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A University Foundation Unit (one of the following)
FOU130 Age of Information
FOU140 Evolution and Revolution
FOU108 Life and the Universe
FOU150 Reinventing Australia
FOU105 Structure, Thought and Reality
VET102 Animals, Plants and Ecosystems
This unit provides an introduction to the theory and practice of veterinary biology. The principles of evolutionary biology, ecological interactions and biological diversity are explored, with emphasis on how these principles are applied to topical problems in veterinary science. Practical classes complement the lectures and emphasise the importance of detailed observation and experimentation in biology
VET107 Principles of Vertebrate Biology
An introductory overview of the significant physiological functions relevant to Vertebrates. Exploration of the underlying mechanisms by which these functions are performed. Initial emphasis is on the vertebrate body plan the movement of particles across membranes and the concept of homeostasis. Also: underlying principles associated with neural and cardiovascular function; the sense organs; movement and locomotion; the renal and respiratory systems; thermoregulation and metabolism; energy balance; environmental influences which are believed to have molded these functions through evolution.
One Part I General Elective
VET106 Animal and Human Bioethics
The scientific and ethical justifications for using animals in agriculture, research, education, recreation and as companions will be investigated in this unit as will key aspects of the reproductive technologies and genetic engineering for both humans and animals. Students may direct their studies to the animal, human or biotechnological areas. Skills in group study and in presenting written and oral arguments will be developed.
VET108 Topics in Comparative Mammalian Anatomy
Principles of comparative mammalian anatomy are explored in depth, using the musculoskeletal and peripheral neurological systems as examples. Differences in musculoskeletal form and function due to the influences of lifestyle and locomotor pattern are explored using a comparative species approach, with the dog as the principal model for study. Practical sessions involve dissections, interpretation of radiographs and histological slides as well as study of appropriate specimens held in the School's anatomy museum.
MAS184 Biostatistics and Information Retrieval
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.
BIO152 Cell Biology
Cell biology is designed to provide an introduction to the components of cells, their synthesis, function and control mechanisms; to demonstrate the integrated, controlled nature of the normal cell; and to develop both manual and conceptual skills in biology. Unit content: 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.
VET240 Veterinary Anatomy
This unit will explore the anatomy of the domestic mammals. It will emphasise the cardiovascular nervous, respiratory, urinary and digestive systems of companion animals. Basic embryology will introduce each system and lead to detailed investigations of the gross anatomical form and principal actions of each body system's components.
Practical sessions involve dissections as well as studies of appropriate specimens held in the veterinary anatomy museum collection. Imaging techniques, auscultation and palpation of relevant body regions of the dog and horse will highlight morphologically-based clinical aspects of the practical sessions.
VET241 Veterinary Biochemistry
Knowledge of molecular biochemistry and intermediary metabolism is central to the understanding of health, disease and the treatment of disease in farm and companion animals. Emphasises the conceptual understanding of DNA and gene expression as well as 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 will be used to integrate the unit. Emphasis will also be placed on the role of molecular techniques in the study of biochemistry.
VET244 Veterinary Physiology
This unit will cover 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. This will include a detailed study of the histology of each tissue. Control mechanisms will be outlined. Special emphasis will be placed on domestic species and practical exercises will utilise computer simulations, supported by demonstrations using animals and humans, to illustrate and extend information covered in lectures.
VET243 Veterinary Form and Function
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.
VET246 Animals and Society
The theory part of this unit covers the history of domestic species, the role and behaviour of production and companion animals in modern society and the ethical problems of animal welfare. The theory and application of genetics to breeding the major domestic animal species is described. Information is provided on the major animal industries in regard to basic husbandry and marketing of their products. Students will learn to recognise the most common breeds in each of the major domestic species. In practical classes students will be trained in safe basic animal handling procedures in horses, cattle, sheep and pigs.
VET247 Veterinary Immunology and Molecular Genetics
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. The unit will include a practical laboratory component as well as written essays on a chosen topic of veterinary science presenting immunological and molecular approaches to control of animal disease.
VET340 Processes in Animal Disease
Pathological processes and their interrelationships that are present in higher vertebrates will be examined in detail. Processes such as vascular disturbances, inflammation, necrosis and diseases of abnormal DNA processing such as neoplasia. Practical interpretation skills developed through the use of case studies arising from the diagnostic pathology service provided by the Division. An emphasis on the relationships between gross change, histological change, the underlying process and its implications for treatment and prognosis. Clinical material will form the basis for problem-oriented learning and the development of skills in scientific communication.
VET345 Veterinary Pharmacology and Chemotherapy
This unit introduces principles of pharmacology and systematic study of veterinary drugs including chemotherapy of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. This includes the autonomic nervous system, and drugs acting centrally, interacting with endogenous chemicals, affecting renal and cardiovascular systems and considers rational veterinary therapy. The unit will be presented using CAL, self-paced exercises and seminars. Workshops utilise problem-based approaches to cases and projects on veterinary clinical applications, prepared and presented by student groups with participation of clinical staff.
VET346 Veterinary Nutrition and Animal Toxicology
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 animals, metabolic diseases, the interaction of nutrients, toxins, and anti-nutrients, the evolutionary strategies of poisonous plants. The unit will include 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.
VET341 Veterinary Microbiology
The 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.
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.
VET344 Veterinary Parasitology
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.
Veterinary Professional Life III
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.
Fourth Year Courses
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.
A 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.
The fourth and fifth 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.
VET401 Applied Veterinary Medicine I -- 12 pts
Murdoch: S1-internal, S2-internal
Description: The first 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.
VET432 Surgical Principles and Anaesthesia -- 0 pts
Murdoch: S1-internal
VET433 Diagnostic Imaging -- 0 pts
Murdoch: S1-internal
VET435 Veterinary Epidemiology & Public Health
VET439 Reproduction and Obstetrics -- 0 pts
Murdoch: Y-internal
VET438 Equine Medicine and Surgery -- 0 pts
Murdoch: Y-internal
VET436 Small Animal Medicine and Surgery -- 0 pts
Murdoch: Y-internal
VET437 Production Animal Health and Management -- 0 pts
Murdoch: Y-internal
VET441 Avian Exotic Pets and Wildlife Medicine -- 0 pts
Murdoch: S1-internal
VET401 Applied Veterinary Medicine I -- 12 pts
Murdoch: S1-internal, S2-internal
VET501 Applied Veterinary Medicine II -- 12 pts
Murdoch: S1G-internal, S2H-internal
VET530 Clinical Rotations -- 0 pts
Murdoch: Y-internal
VET538 Veterinary Professional Life V -- 0 pts
Murdoch: Y-internal
VET539 Vacation Practical Work -- 0 pts
Murdoch: Y-internal
VET501 Applied Veterinary Medicine II -- 12 pts
Murdoch: S1G-internal, S2H-internal
Description:
Students undertake a lecture-free workplace-orientated learning experience, rotating through various clinical disciplines provided by the Murdoch University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and its associates (including Small Animal Medicine, Small Animal Surgery and Anaesthesia, Production Animal Health and Management, Public Health, Clinical Pathology, Pathology and Epidemiology, Equine Medicine and Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, Avian Medicine, Zoo Animal Medicine and Reproduction).
Students participate in a two-week intensive course in Practice and Business Management. Special assignments enable additional training in areas of the student's choice.
Contact time:
Minimum 40 hours per week with variations to this dependent on rotation and clinical case load.
Students will also be required to enrol in a special topic unit. This will be determined during Semester 1.