Master of Veterinary Public Health - Faculty of Veterinary Science

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Department ofPrimary IndustriesProgram OverviewRecent emergency disease events, such as theemergence of Hendra, Nipah, SARS and highlypathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses, and the 2007outbreak of Equine Influenza in Australia, have requiredthe support of increasing numbers of appropriatelytrained veterinarians, scientists and animal healthprofessionals.Our objective is to providean exceptional educationalexperience that will prepareveterinarians, animal scientistsand animal health workers sothey can contribute effectivelyin emergency animal diseaseresponses, both in Australia andinternationally.Of the animal diseases that posethe greatest economic, animaland public health threats, mostare considered transboundarydiseases. These infectiousdiseases are not confined bypolitical boundaries, and requiremultijurisdictional, often regional,approaches to achieve theircontrol and eradication fromaffected animal populations.In addition to providing deeperunderstanding of the mostimportant emergency animaldiseases, the new curriculumaddresses issues of leadershipdevelopment and riskcommunication for respondingto animal health emergencies,especially those of potentialpublic health consequence.Working professionally, withcultural sensitively, and withconsideration of the needs andimpacts on all affected groupsand stakeholders is critical toensure community and industryinvolvement in such emergencyanimal disease control programs.The new Masters coursehas grown from a sharedcommitment to veterinarypublic health and emergencyanimal disease control by threeof Australia’s leading researchand animal infectious diseaseresponse agencies. Thispartnership combines worldleadingexpertise in emerginginfectious disease diagnostics,with experts in veterinarypublic health education andgovernment veterinary service.The University of Melbourne willcontribute to the academicallyrigorous teaching and learningenvironment; CSIRO’s AustralianAnimal Health Laboratory(AAHL) will bring a wealthof leading-edge emergencyinfectious disease researchand policy advice; and theState Government of Victoria’sDepartment of PrimaryIndustries (DPI Victoria) willshare their ‘on the ground’experiences in the initialoutbreak detection, diagnosis,control and eradication ofa range of emergency andproduction-limiting animaldiseases.We welcome veterinarians fromaround the world, includingthose from developing countries,to apply. We also stronglyencourage animal healthworkers and scientists with aninterest in disease outbreaks,the interconnectedness ofanimal populations, and howthe interaction of wildlifeand environmental systemsinfluence the spread of emerginginfectious diseases, to considerhow this Masters programmight suit their professionaldevelopment.Program StructureThis program has been tailored to suit experiencedfull time animal health professionals, providing studentswith flexibility and allowing them to be directlyresponsible for managing the time that they devoteto their studies. The first two weeks of the programis provided as a residential module with the remainderoffered as online distance education.Initially the course will only be offered part time, with studentsexpected to complete 13 core and two elective modules to earnthe full Masters level degree in four years, whilst remaining inemployment. The approved elective modules cover a broad range oftopics to allow students to tailor the course to their specific interestsand educational needs. These electives are available through theSchool of Veterinary Science and other Graduate Schools within TheUniversity of Melbourne, as well as relevant modules offered throughother universities.Subject to student numbers and teaching resources further studyoptions may be available (subject to Academic Board approval), andprocesses are presently underway to develop two shorter embeddedcourse options: a Postgraduate Certificate in Veterinary Public Health(four modules) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Public Health(eight modules).For any students interested in undertaking individual modules withoutinitially committing to a full degree program in veterinary public health,there will also be an opportunity to study single subjects through theUniversity of Melbourne’s Community Access Program.www.vet.unimelb.edu.au
Career OpportunitiesCareer opportunities exist for graduates inAustralia and internationally in roles dealingwith global, regional and local animal healthissues. It is expected that graduates will enjoyemployment opportunities in a diverse range ofstate, national and international veterinary andpublic health agencies and non-governmentalorganisations, as well as immediately joiningAustralia’s emergency animal disease responsecapacity. Subject areas offer a combination ofscientific and professional skills developmentacross epidemiology, management, leadership,and outbreak risk assessment, decisionmakingand communication. The online modeof delivery, commencing with a two weekresidential at The University of Melbourne, isdesigned for students to learn from their peersand directly apply the knowledge gained toissues from their existing and future workingenvironments.Entry RequirementsThe Course SelectionCommittee will evaluate eachapplicant’s ability to pursuethe course successfully usingthe following criteria forselection:A degree in veterinary science,or an equivalent qualificationfrom a veterinary school listedin the World Health OrganizationDirectory of Veterinary Schools,and at least two years ofdocumented, relevant workexperience in the diagnosis andcontrol of animal diseases;ORAn undergraduate degree in arelevant scientific field (suchas agriculture or biology), witha demonstrated, appropriatebackground in Master ofVeterinary Public Health(Emergency Animal Diseases)core curriculum areas, including:veterinary anatomy, physiology,pathology and microbiology;and at least four years ofdocumented, relevant workexperience in the diagnosisand control of animal disease(for example, as a governmentemployedAnimal Health Officer).The Selection Committeemay conduct interviews ortests and may call for refereereports or employer referencesto elucidate any of the mattersreferred to above.All students must also meetthe University of Melbourne’sEnglish language requirement.How to applyApplications will open through the University’s online admissionsystem in March for students interested in commencing studiesin Semester 2.Please email: vet-publichealth@unimelb.edu.auto express interest and to be updated as soon as finalprices become available. All those that express interestwill be directly informed when applications open online.Those considering applying to undertake an individualmodule as a Community Access Program may expressinterest at any stage.For cost andfurther detailsPlease visit: www.vet.unimelb.edu.au/mvphMaster of Veterinary Public Health
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