Yearbooks

Programme: PGDip (Veterinary Clinical Sciences)

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
08220061 Faculty of Veterinary Science Department: Companion Animal Clinical Studies
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 120 NQF level:  08

Programme information

Postgraduate Diplomas are postgraduate specialisation qualifications at NQF-level 8 of at least 120 credits. In the Faculty, it is in general aimed at developing specific areas of knowledge and competence in a chosen field. As per the General Academic Regulations (GC3), a Faculty postgraduate diploma will allow for admission into an appropriate master’s degree (as per the minimum entry requirements).

Also consult the General Academic Regulations G16 – G29 and Postgraduate Faculty Regulations.

  1. The curriculum consists of four compulsory core and elective theoretical modules of 30 credits each to the total value of 120 credits.
  2. Each module will require a certain amount of contact sessions and the balance may be conducted online. The detail of the sessions for each module is published in the respective study guides.
  3. A minimum number of students could be set (as per the discretion of the module coordinator) for the presentation of any given module. When the required minimum number of students for a particular module is not reached, the module will not be presented during that academic year but will be offered again in the following academic year. For some modules a maximum number of students who can enrol may be set. The details for each module are published in the study guides.
  4. Students are required to confirm whether a module will be presented in any particular year or not. This enquiry should be directed to the Faculty PG Student Administration co-ordinator according to the syllabi information provided in the list of modules in this yearbook.

Renewal of registration
Also consult the General Academic Regulation G18.
The duration of a postgraduate diploma is one year. Under exceptional circumstances, an extension of one year may be approved by the Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate studies.

  1. A full-time student who is registered for postgraduate diploma must complete his or her study within one year of registering for the degree.
  2. Part-time students who are registered for a postgraduate diploma may be allowed to complete their studies within two years of first registering for the degree.

Admission requirements

1.    BVSc (or equivalent) degree
2.    An admissions examination may be required

Examinations and pass requirements

Also consult the General Academic Regulations G23 – G28.

  1. The postgraduate diploma is conferred on strength of the successful completion of tests/assignments and an examination on each of the four 30 credit coursework modules.
  2. The Faculty do make provision for supplementary and special examinations as per General Academic Regulations G26.4 and G26.5.
  3. Every module will be evaluated through a variety of continuous assessment methods (i.e. formative assessments, assignments, summative tests, presentations and/or oral defences where applicable) (from which a year mark will be determined), as well as an examination. A year mark of at least 40% is required for admission to the examination. The year mark and examination mark will each contribute 50% to the final mark. A subminimum of 40% is required in the examination and a final mark of at least 50% to pass the module.
  4. Detailed information and/or instructions regarding requirements for year or examination assessment methods and marks are published in the relevant study guides. The calculation of marks may differ from module to module. This information is available in the study guides and students are responsible for familiarising themselves with the way in which marks are calculated in a specific module.
  5. No automatic adjustment of final individual marks from 38% and 39% to 40%, or from 48% and 49% to 50%, or from 73% and 74% to 75%, for the purposes of obtaining access to a supplementary examination, or a pass mark, or a distinction may occur.
  6. A student passes a module with distinction if he or she obtains a final mark of at least 75%.
  7. A student may only enrol for a module for a second time when the Student Administration of the Faculty receives a written motivation that is supported by the relevant head of department and subsequently approved by the Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies..

Compliance with degree requirements and degree privileges
Also consult the General Academic Regulation G29.

  1. A postgraduate diploma qualification will be conferred on a student only if the student has complied with all the requirements for the particular qualification and has reached the level of competence prescribed for each module that is required for the qualification.
  2. No one is entitled to any privileges pertaining to a postgraduate diploma before the qualification has been conferred on him or her at a graduation ceremony. (In respect of professional registrations, faculties may issue confirmation letters to the relevant professional bodies prior to the graduation ceremonies.)

Pass with distinction

A postgraduate diploma is awarded with distinction if a student meets the following requirements:

  1. Obtained a weighted average of at least 75% (not rounded), based on the minimum number of modules prescribed for the qualification in question; and
  2. Completed the qualification in the minimum period (i.e. one year for a full-time student and two years for a part-time student) (Also consult the General Academic Regulations G18.1), and
  3. Did not fail or repeat any module during an additional examination. The result of a discontinuation of a module(s) will not be considered when calculating a qualification with distinction.

Minimum credits: 120

Choose at least one of the Core modules list

You may choose more than one module from the list of core modules and the rest from the list of elective modules.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Advanced theoretical study of small animal orthopaedic surgery.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Advanced theoretical study of small animal soft tissue surgery.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Advanced theoretical study in canine and feline medicine (non-internal organs). The module covers establishment of a minimum database, identification of problems, establishment of differential diagnoses, the logical selection of appropriate special procedures and clinical pathological analyses, logical interpretation of results and the understanding of the risk-benefit and financial implications of such special procedures for each organ system. Study of the conditions of internal organs is not included in this module.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Advanced theoretical study in canine and feline internal medicine specifically applicable to conditions of the internal organs. The module covers establishment of a minimum database, identification of problems, establishment of differential diagnoses, the logical selection of appropriate special procedures and clinical pathological analyses, logical interpretation of results and the understanding of the risk-benefit and financial implications of such special procedures for each organ system.

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Elective modules

  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    An in-depth study of the osteology, arthrology, myology, angiology, neurology, splanchnology and topographical anatomy of a species of interest. Special attention to clinically important sections of the anatomy. The course will allow for further studies in anatomy for intercalation with subjects such as diagnostic imaging and surgery.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Advanced theoretical training on canine and feline anaesthesia and analgesia.The module covers the latest techniques in anaesthetising compromised animals and the use of total intravenous anaesthetic techniques, positive pressure ventilation, peripheral muscle relaxants and monitor apparatus.

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  • Module content:

    Theoretical and practical training in specific areas of small animal anaesthesia and analgesia for the veterinary nurse. Formulation and implementation of appropriate strategies to comply with relevant standards.

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  • Module content:

    Advanced training in general principles and  assessment of animal welfare with an emphasis on farm animals and animals destined for slaughter. Comparative evaluation of animal welfare in different contexts including wild and exotic species, companion animals, laboratory, teaching and working animals, and in disaster situations.

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  • Module content:

    Advanced training in infectious, parasitic and nutritional diseases of wildlife and their management in African wildlife species under ranching conditions. Also included are ostrich and crocodile farming.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Causes, pathogenesis, control, treatment and prevention of diseases and malfunctions of reproduction in cattle, as well as the evaluation of males and females for breeding soundness. Also included are certain aspects of assisted reproduction and reproductive biotechnology, such as control of the oestrous cycle and parturition. A veterinary perspective (indications, limitations, current and future possibilities, and methods) on reproductive biotechnologies.

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  • Module content:

    Advanced training in diseases with implications on trade and/or human health/wellbeing. The module will covey advanced knowledge in the specific disease, their management and basic monitoring epidemiological tools. Attention will also be given to emerging diseases as well as diseases associated with wildlife ranching.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Advanced study in non-radiological diagnostic imaging of dogs and cats. Approximately 76% is allocated to diagnostic ultrasound; 8% to MRI, CT and Scintigraphy each respectively. The pathophysiology, diagnosis and prognosis of pathological conditions are also discussed, as well as ways in which this field of study is linked to other diagnostic methods in order to confirm a diagnosis.

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  • Module content:

    Advanced study in non-radiological diagnostic imaging of horses. Approximately 80% is allocated to diagnostic ultrasound; 5% to MRI, 5% to CT and 10% to Scintigraphy. The pathophysiology, diagnosis and prognosis of pathological conditions are also discussed.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Advanced study in non-radiological diagnostic imaging of ruminants. Approximately 85% is allocated to diagnostic ultrasound; 5% to MRI, CT and Scintigraphy each respectively. The pathophysiology, diagnosis and prognosis of pathological conditions are also discussed, as well as ways in which this field of study is linked to other diagnostic methods in order to confirm a diagnosis.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Advanced study of radiology of dogs and cats, including discussion on the pathophysiology, diagnosis and prognosis of pathological conditions.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Advanced study of radiology of horses, including discussion on the pathophysiology, diagnosis and prognosis of pathological conditions.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Advanced study of radiology of ruminants.
    The pathophysiology, diagnosis and prognosis of pathological conditions are also discussed as well as ways in which this field of study relates to other diagnostic methods in order to confirm a diagnosis.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Diagnostic pathology of the diseases in various animal species.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    An introductory module in veterinary epidemiology designed to provide a foundation in epidemiology to allow for a better understanding of epidemiological reports.

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  • Module content:

    BVSc graduates only.
    Advanced theoretical study of equine surgery and training in the diagnosis, treatment and management of equine internal medical diseases with aim of acquiring in-depth knowledge of the principles and practice of equine internal medicine and surgery and its supporting disciplines
     

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Advanced studies in veterinary clinical pharmacology studies pharmacotherapeutic features related to veterinary medicine and species-specific therapeutic objectives.

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  • Module content:

    Fundamentals of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of veterinary drugs.

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  • Module content:

    Advanced level, with the emphasis on applied and pathophysiology of disease.

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  • Module content:

    Advanced study of low stress handling techniques the clinical approach to assessment, diagnosis and management of behaviour disorders in dogs and cats, including the role of behaviour in small animal welfare assessment in various contexts.Emphasis is placed on developing practical skills.

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  • Module content:

    The module will enable students to integrate and apply knowledge so that health and production problems can be identified and solved on a herd basis, while health status and production effectiveness can be improved from a holistic and cost effective viewpoint. The module will also include aspects of primary animal health care that will be applicable to needs of the emerging farming sector.

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  • Module content:

    An in-depth comparative study of light and electron microscopic histology of domestic animals, birds and selected wildlife species.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Advanced study in clinical pathology including enzymology, cytology, haematology as well as clinical pathology of the kidney in domestic animals.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)

    Advanced study in clinical pathology including proteins, blood-gas and acid-base balance, gastro-enterology, haemostasis, and diagnostic test characteristics in domestic animals.
     

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  • Module content:

    Section 1: (10 credits)
    Application of procedures within an accredited laboratory animal facility, with focus on laboratory animal management (rats and mice), including housing and care; enrichment; breeding; methods of dosing and methods of sample collection.

    Section 2: (20 credits)
    The biology of laboratory animals, their management and use as models in biomedical research.
    The aim is to extend the activities concerning the care and use of laboratory animals for research, training and testing. Further to affirm the concept on which the modern practice of experimenting with animals is based, to take into consideration the controversy evoked in the climate of animal rights. The special professional role required of the veterinary and paraveterinary professions to enhance humane practice with regard to animal experiments as well as the promotion of a productive scientific effort in the biomedical sciences.

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  • Module content:

    The module will focus on basic tests available in laboratory diagnostics for infectious and parasitic diseases. Focus will be placed on the interpretation of tests, issuing of certificates, validation of test procedures, quality assurance and laboratory safety. The course will include basic within the laboratory of the department.

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  • Module content:

    An advanced module in research methodology for veterinarians involved in laboratory animals and/or laboratory work. The study will focus on animal ethics, animal ethics committee, evaluation of protocols and study design. Focus will also be placed on legislation for the use and protection of animals.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)

    An advanced module in necropsy techniques, interpretation and specimen collection.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    The module covers the anatomy and physiology of the eye and its adnexa, examination techniques and aids, ocular therapeutics and treatment techniques, surgical and non-surgical conditions of the orbit, eyelids, third eyelid, conjunctiva, lachrymal system, cornea, sclera, anterior chamber, uvea lens, vitreous and retina, and hereditary diseases. Practical work includes the use of instrumentation and accessories during examination and surgical procedures. page

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  • Module content:

    The module content includes the study of animal genetics, nutrition, management, housing, keeping of records, hygiene, welfare and behaviour, with special emphasis on nutrition. The species concerned are dairy cattle, beef cattle, small stock and pigs.

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  • Module content:

    An advanced module covering the mechanisms behind disease processes.

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  • Module content:

    Theoretical and practical training in specific areas of business management and drug legislation. The course deals with the basic principles of veterinary practice management with emphasis on the role of the veterinary nurse and includes practice management as a career enhancement for veterinary nurses.

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  • Module content:

    Advanced training in poultry health, production systems and nutrition.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Includes the physiology and endocrinology of puberty, the oestrous cycle, pregnancy, parturition, the puerperium, as well as that of the foetus and the neonate. Also included are the physiology and endocrinology of the bull, more specifically that of puberty, spermatogenesis, the scrotum, the accessory sex glands, libido, erection, coitus, sperm and semen. Also included are certain aspects of reproductive biotechnology, namely the biotechnical aspects of collection, examination and freezing of semen and embryos, embryo transfer and in vitro fertilisation.

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  • Module content:

    Students will gain advanced theoretical knowledge of general reproductive endocrinology and physiology of animals. It includes detailed knowledge and application of the structures of different hormone groups, forms of storage, transportation, methods of action and secretion control mechanisms: hormonal control of female reproductive cycles; fertilisation, sexing, gestation, pathogenesis of teratogenic deviations and partus, the puerperal period and re-implantation; male reproductive endocrinology and physiology; examining of fresh and frozen semen, including advanced methods; the use of hormone profiles to monitor gestation and cycles, and artificial breeding.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    Advanced theoretical study in ruminant medicine specifically applicable to conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and production diseases, liver, cardiovascular, respiratory and urinary system, skin, nervous system and musculo-skeletal system, skin and appendages.

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  • Module content:

    Theoretical and practical training in specific areas of small animal critical care for the veterinary nurse. Formulation and implementation of appropriate strategies to comply with relevant standards.

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  • Module content:

    Advanced training on the most important and well-known plant, mycotoxins, zootoxicoses and organic and inorganic poisons.

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to the underlying principles of toxicology. Includes training in laboratory based toxicity testing and methodology

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  • Module content:

    Advanced theoretical study in pig housing, nutrition and disease for animal housed both outdoor and intensive, specifically applicable to conditions of Southern Africa.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    The following module will focus on auditing and compliance at the farm, abattoir and processing plant level.

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  • Module content:

    Broad-based training in understanding, interrogating and critically applying veterinary policy (including applicable South African legislation), and international phytosanitary and sanitary policy and trade.

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  • Module content:

    (BVSc graduates only)
    The module will introduce concepts in risk assessment, risk management and risk communication.

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  • Module content:

    Advanced knowledge and application of veterinary meat (Red meat, Poultry, Ostrich, Wild Game, Crocodiles and fish) and milk (Raw milk and milk products) hygiene and food safety (including Zoonotic / food borne diseases). Also includes auditing, certification for export and the applicable interpretation of laboratory results. Emerging and re-emerging diseases.

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The regulations and rules for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations.

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