Postgraduate Certificate of Veterinary Studies
in Small Animal Practice
CLOSING DATE for Second Semester enrolments 31 May; First Semester 30th November.
The Murdoch University Post Graduate Certificate of Veterinary Studies in Small Animal Practice degree is an advanced external studies course that allows you to study from your practice using a variety of up-to-date technologies and teaching methods. It is linked to the Masters in Veterinary Studies in Small Animal Practice which is a unique concept in continuing veterinary education which has won acclaim from the profession and generated much enthusiasm amongst the graduates since its introduction. The programme emphasizes the focus for everyday practice, and a choice of units is offered allowing for completion of the Certificate (3 Units) in only two years.
The course is designed to deliver up-to-date information and training in a broad range of topics that the Small Animal practitioner deals with on a daily basis. Using text, DVDs, CDs, radiographs and electronic contact, the Certificate Degree provides a concise and well selected source of current information aiming to bring the student to a level of understanding significantly higher than that of the undergraduate. The three Units of study can be taken part-time over a minimum of 1.5 years.
Contact with teachers and fellow students is provided by online 'tutorials', and email , while practical exercises allow students to apply their new skills and knowledge as each Unit progresses. The new concepts and information should be applied to the clinical cases seen by the students in practice and these experiences form the basis for the Case Report unit. |
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| The program requires 3 units of study (12 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 Certificate at least one of the four Medicine or Surgery units (VET623, 624, 625, 626).
The 3 units of study are selected from:
Medicine 1 - VET625 (4 points) (2010, 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) (2009, 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) (2010, 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) (2009, 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) (2009, semester 2)
Co-ordinator: Dr 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 - VET6200 (4 points) (proposed for 2010, 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 VET6210 (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 2010, semester 2)
Co-ordinator: Assoc Prof Len Cullen & Dr Lisa Smart
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. |
You may study any of the above individual units as a single unit not for degree. Students successfully completing examinations in these units will be eligible to convert their programme of study to a Masters of Veterinary Studies in Small Animal Practice as long as conversion occurs within 5 years of initial registration.
Other Research and Postgraduate study opportunities are offered by Murdoch University |
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The Post Graduate Certificate of Veterinary Studies in Small Animal Medicine 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 Certificate Degree and, because it is based on the Government Higher Education Contribution Scheme, the fee varies slightly from year to year. In 2009, a 4 point unit will cost $3,084, making the overall cost for the degree (12 points total) $9,252.
FEE HELP
Information about loans for postgraduate students
What is FEE HELP?
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
Am I eligible?
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).
When do I have to start repaying my loan?
You will begin repaying your loan through the taxation system once your repayment income reaches the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment.
Where can I get more information on FEE HELP?
The Department of Education, Science and Teaching can provide further information about FEE HELP.
You can contact them by:
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. |
To apply for enrolment into the Post Graduate Certificate or Masters Programme or study an individual unit, you will need to prepare a Case Report which is used to assist in selection of students. Return the Case Report together with:-
- completed Application form (Masters Program)
- information of your recent CPD (Continued Professional Development) and
- certified copy of your degree parchment.
Applications close 31st May (for mid-year intake) and 30th November to commence the following year.
Case Report
This case report should not exceed 1000 words in length and should be formatted along the lines of this example. A typed hard copy should be submitted.
Structure your case reports to deal with the following topics:
- What was the history and what were the presenting signs?
- What was found on physical examination?
- What was your interpretation of the information from the history and physical examination?
- What further diagnostic procedures were carried out and what is your interpretation of the results?
- Provide details of the therapy and its rationale.
- What was the response to therapy?
- What happened next?
- What was the outcome of the case?
- In the discussion address unusual features or problems with this case.
- Acknowledge all interpretations carried out by other veterinarians on biopsies, necropsies, laboratory data or imaging.
The candidate must confirm that he/she had primary responsibility for the case described. |
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