Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) - North Terrace Campus, Roseworthy Campus

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    3 years full-time
  • Start Dates

    February
  • Location

    North Terrace Campus Roseworthy Campus

About Degree

Keep animals happy and healthy

Veterinarians are dedicated to the wellbeing of animals. They are scientists, surgeons, carers, and lifelong learners.

Our Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) is ranked 49th in the world for veterinary sciences and has a Five Star Excellence in Research Australia ranking^.

What will you do?

You’ll enjoy the smallest class size of any veterinary program in Australia. This means more personalised attention from our highly experienced teachers and researchers as you:

  • explore the anatomy, physiology and behaviour of normal animals and identify the pathogenic organisms that attack them
  • learn about animal handling and husbandry
  • experience real industry settings including farms and intensive production facilities
  • undertake a significant amount of hands-on animal work, starting in semester 1
  • access our $37 million purpose-built veterinary teaching and research facilities.

Where could it take you?

This is the first part of the veterinary science program. Graduates gain direct entry into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. Completing both degrees makes you eligible to register as a veterinarian, where you might own a practice or travel to farms around the country treating animals. Veterinary bioscience could also lead to roles in research in equine, zoo animal or wildlife medicine. You might even work in biosecurity, managing programs to prevent disease and pollution.


Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code324491
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary
    PrerequisitesSACE Stage 2: Biology or Chemistry or Mathematical Methods (if Maths subject was studied prior to 2017, the subject required was called 'Mathematical Studies'); OR IB: Biology (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) or Chemistry (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL) ; OR equivalent. MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods.
    Assumed KnowledgeSACE Stage 2: Physics IB: Physics
    Additional Entry Requirements
    All applicants are advised to read the Veterinary Bioscience Admissions Guide before applying for the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience). This website sets out the eligibility requirements, the selection process and extra requirements such as (but not limited to) the Inherent Requirements and Vaccination Guidelines. Failure to read and comply with the guidelines will not be grounds for special consideration. There are inherent requirements associated with the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) that prospective students need to be aware of before applying. These requirements include, but are not limited to, physical fitness, physical capacity to learn how to handle a range of large and small animals; required vaccinations (specifically Q fever); and effective written communication. Applicants must read the Inherent Requirements  and Vaccination Guidelines  before submitting their application. By applying for this program, applicants are accepting these Inherent Requirements and Vaccination Guidelines. Note: entry is highly competitive and subject to availability each admissions year.

    Selection for the program will be based upon:


    1. the applicant's best selection rank such as:

    Year 12: Selection Rank (ATAR) of 90 or above (including any applicable bonus points)

    Higher Education/Tertiary Transfer: Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 or more (on a 7-point scale) or equivalent (see below for further requirements)

    STAT: Rank in the top decile

    AND

    2) applicants must also complete a prescribed questionnaire about their life experiences and their knowledge and interest in veterinary science

    AND

    3) applicants must also complete the Altus Suite assessments (Casper and Snapshot)

    Note for Tertiary Transfer applicants: Tertiary Transfer applicants who have studied Chemistry I and/or Biology I at the University of APSB (or equivalent) must have achieved at least a credit grade average in each of these courses. Alternatively, Tertiary Transfer applicants who do not meet this requirement can subsequently meet the requirement if they obtain a minimum Pass grade in a course at a higher year level for which Chemistry I and/or Biology I are prerequisite courses

    Selection Criteria
    Recent Secondary EducationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Please refer to Additional entry requirements section for details of other entry requirements to the Veterinary Bioscience program. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Higher Education StudyYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You are ranked on the basis of your best GPA. Please refer to the Additional entry requirements section for details of other entry requirements to the Veterinary Bioscience program. Applicants who have completed level one (1st year) or higher of the Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) at the University of APSB and wish to enter the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) can only be considered for direct entry into level two (2nd year) of the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience). Places in level two are extremely limited and not guaranteed to be available each year. These applicants will only be considered for entry on the basis of their GPA in the Bachelor of Science (Animal Science), and not on any other academic score or ranking. Applicants must still apply via SATAC and complete the questionnaire. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Work and life experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Other Entry Pathways


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offer*
    Median ATAR to receive an offer*
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer*
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer*
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer*
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer*
    Minimum eligibility score90
    Additional criteria consideredAdditional criteria
    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    N/AN/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    6064.5%
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    N/AN/A
    International students3335.5%
    All students93100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS062122K
    IntakeFebruary
    Australian Year 12SACE Stage 2: Biology or Chemistry or Mathematical Methods (if Maths subject was studied prior to 2017, the subject required was called 'Mathematical Studies'); OR IB: Biology (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) or Chemistry (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL) ; OR equivalent. MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods.
    International QualificationsBiology OR Mathematics OR Chemistry. Please refer to the Additional Entry Requirements section for details of other entry requirements to the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) program.
    Additional Entry RequirementsAll applicants are advised to read the Veterinary Bioscience Admissions Guide before applying for the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience). This document sets out the eligibility requirements, the selection process and extra requirements such as (but not limited to) the Inherent Requirements and Vaccination Guidelines. Failure to read and comply with the guidelines will not be grounds for special consideration. Applications must be submitted by September 30 2022.

    All applicants must:
    • complete an online questionnaire via https://admissions.APSB.edu.au, outlining their academic information; non-animal related interests and finally, their experience working with animals. The School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences will assess the questionnaire.
    • undergo a short online interview (via zoom).
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 7Reading 7Listening 7Speaking 7Writing 7





    TOEFLOverall 94Reading 24Listening 24Speaking 23Writing 27





    PearsonOverall 65Reading 65Listening 65Speaking 65Writing 65





    C1 AdvancedOverall 185Reading 185Listening 185Speaking 185Writing 185





    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Secondary School QualificationsAustralia – Selection Rank (International)90
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma34
    Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma85%
    Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation85%
    Canada – Alberta High School Diploma90%
    China – Gaokao80%
    Germany – Abitur2.30
    GCE A Levels13
    Hong Kong – HKDSE22
    India – ISC & CBSE85%
    India - Indian State Board Examinations95%
    Indonesia – SMA3Not accepted
    Kenya – Certificate of Secondary EducationA-
    Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate83%
    Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi3.33
    Malaysia – UEC9
    South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma355
    Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels13
    Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma85%
    Thailand – Certificate of Secondary EducationNot accepted
    USA – SAT1280
    USA – Advanced Placement (AP)12
    Vietnam – Upper Secondary School9.00
    The University of APSB College Foundation Program83%
    Eynesbury Foundation Program412
    ANU College Foundation Studies87%
    Monash College Foundation Year MUFY82%
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne)83%
    UNSW Foundation Year7.80
    UQ College Foundation Studies Program5.50
    Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)7.60
    UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP)70%
    Non–Go8 Foundation Score83%
    Other QualificationsStudents who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    N/AN/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    6064.5%
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    N/AN/A
    International students3335.5%
    All students93100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $9,895

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $50,000

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Careers

Career Readiness

As a graduate of the bachelor degree, you'll find employment opportunities in:

  • government agencies
  • livestock and agricultural management
  • livestock production and nutrition
  • private companies
  • zoos and animal welfare organisations.
As a graduate of the postgraduate degree, you'll find employment in private and public veterinary practices as a veterinarian.

The University of APSB Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of APSB Graduate Attributes.

  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Industry Placement

Throughout your degree, you’ll undertake several placements at locations such as farms and intensive production facilities. Placements can often be undertaken throughout Australia. Overseas placements are also possible, pending approval.

You must complete 12 weeks of Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (AHEMS) during the University vacations.

This includes specific requirements for gaining experience with particular groups of animals, especially cattle, sheep and horses.

Some courses have further requirements for extra mural experience.

Professional Accreditation

Our veterinary science program is comprised of two degrees: the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) and the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (Masters by Coursework (Extended).

To practice as a veterinarian, you must complete both degrees, which is six years in total.

The veterinary science program at the University of APSB has been granted accreditation by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC), the Veterinary Surgeons' Board of Hong Kong and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (UK).

This means when you graduate from your Masters, you’ll be eligible for registration as a veterinarian in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong.

Potential careers

Veterinarian, Zookeeper, Zoologist, Animal Technician, Bioinformatics, Pathway to Veterinary Medicine, Quarantine Officer, Science Communicators, Science Educators, Scientific Data Analyst, Animal Behaviourist, Animal Breeding, Animal Welfare, Animal Scientist, Scientific Officer, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser.

Degree Structure

The first year level involves studies at both North Terrace and Roseworthy campuses, while later year levels of the program will be based at the Roseworthy campus.

Students must satisfactorily complete 12 weeks of Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (AHEMS).

Students will undertake placements at various locations, including farms and intensive production facilities. After consultation with the Extra Mural Studies coordinator, placements can be undertaken, throughout Australia. Overseas placements are possible, pending approval.

Students will be expected to travel to locations and the capacity to drive would be an advantage.

There are inherent requirements associated with the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) that prospective students need to be aware of before applying. These requirements include, but are not limited to, physical fitness, physical capacity to learn how to handle a range of large and small animals; required vaccinations (specifically Q fever); and effective written communication. Applicants must read the inherent requirements and vaccination guidelines before submitting their application. By applying for this program, applicants are accepting these Inherent Requirements and Vaccination Guidelines.

 

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience)

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan
Year1S1ANIML SC 1017RW  Animal Handling & Husbandry I (Vet Bio)BIOLOGY 1510  Biology I: Molecules, Genes & Cells (Vet Bio)CHEM 1510  Chemistry IA (Vet Bio)
OR
CHEM 1511  Foundations of Chemistry IA (Vet Bio)
PHYSICS 1501  Physics for the Life & Earth Sciences I (Vet Bio)
OR
PHYSICS 1508  Physical Aspects of Nature I (Vet Bio)
S2ANIML SC 1018RW  Principles in Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Ethics I (Vet Bio)BIOLOGY 1520  Biology I: Organisms (Vet Bio)CHEM 1520  Chemistry IB (Vet Bio)
OR
CHEM 1521  Foundations of Chemistry IB (Vet Bio)
STATS 1504  Statistical Practice I (Life Sciences) (Vet Bio)
Year2S1VET SC 2530RW  Animal and Plant Biochemistry (Vet Bio) II

VET SC 2500RW  Professional Skills in Veterinary Bioscience IIVET SC 2510ARW  Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology II (6 units)
S2ANIML SC 2505RW  Animal Nutrition & Metabolism II (Vet Bio)


ANIML SC 2508RW  Genes & Inheritance II (Vet Bio)VET SC 2510BRW  Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology II (6 units)
Year 3S1VET SC 3520ARW  Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology III Part 1(6 units)VET SC 3512RW  Veterinary Immunology and Infectious Diseases III (6 units) 
S2VET SC 3520BRW  Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology III Part 2

VET SC 3515RW  Veterinary Parasitology IIIVET SC 3514RW  Professional Skills in Veterinary Bioscience IIIVET SC 3516RW  Veterinary Epidemiology & Evidence-Based Medicine III

Work Based Training/Extra Mural Studies
A total of 12 weeks of extra-mural experience is required for entry in the DVM program (where 1 week is equivalent to a minimum of 40 hours over 5 working days). This can begin after the successful completion of ANIML SC 1017RW  Animal Handling & Husbandry (Vet Bio) (or equivalent) and must be completed before the end of mid semester break Semester 2 of Level III of the program.

Assessment

Varies with individual courses and includes a combination of verbal presentations, written assignments, individual or group projects and theory and practical exams.

RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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