University of Pretoria

Bachelor of Veterinary Science

Health Sciences and Social Services - Promotive Health and Developmental Services

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Purpose and Rationale

Veterinary Graduate Empowerment Mission

Our mission is to empower graduates from diverse backgrounds through the acquisition of knowledge and the development of skills and competence aimed at achieving the following objectives:

  1. Promote Food Animal Production: Equipping graduates with the necessary expertise to contribute to the enhancement of food animal production in both traditional and modern farming settings.

  2. Maintain Animal and Community Health: Ensuring that graduates are fully capable of maintaining the health and well-being of domestic and non-domestic animals, as well as playing a vital role in promoting community health initiatives.

  3. Participate in Gainful Economic Activity: Providing graduates with the tools to actively engage in economic activities related to veterinary practice, thus contributing to their own financial stability and that of the broader community.

  4. Invest in Continued Intellectual Growth: Encouraging a commitment to continuous learning and professional development to stay abreast of the latest advancements in veterinary medicine and related fields.

  5. Participate in Extension and Development: Engaging graduates in community outreach programs and development initiatives to share knowledge and expertise for the betterment of society.

  6. Provide a Rewarding Contribution to Society: Instilling a sense of social responsibility in graduates, motivating them to make meaningful contributions to society through their work.

Upon completion of our program, the graduate will be a registered, broad-based veterinary professional committed to life-long learning. They will be well-equipped to enter any branch of clinical practice or other veterinary-related endeavor, all the while being sensitive to the environment and the diverse cultures, customs, and value systems of the population.

Through the application of their knowledge and life-skill competencies, our graduates will be able to effectively manage public and community health issues, promote veterinary research, and cater to the basic and unique veterinary requirements of the South African community as a whole.

Outcomes

  1. Normal structure and function of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, equids, cats and poultry
  2. Behaviour, management, breeding, feeding and housing of above species
  3. Subsistence, small and large-scale commercial animal industries1
  4. Infectious, parasitic and non-infectious diseases of importance in Southern Africa
  5. Diseases of potential economic importance if introduced to South Africa
  6. Toxic plants of importance in Southern Africa
  7. General and systemic pathology of domestic animals
  8. Laboratory animals, wildlife, fish, ostriches and cage birds at an elective level
  9. Statute and common law and the veterinary ethical code
  10. Epidemiology and risk assessment
  11. Scientific method and acquisition of information Two Development of skills and competence in:
  12. Handling of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, equids, dogs, cats and poultry
  13. Performing a thorough clinical examination in the above species
  14. Establishing appropriate differential diagnoses
  15. Selecting and applying procedures to confirm/reject differential diagnoses
  16. Selecting and collecting specimens for laboratory tests
  17. Performing macroscopic post mortem examinations and taking appropriate specimens for histopathology and other laboratory tests with emphasis on cost-effectiveness
  18. Communicating with and relating to clients from a diversity of cultures, customs, means and value systems
  19. Using computers and other electronic aids
  20. Administration of medication
  21. Performing clinical surgical, theriogenological and selected laboratory procedures Three Application of insight, knowledge, skills and competencies in integrated problem solving situations by:
  22. Recognising abnormality and identifying syndromes and underlying causes from amnesis, physical examination, production records and basic laboratory tests where applicable
  23. Acquiring and interpreting available information
  24. Deriving a well - considered diagnosis
  25. Assessing patients relative to the need for therapeutic intervention
  26. Develop appropriate treatment regimes
  27. Promoting and maintaining animal, human and community health
  28. Development of sound health principles for subsistence and small and large - scale commercial animal industries with specific emphasis on production economics, extension services and community upliftment
  29. Preventing and/or managing infectious, parasitic and non- infectious diseases through application of sound principles of immunisation parasite control, epidemiology, genetics, housing, nutrition, management and medication.
  30. Applying veterinary public health principles in the provision of safe, sound and wholesome food of animal origin and control of zoonoses
  31. Investigating disease/toxicity outbreaks
  32. Applying appropriate, cost-effective and rational therapy including medical treatment, induction of anaesthesia, selecting appropriate surgical and theriogenological procedures, performing optimal intensive care and after-care
  33. Applying principles of business management
  34. Interpreting statute and common law and applying the veterinary ethical code with respect to responsibilities to patients, clients, colleagues, public, animals in general, livestock industry, environment and society
  35. Interpreting scientific publications and other sources of information and accurately reporting on and drawing valid conclusions from such information as well as own observations
  36. Recognising own limitations and consulting with others as required Four Acquire and adopt a mature attitude to:
  37. The need for change and adaptation
  38. Lifelong learning
  39. Public accountability
  40. Social responsibility
  41. Diversity of cultures, customs, value systems, means and needs of the population
  42. Animal welfare
  43. Professional ethics and values Critical cross-field outcomes:
  44. Problem - solving skills through integration of knowledge and critical analysis of available information and own observations
  45. Effective use of electronic aids, science and technology
  46. Effective participation in team/group work
  47. Leadership
  48. Ability to communicate effectively with due cognisance of the diversities involved
  49. Adaptation to change
  50. Lifelong learning
  51. Responsibility and devotion to duty and a deep sense of integrity
  52. Mature personality reflecting tolerance, patience and objectivity
  53. Dynamic, innovative yet ethical approach to professional work

Assessment Criteria

One

  • Demonstrated ability to interpret and integrate knowledge by meaningful participation in group discussions and satisfactory academic performance

Two

  1. Demonstrated ability to handle domestic animals in a manner conducive to the safety and well-being of all parties concerned
  2. Demonstrated ability to perform a complete physical examination and record the salient features of the examination
  3. Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge, insight, and own observations to derive a comprehensive list of motivated differential diagnoses
  4. Selecting and performing appropriate procedures to confirm/reject derived differential diagnoses without unnecessary additional costs
  5. Proven ability to select appropriate procedures, specimens, and tests without unnecessary additional costs
  6. Demonstrated ability to perform post mortem examinations and integrate information (tests and observations) to arrive at a correct etiological diagnosis without unnecessary additional cost
  7. Proven ability to understand and communicate with clients from all walks of life with due cognizance of the diversities involved
  8. Demonstrated ability to use computers for word processing, data capturing, and gathering of information
  9. Demonstrated ability to correctly administer medication by relevant routes of administration
  10. Demonstrated ability to perform basic clinical, surgical, theriogenological, and selected laboratory procedures in a safe, effective, and efficient manner

Three

  1. Proven/demonstrated ability to acquire and integrate knowledge, own observations, information gained from tests and procedures performed in arriving at a correct diagnosis prevention and/or management of disease provision of safe, sound, and wholesome food of animal origin-institution of corrective intervention aimed at the individual animal or at herds/flocks of animals based on risk-benefit assessment formulation of sound advice for subsistence as well as small and large-scale commercial producers and pet owners
  2. Demonstrated ability to integrate knowledge, skills, and competencies in performing routine medical, surgical, and theriogenological procedures and appropriate cost-effective intervention and treatment resulting in the recovery of the patient to the satisfaction of the owner
  3. Demonstrated ability to apply the basic principles of business management as it relates to veterinary science
  4. Demonstrated understanding of statute and common law and the veterinary ethical code in relation to public accountability, social responsibility, and professional conduct
  5. Proven ability to interpret scientific publications and derive valid conclusions
  6. Proven track-record of recognition of own limitations and ability to consult

Four

  • Demonstrated mature attitude to change, adaptation, lifelong learning, accountability, professional and societal responsibilities and values. Demonstration of tolerance and leadership capabilities
    1. Problem-solving skills through integration of knowledge and critical analysis of available information and own observations
    2. Effective use of electronic aids, science, and technology
    3. Effective participation in team/group work
    4. Leadership
    5. Ability to communicate effectively with due cognizance of the diversities involved
    6. Adaptation to change
    7. Lifelong learning
    8. Responsibility and devotion to duty and a deep sense of integrity
    9. Mature personality reflecting tolerance, patience, and objectivity
    10. Dynamic, innovative yet ethical approach to professional work

Integrated assessment

  • Portfolios
  • Simulations
  • Work-place assessments
  • Written examinations
  • Oral examinations
  • Other: Practical and clinical assessment, Computer-assisted assessment, Formative assessment, Summative assessment
  • Appropriate assessments are conducted on a continuous basis

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
720
SAQA Source
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University of Pretoria
University of Pretoria
Description
The University of Pretoria is a leading research-intensive university located in Pretoria, South Africa. Established in 1908, it is one of the largest universities in the country and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and social impact. It has a diverse student body and a vibrant campus life, with numerous clubs, societies, and sports facilities. The University of Pretoria is also recognized for its research contributions and collaborations with national and international partners.
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.