughout the course. Professional Recognition: Graduates are eligible for registration to practice veterinary medicine without further examination in Australia and a number of other countries including Great Britain, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Africa, Singapore and Hong Kong. The degrees are also recognised by the American Veterinary Medical Association which, after passing the appropriate National or State licensing examinations, makes Murdoch graduates eligible to practice in the USA and Canada.
Skip to: Year One | Year Two | Year Three | Year Four Students Commencing from 2008The veterinary program has officially changed for 2008. Some courses have been moved around or omitted all together and students are now required to complete prerequisites before applying to veterinary school. Many of these pre reqs will have been completed by most international students already. Make sure you save your course syllabi and descriptions for any classes you take at your current institution that resemble the courses listed below. This new course arrangement has allowed for more hands on animal experience to be added and for students to be exposed to the life of a veterinarian in the earlier years through the Veterinary Professional Life stream which occurs in all five years. Prerequisite Units - up to 9 points Students who have not completed these units will be required to pass them prior to commencing the first year of the course. PEC140 Introduction to Chemistry -- 3 pts Description: Topics: atomic and molecular structure of matter, chemical symbols and equations, valency, states of matter, gas laws, simple reaction types, acids and bases, the mole concept, chemical stoichiometry, molarity, pH, titrations, chemical equilibrium, kinetics, atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, thermochemistry, properties of hydrocarbons, halogenoalkanes and alcohols, organic nomenclature. OR Year 12 Chemistry with a final scaled score of more than 60%. MAS184 Biostatistics and Information Retrieval -- 3 pts Description: The unit introduces students to biostatistical methods for analysis and research with emphasis on the veterinary and health sciences. Topics: the design and analysis of simple experiments, the use of modern computer technology to analyse and present data and the interpretation of analysis presented in published scientific reports. An Information Retrieval Unit within the unit builds on the basic library skills program and includes accessing electronic abstracting services and design of literature search strategies. OR MAS183 Statistical Data Analysis and Databases -- 3 pts Description: This unit introduces students to methods of collection, storage, retrieval and statistical analysis of data of particular relevance to the environmental and biological sciences. Topics: the design and analysis of simple experiments, sampling methods, analysis of data arising in particular applications and the interpretation of statistical analyses presented in published scientific papers and reports. The unit incorporates an integrated component on the retrieval and analysis of data and information from databases. BIO152 Cell Biology -- 3 pts Description: This unit introduces components of cells, their synthesis, function and control mechanisms; demonstrates the integrated, controlled nature of the normal cell; and develops both manual and conceptual skills in biology. Topics: cell ultrastructure; proteins; enzymes; membranes; energy metabolism; oxidative phosphorylation; electron transport chains; photosynthesis; structure of DNA; transcription and the role of RNA in the cell; the genetic code; translation and the role of ribosomes; gene control; DNA synthesis; chromosomes and mitosis; meiosis; introduction to Mendelian genetics and cell specialisation. Veterinary BiologyThe Veterinary Biology degree encompasses both normal and abnormal aspects of vertebrate structure and function. The first year comprises six units which cover animal development, structure, function and metabolism. The second year also comprises six units which cover general aspects of the causes and nature of disease and its control. A degree of Bachelor of Science is awarded after successful completion of Part I (or equivalent advanced standing) and two and a half years of Part II studies. It is a basis for an extra 'sidestep' year of research work in some aspect of veterinary biology, leading to an honours degree. However, it is expected that most students will proceed directly into fourth and fifth year to complete the BVMS in the minimum time. Course Structure - 60 points Year 1: Semester 1 VET240 Veterinary Anatomy 1 -- 4 pts Description: This unit will explore the anatomy of domestic mammals, emphasising the nervous, cardiovascular, urogenital and digestive systems of companion animals. Basic embryology will introduce each system and investigate the gross anatomical form and actions of each body system's components. VET241Veterinary Biochemistry -- 4 pts Description: Knowledge of molecular biochemistry and intermediary metabolism is central to the understanding of health, disease and the treatment of disease in animals. The unit emphasises the conceptual understanding of DNA, gene expression and metabolism in the whole animal. Regulation of intermediary and tissue metabolism forms the central component of the unit. Digestion and absorption of nutrients and metabolites by herbivores, omnivores and carnivores and their utilisation in the body, such as in muscle, will be used to integrate the unit. VET244 Veterinary Physiology I -- 4 pts Description: This unit covers the functioning of the individual organs and tissues of the adult mammal, including nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and alimentary systems. The mechanism of actions will be considered in terms of the cellular structure and physical processes necessary to maintain the healthy body, including a detailed study of the histology of each tissue. Control mechanisms will be outlined. Special emphasis will be placed on domestic species. Semester 2 VET243 Veterinary Physiology II -- 4 pts Description: This unit investigates the dynamic integration of structures and functions that promote health and survival in animals of veterinary importance. Focus will be on nervous and endocrine control and on reproduction, embryo development and growth. Practical work will involve the study of live animals, and material from the Veterinary Museum. Case study projects involving real clinical examples will be undertaken as a learning tool. VET212 Veterinary Anatomy II -- 4 pts Description: This unit explores the anatomy of domestic mammals, emphasizing the musculoskeletal, peripheral nervous system, integumentary and respiratory systems of companion animals. Differences in form and function due to influences of lifestyle and locomotor pattern are explored using a comparative species approach. Practical sessions involve dissections and studies of specimens held in the veterinary anatomy museum collection. Imaging techniques, auscultation and palpation of relevant body regions of the dog and horse highlight morphologically-based clinical aspects of the practical sessions. VET242 Animal Systems I -- 3 pts Description: This unit provides an introduction to large animal production systems, in particular cattle, sheep, pigs and horses. These animal systems will be explored with an emphasis on the principles of domestication and sustainable agricultural practices, ecology, animal-plant interactions, plant identification, breed identification and basic welfare concepts. Practical exercises will utilise the Murdoch University Farm to develop skills in plant recognition, and to train students in the safe handling of cattle, sheep, pigs and horses. VET209 Veterinary Professional Life I -- 1 pts Description: In this unit students will spend time in selected veterinary practices during their vacation time, to develop an understanding of the workings of a practice, and the importance of teamwork and communication in veterinary practice. The unit also includes a two-day seminar on veterinary careers and professional development and a series of talks by guest speakers. Students Commencing from 2008The veterinary program has officially changed for 2008. Some courses have been moved around or omitted all together and students are now required to complete prerequisites before applying to veterinary school. Many of these pre reqs will have been completed by most international students already. Make sure you save your course syllabi and descriptions for any classes you take at your current institution that resemble the courses listed below. This new course arrangement has allowed for more hands on animal experience to be added and for students to be exposed to the life of a veterinarian in the earlier years through the Veterinary Professional Life stream which occurs in all five years. Year 2/ Semester 1VET340 Processes in Animal Disease -- 4 pts Description: This unit examines the fundamental processes of disease that are manifest by higher vertebrates, such as vascular disturbances, inflammation, necrosis and diseases of abnormal DNA processing. Develop practical macroscopic and microscopic interpretation skills using case studies from the School's diagnostic pathology service. The relationships between gross change, histological change, the underlying pathological process and its implications for treatment and prognosis are emphasised. Clinical material will form the basis for problem-oriented learning and the development of skills in scientific communication. VET346 Veterinary Nutrition and Animal Toxicology -- 4 pts Description: This unit will provide students with an opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of feeds and feeding, ration formulation for livestock, the nutritional biochemistry of vitamins and minerals, the practical nutrition of farm and companion animals, metabolic diseases, the interaction of nutrients, toxins, and anti-nutrients, the evolutionary strategies of poisonous plants. The unit includes examples of nutrition and toxicology in practice from representatives from the feed and livestock industry. Several components of this unit will be presented as workshops. Semester 2 VET341 Veterinary Microbiology -- 4 pts Description: This unit will provide basic knowledge and practical skills in microbiology relating to infectious diseases of animals. A generalist and integrated approach to pathogenic microbiology is adopted, but includes separate sections on bacteria and viruses. Sections comprise an introduction to features of pathogenic micro-organisms including structure, metabolism, genetic composition, culture and identification. Emphasis is given to the mechanisms causing disease and to principles of diagnosis and control. The unit includes a component of self-paced learning. VET344 Veterinary Parasitology -- 4 pts Description: A unit in applied parasitology that introduces the concept of parasitism and the diversity of parasitic organisms. The life cycles and transmission patterns of the major parasites of domestic animals in Australia are described. The interaction between hosts and parasites, leading to the disease, is covered in detail, as is the treatment of parasitic disease and the development of integrated approaches to parasite control. Special attention is given to the diagnoses of parasitic disease in livestock and companion animals. VET342 Animal Systems II -- 3 pts COMING SOON NA 2008 Description: This unit covers the basic concepts of animal behaviour and animal husbandry for production, wild, aquatic and companion animals. Students will also gain an understanding of human-animal interactions, including the ethical problems of animal welfare, domestication, breed identification, and the genetic principles of animal breeding. Practical exercises will introduce students to safe procedures for physical examination of the major domestic animals, along with exercises in animal behaviour, small animal handling (including terrestrial, avian and aquatic species), and pasture management. VET347 Veterinary Immunology and Molecular Genetics -- 4 pts COMING SOON NA 2008 Description: Basic knowledge and practical skills in veterinary immunology together with molecular genetics. Sections comprise features of the immune response in both health and disease, including an understanding of immunopathogenic mechanisms of disease. Emphasis also given to the structure and functioning of genes and how this molecular knowledge is increasingly being applied to diagnosis and treatment. Includes a practical laboratory component and written essays on a chosen topic of veterinary science presenting immunological and molecular approaches to control of animal disease. VET348 Veterinary Professional Life II -- 1 pts COMING SOON NA 2008 Description: In this unit students will spend one week in selected veterinary practices during their vacation time. This unit will build on the experience acquired in Veterinary Professional Life I. Students will develop further understanding of the workings of a practice, features of good client-practitioner communication and practice management. Students Commencing from 2008Year 3/ Semester 1 VET345 Veterinary Pharmacology and Chemotherapy -- 4 pts Description: This unit introduces principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics followed by the systematic study of veterinary drugs including chemotherapy of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Principles of rational veterinary therapeutics are emphasised. The unit will be presented using lectures, practical sessions and seminars. Practicals focus on applying pharmacologic principles to veterinary clinical case examples. VET343 Veterinary Applied Pathology -- 4 pts Description: This unit will develop and integrate skills and knowledge gained in previous units in anatomy, physiology, general pathology, to examine disease processes in the major organ systems: integument, alimentary, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphoid, nervous, urinary, musculoskeletal, haemopoietic and endocrine. The course develops approaches to investigating and diagnosing disease, along with terminology in pathology, skills in interpreting serum biochemistry, haematology and other clinical pathology data, and the ability to predict, describe and interpret the effects of disease on the major organ systems. VET442 Animal Systems III -- 3 pts COMING SOON NA 2008 Description: This unit covers the principles of epidemiology, biosecurity, public health, and meat science, in relation to wild and domesticated animals in society. Practical exercises will introduce students to veterinary procedures and skills in consultation, diagnosis, and problem-solving, along with the practical concepts of public health (including abattoir procedures and meat production). VET429 Veterinary Professional Life III -- 1 pts COMING SOON NA 2008 Description: In this unit students will develop an understanding of the issues faced by farmers/graziers by spending six weeks on selected farms during the vacation times of second and third years. Students will also develop clinical examination skills and further their animal handling skills by attending practicals held during first and second semester at Murdoch University. This unit will help students develop the skills to interact with the farming community and to competently handle and examine their animals. Contact time: Fifty-two hours during first semester and six weeks on-farm contact time during vacation in second and third year. Applied Veterinary MedicineA further two and a half years of study in Applied Veterinary Medicine leads to a degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) which is a registrable veterinary qualification. Merit honours may be awarded upon completion of the BVMS. The latter years are directed towards the acquisition of knowledge and skills required to diagnose, prevent and treat disease in animals and to optimise animal health and productivity. Course Structure - 60 points Year 3 Semester 2 Veterinary Medicine and Surgery I - 12 points It is anticipated that students will be required to complete four 3 point units Year 4 Semester 1 Veterinary Medicine and Surgery II -- 12 points VET558 Veterinary Professional Life IV -- 1 pts Semester 2 Veterinary Clinics and Externships -- 22 points Year 5 Semester 1 VET5380 Veterinary Professional Life V -- 1 pts Semester 2 Students Commencing before 2008First Year CoursesSemester OneA University Foundation Unit (one of the following) Semester Two
Second Year CoursesSemester OneVET240 Veterinary Anatomy
Semester TwoVET243 Veterinary Form and Function
Third Year CoursesSemester OneVET340 Processes in Animal Disease
Semester TwoVET341 Veterinary Microbiology VET343 Veterinary Applied Pathology This unit will develop and integrate skills and knowledge gained in previous units in anatomy, physiology, general pathology, to examine disease processes in the major organ systems: integument, alimentary, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphoid, nervous, urinary, musculoskeletal, haemopoietic and endocrine. The course develops approaches to investigating and diagnosing disease, along with terminology in pathology, skills in interpreting serum biochemistry, haematology and other clinical pathology data, and the ability to predict, describe and interpret the effects of disease on the major organ systems.
The first unit of a two-unit course leading to the BVMS. Clinical pathology, pathology and general medicine will be taught using an integrated approach based on body systems; components on diseases of horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, dogs and cats; instruction in medical, radiological, anaesthetic, surgical and necropsy procedures for all domesticated animals; components on therapeutics and reproduction and obstetrics and food animal production. Students will be expected to participate fully in all practical classes including those which involve live animals. Applied Veterinary MedicineA further two years of study in Applied Veterinary Medicine leads to a degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) which is a registrable veterinary qualification. Merit honours may be awarded upon completion of the BVMS. Course Structure - 48 pointsYear 4 / Semester 1VET401 Applied Veterinary Medicine I -- 12 pts
Full YearVET439 Reproduction and Obstetrics -- 0 pts Semester 2VET401 Applied Veterinary Medicine I -- 12 pts Year 5 - 24 pointsSemester 1VET501 Applied Veterinary Medicine II -- 12 pts Full YearVET530 Clinical Rotations -- 0 pts Semester 2VET501 Applied Veterinary Medicine II -- 12 pts |
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