The program requires 6 units of study (24 points)to be selected from the following sections. Applicants need to be registered for veterinary practice in Australia or eligible for registration in Australia and engaged in small animal practice.

Students wishing to undertake studies for the Masters must do the Case Report unit (VET622) and at least two of the four Medicine or Surgery units (VET623, 624, 625, 626).

The 6 units of study are selected from:

Medicine 1  - VET625 (4 points)  (2008, semester 1)
Co-ordinator: Assoc. Prof. Peter Irwin
In this unit we consider endocrinology, urinary tract diseases and medical neurology.  The principle objective is for you to gain a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology associated with diseases of these organ systems and to use this knowledge to improve both your diagnostic and treatment skills.

Medicine 2 – VET626 (4 points) (200 9, semester 1)
Co-ordinator:  Dr Caroline Mansfield
This unit incorporates the basic investigative techniques and pathophysiology of diseases of the alimentary, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Each body system is evaluated individually with a problem-oriented approach and common diseases are discussed in more depth. The more controversial topics and new treatment strategies available will also be highlighted and discussed. The main objective is to expand the base of knowledge required to accurately diagnose and treat commonly encountered problems in these body systems in general practice.

Surgery 1 – VET623  (4 points) (2008, semester 2)
Co-ordinator: Prof. Rick Read
Soft Tissue Surgery: In this unit we explore surgical problems involving the gastrointestinal, urogenital and cardiorespiratory systems, after an introductory section in which we review wound healing and wound management, plastic and reconstructive surgery (including hernia repair) and the principles of oncologic surgery.

Surgery 2 – VET624  (4 points) (2007 & 9, semester 2)
Co-ordinator: Assoc. Prof. Mark Glyde
Orthopaedics:  This unit will deal with common small animal orthopaedic principles and disorders in a problem-oriented approach. The first section involves principles and methods of fracture repair. In the second section we consider common joint diseases. Specific learning objectives are outlined in each section. Generic objectives are to develop a problem-based approach to clinical cases, develop skills in information technology and develop skills in critical thinking.

Dermatology - VET628  (4 points)  proposed for 2009, semester 2
Co-ordinator: Mandy Burrows
The principal objectives of this unit are to assist the clinician in developing diagnostic skills in veterinary dermatology using a practical, logical problem-oriented approach and to update the veterinary practitioner about new developments in therapy of common skin problems. The course provides the motivated clinician with a different perspective on the diagnosis of conditions such as chronic pruritus in dogs and cats, refractory eosinophilic granuloma and recurrent bacterial pyoderma. There is also a complete review of the management options of common skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, dermatophytosis, demodicosis and the eosinophilic granuloma complex. The course includes a substantial component of case based learning using images, cytology and histopathology to supplement comprehensive and detailed unit notes.  

Diagnostic Imaging - VET620 (4 points)   (2008, semester 1)
Co-ordinator: Dr Jenny Richardson
The key objectives of this unit are to develop the practical film reading and interpretation skills of the major body systems including the axial and appendicular skeleton, the abdomen and the thorax.  A small component on radiographic technique and an introduction to the use of ultrasound and cross sectional imaging techniques will be included, however the major emphasis is on the development of a systematic approach to reading a radiograph and the recognition and interpretation of radiological patterns of disease.  The course work will involve some reading and a large number of be images for reading and interpretation.  The assessment is weighted towards film reading and interpretation.

Clinical Pathology  VET621  (4 points) (2009, semester 1)
 Coordinator.  Dr Jenny Mills
The principal objective of this unit is to develop interpretative skills in diagnostic haematology, cytology and clinical biochemistry. The first part is devoted to haematology and cytology with a practical, microscopic component. The second part emphasises problem-oriented selection and interpretation of laboratory tests with the focus on interpretative biochemistry.

Anaesthesia & Critical Care VET627 (4 points) (proposed for 2008, semester 2)
Coordinator: Dr Len Cullen & critical care specialist
This unit is designed to improve knowledge on monitoring of the anaesthetised animal; techniques for providing pre-, intra- and postoperative analgesia; anaesthesia of small animals with gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine diseases; indications for crystalloid and colloid therapy and blood transfusions and stabilising the critically sick patient.

This unit represents the dissertation or ‘thesis’ component of the Coursework Masters degree and aims to develop professional writing skills and ensure adequate standards of veterinary practice. It requires a literature search and substantiation of case management strategies. Masters standard of case management and presentation is expected. This unit requires the submission of three (3) case reports which describe and discuss cases candidates have managed. Two cases (a & b) should be chosen to demonstrate satisfactory ability to diagnose and manage cases using a problem solving approach. The third case (c) requires a review of the relevant and recent literature and should demonstrate ability to integrate wider reading into case management, and be prepared to a standard suitable for publication.

Other Study Options

Fees

The Master of Veterinary Studies Degree is available only to students with a veterinary degree registrable within Australia as the units are prepared and designed for veterinarians working in practice in Australia. A fee is charged for the Master of Veterinary Studies Degree and, because it is based on the Government Higher Education Contribution Scheme, the fee varies slightly from year to year. In 2007, a 4 point unit will cost $2,800, making the overall cost for the MVS degree (24 points total) $16,800.

FEE HELP

Information about loans for postgraduate students

FEE HELP provides students with a loan to pay for their full tuition fees up front. It is similar to the previous PELS system, with the following exceptions:

• Permanent Residents must hold a Humanitarian Visa to be eligible
• The repayment threshold has increased to $35,000
• You have a limit of $50,000 in total to borrow

You are eligible for a FEE HELP loan if you are:

• enrolled in a fee-paying postgraduate non-research course at an eligible higher education institution; and
• an Australian citizen or a holder of an Australian permanent visa (who meets eligibility requirements).

You will begin repaying your loan through the taxation system once your repayment income reaches the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment.

The Department of Education, Science and Teaching can provide further information about FEE HELP.
You can contact them by:

• visiting the FEE HELP website
• calling the FEE HELP enquiry line on 1800 020 108

Equipment Requirements
Students entering the programme will require access to the following pieces of equipment:

• X-ray machine
• X-ray viewing box
• ECG machine
• Computer-Pentium with CD-ROM and DVD facilities
• Internet & E-mail access (NOT hotmail or Yahoo)
• Inhalational anaesthetic machine
• Access to ultrasound facilities is optional and advisable, but not essential.
• Refractometer
• Microscope with oil immersion lens
• Microhaematocrit Centrifuge
• Soundcard with microphone and headset (ideally a headset/microphone combo) may be desirable for some units

If you wish any further information please write to:
Chair, Master of Veterinary Studies in Small Animal Practice Programme
School of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences
Murdoch University, South Street
Murdoch WA 6150
or
Telephone: (08) 9360 2646 or 9360 2581
Fax: (08) 9310 7495
e-mail: J.Mills@murdoch.edu.au

Computer Requirements

It is essential to have access to a quality computer for use in the Masters programme. Written assignments must be typed therefore access to a word processor and printer is necessary. Assignments in some units consist of case studies and these are sent out as e-mail attachments. A Pentium with DVD and CD-ROM facility is required. Electronic contact with teaching staff and other students will require a suitable network provider and regular checking of email.
For VET626 and VET6200,  you will need a high resolution monitor, and preferably a high capacity computer with at least 64 Mb RAM and high processing speed. (i.e. a Pentium, 300 MHz with CD ROM facilities, access to Internet and a Web Browsers (Netscape or Internet Explorer). The monitor and video card should support an 800 x 600 screen resolution and thousands of colours. Slides (VET626) have been converted using Power-point onto a CD ROM which will require a Power Point programme to read this.

Software: Windows ’95 or above, Internet browser such as Netscape 4 or Internet Explorer 4. You will need to install Quicktime.

Internet: E-mail and Web: Students will need to connect to the Internet to communicate electronically with staff and other students in the course quickly and easily. Requests for borrowing books and photocopies of journal papers can be made by external students using e-mail to the Murdoch University Library.
Some case material, including images, is used on the WorldWideWeb for discussion and student/staff interaction. This method of teaching has been popular with students.
With increasing use of the Internet you will need to investigate connection which will require a high speed telephone modem.. When preparing for connection you will require Eudora (for e-mail) and Netscape (at least Version 2.01) or MS Internet Explorer (for WWW). Those who use Windows 95 must specify to your dealer that Dial Up Networking needs to be installed.
You are advised to get a local Internet service provider which requires only a local telephone call rather than an STD telephone call. Students in Perth can get an e-mail address on one of the Murdoch University servers. Students in country areas should ask about local Internet providers and likely sources of information are computer shops, TAFE, Universities and large schools. The Australian Veterinary Association provides Internet access for members.

Hotmail and Yahoo e-mail addresses are not adequate for the needs of this course.

Contact Us

Mrs Margaret Setter, Continuing Veterinary Education on (08) 9360 2581 or e-mail M.Setter@murdoch.edu.au