Yearbooks

Programme: BVSc

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
08130005 Faculty of Veterinary Science Department: Veterinary Science Dean's Office
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 6 years Total credits: 835 NQF level:  08

Programme information

This programme is accredited with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC).

Each student must apply immediately after registration at UP, to the Registrar of the South African Veterinary Council for registration as a student in Veterinary Science. Registration is compulsory and must be renewed annually for the duration of the study.

After the degree has been conferred, graduates are required to register with the South African Veterinary Council as veterinarians before they may practise in South Africa in this capacity.

After completing the degree a Compulsory Community Service (CCS) year is required by the state. Graduates will be employed for one year of Compulsory Community Service by the national Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).  More information can be obtained from DALRRD. 

Also refer to General Regulations G1-G15.

Admission requirements

Important information for all prospective students for 2022

  • The admission requirements apply to students who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications.
  • Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to:
    • Brochure: Undergraduate Programme Information 2022: Qualifications other than the NSC and IEB, available at click here.
  • Citizens from countries other than South Africa (applicants who are not South African citizens) should also refer to:
  • School of Tomorrow (SOT), Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) and General Education Development Test (GED): The University of Pretoria no longer accepts qualifications awarded by these institutions.
  • National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) Level 4: The University of Pretoria may consider NCV candidates, provided they meet the exemption for bachelor’s status criteria and the programme requirements.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme at the University of Pretoria (UP) –

  • is a registered student at another tertiary institution, or was previously registered at another tertiary institution and did not complete the programme enrolled for at that institution, and is not currently enrolled at a tertiary institution, or has completed studies at another tertiary institution, but is not currently enrolled at a tertiary institution, or has started with tertiary studies at UP, then moved to another tertiary institution and wants to be readmitted at UP.

A transferring student will be considered for admission based on

  • an NSC or equivalent qualification with exemption to bachelor’s or diploma studies (whichever is applicable); and meeting the minimum faculty-specific subject requirements at NSC or tertiary level; or having completed a higher certificate at a tertiary institution with faculty-specific subjects/modules passed (equal to or more than 50%), as well as complying with faculty rules on admission;
  • previous academic performance (must have passed all modules registered for up to the closing date of application ) or as per faculty regulation/promotion requirements;
  • a certificate of good conduct.

Note: Students who have been dismissed at the previous institution due to poor academic performance, will not be considered for admission to UP.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme –

  • is a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP, or was previously registered at UP and did not complete the programme enrolled for, and did not enrol at another tertiary institution in the meantime (including students who applied for leave of absence), or has completed studies at UP, but is not currently enrolled or was not enrolled at another tertiary institution after graduation.

A returning student will be considered for admission based on

  • an NSC or equivalent qualification with exemption to bachelor’s or diploma studies (whichever is applicable); and meeting the minimum faculty-specific subject requirements at NSC or tertiary level; or previous academic performance (should have a cumulative weighted average of at least 50% for the programme enrolled for);
  • having applied for and was granted leave of absence.

Note: Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP.  The Admissions Committee may consider such students if they were not dismissed more than twice. Only ONE transfer between UP faculties will be allowed, and a maximum of two (2) transfers within a faculty.

Important faculty-specific information on undergraduate programmes for 2022

  • The Faculty offers the following undergraduate programmes:
    • Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
    • Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs)
  • Both undergraduate programmes in this Faculty include selection procedures, which are based on merit within different categories.
  • The following persons may be considered for admission:
    • applicants who are currently in their final school-year and have applied with their final results of the preceding year of schooling (Grade 11 or equivalent);
    • applicants who have completed their final school-year, but have not yet commenced further studies;
    • applicants who are in possession of a certificate that is deemed by the University to be equivalent to the required National Senior Certificate (NSC) with university endorsement. This certificate must be certified by Universities South Africa (USAf);
    • applicants who are currently enrolled for tertiary education;
    • applicants who are graduates from another tertiary institution, or have been granted the status of a graduate of such an institution; and
    • applicants who are graduates of another faculty at the University of Pretoria.
  • To retain conditional admission applicants need to comply with the minimum subject requirements based on their final school-year examination results.
  • South African school-leaving applicants enrolled for the NSC or IEB who have forfeited their placement and who still comply with the minimum requirements will automatically be considered in the second round of selection in January.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered and any false information or any deliberate ommission of information provided by an applicant in his/her application may result in immediate cancellation of the application, admission or registration.

Selection categories

School leavers

  • A school leaver is someone who has never been registered in a tertiary education programme.
  • A valid NSC/IEB or equivalent qualification with admission for degree purposes.
  • Subject requirements and the required Admission Point Score (APS) are indicated in the table below. The APS is calculated from the achievement levels obtained in the six 20-credit subjects of the NSC.
  • Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 
  • For applicants in the NSC or IEB schooling systems, conditional admission is based on Grade 11 final examination results and the Veterinary Science Value-added Form (VSVAF), and final admission is based on maintaining a similar performance in the NSC/IEB final examinations.
  • For applicants from other schooling systems conditional admission is based on the final results of the year preceding the last year of schooling or equivalent, and final admission is based on submitting a certificate for admission to degree studies or complete or conditional exemption by USAf.
  • Additional admission criteria may be used including an interview and additional selection tests.
  • School leaving applicants who are conditionally admitted based on their Grade 11 results will forfeit their placement if their Merit Point Score based on final NSC (or equivalent qualification) results is more than 5% lower than that based on final Grade 11 scores that resulted in selection. 

Applicants with previous higher education exposure

  • There is an opportunity for students with previous higher education experience to also apply for the BVSc programme. Placement in either the first or second year of the BVSc programme will depend on, among others, merit and subject choices.

Citizens from countries other than South Africa (applicants who are not South African citizens)

  • A small number of students from countries other than South Africa (applicants who are not South African citizens) are admitted to the programme, including those from neighbouring Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.
  • If an applicant has multiple citizenships which includes South African citizenship, he/she will be considered as a South African applicant.
  • Applicants who are accepted receive a letter of confirmation from the University, which will facilitate their application for a study permit.
  • A valid study permit, obtained in the country of origin, is a prerequisite for registration.
  • Applicants from countries other than South Africa (applicants who are not South African citizens) must comply with all UP and the Department of Home Affairs’ regulations relating to students in this category.
  • Please consult the International Cooperation Division’s Newcomer’s Guide for more information: click here

Conditional admission

  • Conditionally admitted applicants forfeit their placement if they do not comply with the relevant conditions.

University of Pretoria website: click here

Enquiries: click here

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

Mathematics

 

Physical Sciences

APS

NSC/IEB

NSC/IEB

NSC/IEB

5

5

5

35

Proposed second choice programmes for BVSc are BSc (Biological Science), BSc (Zoology) and BScAgric (Animal Science). These programmes are also recommended for applicants who intend to apply again for a transfer to the BVSc programme in 2023 or later. Note: Students who intend to apply for admission to BVSc may register for BSc (Biological Sciences) modules, including Medical Terminology (MTL 180). 

Additional requirements

Refer to the undergraduate admission regulation of the Faculty of Veterinary Science.

Examinations and pass requirements

The following rules apply to undergraduate programmes in the faculty, with the exception of pass requirements of service modules presented by other faculties:


Also refer to UP General Regulations and Rules

i.    Attendance of all lectures, practicals and clinical duties is compulsory. Absence must be justified by submission of a medical certificate or valid documentation, within three working days after returning. Failure to comply may lead to examination refusal.
ii.    Students in all undergraduate programmes in the faculty must register for all modules in a particular year of study and may not deregister modules.

iii.    A student who fails one or more modules fails the particular year of study and must repeat the failed module(s) before being promoted to the next year of study.
iv.    In addition to clause iii., a fourth, fifth or final year student in the BVSc programme or a second year student in the BVetNurs programme who fails a module or modules, has to repeat, all the modules for that particular year of study, except modules which were passed with a final mark of 65% or more, for which full exemption is granted during the repeat year.
v.    For students repeating the fourth, fifth or sixth year of the BVSc programme, or the second year of the BVetNurs programme, exemption from the examination is granted for a module that was passed in the previous (failed) year if all lectures, practicals and/or clinical duties were attended and a year/semester mark of at least 50% was obtained in the repeat year.
vi.    The semester/year mark and examination mark contributes 50% each towards the final mark for all modules with examinations.
vii.    A student is required to obtain a minimum semester/year mark of 40%, a minimum of 40% in the examination as well as a final mark of at least 50% to pass a module. A subminimum of 40% in subdivisions of theoretical and/or practical examinations may be required as stipulated by the Dean in consultation with the head of department concerned, and as set out in the study guide.
viii.    The content, format and duration of the supplementary, extra-ordinary, and/or special examination will be similar to that of the examination, except for oral examinations, where the supplementary, extra-ordinary, and/or special examination may be in a different format.
ix.    Semester tests and examinations are conducted as stipulated in the Faculty Calendar.
x.    A student applies for admission to an extra-ordinary assessment using the Faculty’s relevant standard operating procedure which is managed by student administration.


Exclusion

xi.    A student who is not permitted to re-register in terms of UP General Regulation G3.2 a) and b) is automatically excluded at the end of the academic year. 
xii.    A student who fails a particular year of study for the second time is automatically excluded. 

Re-admission and dismissal

xiii.    A student who has been excluded may apply online by the specified deadline to the Faculty Appeals  Committee for consideration for re-admission, failing which the student is dismissed. 
xiv.    The Faculty Appeals Committee has discretion to either readmit an excluded student, or to deny the appeal, in which case the student is dismissed.
 

Practical/clinical/internship information

Clinical experience (including practical work)
Proof of satisfactory completion of prescribed clinical and practical components of the programme as prescribed in the relevant study guide(s) must be submitted to the relevant Head of Department : prior to the commencement of the examinations. Failure to do so may lead to examination refusal.

Pass with distinction

The BVSc degree is conferred with distinction on a student who has obtained a cumulative weighted average (not rounded) of at least 75% over the last three years of study. The cumulative weighted average is calculated as the average score of the weighted averages per year of the last 3 academic years as indicated on a student’s academic record.

Minimum credits: 126

Fundamental modules

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Simple statistical analysis: Data collection and analysis: Samples, tabulation, graphical representation, describing location, spread and skewness. Introductory probability and distribution theory. Sampling distributions and the central limit theorem. Statistical inference: Basic principles, estimation and testing in the one- and two-sample cases (parametric and non-parametric). Introduction to experimental design. One- and twoway designs, randomised blocks. Multiple statistical analysis: Bivariate data sets: Curve fitting (linear and non-linear), growth curves. Statistical inference in the simple regression case. Categorical analysis: Testing goodness of fit and contingency tables. Multiple regression and correlation: Fitting and testing of models. Residual analysis. Computer literacy: Use of computer packages in data analysis and report writing.

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  • Module content:

    Theory: Introduction to general chemistry: Measurement in chemistry, matter and energy, atomic theory and the periodic table, chemical compounds and chemical bonds; quantitative relationships in chemical reactions, states of matter and the kinetic theory; solutions and colloids, acids, bases and ionic compounds, chemical equilibria. Introduction to organic chemistry: Chemical bonding in organic compounds, nature, physical properties and nomenclature of simple organic molecules, isomerism, chemical properties of alkanes and cycloalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and esters, amines and amides, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
    Practicals.

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  • Module content:

    Chromosomes and cell division. Principles of Mendelian inheritance: locus and alleles, dominance interactions, extensions and modifications of basic principles.. Probability studies. Sex determination and sex linked traits. Pedigree analysis. Genetic linkage and chromosome mapping. Chromosome variation.

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  • Module content:

     Introduction to the molecular structure and function of the cell. Basic chemistry of the cell. Structure and composition of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Ultrastructure and function of cellular organelles, membranes and the cytoskeleton. General principles of energy, enzymes and cell metabolism. Selected processes, e.g. glycolysis, respiration and/or photosynthesis. Introduction to molecular genetics: DNA structure and replication, transcription, translation. Cell growth and cell division.

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  • Module content:

    The acquisition of a basic medical orientated vocabulary compiled from Latin and Greek stem forms combined with prefixes and suffixes derived from those languages. The manner in which the meanings of medical terms can be determined by analysing the terms into their recognisable meaningful constituent parts, is taught and exercised. The functional use of medical terms in context as practical outcome of terminological application is continually attended to.

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  • Module content:

    Units, vectors, one dimensional kinematics, dynamics, work, equilibrium, sound, liquids, heat, thermodynamic processes, electric potential and capacitance, direct current and alternating current, optics, modern physics, radio activity.

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  • Module content:

    The five-year programme on veterinary professional life contributes to the development of life skills to enable veterinarians to be consummate professionals capable of dealing with the diverse challenges of professional and everyday life. The VPL 101 module provides an introduction to human-animal relationships in general and animal ethics and welfare in particular. Students are exposed to diversity in the veterinary profession and the concepts of difference, bias and stereotyping. Professional communication and mental wellness skills are introduced. Community-based learning involves excursions where students are exposed to some of the practical and clinical aspects of veterinary science.

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  • Module content:

    *Students will not be credited for more than one of the following modules for their degree: WTW 134, WTW 165, WTW 114, WTW 158. WTW 165 does not lead to Mathematics at 200 level and is intended for students who require Mathematics at 100 level only. WTW 165 is offered in English in the second semester only to students who have applied in the first semester of the current year for the approximately 65 MBChB, or the 5-6 BChD places becoming available in the second semester and who were therefore enrolled for MGW 112 in the first semester of the current year.

    Functions, derivatives, interpretation of the derivative, rules of differentiation, applications of differentiation, integration, interpretation of the definite integral, applications of integration, matrices, solutions of systems of equations. All topics are studied in the context of applications.

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  • Module content:

    Animal classification, phylogeny organisation and terminology. Evolution of the various animal phyla, morphological characteristics and life cycles of parasitic and non-parasitic animals. Structure and function of reproductive,
    respiratory, excretory, circulatory and digestive systems in various animal phyla. In-class discussion will address the sustainable development goals #3, 12, 13, 14 and 15 (Good Health and Well-being. Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life on Land).

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Minimum credits: 128

** VPL 122 is not included when calculating credits: this is the online version of VPL 101 only applicable to students admitted to the BVSc programme in the second year.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Introduction to the role and concepts of animal production systems in the South African food production economy. Evolution, domestication and breed development. Animal recording, trait classification and the concept of functional efficiency. Qualitative and quantitative breeding principles with specific reference to selection of farm animal species. Principles of communal farming systems in Southern Africa. Principles requirements and production indices for extensive, semi-intensive and intensive animal production systems with reference to dairy, beef, mutton, wool, mohair, poultry meat, egg, pork and venison production. Game management systems with reference to conservation and game farming. The role of the human in livestock production systems and sustainable production. The module contains practical sessions in farm animal management on a rotational basis including after-hours, weekends, public holidays and university recess.  

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  • Module content:

    Anatomical terminology, early embryonic development, central and autonomic nervous  systems, cutaneous appendages and musculature, head, thoracic limb, trunk, pelvis and pelvic limb anatomy of the canine with clinically relevant comparisons to the feline, equine, bovine, ovine and porcine, as well as some wildlife species.  Basic avian anatomy.

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  • Module content:

    General introduction to microbiology. Introduction to bacteria, fungi and viruses. Pathogenesis of infection by bacteria, fungi and viruses. Normal flora of selected organ systems in domestic animals. Principles of laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases.

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  • Module content:

    The husbandry of and common procedures performed on key domestic species, behavioral principles of key domestic species, handling skills for key domestic animals, aspects of animal welfare.

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  • Module content:

    Overview of the immune system, structure of antibodies, biosynthesis of immunoglobulins, antigen-receptor interaction, complement, humoral immune response, cellular immune response, selected immunodiagnostic techniques, vaccinology, basic principles of immunity to infectious and parasitic diseases.

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to animal nutrition with the focus on feed intake, digestibility and metabolism of feeds in both monogastric and ruminant animals. Classification of feedstuffs and the nutritive value in the diet for the different farm animal species. An introduction to applied nutrition and feeding of monogastric and ruminant animals, equine and companion animals.

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  • Module content:

    The light microscope, structure and function of cells and tissues, the endocrine system, the nervous system, the integument, muscle structure and function, haematology, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, metabolic pathways and the digestive system, the urinary system, the reproductive system, basic avian physiology and thermoregulation.

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  • Module content:

    The VPL 122 module provides students that enter the BVSc programme from the second year an opportunity to cover the content presented in VPL101 online.
    The five-year programme on veterinary professional life contributes to the development of life skills to enable veterinarians to be consummate professionals capable of dealing with the diverse challenges of professional and everyday life. The VPL 122 module provides an introduction to human-animal relationships in general and animal ethics and welfare in particular. Students are exposed to diversity in the veterinary profession and the concepts of difference, bias and stereotyping. Professional communication and mental wellness skills are introduced. Community-based learning involves excursions where students are exposed to some of the practical and clinical aspects of veterinary science

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  • Module content:

    This module focuses on developing a range of life skills, including personal wellness, self-awareness, group and veterinary communication skills. The topics of cultural diversity and transformation are utilised to gain a deeper understanding of the wide range of people with whom veterinarians interact professionally. Personal financial fitness skills are developed as an introduction to later studies in practice management skills. 

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  • Module content:

    Basic principles of pasture science: the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the productivity of different strata and components of natural and planted pastures. This will enable the student to understand the management, production, appropriate and optimal utilisation as well as the conservation of these pastures. These principles can be used to ensure sustainable animal production and health.

    One large assignment to be completed during recess in addition to lecture time.

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Minimum credits: 128

Core modules

  • Module content:

    General principles of surgery, applicable to all species. Principles of surgical asepsis, disinfection and sterilisation, suture materials and patterns, surgical haemostasis, traumatology, wound healing, wound infection, wound management, small animal bandages and surgical instrumentation. 

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  • Module content:

    Definitions and common causes of basic lesions in tissues and organs. Pathogenesis of basic lesions including, reversible cell injury, pigmentations, necrosis, apoptosis, circulatory disturbances, inflammation, immunopathology, growth disturbances and neoplasia. Organ pathology (with the emphasis on macroscopic changes and pathogenesis) of selected conditions of the various organ systems of the body.

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  • Module content:

    The module introduces the student to clinical diagnostics in the normal animal patient, and evidence-based approaches of veterinary science. It consists of 3 integrated content components being the diagnostic focus, the clinical physiology focus and the research focus. The evidence-based approach acts as the integration of the clinical physiology and research focus areas, and is presented using group assignments where students have to critically appraise and interpret research papers using their knowledge of normal and abnormal physiological processes or clinical findings.

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  • Module content:

    General principles of veterinary toxicology, with emphasis on the relevant factors and circumstances contributing to poisoning; advanced toxicology with regard to inorganic and organic compounds, fungi, cyanobacteria, plants, rodenticides, zootoxins, etc. Plant poisonings, mycotoxicoses and inorganic and organic poisonings are discussed under the following headings: epidemiology and species affected, description, identification, distribution and poisonous principle (if applicable), mechanism of action, toxicity, clinical signs, pathology (limited to the most important lesions); diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment and control of prevention. A pressed plant collection or a poisonous plant collection in digital format has to be submitted.

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  • Module content:

    Veterinary infectious diseases is a module aimed at providing the student with in-depth knowledge of all aspects of diseases of food-producing and companion animals caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and prions. The module is structured to enable students to discern which infectious diseases of animals are high impact diseases and which are of lesser significance in order of importance. The module covers the morphological and physico-chemical characteristics of the causative organisms and the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the diseases caused by them. Course candidates will also learn how to diagnose these diseases in both the living and dead animal, and the control strategies applicable, including control at the livestock/wildlife/human interface. Finally, course candidates will learn about the socio-economic importance of infectious diseases of animals with special reference to transboundary spread.

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  • Module content:

    Principles of ethnoveterinary knowledge comprising indigenous, plant-based approaches to animal health and wellbeing; association of plant secondary metabolites with biological activity and toxicity; interaction of ethnoveterinary medicine with orthodox veterinary care; community benefits of ethnoveterinary medicine.

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  • Module content:

    General principles of pharmaceuticals, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics. Regulatory control of veterinary medicines and dispensing requirements. A study of groups of functional, systemic and chemotherapeutic drugs utilised in general veterinary practice with emphasis on their pharmacological effects, general indication, safety and side effects.

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  • Module content:

    This module focuses on community engagement, gender-based issues and teamwork. The One Health, One Welfare concept is applied in the community engagement context. The principles of dog population management are introduced. Veterinary communication skills and marketing are further developed within the context of the veterinary practice and the community setting, in particular engaging with learners and teachers in schools. The skills learnt in this and previous modules are applied practically in a group assignment involving a community-based activity.

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  • Module content:

    The objective of the module is to provide fundamentals of applied veterinary helminthology, ectoparasitology and protozoology as required by veterinarians. The module covers the life cycles, relevant morphological features, epidemiology and pathogenesis of important parasites of domestic animals. Candidates will also learn how to diagnose infections/infestations and diseases in life and dead animals as well as how to treat and control them. Where applicable, emphasis is also given on zoonotic implications.

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Minimum credits: 132

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Prepare for safe general anaesthesia; premedication; trachea intubation; induction and maintenance of intravenous and inhalation anaesthesia; recovery from anaesthesia; local anaesthesia and pain management; anaesthetic complications.

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  • Module content:

    Diagnosis and treatment of anaemia, polycythaemia, leukocyte kinetics, lymphohaemopoietic neoplasia; diagnosis and treatment of haemostatic abnormalities; diagnostic use of serum biochemistry, faecal and blood tests, urinalysis; cytology.

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  • Module content:

    Principles of diagnostic imaging; diagnostic imaging of the abdomen, thorax, head, appendicular system and the vertebral column in dogs and cats; diagnostic imaging of the appendicular system in horses and production animals.

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  • Module content:

    Planning and conducting necropsies; diagnostic approach to fatal conditions and diseases of dogs, cats and horses.

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  • Module content:

    Topics presented within an evidence-based medicine and clinical decision-making framework: basic concepts of epidemiology and disease transmission, measures of disease in populations, precision and bias, causal inference, measures of association, epidemiological study design, sampling methods, disease outbreak investigation and principles of diagnostic tests.

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  • Module content:

    Lameness: disorders of the front and hind limb; disorders of the spine; fractures and emergencies; muscular disorders; insurance examinations; identification, diagnosis and treatment of important cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous system, urinary, skin, multi-systemic and respiratory disorders/diseases; hydration status and correction of fluid imbalances; the equine neonate: clinical examination, diagnostic tests and selected disorders. The module includes practical skills training.

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  • Module content:

    Patient assessment; therapeutic and monitoring plans for selected key critical situations; identification, diagnosis and treatment of important cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney, skin, endocrine and eye conditions/diseases; multi-systemic conditions; dentistry; oncology; behaviour-related disorders and treatment, critical care and traumatology in dogs and cats. 

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  • Module content:

    Patient assessment; therapeutic and monitoring plans for selected key critical situations; identification, diagnosis and treatment of important gastrointestinal, liver, pancreas, peritoneal, urogenital, skin, musculoskeletal, nervous system; dentistry in dogs and cats.

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  • Module content:

    Case studies are utilised to introduce students to veterinary law and ethics, regulatory veterinary medicine, veterinary policy, professional associations, the veterinary team and collegiality. Personal and professional wellness is addressed within these contexts by exploring common mental health challenges. Veterinary communication skills are further developed, including conflict management and negotiation skills. The integration of clinical and communication skills is introduced.

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  • Module content:

    The female reproductive cycle; parturition and puerperium; control of reproduction; identification, diagnosis and treatment of important diseases or malfunctions of the female reproductive system; identification, diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the neonate; male reproductive processes; identification, diagnosis and treatment of important diseases or malfunctions of the male reproductive system; venereal diseases in domestic animals; optimisation of breeding; investigation of infertility.

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Minimum credits: 161

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Planning and conducting necropsies; diagnostic approach to fatal conditions and diseases of pigs, poultry, small stock, cattle and selected wildlife species.

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  • Module content:

    The pig industry; breeding and husbandry; nutrition and related disorders; important diseases; biosecurity; miscellaneous conditions.

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  • Module content:

    The poultry industry; breeding and husbandry; nutrition and related disorders; important diseases; biosecurity; miscellaneous conditions; zoonosis.

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  • Module content:

    An integrated course that covers clinical and other aspects of diseases, conditions and syndromes of ruminants (cattle and small stock) organised in an organ system approach. The module includes an action learning project that requires attendance after hours, during weekends, public holidays and university recess.

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  • Module content:

    Theoretical training in the herd or flock approach to health and production management of small scale ruminant systems, commercial dairy, beef, wool, mutton and mohair production systems, emphasising monitoring, prevention, outbreak management, technology and economics.

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  • Module content:

    Practical application of the theoretical aspects of small animal, production animal, equine and state veterinary practice covered in the core curriculum of the BVSc programme.  Topics include medicine, surgery, reproduction, diagnostic imaging, pathology and clinical pathology, ophthalmology, dentistry and anaesthesiology of cats, dogs, cattle, small stock and horses, herd/flock health, epidemiology, economics, drug regulations, certification, animal health- and import/export regulations, veterinary public health, veterinary business management and veterinary professional life skills. The emphasis of practical exposure will be on attaining of the Day One Competencies for graduating veterinary professionals.

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  • Module content:

    The purpose of this module is to give students additional exposure in a practice area of interest. The aim is to provide the graduate with theoretical and practical exposure to strengthen Day 1 competencies in those components of veterinary science needed for him/her to enter the particular career path with confidence. The scope of the module is expansion, integration and practical application of knowledge established through the core component of the BVSc programme. Students will complete one of the following six practice areas: Small Animal and Exotic Practice, Rural and Wildlife Practice, Veterinary Public Health and State Veterinary Practice, Equine Practice, Intensive Animal Production Practice, and Veterinary Research Career.

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to the One Health concept; emerging and endemic infectious diseases at human/animal interfaces; veterinary issues at human/wildlife interfaces in southern Africa; One Health approaches at human/animal/ecosystem interfaces; animal health, conservation and rural development at interfaces in southern Africa; communication and collaboration between multiple disciplines.

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  • Module content:

    The role of the veterinary surgeon in veterinary public health. Veterinary food hygiene and nutrition-related diseases of importance regarding food of animal origin. Meat and milk hygiene; all necessary measures, including legislation, to ensure that food of animal origin is safe, sound and wholesome at all stages of production and manufacture, up to the consumer. Veterinary aspects of environmental health. Zoonosis in veterinary science. Introduction of the use of laboratory animals in biomedical research and relevant aspects relating to animal welfare. Introduction to the social aspects of the human-animal interaction by protecting and promoting human health in communities, veterinary extension and risk communication.

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  • Module content:

    This module deals with business management, including the development of a business plan, basic financial, stock, human resources and client management, as well as marketing, promotion, sales and legislation relevant to business management. Workplace ethics and social entrepreneurship are introduced. Wellness, communication and leadership skills are explored within the context of the workplace and the global environment.

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  • Module content:

    The module provides students with the opportunity to integrate and apply research skills relevant to veterinary science such as literature evaluation, experimental design, data handling, evidence-based veterinary medicine and scientific communication in the form of a structured research report. Supervision is shared amongst all academic staff members of the Faculty of Veterinary Science.

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  • Module content:

    Wildlife management; principles of capture; selected viral, bacterial, protozoal, ecto- and endoparasitic and nutritional diseases of wildlife; legislation pertaining to wildlife; conservation of iconic species of wildlife.

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Minimum credits: 160

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Practical application of the theoretical aspects of small animal, production animal, equine and state veterinary practice covered in the core curriculum of the BVSc programme.  Topics include medicine, surgery, reproduction, diagnostic imaging, pathology and clinical pathology, ophthalmology, dentistry and anaesthesiology of cats, dogs, cattle, small stock and horses, herd/flock health, epidemiology, economics, drug regulations, certification, animal health- and import/export regulations, veterinary public health, veterinary business management and veterinary professional life skills. The emphasis of practical exposure will be on attaining of the Day One Competencies for graduating veterinary professionals.

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  • Module content:

    Practical application of the theoretical aspects of small animal, production animal, equine and state veterinary practice covered in the core curriculum of the BVSc programme.  Topics include medicine, surgery, reproduction, diagnostic imaging, pathology and clinical pathology, ophthalmology, dentistry and anaesthesiology of cats, dogs, cattle, small stock and horses, herd/flock health, epidemiology, economics, drug regulations, certification, animal health- and import/export regulations, veterinary public health, veterinary business management and veterinary professional life skills. The emphasis of practical exposure will be on attaining of the Day One Competencies for graduating veterinary professionals.

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  • Module content:

    The purpose of this module is to give students additional exposure in a practice area of interest. The aim is to provide the graduate with theoretical and practical exposure to strengthen Day 1 competencies in those components of veterinary science needed for him/her to enter the particular career path with confidence. The scope of the module is expansion, integration and practical application of knowledge established through the core component of the BVSc programme. Students will complete one of the following six practice areas: Small Animal and Exotic Practice, Rural and Wildlife Practice, Veterinary Public Health and State Veterinary Practice, Equine Practice, Intensive Animal Production Practice, and Veterinary Research Career.

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  • Module content:

    The purpose of this module is to give students additional exposure in a practice area of interest. The aim is to provide the graduate with theoretical and practical exposure to strengthen Day 1 competencies in those components of veterinary science needed for him/her to enter the particular career path with confidence. The scope of the module is expansion, integration and practical application of knowledge established through the core component of the BVSc programme. Students will complete one of the following six practice areas: Small Animal and Exotic Practice, Rural and Wildlife Practice, Veterinary Public Health and State Veterinary Practice, Equine Practice, Intensive Animal Production Practice, and Veterinary Research Career.

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  • Module content:

    The module provides students with the opportunity to integrate and apply research skills relevant to veterinary science such as literature evaluation, experimental design, data handling, evidence-based veterinary medicine and scientific communication in the form of a structured research report. Supervision is shared amongst all academic staff members of the Faculty of Veterinary Science.

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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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