Work covers subjects which lead to the understanding of the normal and abnormal animal, how disease is produced, and how animals and their welfare are managed in the agricultural and companion animal industries. These frameworks also link to particular subjects of the BVSc course or are a synthesis of skills acquired across the whole course. Lectures and practical work are required in almost all subjects. Laboratory experiments, demonstrations, clinical work and vacation work on farms and with veterinarians reinforce the theoretical content of lectures. Students work under supervision in the Veterinary Clinic and Hospital at Werribee in conditions similar to those they will encounter after graduating.
Some practical work involving the use of animals in experiments is an essential part of the course.
Students will be enrolled in a veterinary science stream within the BSc course and must pass all subjects to be able to proceed to the first year of the BVSc course. The veterinary science course is a set course which means all subjects must be studied and completed satisfactorily. Some subjects are year long, with the others taught only in either Semester 1 or 2. Each subject in a year must be passed to pass the year and to be able to proceed to the next year of the course. In addition to formal classes in listed subjects, practical work requirements linked to specific subjects must be completed between academic semesters or terms and between years.