Bachelor of Veterinary Science, BVSc

Bachelor of Veterinary Science, BVSc

(see also Bachelor of Veterinary Science units of study in Chapter 3)

Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney produces graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue many career options. The five-year course has a strong emphasis on animal handling skills, and includes teaching programs in a wide range of animal industries. Students are required to undertake placements on horse, pig, beef and dairy cattle, sheep, and poultry farms and at an abattoir. Classes in dog and cat handling are also included in the course.

There is a strong commitment to provision of opportunities for students to spend time in veterinary practices and these extramural links with practising veterinary surgeons are an important component of the BVSc program. The faculty is committed to a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, laboratory practical classes, tutorials, case studies, workshops, computer assisted learning, and practical demonstrations.

In Years 4 and 5 students observe and participate in clinical activities at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals located at Sydney and Camden. Clinical cases and methods of dealing with real-life veterinary problems are emphasised in the course.

In Year 5 all students are required to undertake rotations at University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals (Sydney and Camden), Extramural Small Animal Practices, Extramural Rural Practices, Livestock Health and Pest Authority and at other sites on nomination. Students are responsible for funding their transport and accommodation expenses to complete each rotation.

The faculty is committed to a course that will provide students with opportunities to learn about clinical veterinary science and teaching material is organised to demonstrate how basic sciences such as chemistry and biochemistry are applicable to veterinary science.

Clinical experience

The Faculty of Veterinary Science maintains teaching hospitals at Sydney and Camden, where students and veterinarians work together in a clinical teaching and learning environment. Referral and primary accession cases are seen at both sites, and the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Camden also provides veterinary services to farms in the region.

A wide range of companion animals, farm animals, racing animals, exotic and native species are seen. Visiting specialists complement faculty specialists in most disciplines in providing an excellent learning environment for veterinary students. Knowledge of medicine, surgery, anaesthesia, radiology, clinical pathology and production animal issues are developed with small group teaching.

Practical work requirements

Students are required to complete an extramural studies program of practical work in pre-clinical (animal husbandry) and preparatory clinical (veterinary practice) placements during vacation periods from the completion of year one to the start of year four. Students are also required to attend a placement at an abattoir in fourth year. In fifth year, students complete a minimum of 40 weeks of clinical rotations at approved extramural sites and the University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals (Sydney and Camden). The extramural studies program meets requirements set by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and is an essential component of our degree. All arrangements for placements in these programs are made through the faculty office.

Assumed knowledge for school leavers

NSW Higher School Certificate or equivalent level Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. Biology would be a distinct advantage.

BVSc Honours

Honours First Class and Honours Second Class may be awarded at graduation. Students who are eligible to pursue honours will enrol in VETS5400 unit of study instead of the two standard Elective Rotations: VETS5360 Elective Rotation 1 (6 credit points) and VETS5361 Elective Rotation 2 (6 credit points).

Units of study