Veterinary Degrees Online

Keeping view the importance of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Education the higher authorities of the University unanimously agreed to start composite DVM degree program. For this purpose the Department of Animal Health was created in 2004. The introduction of new degree program will broaden the job opportunity of our graduates both in public and private sectors, and will allow our students to compete with those of other universities.
Aims

To standardize uniform degree programs in Veterinary and Animal Husbandry over the entire country

To produce graduates with professional knowledge and skills compatible to jobs and development at the national and international level

To match the professional standards of degree programs in Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences to those required by the national regulatory bodies

Establishment of this Department was a pre-requisite for the five years composite DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) degree replacing the previous BSc Hons AH degree program. The requirement for admission in the DVM is FSc Pre-Medical subjects. Those admitted in the program have been on top of the merit as compared to other disciplines of the university. Since it started in January 2004, the third semester (DVM second profession) is in progress with around 40 students. This department with others runs the new program jointly. The program has been supported and recognized by the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council. The department plans to launch postgraduate degree programs by the times the required facilities are established.

Teaching facilities

The Department of Animal Health created to provide teaching and laboratory facilities. In the initial stages, collaboration was sought to have our students’ access to the laboratories of Veterinary Research Institute and Veterinary Hospitals of the province. A mega project entitled “Strengthening of Teaching and Research Capabilities of Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences” has been approved from HEC Islamabad and its implementation has already been started since September 2004. The award of construction of buildings including academic block, veterinary clinics and artificial insemination centers, semen production unit and breeding center is in process. The University is making every effort to ensure the completion of the project within the target time (June 2007).

Future vision

The Department envisions introducing postgraduate specialized degrees in the Animal Health by the time the essential teaching and research facilities are established. The department has visible linkages with the farmers, industrialists and development organizations within the country and abroad. Recently, a consultative group on livestock industry has been proposed and farmers included in the Departmental Board of Studies.

The animal industry is a booming and growing industry. Recent years have seen an increase in biotechnological development within animal production as well as an expansion in animal health industries

More than half a billion dollars is spent yearly on animal health sales and almost as much again on its research in the US alone. This increased reliance on biological and veterinary sciences together with biotechnology, has created the need for appropriately trained scientists. Our new BSc (Hons) in Bioveterinary Science has been developed to support that need. It has been designed to meet the needs of students and employers looking for practical skills and knowledge in the professions allied to the practice of veterinary medicine and to that of the animal industry in general, and builds on the existing expertise and reputation of the Department in this field.

Entry requirements
Entry requirements 120 points

One subject, preferable Biology but other sciences will be considered, at A-level / Vocational A-level.

BTEC National Award at Distinction (equivalent to 120 points).

Applicants with relevant prior learning or work experience not leading to a formal qualification are welcomed and will be considered on an individual basis.

Reasons to choose this course
Brand new animal unit on campus to support the course
Our estate houses 54 species, over 300 animals in total
Vocational approach with strong industry links for excellent placement and work experience opportunities.

About the course
The course is vocational in nature, with strong industry links applied during work experience and career planning. Lectures cover the major principles of anatomy and physiology, behaviour, ecology and nutrition. However, the FdSc involves a slightly slower pace of learning combined with a greater emphasis on applied aspects. The course combines the study of wild animal populations with that of captive animals, both domestic and exotic.

Special features
The flexibility of the animal provision at the University will enable you to develop expertise in a variety of animals ranging from companion and production animals to wildlife and exotic breeds. The Brackenhurst campus has a number of specialist units for animal, equine and farm studies, including an animal unit housing over 300 animals, representing 54 different species. The campus also includes a range of semi-natural and constructed habitats which provide a valuable resource for students.

After successful completion of the FdSc Animal Studies course you can progress onto to the final year of the BSc (Hons) Animal Biology course via a gateway module. This module comprises of a ten-week summer school which provides additional underpinning for level three studies.

The Animal Unit
The brand-new animal unit at Brackenhurst campus provides the ideal environment for the study of animals.

It houses cats, dogs, reptiles, rabbits, birds, fish and rodents. Outside there is accommodation for larger animals such as goats, sheep, donkeys and poultry. Students therefore experience the day-to-day challenges involved in running an animal enterprise and are able to draw on the strong ties which have been established with industry. Students also benefit greatly from guest lectures and visits.

Opportunities
Progression onto the final year of the BSc (Hons) Animal Biology degree is possible for graduates of the foundation degree on successful completion of a qualifying summer school.

Assessment
Students’ work is assessed using a variety of methods, including coursework such as assignments, reports, projects, presentations and case studies. There are also examinations and tests that assess your knowledge and understanding, and individual project work to encourage independent thinking.

Your future career
Animal Studies graduates are well-placed for entry into a variety of careers within the animal industry. Potential areas for employment include work in wildlife parks, zoological collections, welfare organisations and governmental departments, alongside work as behaviour consultants or animal trainers. Alternatively you may decide to use your degree as a progression route to further study.