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 (Animal Science: Pre-Veterinary) degree, with its first intake in 2008. This undergraduate degree will be followed by a 3-year postgraduate program in Veterinary Science, beginning in 2011. Veterinary Science training requires completion of both degrees, 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 (Animal 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 (Animal Science: Pre-Veterinary)?

What do I need to enter postgraduate Veterinary Science?

What if I finish the Bachelor of Science (Animal 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 (Animal 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 study in Veterinary Science.

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 (Animal 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. Please note that the actual cut-off for the program is likely to increase over the first several years from its starting point of 91 in 2008.

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 is another option that can offer students a pathway into studies in Animal Science.

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. From 2009, there will be limited opportunity for students in the Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) to transfer into Level II of the pre-veterinary degree. 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 Veterinary Science which will have a focus on clinical skills and therapeutics. At Level I students undertake foundation science studies in Chemistry, Biology 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 Animal Science Pre-Veterinary degree, and gain a place in postgraduate Veterinary Science. There is a requirement that all subjects from one year are passed prior to progression to the next year level.

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 (Animal Science: Pre-Veterinary) and don't go on to the postgraduate Veterinary Science program?

If you graduate from the Bachelor of Science (Animal Science: Pre-Veterinary) and do not continue into postgraduate Veterinary Science you will have a variety of employment opportunities as a qualified Animal Scientist. These include careers in:

wildlife conservation,
private companies,
Government agencies,
zoos,
animal welfare organisations,
livestock and agricultural management,
research.

School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences