The School

Thank you for visiting the University of Adelaide School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences page. Our School is new with its first intake in 2008, so let me introduce you to the School and what we are doing.

We have 47 students who have started in Year 1 of a three-year BSc (Animal Science: Pre-Veterinary) program. This will cover all aspects of the well animal, its management, nutrition, genetics and breeding. The program will introduce the students to all the regular domestic animals as well as wildlife, both native and exotic, fish and marine mammals. An emphasis will be placed on developing communication skills and professional conduct.

After successfully completing their BSc (AnSci.Pre-Vet), students will be enrolled in the postgraduate veterinary program that will include their clinical training. Again, all domestic and wildlife species will be covered as well as research methods and critical thinking. Professional technical skills will be developed in the first two years of the postgraduate course and consolidated in the sixth year that will function as an intern year.

The School is developing partnerships with veterinary practices and State Government agencies to allow co-localization of facilities to enhance the exposure of students to a wide range of veterinary skills and professional practice types.

We are building a Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the Roseworthy Campus as well as new preclinical teaching laboratories that will include specialised anatomy and physiology teaching areas as well as a surgical skills suite. There will be new computer suites, tutorial spaces, pathology suite and diagnostic laboratories.

The School will deliver its curriculum in an integrated and innovative way. Traditional schools tend to compartmentalise the preclinical and clinical subjects but we are planning greater integration to allow introduction of clinical examination and basic problem solving skills at a much earlier stage in the program. Communication skills and critical thinking will be fostered through presentations and research opportunities.

Students will be required to complete twelve weeks of animal husbandry practical work prior to the end of their 3rd year to gain first hand animal production experience for many species. During their clinical years, they will complete a further 24 weeks of extramural practice to gain varied experience in veterinary practice settings. After successful completion of their 6-year program they will be omni-competent veterinary graduates.

Professor Gail Anderson, Head of School