Welcome
Welcome to the Faculty of Veterinary Science, we recognise your high achievement and are delighted you have chosen to enrol in our programs. Your education with us will be transformative; and we are committed to helping you realise your dreams of contributing to society as a veterinarian or animal scientist. The faculty€™s programs provide internationally recognised knowledge, skills and expertise that will equip you for success in your chosen profession. You will be learning with an outstanding group of staff and some remarkable students, who will soon become your lifelong colleagues and friends.
At Sydney University you will experience an excellent, internationally recognised education in veterinary and animal science. We share your interest, enthusiasm and commitment to the health, wellbeing and productivity of animals, and the vital roles they play in our global community. It is the remarkable achievements of our graduates who have made their mark in Australia and around the world, in veterinary practice, public service, animal and biomedical research, academia and the media who provide the best advertisement for the success of our programs. We encourage you to take up the challenge to develop your own leadership skills through academic and co-curricular activities such as our SOLE welcome program and particularly welcome the contributions you will make during your student years and as alumni.
Our University was founded in 1850, and has built a proud tradition of excellence, leadership and contribution to our community. Our faculty€™s mix of heritage and new buildings on our Camperdown campus and our rural campus at Camden speak to our history and provide cutting edge facilities for teaching, research and clinical practice (be sure to visit our heritage Roundhouse). We look forward and embrace change to ensure we continue to meet our stakeholders' needs, particularly those of our students and the profession. The Faculty of Veterinary Science celebrated its centenary of continuous world-class education and research in 2010 and has well-developed plans for our next decade and century of success. We look forward to your part in that success!
Our faculty is known for its excellence in teaching, research and professional engagement and these have been achieved through the dedicated efforts of our exceptional staff. You will meet and work with these remarkable staff in every area of the faculty.
Our Veterinary Teaching Hospitals which provide world-class clinical services are equipped with the latest in technology for the care of small animals, wildlife, livestock and horses, and are the site for training the next generation of veterinary practitioners and specialists.
We have internationally acclaimed research programs in animal health, production and welfare that are creating new solutions and understanding of the big issues in veterinary and animal science. There are real benefits to be gained from learning alongside leading experts who are active researchers and teachers. Students may participate in a broad range of research placements and projects and will develop a range of valuable generic skills in critical inquiry. I urge you to take every opportunity to be an active participant as a learner and to join in our research teams as these are particular strengths of a 'Sydney' experience.
Our staff have roles in teaching, research, clinical practice and support on both campuses and are committed to creating and delivering innovative, effective learning experiences through your student years. They are ready to provide support and guidance with learning and coping with the challenges of student life. Our Associate Dean for Students, two Sub-deans for Student Welfare, your unit of study and year coordinators, the Faculty Manager and the supportive staff in the faculty office will be essential contacts to assist you with any questions. They will help you to make contact with a wide range of University services that help students who may experience medical, financial, emotional or learning difficulties. The University offers a breadth of affordable (some are free) services, helping ensure you have access to help when you need it.
Students enrolled in both the Veterinary Science and Animal and Veterinary BioScience programs make a commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical care to promote the welfare of the diverse range of animal species. An important part of your learning occurs in a range of work-based learning placements with animals, including veterinary practices and farms and University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals. You will act as an ambassador for the faculty, University and profession, so your professional work and conduct must always be of the highest standard. Emphasis of the BAnVetBioSc degree is on the development of analytical, quantitative, computing and communication skills, as well as practical animal handling and management. The BVSc provides the training in diagnosis, imaging, medical and surgical treatment required for registration as a veterinary practitioner. You are likely to have substantial levels of responsibility later in your training where you work in supervised research or clinical placements, and these provide key learning opportunities to ease the transition from university learning to professional employment.
Our BVSc graduates are entering the profession at an exciting time. The veterinary field is diverse and reaches every aspect of our daily lives, through contributions to the efficiency of production and quality of our food, the care of our animal companions, sustainability of our native animals and their ecosystems. Most veterinarians will start their careers in clinical practice, however the broad knowledge and skills required for success as a veterinarian open up a wide range of careers in public practice, animal industries, food production, laboratory animal medicine and research. Graduates of the BAnVetBioSc enjoy excellent employment rates and starting salaries, contributing in a diverse range of industries, including the animal industries, reproductive technology, biomedical research, genetics and nutrition. Our work contributes to the wellbeing of people because of the close links we have with animals and our research plays a vital role in providing solutions to problems that animals and people share, including emerging infectious disease, diabetes, parasitism, cancer and inherited disorders. A commitment to lifelong learning and critical inquiry are distinctive features of Sydney graduates that stem from our passion for research, and many graduates choose to pursue further postgraduate training, and are in demand in Australia and the world.
Knowledge in the broad area of Veterinary Science and Animal Bioscience is expanding at a tremendous rate, and it is important to have access to information on new diseases and animal-related topics not only in Australia but internationally as well. To ensure we remain current with the knowledge growth there is ongoing curriculum review, however our main aim is to give you the tools to undertake independent learning, which will be the key to your continued growth and success as a graduate.
We are committed to providing you with a curriculum that meets your needs, that incorporates global perspectives and provides an excellent experience of learning. We will regularly ask for your feedback, informally and through course evaluations. We use your suggestions and ideas to drive continual improvement and innovation with the pleasing result that our faculty is recognised with many awards for excellence in teaching and student experience.
Once again, we are very pleased to have you with us, as part of our faculty €œfamily€. We are here to help you as you take the first steps on your journey to becoming a professional. You are a junior colleague, working with us on a noble and rewarding mission ’ the care and welfare of animals.