Veterinary Biology - Veterinary Science

Overview

This Veterinary Biology - Veterinary Science double degree from Charles Sturt University was developed in close consultation with the veterinary industry to answer the needs of rural and regional communities for veterinarians who have the knowledge and skills to work with farm livestock and horses, companion animals and wildlife.

This course aims to provide highly competent veterinary graduates with a strong commitment to animal health, welfare and research, and to the development and protection of animal industries. 

Besides your workplace learning placements and clinical rotations, you'll study at a single rural site for the six years of your course. Placements create a strong sense of connection between staff and students at all levels of the program. Charles Sturt University also enjoys the support of an enthusiastic and engaged regional community; ready access to a wide range of veterinary practices and farms; and the relaxed, enjoyable and affordable lifestyle which comes with living in a thriving regional centre of more than 60,000 people. 

You'll develop skills in the diagnosis and management of disease in all common species of farm animals (cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and fish) and companion animals (horses, dogs and cats). The course provides a solid grounding in agricultural production systems and the integration of nutrition, genetics, economics and epidemiology for the optimal management of herds and flocks. Practical sessions with live animals start in your first week and continue throughout the course. In addition to your scientific and clinical skills training, you'll also develop a range of life and business skills that will help you in your work as a rural and/or regional veterinarian.

Admission to this course is highly competitive, with approximately 350 applications received for the 66 available places each year. Successful applicants are required to demonstrate excellent academic achievements, superior communication skills, and a genuine commitment to animals, livestock industries and to working in rural and regional communities.

Career opportunities

• Work in a veterinary clinic with animal owners, producers and communities to provide veterinary services, such as medicine, surgery and optimising herd/flock health and production. You'll be able to use the skills and knowledge you have developed throughout the course, such as diagnostic imaging, anaesthesiology, reproduction and clinical reasoning.
• You may choose to specialise in one area of practice, such as dairy, equine or pigs, or become a herd health consultant or a nutrition or genetics specialist in a commercial farming organisation. Use your expertise to resolve challenges in the health and disease management of individual animals, herds and flocks.
• Implement on-farm biosecurity and hygienic practices, and assess quality assurance systems with regard to the production of food for human consumption. Working with government authorities, assess and communicate risks relating to outbreak investigations and other emerging public health issues.