Vet Science FAQ
Veterinary Science @ The University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide introduced a 6-year program in Veterinary Science starting in 2008. The program of study consists of a 3-year Bachelor of Science (Pre-Veterinary) program, with its first intake in 2008. This undergraduate program will be followed by a 3-year postgraduate Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, beginning in 2011. Veterinary Science training requires completion of both programs, educating graduates for registration as veterinarians throughout Australia, and overseas in countries currently accepting graduates of other Australian veterinary schools. Complete accreditation is currently being sought but cannot be completed until the students are in their final year of the postgraduate program, i.e. 2013.
For further information please see below:
What is different about the Veterinary Science program at the University of Adelaide?
What do I need to know to apply for Bachelor of Science (Pre-Veterinary)?
What if I don't have a high enough TER or the prerequisite subjects?
What will I study in the Bachelor of Science (Pre-Veterinary)?
What do I need to enter postgraduate Veterinary Science?
What if I finish the Bachelor of Science (Pre-Veterinary) and don't go on to the postgraduate Veterinary Science program?
What is different about the Veterinary Science program at the University of Adelaide?
The Veterinary Science program, while providing a broad training in veterinary science, has a unique focus on the needs of Australian livestock production, equine health, aquaculture and biosecurity. The full program consists of two parts beginning with a 3-year Bachelor of Science (Pre-Veterinary), which provides students with required scientific knowledge with veterinary skills training. This degree underpins the veterinary clinical skills training undertaken in a further 3-year postgraduate Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
After a year of introductory study including subjects like chemistry, biology and animal welfare & behaviour at both the University's North Terrace and Roseworthy Campuses, students will be based at the Roseworthy campus to complete their veterinary studies.
The Veterinary Science program at the University of Adelaide will involve a wide range of industry, research and teaching partners. These partnerships will assist students in gaining industry experience and in developing networks and contacts within areas of their chosen specialisation.
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What do I need to know to apply for Bachelor of Science (Animal Science: Pre-Veterinary)?
You will need to apply through SATAC. The Bachelor of Science (Pre-Veterinary) is a separate entry point with the SATAC Code 324491.
You will need passes in the prerequisite subjects SACE Stage 2 Maths Studies and SACE Stage 2 Chemistry.
The TER needed for entry into this program is expected to be high, in line with other veterinary science degrees across Australia.
What if I don't have a high enough TER or the prerequisite subjects?
If you are worried that you might not receive a high enough TER then you should consider putting the Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) as a second preference. The Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) is an option that can offer students a pathway into the Bachelor of Science (Pre-Veterinary).
If you don't have the prerequisite subjects for the Pre-Veterinary degree you can apply for the Bachelor of Science (Animal Science). The Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) offers pathways for students without prior Chemistry or Maths and has no prerequisites.
Please note that there is no guarantee of successfully transferring from the Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) into the Bachelor of Science (Pre-Veterinary). Entry into Level II will be extremely competitive, and students will need to complete all the Level I studies at a high standard.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Science (Animal Science: Pre-Veterinary)?
This degree is the major pathway into the postgraduate Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, which will have a focus on clinical skills and therapeutics. At Level I students undertake foundation science studies in Chemistry, Biology, Statistics and Physics and introductory veterinary science courses. From Level II there will be veterinary focused courses including anatomy, physiology and veterinary skills. Students will be required to maintain satisfactory grades to continue in the Pre-Veterinary program, and gain a place in the postgraduate Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. There is a requirement that all subjects from one year are passed prior to progression to the next year level.
Additionally, students in the Pre-Veterinary program will undertake 12 weeks of placements in the Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Scheme (AHEMS). These placements generally occur during holiday periods. An additional 24 weeks of placements in the Extra Mural Scheme (EMS), based in veterinary hospitals and clinics, will occur in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
What do I need to enter postgraduate Veterinary Science?
If you graduate from the Bachelor of Science (Animal Science: Pre-Veterinary) degree you will gain a position in postgraduate Veterinary Science, provided you have achieved a suitable level of academic performance. Postgraduate Veterinary Science will be offered from 2011.
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What if I graduate from the Bachelor of Science (Pre-Veterinary) and don't go on to the postgraduate Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program?
If you graduate from the Bachelor of Science (Pre-Veterinary) and do not continue into postgraduate Veterinary Science you will have a variety of employment opportunities. These include careers in:
- wildlife conservation,
- private companies,
- Government agencies,
- zoos,
- animal welfare organisations,
- livestock and agricultural management,
- research.
