A major innovation in the delivery of the veterinary curriculum is bei
ng implemented at The University of Melbourne using the subject of sys
tematic bacteriology and mycology as a pilot project. Students receive
course information as interactive, multimedia databases. These consis
t of text and an associated library of catalogued digital images, movi
es and sounds. The databases employ a hypermedia information system to
achieve efficient integration within and between subjects. The new de
livery method encourages greater autonomy and more active learning rol
es for students than occurs in traditionally taught courses. Students
will use their databases as the principal resource of information for
undergraduate studies. A unique feature of this system for delivering
the curriculum is that students will modify and expand their databases
during the course. The ultimate aim is for students at graduation to
receive, on disc, a copy of their own databases, adapted by themselves
to their particular future professional needs. As graduate veterinari
ans they will continue to use their databases as a major resource for
information and learning, thus providing continuity from undergraduate
to continuing postgraduate education.