Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (MC-DVETMED) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Intended learning outcomes

The primary aim of the Melbourne DVM curriculum is to graduate highly capable veterinary scientists whose abilities to solve problems, to draw on the substantial body of veterinary knowledge, to interpret evidence, and to make decisions and act upon them within a clear ethical and professional framework embody all of the graduate attributes to which the Faculty aspires.

The DVM curriculum has been developed around five learning domains that describe the student’s progressive acquisition of the graduate attributes of a veterinary scientist. These domains or strands, that traverse all subjects of the DVM program, are:

• The scientific basis of clinical practice
• Ethics and animal welfare
• Biosecurity and population health
• Clinical skills, and
• Personal and professional development.

Generic skills

The primary aim of the Melbourne DVM curriculum is to graduate highly capable veterinary scientists whose abilities to solve problems, to draw on the substantial body of veterinary knowledge, to interpret evidence, and to make decisions and act upon them within a clear ethical and professional framework embody all of the graduate attributes to which the Faculty aspires.

The DVM curriculum has been developed around five learning domains that describe the student’s progressive acquisition of the graduate attributes of a veterinary scientist. These domains or strands, that traverse all subjects of the DVM program, are:

• The scientific basis of clinical practice
• Ethics and animal welfare
• Biosecurity and population health
• Clinical skills, and
• Personal and professional development

The DVM program encourages students to achieve the attributes of all graduates of the University of Melbourne in terms of academic excellence, knowledge acquisition, community leadership and responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and international awareness.

Knowledge

Graduates of the Melbourne DVM will have:

• An extensive body of contemporary knowledge encompassing all disciplines and aspects of veterinary science
• A knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to veterinary science and its professional practice

Skills

Graduates of the Melbourne DVM will have:

• An advanced understanding of concepts, mechanisms and practical skills that underline veterinary science and its professional practice
• The ability to investigate and seek solutions to complex problems and synthesise information encountered as a veterinary scientist, employing practical skills and the application of knowledge
• The ability to apply their knowledge and technical skills to evaluate ideas and concepts presented to a veterinary scientist
• The ability to interpret scientific findings and justify professional decisions through effective communication to clients, colleagues and support staff with empathy and concern for both animals and people
• The ability to apply their knowledge, practical and communication skills to formulate and implement management strategies for addressing problems encountered as a contemporary veterinary scientist

Application of knowledge and skills

Graduates of the Melbourne DVM will demonstrate the application of knowledge & skills:

• With the ability to adapt to changes in their field of employment and to advancements in veterinary science
• With the ability to develop intellectual and physical skills in order to initiate and integrate new ideas into veterinary practice
• With confidence in their veterinary capabilities on day one post-graduation, whilst at the same time recognising the extent of these capabilities and assuming individual professional responsibilities for them
• By being a graduate of choice for employers
• By being motivated to be a veterinarian, by being aware of the veterinarian’s place in global society and by being prepared to contribute to and be a leader in the community
• By completing a professionally focussed research project and participate in a capstone experience

As a Masters level course, the DVM assumes and builds on the prior knowledge and experience in scientific thinking of students entering the course. From the first year of study an integrated and interdisciplinary approach is adopted. Students are expected to appraise data critically, to integrate concepts acquired in different disciplines, and to apply their understanding to authentic cases. They will be provided with opportunities to practise evidence-based decision-making, to solve clinical problems and to acquire clinical competencies in an ordered and sequential way.

The veterinary program at the University of Melbourne is accredited by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (London, United Kingdom), and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Accreditation is reviewed on a 7 year cycle for all accredited veterinary schools.

Graduate attributes