Yearbooks

Faculty of Veterinary Science

Faculty regulations and information

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

The General Regulations (G. Regulations) and General Rules apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of all students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations and rules as well as all faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the online yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

BVSc degree programme
The BVSc degree programme has been reviewed and a new core-elective single degree structure has been developed. The first year of the programme is presented at the Hatfield Campus of the University and the remainder at the Onderstepoort Campus. The majority of students are selected for admission to the first year of study. A small number will also be selected for admission to the second year of study provided they have completed the required first-year modules.

University Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
A limited number of students will be admitted to the first year of the programme which is presented, together with the second year of study, at the Onderstepoort Campus.

Language of tuition
In conducting its business, the University uses two official languages, namely English and Afrikaans. However, in formal education the language of tuition in the faculty of Veterinary Science is only in English. In respect of administrative and other services, a student has the right to choose whether the University should communicate with him or her in English or Afrikaans. Where the University has the capacity, Sepedi is used as an additional language of communication.

Academic Orientation Programme
This programme is presented annually for all first-year students on the Hatfield campus. Attendance is compulsory. A scaled-down version is also presented to second-year BVSc students on the Onderstepoort campus at the start of the academic year. Attendance is compulsory.

A similar programme is presented annually for all new diploma students on the Onderstepoort campus. Attendance is compulsory. Parents of diploma students may attend the first day of the programme, details of which will be provided in the documentation sent to all successful candidates at the end of the selection process.

Hospital Orientation Programme
The programme is presented annually for BVSc V students. It takes place during the week before the clinic rotation programme starts in July. Attendance is compulsory.

Prescribed books and instruments
Students are requested not to purchase any books or instruments before they start with their chosen programme. Specific requirements will be provided during the academic orientation programme as well as in the relevant study guides.

Dress code
Special instructions regarding dress must be adhered to. Details will be furnished when students are notified that they have been selected for the programme. Provision is made during the orientation programme for the acquisition of protective clothing.

Excursions
As it is essential to gain practical experience outside the Faculty, students are reminded to make provision for an adequate amount of money to cover expenses for excursions throughout their period of study. Details are provided in the relevant study guides.

Vaccinations
It is expected of every student to complete the required vaccination protocol against rabies as arranged by Student Administration. The protocol is for the student’s own account. Provision is made for the availability of documentation to facilitate claims with medical aid schemes.

Leave of absence
If it is impossible for a registered student at the University of Pretoria to continue with his/her studies/research in a specific year, but he/she intends to continue in the following year, the student must apply in writing to the Dean for leave of absence. The application must include: full names, student number, address, reasons and period for leave of absence, for example the whole year, first semester (January to June) or second semester (July to December), name of supervisor (where applicable), and the student’s intentions for the period after his/her leave of absence. However, in accordance with the policy of the University of Pretoria, leave of absence is not granted for more than two years. Any outstanding fees should be paid in full upon the student’s return from his/her leave of absence.

Academic literacy
It is expected of all new undergraduate students to complete the prescribed academic literacy module(s) as contained in the academic curriculum of the relevant programme.

Examinations and pass requirements
A final mark of at least 50% is required to pass a module. Students are also referred to the Faculty approved Guidelines for Examinations and related matters in the Faculty of Veterinary Science as well as individual study guides.

Subminima in examinations
Subminima required in modules or subdivisions of modules appear in the study guides issued annually for these modules.

Weighting of modules
The percentage of weighting of subsections of an examination in the calculation of the examination mark will be indicated in the individual study guides.

Examinations (Reg G.12)
The examinations for modules offered in the first semester, take place in April to June, while all other examinations (for second-semester modules and year modules) take place from August to November.

Ancillary examinations (Reg G.12.3)
After completion of an examination and before the final examination results are announced, the examiners may offer an additional evaluation opportunity on certain aspects of the work of the module as provided for in the Guidelines for Examinations and related matters in the Faculty of Veterinary Science.

Special examination
Students who have failed one or two modules and who have not been admitted to a supplementary examination, or who fail the supplementary examination(s), may be allowed to take a special examination after having worked full-time in the department/s concerned for a period determined by the head/s of department and with the Dean's approval. If they fail the latter, the Dean will determine when a further examination may be taken.

Perusal and re-marking of examination papers scripts (also consult Reg G.14)
After an examination, departments provide feedback to students concerning the framework that was used by the examiners during the examination. The manner in which feedback is given is determined by the heads of department.

Students may apply for re-marking of an examination paper after perusal of the paper and payment of the prescribed fee. This should take place within 5 working days after the announcement of the results of the primary examination and within 3 working days after the announcement of the results of the supplementary examination. The examiner will be appointed by the relevant head of the department. Re-evaluation of oral examinations is not allowed.

Supplementary examinations
A head of department may require from a student who has been admitted to a supplementary examination, to do additional prescribed work for a specified period of time before he or she may take the supplementary examination as approved by the Dean. A student will only be allowed to do supplementary examinations in two modules.

Statutory requirements
Registration requirements contained in the relevant programmes.

Promotion requirements
Promotion to a subsequent year of study in all undergraduate programmes offered by the Faculty is subject to the successful completion of all modules of the relevant year of study. Students are also referred to the curriculum and other information of each programme.


The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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