Bachelor of Dermal Sciences

Program Overview

Victoria University's Bachelor of Dermal Sciences equips students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in dermal science, empowering them to improve skin health and healing. Through practical, hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art clinic, graduates are prepared for rewarding careers as dermal clinicians in various healthcare settings, including medical practices, clinics, and educational institutions.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

• Overview: The Bachelor of Dermal Sciences at Victoria University (VU) equips students for a rewarding career in the rapidly-growing dermal therapies industry.
The program provides comprehensive knowledge and skills in all areas of dermal science, empowering graduates to improve skin health and healing.
• Objectives: Graduates of the program will be able to:
• Exhibit advanced interpersonal communication skills and devise appropriate skin assessment techniques
• Formulate, implement, and evaluate evidence-based and patient-centered care plans
• Demonstrate dermal skills and techniques within dermal protocols and exemplify knowledge of dermal science necessary for identifying, preventing, and managing risk to provide safe skin health services
• Interpret the health needs of clients and members of the community within a holistic framework and apply an ethical and integrated approach to dermal practice
• Provide safe and appropriate skin health services in compliance with regulatory requirements, as an independent and self-reflective practitioner, and as a member of a healthcare team in a dermal environment
• Predict and respond effectively to relevant issues relating to diverse communities when providing dermal services
• Critically review current research and developments in dermal practice and evaluate their implications for dermal clinicians and the profession
• Program Description: The Bachelor of Dermal Sciences is a 4-year full-time or longer part-time program that provides students with practical, hands-on experience in VU's state-of-the-art Dermal Clinic located on the City Campus in the heart of Melbourne.
Students will learn how to safely and efficiently perform laser and light-based treatments, resurfacing procedures, lymphatic procedures, and more. The program is designed in collaboration with industry and the Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians and is the only one of its kind in the country.

Outline

• Course Structure: The program consists of 96 credit points of Core First Year College units and 288 credit points of Core Dermal Science units.
The course structure is divided into four years:
• Year One:
• Indigenous Health and Wellbeing
• Introduction to Dermal Sciences
• Communication and Dermal Services
• Anatomy and Physiology 1
• Anatomy and Physiology 2
• Introduction to Public Health and Wellness
• Introduction to Human Nutrition and Food
• Evidence and Research
• Year Two:
• Dermal Studies and Philosophy
• Dermal Sciences 1
• Occupational Health and Safety in Dermal Practice
• Cognition in the Dermal Workplace
• Dermal Research Methods
• Dermal Sciences 2
• Laser Principles and Safety
• Legal and Ethical Dermal Practice
• Year Three:
• Dermal Skills 1
• Dermal Clinic 1
• Skin Management 1
• Dermal Skills 2
• Dermal Clinic 2
• Chemistry for Dermal Sciences
• Dermal Sciences 3
• Dermal Sciences 4
• Year Four:
• Skin Management 2
• Dermal Skills 3
• Dermal Clinic 3
• Skin Management 3
• Dermal Skills 4
• Dermal Clinic 4
• Independent Project and Group Research 1
• Independent Project and Group Research 2
• Modules: The modules within the program include:
• Dermal Studies and Philosophy:
This module provides students with a foundation in the history, principles, and ethics of dermal sciences.
• Dermal Sciences 1: This module introduces students to the basic concepts of dermal anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
• Occupational Health and Safety in Dermal Practice: This module covers the principles of occupational health and safety as they relate to dermal practice.
• Cognition in the Dermal Workplace: This module explores the cognitive skills and processes that are essential for effective dermal practice.
• Dermal Research Methods: This module introduces students to the principles of research design and methodology in dermal sciences.
• Dermal Sciences 2: This module builds on the knowledge gained in Dermal Sciences 1 and explores more advanced concepts in dermal pathology and treatment.
• Laser Principles and Safety: This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of laser therapy and its safe application in dermal practice.
• Legal and Ethical Dermal Practice: This module covers the legal and ethical issues that dermal clinicians must be aware of.
• Dermal Skills 1: This module provides students with practical experience in basic dermal skills, such as skin assessment, cleansing, and exfoliation.
• Dermal Clinic 1: This module allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in a clinical setting under the supervision of qualified dermal clinicians.
• Skin Management 1: This module introduces students to the principles of skin care and management.
• Dermal Skills 2: This module builds on the skills learned in Dermal Skills 1 and introduces students to more advanced dermal techniques, such as laser hair removal and microdermabrasion.
• Dermal Clinic 2: This module provides students with further clinical experience in a supervised setting.
• Chemistry for Dermal Sciences: This module provides students with a foundation in chemistry as it relates to dermal sciences.
• Dermal Sciences 3: This module explores advanced topics in dermal sciences, such as wound healing and skin cancer management.
• Dermal Sciences 4: This module provides students with an opportunity to conduct independent research in a specific area of dermal sciences.
• Skin Management 2: This module builds on the knowledge gained in Skin Management 1 and explores more advanced skin care techniques.
• Dermal Skills 3: This module introduces students to specialized dermal skills, such as tattoo removal and scar revision.
• Dermal Clinic 3: This module provides students with clinical experience in specialized dermal treatments.
• Skin Management 3: This module explores advanced topics in skin management, such as anti-aging treatments and cosmetic dermatology.
• Dermal Skills 4: This module allows students to refine their dermal skills and prepare for their careers as dermal clinicians.
• Dermal Clinic 4: This module provides students with a capstone clinical experience in a supervised setting.

Assessment

The assessment methods used in the program vary depending on the module. Some of the assessment methods that may be used include:

• Exams: Written exams are used to assess students' knowledge of the material covered in lectures and readings.
• Essays: Essays allow students to demonstrate their understanding of complex topics and their ability to think critically.
• Case Studies: Case studies are used to assess students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.
• Presentations: Presentations allow students to share their research findings or their understanding of a particular topic with their peers.

Teaching

The teaching methods used in the program include:

• Lectures: Lectures are used to introduce students to new material and to provide an overview of complex topics.
• Tutorials: Tutorials provide students with an opportunity to discuss the material covered in lectures and to ask questions.
• Practical Sessions: Practical sessions allow students to practice the skills they are learning in a supervised setting.
• Clinical Placements: Clinical placements provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting under the supervision of qualified dermal clinicians.

Careers

Graduates of the Bachelor of Dermal Sciences will be qualified to work as dermal clinicians in a variety of settings, including:

• Plastic, cosmetic, and dermatology medical practices
• Dermal therapies clinics, performing aesthetic medical treatments, such as laser therapy, on clients
• Healthcare organizations, along with allied health professionals, to enhance aesthetic outcomes in areas such as cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery, and re-constructive surgery
• The vocational-education sector, as an educator
• Conducting training for medical aesthetic companies