NEW BVSc DEGREE

The new core-elective degree programme which was introduced in 2011 is an internationally recognised and recommended approach and will continue to allow graduates to register and work as veterinarians in South Africa. With the exception of the first year of study, it will be offered on a full-time basis on the Onderstepoort campus of the University of Pretoria.

The first semester of the first year of study will consist of the same modules as those found in the BSc (Veterinary Biology) programme but with the addition of Medical Terminology. This trend will be continued in the second semester although some modules will be excluded in favour of new modules in Animal Nutrition, Introductory Animal Production and Professional Life. The latter will run throughout the programme and concentrate on the soft skills and ethical and professional aspects of the veterinary profession, etc.

The second year of study will deal exclusively with basic veterinary disciplines such as Anatomy, Histology, Microbiology and Physiology as well as modules in Animal Science, Pasture Science and Professional Life.

The third year will be devoted to the causes and effects of disease and will include modules on Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Toxicology, Pharmacology, Organ Pathology and Professional Life.

In the fourth year, the student will be introduced to modules aimed at diagnostics and therapeutics and in the first semester of the fifth year with community interaction. Specific species-directed modules in these semesters will also be presented. In the second semester of the fifth year the emphasis will be on the didactic components of the elective modules.

The remaining approximately 12 - 14 months will be devoted to experiential training in the core and experiential components in the academic hospital as well as in satellite and other approved facilities.