Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
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The Faculty comprises the School of Medicine, the School of Dental Science, the School of Physiotherapy, the School of Behavioural Science, and the School of Postgraduate Nursing, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs and continuing education courses.
The School of Medicine was the first medical school established in Australia. It was established in 1862, seven years after the University formally opened.
Today it enrols approximately 200 new medical students each year, with males and females approaching equal proportions. Students come from all social and cultural backgrounds, providing a social mix which reflects Australian society at large.
Over 200 academic staff teach either on campus or in the School's many affiliated hospitals and research institutes with the assistance of a large number of experienced part-time teachers who are actively involved in general or specialist medical practice.
Affiliated institutions include general and specialist teaching hospitals such as the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Geelong Hospital, Mercy Hospital for Women, Royal Children's Hospital, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Royal Women's Hospital, St Vincent's Hospital, Western Hospital, North West Hospital, Fairfield Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute; and research institutions such as the Howard Florey Institute of Experimental Physiology and Medicine, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Mental Health Research Institute, Murdoch Institute for Research into Child Birth Defects, St Vincent's Medical Research Institute, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Austin Research Institute, Australian Bionic Ear and Hearing Research Institute, Macfarlane Burnet Centre for Medical Research, and the National Research Institute of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine.
Recent years have seen significant increases in outside research funding, research staff, and medical and science graduates studying for higher degrees at the School and its affiliated institutes.
The School's very strong research capability plays a key role in postgraduate education and training and in fostering the highest quality undergraduate medical education.
The combined undergraduate degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) take six years of full-time study. The School also offers a combined Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery/Bachelor of Arts degree (MBBS/BA) and a combined Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery/Bachelor of Science degree (MBBS/BSc), both over seven years of full-time study.
To be registered as a legally qualified medical practitioner by the Medical Board of Victoria, medical graduates undertake an additional year's training as an intern on the staff of an approved general hospital. Most graduates continue to gain experience, knowledge and special skills in teaching hospitals for between two and five years.
Some of this further training is provided by members of University clinical departments. Much of it is under the guidance of specialist colleges such as the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RACOG), Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), Royal Australasian College of Radiologists (RACR), and Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
The School of Dental Science traces its origins back to 1884 when the Odontological Society of Victoria sought to establish a college and hospital for the training of students in dentistry.
Establishment of the Australian College of Dentistry followed in 1892. The College was affiliated with the University of Melbourne in 1904 and the first Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc) degree was conferred in 1906.
Today's BDSc program enrols about 50 new students each year. As with Medicine, new students are almost equally balanced between the sexes and come from many social and ethnic backgrounds.
The Bachelor of Dental Science takes five years of full-time study which qualifies the graduate for registration by the Dental Board of Victoria.
Many dental graduates undertake further study in the School's continuing education and postgraduate courses and in postgraduate research. The School's ever-strengthening research capabilities play a major role in both undergraduate and postgraduate education and training, and in the development of the highest quality teaching and facilities.
Teaching is provided by some 20 full-time academic staff and more than 100 part-time general and specialist dental practitioners.
The School of Dental Science shares space with the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne in a building which is jointly owned by the Hospital and the University of Melbourne.
The School of Physiotherapy was established in the Faculty in 1991 and the first intake of students graduated at the end of 1994. However, the clinical science of physiotherapy commenced its association with the University in 1896 and physiotherapists have undertaken medical science subjects at the University since that time. The School is located in Berkeley Street, close to the Medical Sciences building and the Brownless Medical Library.
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy is a four year degree and has approximately 80 students enrolling each year with a relatively equal gender balance. The undergraduate program provides students with the opportunity to develop high quality clinical physiotherapy and research skills. Health and medical science teaching is undertaken with medical, dental, science and optometry students. In first year physiotherapy, students undertake science subjects and begin clinical placements in hospitals of the clinical schools associated with the University . Students pursue their physiotherapy science and clinical subjects throughout the course. Elective studies within Australia and overseas provide students with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and further develop clinical practice skills. Students may participate in the School's research programs under the guidance of clinical physiotherapists and other researchers.
Many physiotherapists undertake further study and the School offers postgraduate studies in research and in the clinical areas of musculoskeletal, cardiothoracic, neurological and paediatric physiotherapy.
The Master of Physiotherapy may be undertaken by Research, or by Coursework and Minor Thesis.
The School of Behavioural Science. Psychology has been taught at the University of Melbourne since the turn of the century. At that time psychology was taught within the Schools of Medicine and Education and in the Department of Philosophy. In 1925 the first chair of psychology was created within the Faculty of Science, but it was not until 1946 that a Department of Psychology was formally established within the Faculty of Arts with an intake of 187 first-year students.
In January 1991 the Department of Psychology merged with the Division of Psychology at the Institute of Education and in January 1992 became the fourth school (The School of Behavioural Science) within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
Today there are over 1500 undergraduates enrolled in the School. Teaching is provided by over 45 academic staff and 52 professional practitioners.
The School offers a pass major in psychology in either Arts, Science or Education, a fourth-year honours course in Arts or Science, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology through the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
The School has an active graduate program with a range of options. A Master of Arts or a Master of Science can be taken in research, or in a two-year coursework degree, in either clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology, applied psychology or cognitive science. A Master of Psychology is offered as a two-year post-clinical master's program in child clinical psychology. In addition, the School has 86 graduates enrolled in the PhD program.
The general objectives of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences are:
The following undergraduate degree courses offer teaching programs which prepare the student to practise or to go on to graduate or postgraduate study or research.
The MBBS program takes six years and has two major but overlapping stages: (a) the Basic Sciences and Medical Sciences, and (b) the Clinical Sciences.
Basic Sciences and Medical Sciences units occupy much of the first three years of the course, providing a strong basis for subsequent clinical training. However, there is now a substantially expanded medical and clinical content in the first three years, giving students a good appreciation of the relevance of their studies at this time and ensuring that they are well prepared for full-time clinical training in the final three years of the course.
First-year subjects include Medical Chemistry (incorporating an introduction to Biochemistry) and Medical Physics (in the Faculty of Science), Anatomy and Medical Biology, Physiology, and Health and Illness in Society (which covers human development, the nature of medical practice, medical history and first aid).
As part of the subject Health and Illness in Society, students are allocated an infant, whose development they follow through its infancy and toddler years. This interesting exercise provides the student with a clinical perspective early in the course, in addition to interaction with families in the community. Students also receive clinical exposure through two afternoon visits to the Royal Children's Hospital; the first to a ward and the second to the emergency room of the hospital. These visits provide the opportunity for first-hand observation of hospital procedures.
Computer facilities and state-of-the-art interactive multimedia laboratories now comprise important components of the learning experience in all years of the course in self-directed learning and laboratory classes.
Physiology, Anatomy and Medical Biology continue in second year. Also included in second year are Behavioural Science (covering psychological assessment, behavioural medicine, brain and behaviour, abnormal psychology, and the family and the community), Biochemistry, Neuroscience, and Integrated Body Function (applied physiology and pathophysiology).
In third year, students undertake Public Health and Community Medicine, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Introduction to Clinical Medicine, and Advanced Study Units.
The importance and development of effective communication skills are emphasised throughout the medical course, particularly in third year in Public Health and Community Medicine and in each of the full-time clinical years. Advanced Study Units in third year are mounted in campus and clinical departments and involve critical review and deeper study in an area of medicine already introduced. Each student completes one 12-week or two 6-week Advanced Study Units in the first semester of third year.
Third year also introduces teaching in second semester in Introduction to Clinical Medicine. Students are allocated to one of the three general clinical schools associated with the University of Melbourne: the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, the Royal Melbourne Hospital/Western Hospital, and the St Vincent's Hospital/Geelong Hospital.
Students spend much of the final three years of their course at a general clinical school, except for placements at country hospitals and specialist institutions such as the Royal Women's Hospital, Mercy Hospital for Women, the Royal Children's Hospital, Mt Royal Hospital and psychiatric hospitals.
Studies taken in the clinical years include medicine, surgery, clinical pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, radiology, rehabilitation medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, psychiatry, ethics, legal medicine and forensic pathology, general practice and community medicine, infectious diseases, geriatric medicine, casualty, trauma, resuscitation, anaesthetics, ophthalmology (diseases of the eye), otorhinolaryngology (diseases of the ear, nose and throat), immunology and dermatology.
Fourth-year students also undertake a clinical Advanced Study Unit, providing a further opportunity for guided, independent study.
At the beginning of the final year of the course, students undertake a minimum 8-week elective period of study during which they pursue one or more particular approved topics in general practice, hospitals or elsewhere. Often this elective period is undertaken at approved interstate or overseas institutions.
The combined MBBS/BA course is a seven-year program which provides the professional qualification for a career in medicine, as well as a general education in the humanities, social sciences and the languages and cultures of other people. Ordinarily students undertake one or two Arts subjects concurrent with the first three or four years of the medical course, followed by one full year of Arts study, by which time the Arts component of 216 points would normally be completed. Students would then resume the final two or three years of the medical course.
For information on Arts subjects available to students in the combined MBBS/BA course, refer to the Arts entry in Volume 3 of this Handbook.
The combined MBBS/BSc course also takes a minimum of seven years to complete. The format is similar to that of the combined medicine/arts course. To complete the science component of the medicine/science course students must accumulate 240 science points. Within the 240 science points, it is recommended that students complete between 50 and 140 science at a 100-level, and 50 science points at a 300-level. Note that the current MBBS and science timetables restrict students' subject choice in science to subjects offered by the Physics and Mathematics teaching departments.
The BMedSc degree is a one-year course open to medical students with good academic records to encourage them to delve more deeply into an area they have already studied. It may be taken after completing at least third year in the medical course or, in the case of studies in the Departments of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, after completing second year. Candidates prepare and submit for examination a detailed research report. They may be required to pass a written examination or viva voce examination or both on the subject of the report.
The BDSc program takes five years. It prepares graduates for work in private practice, hospitals, the defence services, government health services, teaching or research.
The program has two main streams: (a) the Basic Biological Sciences, and (b) the Clinical and Health Sciences, plus subject areas outside these streams such as Materials Science, Statistics and Community Studies.
Basic Biological Sciences predominate in the first three years of the course. Biology provides the essential foundation for all studies of the biological sciences, including dental science, and chemistry serves as an introduction for biochemistry, materials science and physiology.
Clinical and Health Sciences begin as early as second year, with practical work in the laboratories of the School of Dental Science and clinical sessions in the clinics of the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne. Other studies include medicine and surgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, plus conservative dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, oral pathology, pedodontics and orthodontics.
An opportunity for the extension of clinical experience is provided by the Royal Dental Hospital during non-teaching periods. The course promotes understanding of human behaviour and social functioning relevant to health and disease and helps students develop skills to identify and measure oral health needs and find ways to meet those needs.
Emphasis is placed on being able to practise integrated general dentistry and provide oral health care to all sectors of the community.
Students train in problem-solving, decision-making, program design and implementation, evaluation and advocacy, and in designing and carrying out scientific investigations into clinical and community oral health problems.
They are expected to understand the professional responsibility of dentists to both individuals and the community and are given the opportunity to develop career interests in areas such as general or specialist dental practice, academic teaching and research, community and school health, and hospital, institutional and government service.
Dental Studies 1, 2 and 3 cover topics such as community studies, psychology, dental materials science, growth studies, introductory orthodontics, statistics, preventive dentistry, community dental health, radiography and radiology, and local analgesia.
The BDentStud degree is a one-year course open to later-year dentistry students and graduates with good academic records to encourage them to delve more deeply into an area they have already studied. The aim is to facilitate the advanced development of academic and research skills necessary for the furtherance of a career in research or academia. This course may be taken after completing at least the third year of the BDSc degree and is a one-year program of research training in any area of investigation relevant to dental science such as biological, social and clinical sciences. In passing through the program, students should acquire a basic understanding of current advances in research methodology in the biological and health sciences and should be able to conduct a scientific investigation into a biological, clinical or community health problem. Candidates prepare and submit for examination a detailed research report and must pass a viva voce examination on the subject of the report.
The BPhysio course is a four-year course. The course is recognised by the Physiotherapy Registration Board of Victoria and by mutual recognition in other states of Australia. It prepares graduates to work in health care settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, rehabilitation centres, patients' homes, schools, extended care facilities, sports venues, aged care centres, industrial and commercial premises, nursing homes, psychiatric centres and educational institutions.
Students may qualify for the degree with honours if they achieve first or second-class honours as determined by their performance in the second, third and fourth years of the course.
Studies include a strong basis of physical, biological, medical, behavioural and clinical sciences. Students are required to participate in practical studies of human anatomy, kinesiology and physiotherapy techniques. This requires partial disrobing and acting as 'therapist' and 'patient' to learn by observation, feel and practice. Physiotherapy is a physically demanding profession, which requires for its practice the development of a range of precise physical skills. Clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for health education and the competent assessment, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with physical disorders and disabilities are developed. During the undergraduate years, students are encouraged and provided with opportunities to develop the capacity and motivation for continuing independent learning, inquiry and research. Students undertake theoretical and practical experience in enhancing their ability to communicate with patients, colleagues and members of other health professions. Issues of professional responsibility and ethical principles in relation to individuals and the community are addressed.
The program has been developed to provide a strong focus on the clinical and research requirements of graduates.
Clinical studies are commenced in the first year of the undergraduate program, with students allocated to the teaching hospitals of the general clinical schools of the University of Melbourne. These general clinical schools are the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, the Royal Melbourne Hospital/Western Hospital, and the St Vincent's Hospital/Geelong Hospital.
In the second year, students attend specialist physiotherapy practices such as occupational health centres, community health centres and sports clinics, as well as hospital clinics.
In the third and fourth years, students spend much of their time in clinical studies.
Students participate in research in first year and then commence formal research methods training in the second year. Third-year students develop research project proposals and in the fourth year collect and evaluate clinical research data, with selected students completing more extensive projects.
First-year subjects include Anatomy 1 (Physiotherapy), Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology 1, Behavioural Science (Physiotherapy), Growth Development and Ageing, Medical Biology (Physiotherapy), Physics (Physiotherapy), Physiology 1 (Physiotherapy) and Physiotherapy Principles and Practice 1.
In second year, Anatomy 2 (Physiotherapy), Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology 2, Physiology 2 (Physiotherapy) and Physiotherapy Principles and Practice 2 continue and the following further subjects are undertaken: Theory of Physiotherapy Practice, Community Health, Exercise and Integrated Physiology, Electrotherapy, Human Movement Development, Neuroscience (Physiotherapy), Pathology (Physiotherapy) and Research Methods 1.
The third year introduces the discipline-specific Cardiothoracic, Neurological and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Major elements of these subjects are undertaken in the teaching hospitals of the general clinical schools. Theoretical studies in Pharmacology for Physiotherapy, Research Methods 2, Seminars in Physiotherapy 1 and Kinesiology and Measurement are conducted at the University. A summer elective is undertaken between third and fourth years. This may be in approved centres in Victoria, interstate or overseas.
In the final undergraduate year, the discipline-specific Cardiothoracic, Neurological and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy are continued, with Seminars in Physiotherapy 2 and Research Methods 3. Theoretical and clinical studies are undertaken in Paediatrics, and Gerontology and advanced studies in Exercise Prescription, Physiotherapy Principles and Practice 3, Clinical Neuroscience and Clinical Physiotherapy. Students may choose two clinically based electives during the year. Special clinical schools of the Faculty which make a contribution to the undergraduate program in the fourth year include the Royal Children's Hospital, the Royal Women's Hospital, the Mercy Hospital for Women and the North West Hospital.
A major sequence in psychology can be studied as part of either a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Education (Primary), a Bachelor of Social Science, or a combined degree course.
First year gives an introduction to psychology. Topics include biological bases of behaviour, social psychology, quantitative methods, human development, learning, memory and thinking, personality and adaptation, and abnormal psychology.
Second year covers intermediate psychology, including topics in biological, experimental, social, developmental and quantitative psychology.
Third year covers six sections including one compulsory block of three sections, psychological measurement, research methods and history/theories of psychology.
Fourth-year honours covers advanced studies in five selected topics in psychology, including the compulsory seminars Advanced Design and Data Analysis, Assessment and Professional Skills, and Theories in Psychology, and two topics chosen from a group of options. An independent research project is also carried out under the supervision of senior staff members.
Quotas apply to Psychology 1 and 2. For more detailed information see the Arts, Science and Education entries in the Handbook.
Minimum prerequisites for entry to the medical, dental and physiotherapy courses are VCE English, Chemistry, Mathematical Methods (or Specialist Mathematics), and one of Biology, one additional Mathematics or Physics.
Entry into the second and later years of the medical, dental and physiotherapy courses is restricted to applicants who have completed appropriate science subjects at university level (enquire at School Offices for details).
Special Admissions Scheme: Places under this scheme are available in the first year of the medical, dental and physiotherapy courses.
Applicants for the MBBS course from rural schools will be given additional consideration under this scheme.
Mature age candidates: Applicants over 21 who have had previous Year 12 or tertiary studies should seek advice from the School of Medicine, School of Dental Science and School of Physiotherapy as appropriate.
Overseas applicants: See pages 19-21 of Volume 1 of this Handbook.
Financial assistance: Assistance is available to medical and dental students through cadetships with all three armed services and to dental students in scholarships offered by the Health Department (School Dental Service). These cadetships and scholarships are normally available from the third year of the course and involve a commitment to serve with the sponsoring authority for a limited period after graduation.
Students who experience financial difficulties during the course may apply for student loans within the University through the Student Advisory Service.
Animal experimentation in practical classes: Some subjects offered by the Faculty involve the use of animal experimentation. These experiments are an essential part of the course and exemptions are not possible. All animal experimentation in the University is subject to the rigorous control of the Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee. A Faculty Student Animal Experimentation Review Committee, with student and academic staff membership, has also been established as a sub-committee of the Faculty's Curriculum Review Committee. In general, the University aims to reduce animal usage to the minimum consistent with academic needs. As well, new educational aids involving computer simulations are being used where possible as an alternative to the use of live animals.
Health requirements: In order to meet health requirements for working in the wards of affiliated teaching hospitals and for the protection of other students and themselves, students in the MBBS, BDSc or BPhysio courses need to comply with certain precautionary procedures. These consist of confidential tests for immune status (including blood tests and skin tests), receiving vaccines and having X-rays where the evidence indicates these are appropriate and there are not specific contraindications in individual cases. This policy is in accord with the National Health and Medical Research Council advice that educational institutions training students in health sciences should ensure that such students are protected as far as possible by vaccination against risk of infection.
Prospective students should note that, prior to enrolment, students are provided with information and, as appropriate, counselling about the effect that HIV or Hepatitis B infection may have on the ability of health care workers to practise their profession. Although the Faculty has decided not to prevent students who are discovered to be such carriers from pursuing their courses in general, individuals who know themselves to be carriers of HIV or to be 'high risk' (HBeAg) carriers of Hepatitis B are advised to consider carefully their studies in this Faculty in view of the inevitable constraints upon some aspects of training and on career options.
Attendance requirements: Attendance at classes other than lectures is compulsory. Students are also expected to attend lectures, and it is to their advantage to do so. In addition, competent performance in carrying out the duties and work prescribed in all subjects is required. Students failing to comply with this requirement (eg not less than 75% attendance) may be excluded from examinations.
Psychology quota: Studies in Psychology have proved to be extremely popular. In order to maintain the quality of the subject and the level of practical involvement within the available resources, quotas for Psychology 1 and Psychology 2 have been approved for 1996.
The Faculty of Arts offers a concurrent Diploma in Modern Languages to undergraduate students of the University of Melbourne. The aim of the Diploma is to facilitate language study in all undergraduate degree courses offered at the University.
Entry to the Diploma requires the approval of both the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. For more information please refer to the Faculty of Arts Office (03) 9344 5235.
Students should be aware of their rights and obligations while at the University. Essential information on matters such as enrolment, assessment, special consideration in the event of illness or other difficulties, etc., is contained in the Student Diary, issued to every student on enrolment.
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The Graduate Diploma in Adolescent Health is normally a two-year, part-time course which is available to graduates or applicants with a degree in health-related disciplines or other approved qualifications. The streams offered are Youth Drug Studies, Early Psychosis, and Health Studies (one year full-time or two years part-time).
The course is designed to equip participants to:
The Graduate Diploma in Audiology is a one-year full-time course for which the prerequisite is a degree in science or a degree in a discipline other than science with a major study in any of the following: psychology, linguistics, speech pathology, education of the hearing-impaired, medicine or nursing. Applications must be submitted by 30 September of the year preceding that for which selection is sought.
Audiology is concerned with the assessment, prevention and non-medical management of loss of hearing and the associated disorders of communication. As a result, it plays a significant role in the clinical, educational and social services available to children and adults with hearing disabilities, and may attract graduates with science backgrounds who are interested in working with people.
The course provides a professional qualification in audiology. On completing the course students should have:
The Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology is a one year full-time, or two year part-time course available to graduates with degrees in Science or Engineering. The course is designed to equip graduates with the research, analytical and communication skills to enable them to:
The Graduate Diploma in Epidemiology and Biostatistics course is offered every two years and will be available in 1996. The course is designed:
The course is taken over two years part-time and is open to any graduate of a health or related science degree. The course focuses on epidemiology and biostatistics, with emphasis on their application. Particular attention is given to critical appraisal, surveys and data sources, and protocol development.
The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences is a two-year, part-time course available to graduates with a degree in psychiatry, medicine, psychology, nursing, social work or a related health discipline. The course is designed to:
The Graduate Diploma in Drug Evaluation and Pharmaceutical Sciences is a one-year full-time, or two-year part-time course which is available to graduates with degrees in medicine, pharmacy or science, or applicants with other approved qualifications. The course objectives are:
The Graduate Diploma in Women's Health provides coursework study over one year full-time or two years part-time. It is available to graduates from medicine and other health-related disciplines.
The course is designed:
The course also may provide the coursework component for a Master of Medicine degree in Women's Health for medical graduates.
This one-year full-time (or not more than three years part-time) course is designed to further the knowledge and skills of dental graduates in aspects of fields of clinical dentistry.
The course is limited to a maximum of eight students. In passing through the course, a graduate student should:
Basic biological sciences form the core of the course and a choice of clinical subjects is offered in the range of disciplines listed above.
The objectives of this course are to increase knowledge and skills in forensic medicine, pathology and odontology.
In passing through the program, the graduate student should be able to:
The course duration is one year full-time. Students are introduced to the role of the forensic odontologist in the legal system, and their casework portfolio will form part of the assessment.
The School of Physiotherapy offers postgraduate diplomas in research.
These studies are designed:
Postgraduate Diploma in Physiotherapy (Research) stream students are preparing for higher degrees. Many of these students will undertake clinically-based research.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, to be offered by the School of Behavioural Science, is directed at those graduates with an accredited major in psychology who wish to pursue a fourth year of study in psychology. Entry will be open to graduates with an accredited major in psychology who have obtained a grade of at least H2B (or equivalent) in their third year of study of psychology.
The Diploma will require the completion of six coursework subjects and a research project of 7,500 words.
Students will not normally be permitted to withdraw from the Research Project. Satisfactory completion of the Research Project is a hurdle requirement for completion of the Diploma course. Where a student does not satisfactorily complete the Research Project, the matter will be considered by the Faculty Unsatisfactory Progress Committee.
The course will be offered only over two years part-time. There will be an opportunity for graduates who wish to pursue the equivalent of an Honours year on a part-time basis to do so.
On successful completion of the course, students will have demonstrated an ability to:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Nursing is normally a one-year, full-time course available to registered nurses who hold a degree or diploma of nursing or other approved qualification. The specialty nursing streams offered are: cardiothoracics, coronary care, emergency, gerontology, intensive care, paediatrics, paediatric intensive care, perioperative, renal, rural critical care, neuroscience, psychiatric nursing, psychiatric nursing specialty (two years part-time).
The course has the following objectives:
Candidates for the degree must be holders of a Graduate Diploma in Audiology or equivalent. The course is available as a one-year full-time course of study or two years part-time.
The degree is gained either by coursework (a combination of a minor research project and seven coursework subjects) or by supervised research in areas related to audiology, hearing or speech science, leading to the submission of a major research thesis.
Candidates for the above degrees must be medical graduates and have passed an examination (such as the FRACP, FRACS or MRACOG) offered in a relevant discipline by an approved body. Programs are taken by supervised research over at least one year of full-time study, or over two to three years part-time. The MMed degree is available also by coursework and research report in disciplines such as clinical neuroscience, primary medical care, radiology (including other medical imaging modalities) and women's health.
Candidates must be graduates of not less than five years standing who have devoted at least three years since graduating to practice and study relevant to the discipline concerned. Enquiries in the first instance should be made to the School of Medicine.
Candidates must have a degree in a health-related discipline. The course is available by either thesis or by coursework and minor research report over two years full-time or four years part-time study. The degree by thesis may be undertaken by supervised research in any area of public health. The coursework program is run in conjunction with Deakin, La Trobe and Monash Universities and is undertaken in two parts. For Part 1, students enrolling at this University undertake common subjects taught by the four Universities. For Part 2, students at this University enrol in one of three specialties; Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or Health Program Evaluation and Health Economics. Enquiries about the course should be made to the School of Medicine.
Candidates for the degree must be holders of an honours degree in health or social sciences, a Graduate Diploma in Women's Health, a Graduate Diploma in Women's Studies or Part 1 examination of any of the Royal Colleges of Medicine.
The degree is gained by either supervised research over at least one year of full-time study (or two years part-time) leading to submission of a major research thesis, or by a combination of a minor thesis and three coursework subjects.
The MDSc degree course is designed to take cognisance of the growth and change in the knowledge and practice of dental science. It offers candidates an opportunity to develop advanced skills and understanding in a particular branch of dental science by doing coursework and a supervised research project. The major emphasis can be on either formal study with clinical/laboratory work or wholly on research.
The degree is gained by examination and minor thesis or by major thesis. It is offered over two years full-time, or four years part-time. Part-time candidates are required to enrol in not less than four sessions a week.
Coursework is organised to complement and help improve the quality of the candidate's independent work, while extending and deepening areas of knowledge beyond the scope of the undergraduate course.
Disciplines for study include oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, children's dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral medicine, oral pathology, and preventive and community dentistry.
Intending candidates should consult appropriate staff of the School of Dental Science preferably a year ahead of when they plan to begin work on the degree. After discussing the proposed course in detail, candidates can obtain an application form from the School.
The completed form must be lodged no later than 15 May of the year prior to beginning the course.
Candidates for the Master of Physiotherapy by Research or by Coursework and Minor Thesis must be graduates of physiotherapy. This course can be undertaken as a research degree taken over one year full-time, or normally part-time over two to three years. Those normally eligible to undertake the Master of Physiotherapy would have completed a four-year undergraduate degree in physiotherapy with honours, a postgraduate diploma, or a master's preliminary course.
The Masters by Coursework and Minor Thesis may be undertaken part-time over three years in the specialist areas of cardiothoracic, neurological, musculoskeletal and paediatric physiotherapy.
Details of the Master of Physiotherapy degree program by research and by coursework and minor thesis may be obtained from the School of Physiotherapy.
The School has an active graduate program with a range of options. Either a Master of Arts or a Master of Science can be taken in research, or in a two-year coursework degree, in either clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology, applied psychology or cognitive science. A coursework program for Master of Psychology in Child Clinical Psychology is available. Application forms and further details of the Master of Psychology, Master of Arts and Master of Science programs may be obtained from the School of Behavioural Science. In addition, the School supports PhD studies.
The Master of Psychology (Child Clinical Psychology) has been developed to provide advanced training to clinical psychologists.
The course aims to train clinical psychologists as specialists to assess and treat psychological problems in infants, children, adolescents and families.
The degree is gained by satisfactory completion of written and clinical assessment. It is offered over two years part-time and a limited number of traineeship stipends are available.
Candidates are required to have a masters degree or an equivalent qualification in Clinical Psychology.
As this course aims at providing a professional competency in child clinical psychology, much of the learning takes place when the academic input is integrated with clinical practice under supervision.
Applications must be lodged by mid-October in the year prior to beginning the course. This course has an intake every second year, and the next intake will be 1997.
The MD and DDSc degrees may be awarded to a candidate following examination of published or unpublished work deemed by the examiners to make an original and substantial contribution to the candidate's field of study.
The candidate must be a graduate in an approved discipline of not less than two years standing for the MD and four years standing for the DDSc. The MD degree may also be taken by approved candidates as a supervised research program extending over at least two years for full-time study or on a part-time basis.
The PhD degree is a program of advanced study and research to be undertaken by a candidate under supervision and leading to presentation of a thesis. The program may be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis in all schools of the Faculty. The degree is administered under the control of the Academic Board of the University. Intending candidates should seek further advice from the University's School of Graduate Studies.
The Doctor of Philosophy program is also available in the School of Physiotherapy. Candidates would normally be graduates in physiotherapy of not less than two years standing, and approved candidates would undertake a supervised research program in the School.
The Continuing Medical Education and the Continuing Education in Dental Science programs offer courses directed to the needs of medical and dental practitioners and those in associated health professions.
Units are usually short and intensive, from one-day lecture courses to clinical sessional sequences over several months. They cover clinical and research topics for specialists and for general practitioners.
Participants gain an opportunity to interact with specialists and with their colleagues in a context designed to meet the needs of busy professionals.
A Continuing and Professional Education program in Physiotherapy is also available.
This series reviews, debates and questions what is being done in medicine and dental science. Issues are presented in a wide social, political and philosophical context. Lectures and seminars in the series look at research in the Faculty and address issues of special importance to the community. Students, graduates and those with an interest in the fields covered are invited to attend.
Medical graduates are eligible to join the University of Melbourne Medical Society (UMMS), the medical graduates' alumni society. UMMS aims to continue the relationship begun during the undergraduate years of medical training between fellow students and the School of Medicine. It produces a journal, Chiron, which publishes important debates and lectures held at the Medical School as well as original articles exploring local medical history, the family context and the development of medical education.
Dental Science graduates are eligible to join the Society of Alumni and Friends of Dental Science (SAFODS) which aims to promote and develop continuing education and scholarship, and to continue the relationship, begun during the undergraduate years of training, between fellow students and the Dental School. The Society produces a regular newsletter which publishes details and dates of courses and lectures, and other matters of interest.
The Friends of Physiotherapy was established in June 1992. In 1995 to reflect the increasing membership by graduates of the School, the FOP became the University of Melbourne Physiotherapy Alumni Society (UMPAS).
Membership is through the Alumni Association of the University as well as the School of Physiotherapy. UMPAS aims to promote and develop the School, its prizes and scholarships, and provide support for students and for academic staff in the areas of research and clinical skills within the field of physiotherapy.
The variety of careers available to graduates is enormous. Few professions can boast such a diversity of opportunity, ranging from general practice to surgery, general medicine to obstetrics and gynaecology, and paediatrics to psychiatry. Other specialties may include anaesthetics, geriatric medicine, rehabilitation medicine, dermatology, pathology, radiology, neurosurgery and occupational medicine.
Graduates may also become medical administrators in hospitals or government departments, or medical academics and/or researchers involved with teaching and/or medical research.
Graduates are required to complete an intern year in an Australian hospital as a prerequisite for full medical registration. Many graduates will then stay in a hospital for at least one or two more years. Those who wish to train for one of the major specialties may need to continue in a teaching hospital for about five years after the intern year.
Postgraduate training for most of the specialties is supervised by specialty colleges or societies. The colleges run their own qualifying examinations, specify training programs, and attend to the professional needs of their members after they have qualified for membership.
Dental graduates are offered a wide range of career opportunities. Although most graduates enter private general practice, graduate training is available in many other areas. These include preventive dentistry and community dental health, paediatric dentistry (children's dentistry), orthodontics (the correction of malpositioned teeth), periodontics (treating of the supporting tissues of the teeth), conservative dentistry and endodontics (conserving and restoring lost tooth substance), prosthodontics (replacing lost teeth and tissue with artificial appliances), oral surgery, oral pathology (disorders of the mouth) and oral medicine.
As the emphasis in dentistry changes from corrective to preventive work, dentists increasingly act as part of a team with auxiliary health professionals such as dental therapists, licensed dental nurses, dental hygienists and advanced dental technicians.
The University of Melbourne's BDSc is recognised by the Dental Boards of all Australian states. Graduates may apply for registration as a dentist (without further examination) anywhere in Australia or its territories.
Registration may also be granted in some other countries, subject to entry requirements and those of the registering authorities.
Proposals have been introduced for an internship similar to that in Medicine, which would entail one year's paid work following graduation, leading to graduates being granted full registration to practise in Victoria. At present, a voluntary internship for a limited number of recent graduates is available through the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.
Physiotherapists work in hospitals, community centres and in private practices in a large number of fields. They practise in the areas of women's health including preparation for pregnancy and birth, paediatrics, exercise and sport, occupational health, accident and rehabilitation, illness and disease, and in geriatrics. Physiotherapists work as consultants to industry and government bodies, and as academics and researchers.
Many physiotherapists commence their careers as junior physiotherapists in hospitals, where they rotate through specialist physiotherapy units and are provided with the opportunity to reinforce and consolidate their knowledge and clinical skills. Career paths in hospitals develop along clinical and administrative lines. Senior clinical physiotherapists are highly experienced in a particular area of physiotherapy and are responsible for senior and junior staff, and for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Physiotherapists continue their careers within the hospital service or by moving into other public or private centres within Australia or overseas. In community centres, the physiotherapist is a resource to provide treatment and health education for local residents. Physiotherapists also work in the Department of Community Services, in School Support Centres, and in individual schools of various types. In private practices, physiotherapists work in every suburb and country district for clients who require their diverse services.
An increasing number of physiotherapists are undertaking postgraduate studies to enhance career opportunities in clinical practice, administration, teaching and research.
Psychology is concerned with the study of human behaviour and experience, and people trained in psychology work in a wide variety of areas in health, education, industry, commerce, welfare and government. The minimum academic training for those wishing to make their career in psychology is an honours degree or a postgraduate diploma in psychology after completion of an undergraduate degree. Membership of the Australian Psychological Society requires four years of academic training in an accredited psychology course and two years of supervised postgraduate experience.
Medicine: Administrative Officer (Pre-clinical Programs) or Administrative Officer (Postgraduate Programs), School of Medicine. Tel: +613 (03) 9344 5890
Dental Science: School Manager (Dental Science) Tel: +613 (03) 9341 0275
Physiotherapy: School Manager (Physiotherapy) Tel: +613 (03) 9344 4171
Behavioural Science: School Manager (Behavioural Science) Tel: +613 (03) 9344 6377
Postgraduate Nursing: Administrative Officer (Postgraduate Programs) School of Medicine. Tel: + 613 (03) 9344 5890
Written enquiries should be addressed to the above officers at The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052.
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Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Status: Official 1996 Date created: Sep 27 1995 Last modified: Sep 27 1995 Authorised by: Academic Registrar Email enquiries: Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Maintained by: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1995,1996.