Student Projects

Research Projects

Veterinary Science students who succeed in securing one of these projects will have the opportunity to access and interrogate authentic data, helping to build analytical, research and clinical skills and knowledge. Each project will focus on aspects of a particular breed, and will contribute to, or result in, a peer-reviewed publication.

Students planning research projects as part of their DVM, BVSc or Honours programs are invited to engage with this exciting nationwide project. Using veterinary clinical data from VetCompass Australia, the studies will characterise different factors of individual breeds of dogs, cats or horses under veterinary care in Australia. At certain times, a further set of projects will be offered to determine the most common breeds for each species.

It is expected that research will be collated from the different streams of enquiry into a single report for submission to a journal. The projects dealing with the numbers of each breed will also be prepared for publication. Publications will benefit the students, universities, vets in practices, and the broader community.

Expectations

Students

• code the data guided by a standard questionnaire
• report on findings
• work under supervision, within the bounds of the degree being completed
• have the option to work individually or in teams

Schools

• provide a supervisor and statistician
• provide an academic champion to oversee and coordinate student work for publication (particularly important for bringing the three streams together)
• invite members of the VetCompass Australia consortium who have contributed to the planning or delivery of a manuscript to be co-authors

VetCompass Australia

• provides access to a steady stream of authentic data
• coordinates of all aspects of the data collection, storage and management
• conducts HREC administration
• provides technical and project support for students and their supervisors

Online Work-Integrated Learning Experiences

The VCA Online Work-Integrated Learning Program, developed by Adelaide University and the broader VCA Consortium, was designed for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students to:

• have the option of an alternative to face-to-face extramural placements.
• build research skills through clinical data analysis and report writing.
• reflect on the way records are kept in veterinary practice and how to approach this after graduation.

Over 2 weeks, students access a sample of real-life clinical records from veterinary clinics around Australia. Students review these records within a predefined framework, responding to a series of questions about each, and complete a short study on a topic of their choosing. After the placement, students report on their findings in a Final Report. Schools may have further requirements, such as conducting a review of a peer’s report or submitting time sheets. Assessment is typically based on the Final Report, the peer-review findings and the input of an appropriate member of staff. Timelines, as well as assessment requirements and processes, will differ for each school, so students should confirm these with their supervisors.

Speak with your Placement Coordinator or local VCA Representative to find out more.