Regulations for The Bachelor of Veterinary Science - BVSc

Building on basic chemical principles, this course provides the atomic and molecular foundations for understanding chemistry and the life sciences. Starting from the structure of the atom and an understanding of Gibbs energy, it builds a chemical model for bonding, the composition of molecules, non-covalent interactions, chemical equilibria, acids/bases, chemical reactivity, and biological macromolecules. The theory is supported by practical experiments.

Restrictions: 123101, 123171

Students will develop understanding of biophysical principles including the description of motion, forces, equilibrium, fluids and flow, heat as energy, heat transfer, waves and sound, and the use of spreadsheets. Application of foundational knowledge of mathematical principles to biophysical systems, including the rules of arithmetic, fractions, simple algebra, trigonometry, transcendental functions, SI units and unit conversions, and creating and interpreting graphs. A practical course.

Restrictions: 160101, 160102, 160103, 160104, 160105, 160111, 160112, 160132, 160133, 124100, 124104, 124105, 124111

An introduction to the cellular basis of life. Spanning eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells; cellular structure and function; core biochemical components; mechanisms for generating genetic diversity; the flow of information within cells and between generations; gene expression; and a survey of the landscape of modern genomics, this course provides the conceptual foundation for subsequent courses on molecules, cells and organisms.

An introductory biology and natural history course presented within an evolutionary framework that investigates the diversity of animal life, human-animal interactions, nutrient and energy flows, conservation and sustainability. This course places emphasis on wild animals and ecological processes operating within New Zealand and globally.

Restrictions: 199101

An introductory biochemistry course covering the fundamental concepts of protein structure and function as well as metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. The focus will be on energy transactions in a physiological context including glucose homeostasis and muscle metabolism in mammals. A lecture and problem-based tutorial course will be complemented by case studies relevant to animal health and disease.

Restrictions: 122102, 122106, 122222, 227111

An introduction to common ethical frameworks for animal use with a focus on domestic animal species. Principles of the behaviour and welfare of domestic animal species. Theory of safe and effective animal handling.

A practicum during which students will learn practical skills for working with livestock, farm safety and understanding farm-level agricultural economics. Modules on Health and Safety and handling of Agrichemicals useful for practical placements are also provided.

An overview of the anatomy and physiology of domestic mammals, birds and reptiles. The structure and function of each major organ system is considered at a foundational level, with an emphasis on veterinary clinical relevance.

This is the first in a series of three work-integrated learning courses in the BVSc. Students will undertake farm work in cattle, sheep, horse and/or other animal industries. Students will develop practical animal handling skills, and skills in observation, identification, analysis and communication.

This is the second in a series of three courses in the BVSc for students undertaking work-integrated learning. Students will undertake farm work in cattle, sheep, horse and/or other animal industries. Students will develop practical animal handling skills, and skills in observation, identification, analysis and communication.

Prerequisites: 227.110 & 227.130

This course introduces the care and management of farmed animals and those kept for sport and companionship and the impact of these practices on animal welfare, public health and the environment. Introductory skills for gathering information as part of the clinical reasoning process (history-taking, performing distance and physical examinations) are taught. Professionalism is introduced including communication skills, the concept of the “‘good vet’” and what constitutes a good vet, as well as the use of ethical decision-making frameworks to inform professional decision-making. The application of teamwork, communication, inclusivity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi to veterinary practice is introduced along with the development of introductory technical skills relevant to veterinary clinical practice.

Prerequisites: 227106, 227107 and 227120

This course builds on the content taught in 227.231 Veterinary Science 2.1 and introduces immunology and the foundations of infectious disease. Further skills for gathering information as part of the clinical reasoning process (history-taking, performing distance and physical examinations) are taught. Further aspects of professionalism are taught building on the use of ethical decision-making frameworks to inform professional practice. The application of teamwork, communication, inclusivity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi to veterinary practice is continued along with further development of introductory skills relevant to veterinary clinical practice.

Prerequisites: 227231

In this course students will undertake farm work in cattle, sheep, horse and other livestock industries. Students will develop practical animal skills, and skills in observation, identification, analysis and communication.

In this sixty-credit, integrated course, students consolidate and build on foundational knowledge from years 1 and 2, expanding into the study of pathology, pharmacology and infectious diseases. Clinical topics are introduced, including principles of surgery and anaesthesia. Skills in physical examination and record-keeping continue to be developed, alongside other technical skills relevant to clinical practice. Students are expected to demonstrate safe practices in all settings. The clinical reasoning process is practised in the context of simulated clinical case scenarios, including refinement of problem lists, generation of differential diagnoses and the selection and interpretation of diagnostic tests. Concepts in population health are explored to practice identification of animal health and production goals, and the evaluation of potential interventions. Students are supported to differentiate the quality of information sources, and to identify and justify basic conclusions from scientific literature. Students continue to learn, practice and apply communication skills relevant to veterinary clinical practice using language appropriate to the audience and context. Veterinary career options, basic financial concepts and legal obligations are introduced. The application of collaboration, Te Ao Māori, and concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion to veterinary practice and wider society is continued. There is further development of relevant professional skills for veterinary clinical practice.

Prerequisites: 227232

In this sixty-credit, integrated course, students consolidate and build on foundational knowledge in the study of pathology, pharmacology and infectious diseases. Further clinical topics are introduced, including clinical nutrition and dentistry. Students continue to practise safe and effective animal handling techniques, and develop fluency in physical examination and technical skills. Students are expected to demonstrate safe practices in all settings. In the context of clinical scenarios, students practise the clinical reasoning process in multiple contexts, including the design and justification of basic diagnostic, treatment and management plans, as well as simple analgesic and anaesthetic protocols. Preventive health plans are developed, with consideration to animal welfare, public health, feasibility and economics. Students continue to demonstrate communication skills relevant to veterinary clinical practice using language appropriate to the audience and context. The use of ethical decision-making frameworks is expanded to include the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. The expanded application and interrelationship of collaboration, Te Ao Māori, and concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion to veterinary practice and wider society are explored. There is further development of relevant professional skills for veterinary clinical practice.

Prerequisites: 227331

This semester one special topic course for BVSc3 students will be utilised for students progressing from the old BVSc curriculum to the new BVSc curriculum to ensure all appropriate content is covered.

This semester two special topic course for BVSc3 students will be utilised for students progressing from the old BVSc curriculum to the new BVSc curriculum to ensure all appropriate content is covered.

During this course, students will undertake practical work in external veterinary practices under the supervision of a registered veterinarian, to develop clinical skills and gain experience of client-based veterinary practice.

Further study of anatomic and clinical pathology of additional body systems which builds upon and extends information given in Veterinary Anatomic and Clinical Pathology I. Pathophysiology, gross and microscopic lesions. Interpretation of necropsy and laboratory test results (including haematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, serology, histology and cytology) for the diagnosis of disease. Specimen collection and handling, test selection, and performance of basic laboratory tests.

This course covers the medicine, surgery, management and productivity of beef and dairy cattle. The aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of disease, and the restoration of animals to normal levels of productivity.

A further course covering the aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of common and important medical and surgical conditions of companion animals. The application of surgical and anaesthetic principles in teaching laboratories is designed to develop competence in simple elective surgical and anaesthetic procedures.

Integration of veterinary medicine and whole farm systems. Farm management and production systems and the relationship between management systems, productivity and patterns of disease. The development of health and production programmes to minimise disease and maximise animal production.

This capstone course is the final in a series of 7 courses in integrative and contextualizing studies that have extended through Years 1 to 4 of the BVSc programme. A case- and problem-based approach to the integration of concurrent and previous veterinary learning will be undertaken at a level appropriate to that of a pre-final year veterinary student. This course will particularly focus on the professional abilities of students, and their ability to synthesise heuristic ‘illness scripts’ and other intellectual shortcuts based upon the precepts of diagnostic reasoning. Students will be encouraged to develop a variety of problem solving strategies and professional competencies through the analysis of a broad range of clinical situations.

This course is the sixth in a series of integrative and contextualising studies in the BVSc. A case- and problem-based approach to the integration of concurrent and previous veterinary learning will be undertaken at a level appropriate to a fourth year veterinary student. Students will develop problem solving strategies and professional competencies through the analysis of a range of clinical situations.

This is the final of a series of three courses in BVSc3 and BVSc4 that cover aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of common and important medical and surgical conditions of companion animals.

An overview of common equine diseases and preventative health programmes. This course covers aspects of equine medicine, surgery, lameness, reproduction and pharmacotherapeutics, with an emphasis on a diagnostic and therapeutic approach to the sick or abnormal horse.

An introduction to the principles and applications of medicine and surgery of birds, reptiles and amphibians including wildlife, companion animals and backyard flock or collections.

Tuition, demonstration and clinical experience in surgery, anaesthesia, medicine, epidemiology and theriogenology of domestic animals; health and management of production animals; diagnostic procedures, including imaging, necropsies and laboratory tests; and diagnostic reasoning. Professional ethics and legislative obligations to the public and state; the role of veterinary professional organisations and veterinarians as communicators and educators, veterinary business management and the maintenance of physical and mental fitness as a veterinarian. Principles and practical applications of veterinary public health, meat hygiene and quality assurance programmes to meet national and international standards will also be taught. Opportunities for students to gain further experience in chosen areas of interest.

Prerequisites: 120 credits from 2274xx