Areas of study by faculty: Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Behavioural neuroscience is an exciting biomedical science that addresses the biological basis of behaviour and cognition. In recent years there has been a rapid expansion of knowledge concerning the biochemical, anatomical and physiological correlates of brain function and dysfunction. This knowledge has substantially enhanced our understanding of the way the brain influences behaviour and cognition, and vice versa.

Students wishing to specialise in this field can complete a degree in psychology or science and progress into postgraduate research in the area of behavioural neuroscience. Through site visits and discussions with clinicians, students acquire an appreciation of the central role that neuroscience plays in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Students gain practical laboratory skills and learn to record, analyse and critically evaluate scientific data, and how to present their findings as oral, written or web-based reports.

This interdisciplinary area of study covers areas such as comparative moral theory, research bioethics in an international setting, quantitative and qualitative research methodology, critical appraisal techniques and relevant law topics.

At Monash, particular emphasis is given to ethical issues associated with research in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific Region. Students gain a strong theoretical framework, significant experience with ethics committees and considerable involvement with local organisations concerned with the development of bioethical policy and its implementation.

Biomedical science is an interdisciplinary area of study and includes aspects of anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, clinical medicine, epidemiology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology and preventive medicine, and physiology.

Courses in this area of study have been designed to provide the student with the skills necessary to understand and investigate the functions of humans and other mammals and include aspects of the traditional biomedical sciences.

Biomedical science is an interdisciplinary area of study and includes aspects of anatomy and developmental biology, biochemistry, cell biology, clinical medicine, epidemiology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology and preventive medicine, and physiology.

The core units in courses offering this area of study have been designed to provide the student with the skills necessary to understand and investigate the functions of humans and other mammals and include aspects of the traditional biomedical sciences.

Biomedical science at Monash includes major contributions from many of the departments of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and the Faculty of Science.

Biostatistics is the application of the concepts and practicies of statistics to the various fields of biology. Medical biostatisticians frequently work within the pharmaceutical industry, in public health and in clinical research.

At Monash, courses in this area provide a sound understanding of the theory and application of biostatistics relevant to professional practice. Students acquire skills and experience in complex statistical analyses, identifying and implementing appropriate statistical methodology, communicating biostatistical results and understanding biostatistical literature, and develop the technical skills for commencement in a professional career as a biostatistician.

Studies in biotechnology at Monash provides graduates with a strong foundation in the science disciplines of biology, chemistry and mathematics as well as skills and techniques in molecular biology, microbiology and biochemistry. Students complete units specifically addressing issues relevant to the biotechnology industry, including ethics, business and law.

Studies in child psychotherapy provide the professional skills required to undertake the assessment and psychotherapy of children, adolescents and parents who present with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Postgraduate study in the area provides science graduates and health professionals with advanced practical and theoretical training in clinical embryology and is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills required to work in or manage an IVF facility.

A clinical embryologist requires knowledge and understanding of mammalian embryology, treatment strategies for infertility, all IVF processes, cryopreservation and pre-implantation diagnosis along with a clear understanding of total quality management and ethics in IVF.

At Monash, students undertake a range of activities which provide skills training in IVF processes such as embryo handling, andrology, IVF, slow feezing, vitrification, ICSI and biopsy, are provided the opportunity to experience training in research methods and statistics by undertaking a minor research project.

Clinical neuropsychology is a field which applies an understanding of the neural basis of cognition, behaviour and emotion to the assessment and treatment of adults and children with neurological disorders.

At Monash, courses prepare students for careers in a broad range of settings, including in acute hospitals, rehabilitation centres, aged care programs, psychiatric settings, paediatric facilities and private practice. Training in clinical neuropsychology is extended through specialisation in a choice of areas, including rehabilitation, forensic psychology, and child, adolescent, geriatric and psychiatric neuropsychology.

Postgraduate study in clinical psychology equips psychologists to work in the treatment of children and families, the assessment and management of people in the legal system, or to focus on the application of psychological knowledge to the promotion of health and the prevention and treatment of illness.

The area of clinical epidemiology assists health professionals to make rational evidence-based decisions in clinical practice, undertake clinical audits and clinical research projects. Clinical epidemiology attempts to answer clinical questions relevant to the daily practice of medicine and other health sciences, and to improve patient care. It focuses on individuals or groups of patients in clinical settings.

The courses offered in this area of study cover biostatistics, epidemiology, research methods clinical trials, clinical epidemiology, clinical measurement, ethics, good research practice and practical research skills.

Graduates may gain employment within clinical research units in medical, nursing, or allied health science or may apply their skills in their usual employment.

The paramedic provides pre-hospital care and treatment for sick and injured people aimed at stabilising and/or improving the patient's condition in preparation for and during transportation to hospital.

Courses within this area of study support students to improve their clinical practice and knowledge related to the delivery of emergency health services, while also preparing them for leadership positions.

The field of community emergency health encompases clinical practice areas of relevance to other health professionals including nurses and doctors who practice within or have an interest in aeromedical retreival, emergency preparedness and disaster health.

Courses in this area are suitable for health care professionals working within the mental health and psychiatric disability fields who wish to upgrade and develop their knowledge and skills in contemporary community mental health practice.

Studies in emergency health at Monash prepares graduates to provide emergency health care to people in the community. Graduates are primarily employed by ambulance services or emergency medical services throughout Australia.

Course themes include personal and professional development, population health and illness in society, foundations of the paramedic clinician, community-based emergency health in integrated health and emergency systems, and science, knowledge and evidence.

Students also undertake clinical placements with ambulance services and with other health agencies.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has described family medicine as "whole person care in the context of the family and the community. Continuing care drawing on biomedical, psychological, social and environmental understandings of health

Primary medical care in Australia, and in many other countries, is largely delivered by general practitioners and has a long and proud history as a clinical discipline. As medical information and knowledge develop, general practitioners/family physicians need to manage emerging concepts in practice as well as know how to access information and critically analyse literature.

Courses in this area of study are intended for general practitioners wishing to expand their knowledge and skills in areas relevant to general practice. Students gain critical appraisal skills in reference to the nature of the discipline, its daily practice, and its literature and research base, to meet their own personal and professional needs, as well as the needs of the patients and the community in which they practice.

Forensic behavioural science is an emerging field of discourse at the interface of human services and criminal justice systems, which draws on a range of disciplines including psychology, psychiatry, nursing, criminology, law, social work and ethics.

The program in forensic behavioural science has been developed to enhance the knowledge and skills of a broad range of professionals working with people displaying antisocial and criminal behaviour. The program addresses both assessment and management issues, and assists professionals to incorporate 'best practice' principles into their daily work practices.

Forensic medicine aims to develop academic standards in clinical forensic medical practice and to produce graduates who have a sound knowledge of medico-legal principles. Students have the opportunity to develop practical skills in research as well as in providing clinical forensic services to the community.

Courses in this area of study are designed for health professional educators wishing to study contemporary educational practices and to undertake educational coursework and/or research. Health professional education offers a strong foundation to develop a career path in clinical education at the level of planning, policy, delivery or research.

Health science is a multi-disciplinary field of study that involves applying scientific approaches to the study of health. It includes aspects of biomedical sciences such as physiology, epidemiology, preventive medicine, and pharmacology, and aspects of social sciences such as sociology, program development and evaluation, and policy analysis.

Undergraduate studies in health science are designed to provide students with foundation skills and knowledge in determinants of health and disease, epidemiology, health care systems, health promotion and disease prevention, policy analysis and health sociology. Courses have a distinctly global orientation, examining Australian and international health challenges. Monash's health science programs are flexible, offering the opportunity to study electives from across the University, and include double degree options with social work or business.

Graduates have a solid foundation for a professional health career in the wide range of public and private sector organisations working to improve health. Employment may be found in public and private sector health organisations, government health departments, non-government health agencies and research centres. Students may also take the course as a pathway to postgraduate clinical programs (e.g. medicine, social work, nursing and allied health) as well as honours and higher degrees by research.

Health services management is aimed at professionals currently in, or seeking to be in, middle or senior health care management positions, and who want to expand their knowledge and skills in the management of health services. It and is particularly suitable for medical and general hospital administrators, clinical doctors, quality assurance managers, team leaders, senior nursing administrators, unit managers and a range of general task coordinators within the health care system.

International health studies examine the design, implementation and evaluation of programs that address the major public health priorities of communities in developing countries.

Public health issues are presented in the broader context of economic and social development, stressing cultural, political, gender and environmental influences, and the impact of armed conflict and population migration. During their studies students also have the opportunity to learn about human rights, ethics, law and development. Course content is informed by actual field experiences gained by the Burnet Institute in their wide range of health developement projects in more than 20 countries in Asia, the Pacific and Africa.

Medical acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe the use of various techniques from the ancient art of acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine, but who has also had training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such doctors can use either approach or a combination of both as the need arises. Large numbers of general practice patients have chronic complaints, often exacerbated by drug management; medical acupuncture is an alternative method of care that frequently helps the chronically ill patient.

Suitable for general practitioners, this area of study explores the interlocking role of acupuncture with modern medical care and provides the necessary tools to develop non-pharmacological pain management strategies and promote self-appraisal of drug prescribing/referral patterns for patients with pain. Knowledge and skills gained, in addition to the practical guidance provided, equip general practitioners to practise medical acupuncture with confidence in appropriate clinical conditions.

This area of study provides graduates interested in medical radiations, with the academic, clinical and professional framework that will enable them to be employed in their chosen discipline as competent and qualified medical sonographers or radiation therapists in both the public and private health sectors.

Postgraduate study in medical radiations offers stream-specific study in the disciplines of medical ultrasound and radiation therapy.

Medical Ultrasound is a method of the many 'modalities' that is encountered in the medical imaging department. Its distinctive feature is that it uses high frequency ultrasound to construct an image rather than the traditional x-ray. This means that it is a safe, non-invasive means of creating cross sectional images of the human body. It is also a relatively cost-effective means of imaging.

Ultrasound is used in abdominal, gynaecological and paediatric assessment. The technology enables us to see the movement of organs, see their structure in 3D, and image their microvasculature.

In obstetrics, nearly all pregnant women at some stage see their developing fetus with this technology. While this is going on, they also experience an important medical test which will assist their management. Ultrasound however is used with great diversity beyond obstetrics.

Vascular ultrasound, for instance, allows us to see the blood flow in real-time thus making it possible to discern stenoses in the arteries, or thrombosis of the veins. Musculoskeletal ultrasound allows us to image tiny tendons and nerves for degeneration or tears.

Undergraduate medicine at Monash examines the individual, population and societal aspects of health and illness, and explores the history and philosophy of the scientific approach to medicine, and the knowledge and concepts that underpin medical and clinical science.

In preparing students to become medical practitioners, studies in this discipline also concentrate on the personal attributes and qualities needed to work as a doctor. Students develop clinical sckills by interacting with a range of healthcare professionals through general practice and rural visits, and gain experience in a wide range of medical work places including accident and emergency, anaesthesia, palliative care, infectious diseases and more.

The study of midwifery at Monash prepares graduates to help women during pregnancy, childbirth and the early parenting period. Midwives work with women to give the necessary support, care, advice and education during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period.

Midwives can work in a variety of settings such as clinics, hospitals, birthing centres or in the home environment.

Postgraduate study in nursing prepares advanced practice nurses with leadership skills to plan, implement and coordinate and evaluate health care, as well as formulate policy for a diverse and multicultural society. Graduates will be well equipped to contribute to the health of individuals, families, communities and the development of the profession.

Studies in Nursing at Monash prepares graduates to provide care and education to patients around clinical reasoning, client care, communication, judgement and research in a range of health service areas.

Graduates are prepared to work in a diverse range of settings including hospitals, community settings, general practices, prisons, homes and residential settings.

Studies in nutrition provide strong biomedical science training, development of research skills and a comprehensive understanding of the role of food in our society.

All students study health promotion and public health, and depending on the course may undertake a community placement and clinical and food service experience in a range of settings, or a research project.

Graduates will be well equipped to meet a broad range of vocational and academic opportunities and challenges.

Courses in this area are designed to equip workplace professionals with the skills and knowledge to prevent and manage occupational health problems, and evaluate health problems in communities thought to be associated with industrial activities. It is particularly suitable for medical practitioners, nurses, allied health personnel, scientists and occupational health and safety managers.

Occupational therapy is a health profession concerned with enabling people of all ages who may have physical, mental, developmental and/or social challenges to participate in their activities of everyday life, thereby, promoting their health and well-being through occupation. Enhancing someone's ability to participate in everyday activities is a central part of occupational therapy practice. 'Occupation' addresses the range of activities that people want or need to do in their everyday lives, such as looking after themselves (self-care), enjoying life (play and leisure), and contributing to the social and economic fabric of their communities (productivity, going to school, being employed).

The occupational therapy curriculum taught at Monash uses a combination of traditional and scenario-based learning methods and teaching techniques and incorporates knowledge from the disciplines of occupational science as well as the biomedical, behavioural and social sciences.

This program prepares students to graduate as physiotherapists; health care professionals who focus on prevention, assessment and treatment of physical disorders and the promotion of movement and health. Physiotherapists manage the health of people across the lifespan - from the very young to the very old.

Physiotherapy studies include, but are not restricted to, aspects of sports physiotherapy, post-surgical care, trauma and emergency care and the management of strokes and neurological disorders in adults and children.

In physiotherapy studies at Monash, fundamental biomedical and behavioural sciences are introduced alongside the foundations of physiotherapy practice and research, in the context of a case based approach to learning. Students also engage in inter-professional education, where they learn from and about other health disciplines to foster understanding and to assist the development of professional roles and team work in the clinical setting. As studies progress, the emphasis moves to a clinical focus and learning is undertaken primarily in the clinical environment where students gain knowledge and practical experience in the delivery of physiotherapy as a member of the multidisciplinary health care team.

Courses in this area are designed to equip medical practitioners with training in the academic aspects of psychiatry within the context of a broad clinical training in psychological medicine.

Psychology is the study of mind and behaviour. It is a broad scientific discipline that includes investigations of the brain, learning, memory, reasoning, decision making, language, developmental and social processes, personality, and mental health and well being.

NOTE: This area of study entry has had one or more changes made to it since publication on 1 October 2012. For details of changes, please consult the 2013 Handbook change registerHandbook change register (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2013handbooks/2013-change-register.html).

Psychology is the study of mind and behaviour. It is a broad scientific discipline that includes investigations of the brain, learning, memory, reasoning, decision making, language, developmental and social processes, personality, and mental health and well being. It is also concerned with the practical and ethical applications of psychology research to the profession.

Postgraduate study in public health provides students with the full range of quantitative, analytical and communication skills necessary to work in the broad domain of public health. It especially focuses on developing skills in the quantitative methods of the population-based health sciences and their problem-solving application for primary care provision, both in Australia and for developing countries. Health specialisation streams are offered in clinical epidemiology, clinical research, health economics, health services management, international health, occupational and environmental health and research.

Radiography and medical imaging as taught at Monash offers students the opportunity to study topics including:

• methodologies of radiographic, medical, sonographic and breast imaging
• digital image processing
• radiologic physics and biology
• dosimetry and safety
• pharmacology
• professional skills and cinical studies
• research and advanced topics in medical imaging.

Students are prepared for effective and ethical professional practice in a diverse range of modern medical imaging modalities and to pursue careers in medical imaging, research and management. Students are also actively encouraged to engage in a process of lifelong learning and contribute to the development of radiography as a research-based profession.

Postgraduate study in the area of reproduction and development provides graduates in science, biomedical and health sciences, including nursing, medicine and veterinary science professionals, with a detailed understanding of advanced theory in and clinical applications of the reproductive sciences, including emerging biotechnologies. Students also receive training in laboratory skills and research experience.

Research supervision is available in a range of areas including human reproduction, animal reproduction, women's health, fetal and neonatal physiology, embryology, development, molecular and cellular endocrinology, stem cell biology, and reproductive toxicology.

This area of study focuses on specialist areas of research relevant to rural health including:

• community development and capacity building
• evidence based practice.
• gender issues in health medicine
• general practice
• health policy
• health promotion
• health quality assurance
• health service delivery
• health service needs in rural/urban Australia
• Indigenous health
• integrative medicine
• interprofessional collaborative practice
• mental health
• migrant health
• nursing
• service delivery models
• sustainable health
• the health workforce
• wellbeing and wellness.

Social workers assist people, groups and communities to address their problems. With its focus on helping people in need, social work is a profession committed to social justice and respect for human rights. Social workers provide a wide range of services to help people who are distressed or overwhelmed by problems such as poverty, substance abuse, homelessness, conflict or parental difficulties.

Social workers assist people, groups and communities to address their problems. With its focus on helping people in need, social work is a profession committed to social justice and respect for human rights. Social workers provide a wide range of services to help people who are distressed or overwhelmed by problems such as poverty, substance abuse, homelessness, conflict or parental difficulties.

Social work studies at Monash equip students with a sound general foundation for beginning social work practice. The double degrees combine a professional qualification in social work with the achievement of an second degree. Social work at Monash seeks to comply with, and where possible exceed, the minimum requirements established by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) for social work educational courses leading to a first qualification in the area.