Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience)

Inherent Requirements are the fundamental aspects of a degree that must be met by all students. 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 applications. By applying for this program, you acknowledge these Inherent Requirements and Vaccination Guidelines.

If you have a temporary or permanent medical condition or disability that may impact on your study in the veterinary science degrees, you should reach out to the University’s Access and Inclusion support areas as soon as possible to discuss whether reasonable study adjustments can be made without compromising the inherent requirements for veterinary registration. Such conditions may include, but are not restricted to, learning disabilities, mental health problems, sensory and physical disabilities, life-threatening allergies, and immunosuppressive conditions.

Inherent Requirements Statement: Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

1.   Observation

Observational skills (vision, hearing, smell and touch) are required as part of this program.  

Observational skills that are required include:

At a distance

• Observing the broader environment e.g. observing multiple patients, monitors, animal housing and different components of the experience
• Precise and rapid reaction to sensory stimuli e.g. identifying hazards and safety issues and reacting within a limited timeframe.

Close at hand

• Gathering and interpreting data within a limited time frame e.g. patient notes, imaging and laboratory results, hand-written and computer documents, printed material, test results and medication charts, clinical and pathological specimens.
• Recognising and interpreting sensory stimuli relating to vision, hearing, smell and touch.

2. Communication

Communication skills are required as part of this program. 

The communication skills that are required include:

Speech

Capacity/ability to:

• speak to elicit information
• instruct and describe as necessary
• be understood by others.

Hearing

Capacity/ability to:

• hear in order to gather and organise information provided
• differentiate sounds, background noise, alarms and speech
• participate in group discussions and client communication.

Observation

Capacity/ability to:

• perceive non-verbal communication
• interpret distress, a change in mood, activity or posture in people
• perceive normal and abnormal behaviour of animals
• interpret distress, a change in demeanour, activity or posture in animals.

Writing

Capacity/ability to:

• document ideas and information accurately
• construct legible handwriting.

Reading

Capacity/ability to:

• read and understand information in a variety of formats, including handwritten, printed text, on- line information, graphs and diagrams.

3. Motor

Motor skills are required as part of this program. 

The fine motor skills that are required include: 

Capacity/ability to:

• manipulate instruments
• use hand eye coordination to complete tasks as necessary
• gather and interpret information through touch
• perform and/or assist at diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

The gross motor skills and mobility that are required include:

Capacity/ability to:

• maintain a standing position while using both upper limbs for another task
• undertake physical or manual tasks e.g. moving or positioning equipment, handling and restraint of laboratory animals, companion animals (cats, dogs and other pets), horse and livestock species, percussion or palpation, manipulation and mobilization of animal body parts
• manoeuvre around equipment and animals, in confined spaces, and over defined distances
• assist with animal transfers and movement.

4. Intellectual-conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities

Intellectual-conceptual, integrative and numerical abilities are required as part of this program (e.g. recalling information without reference, mathematical and drug calculations).

Timeliness (e.g. completing a task in a safe/appropriate time frame) is a factor in relation to intellectual-conceptual, integrative and numerical skills required as part of this program.

(e.g. problem solving, reasoning and synthesis of information occur within a clinical context in which decisions and actions are required within defined timeframes)

The types of reasoning that are required include:

Capacity/ability for:

• scientific reasoning
• evidence based decision-making
• consistent judgments
• clinical reasoning and logical thought
• ethical reasoning and practice.

The types of problem-solving that are required include:

Capacity/ability to:

• prioritise veterinary medical problems
• break problems down into their component parts
• prioritise tasks and workload appropriately
• undertake and interpret measurements and calculations. 

The ability to synthesise information that is required includes:

Capacity/ability to:

• apply learned information in decision-making
• utilise conceptual frameworks to guide practice
• identify and apply important and relevant information
• assess and diagnose (assess and interpret information to define a problem and develop diagnostic, treatment and client education plans).

5. Behavioural, social and ethical

Behavioural and social skills, as well as ethical conduct are required as part of this program.

The behavioural skills that are required include:

Capacity/ability to:

• function effectively in stressful situations e.g euthanasia and client communications
• deal with uncertainties in a constructive manner
• demonstrate consistent cognitive function
• demonstrate sufficient self-awareness to manage fluctuations in health and emotional status
• reasonably adapt to change
• maintain logical and realistic thinking patterns.

The social skills that are required include:

Capacity/ability to:

• perceive, recognise and respond appropriately to emotion
• perceive and respect relationship barriers
• demonstrate personal insight in regards to safe and professional practice
• interact constructively with patients and colleagues from a variety of cultural backgrounds
• communicate sensitively with others, and with cultural awareness.

The ethical conduct required includes:

Capacity/ability to:

• adhere to the University policies on academic conduct
• adhere to the Animal Welfare Act 1985 and Animal Welfare Regulations 2000 of South Australia
• adhere to the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 Veterinary Practice Regulations 2005 of South Australia
• adhere to other State and Federal Acts and Regulations of relevance to the practice of veterinary medicine
• avoid conduct endangering the health, safety or welfare of animals
• avoid conduct which would bring into disrepute the veterinary profession or the University.

Examples of unethical behaviour include:

• falsifying medical records or certificates
• wilfully withholding medical treatments ordered by the veterinary clinician in charge of a patient
• betraying a client confidence or patient confidentiality
• animal cruelty, whether by acts of commission or omission
• misuse of pharmaceuticals
• cheating, plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty.

6. Vaccinations

Capacity/ability to:

• Adhere to SAVS Vaccination Guidelines (which includes the requirement for all Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students to be vaccinated against Q Fever, unless initial skin test indicates pre-existing immunity.

1. Purpose

These guidelines set out the University’s requirements and procedures for student / study related vaccinations in this area of study. 

2. Scope

These guidelines cover students in the Bachelor of Science (Animal Science), Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour), Bachelor of Veterinary Technology, Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and related Honours, Masters and PhD programs. 

3. Q Fever 

3.1 General 

Q Fever is an infectious disease caused by the microorganism Coxiella burnetii. The main carriers of the disease are farm animals (such as cattle, sheep and goats), but other animals such as kangaroos, bandicoots and birds, as well as domestic pets such as dogs and cats can also be infected. The bacteria are spread in the urine, faeces and milk, but birth fluids, the fetus and the placenta are the most dangerous sources. When infected fluids dry out, the bacteria can remain alive in the dust for years. 

The organism is highly infectious, very resistant to environmental extremes and is classified as a Risk Group 3 organism requiring highly specialised containment facilities and is a notifiable disease in Australia. 

The University has the responsibility to ensure that students are adequately protected against this vaccine preventable disease. 

A vaccine for Q Fever, Q Vax (CSL), is licensed in Australia for prevention of human Q fever infection and consists of a purified, killed suspension of C.burnetii. Vaccination of humans is highly effective and produces long-lasting (probably lifelong) immunity. An initial skin and blood test is done prior to vaccination with Q Fever to ensure there has been no previous exposure (and therefore no natural antibodies).

3.2 Vaccination requirements 

• Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students must be vaccinated against Q Fever (unless initial skin test indicates pre-existing immunity). 
• Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) must be vaccinated against Q Fever (unless initial skin test indicates pre-existing immunity). 
• Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour) students are strongly advised to be vaccinated against Q Fever (unless initial skin test indicates pre-existing immunity). 
• Bachelor of Veterinary Technology students must be vaccinated against Q Fever (unless initial skin test indicates pre-existing immunity). 
• Honours, Masters and PhD students working in, visiting, or servicing areas housing the animals identified above (such as stockyards, abattoirs, shearing sheds) or areas where animal tissues, carcasses or waste products are handled or processed must be vaccinated (unless initial skin test indicates pre-existing immunity). 

3.3 Vaccination providers 

Students must organise their own vaccinations. There are numerous Approved Q Fever vaccination providers available. The University has three suggested providers: Tanunda Medical Centre (08 8563 2777), Travel Health Practitioner (0431 388 742) and University Health Centre (08 7095 0273). 

3.4 Evidence of vaccination 

Students who must be vaccinated need to provide documentation showing their Q Fever status to the University (preferably as soon as possible but by the last day of the first teaching period of their studies. If a student has not complied with the above requirement they may be unable to take part in practicals and placements and may be at risk of being removed from their respective program. The University will maintain a list of each student’s Q Fever status and monitor compliance.

3.5 Inherent requirements 

For students in the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine it is a condition and an Inherent Requirement of both these programs that students must be vaccinated against Q Fever (unless initial skin test indicates pre-existing immunity). Students who are not vaccinated for Q fever may not be permitted to participate in some teaching activities, placements or visit on-site at some facilities (e.g. abattoirs, cattle, sheep and goat farms, stockyards) and consequently this may result in their inability to complete the relevant course or program requirements and they could be unable to the graduate from the program. 

If it is determined that inherent requirements cannot be met, University staff can provide guidance regarding other study options that do not have this inherent requirement.

3.6 Extenuating medical grounds 

Students who cannot be vaccinated for valid health reasons must supply a medical certificate from a recognised medical practitioner (either a general practitioner or specialist doctor registered in Australia to provide medical services through Medicare, or a panel doctor approved by the Australian Government to conduct medical tests in overseas countries for immigration purposes) and lodge it with the University by the first teaching period of their studies. 

4. Influenza

All students are advised to be vaccinated against Influenza (flu shots). However, they are not required, organised or paid for by the University for any individual. 

5. Tetanus

A Tetanus booster may be required for those at risk of Tetanus. These are persons in workshops, on farms and who attend field trips. This is dependent on the level of exposure and type of activity being undertaken. Individuals are advised to maintain tetanus booster if required based on their own individual assessment. Tetanus vaccinations will not be covered by the University. 

6. Australian bat lyssa virus (ABLV) 

Australian bat lyssa virus is very closely related to classical rabies virus, both members of the family Rhabdoviridae, genus Lyssavirus. Three cases of a fatal rabies-like illness caused by ABLV have been reported in Australia, one in 1996, one in 1998 and the other in 2013. All had been bitten or scratched by bats. Evidence of ABLV infection has since been identified in all 4 species of Australian fruit bats (flying foxes) and in several species of Australian insectivorous bats. It should therefore be assumed that all Australian bats have the potential to be infected with ABLV. The vaccine for classical rabies also protects against ABLV, as does the post-exposure treatment. For more information refer to: Australian Immunisation Handbook. 

All students who are likely to be handling bats during the course of their work or study, must be vaccinated appropriately and, to demonstrate successful vaccination, have a blood test to demonstrate a sufficient antibody titre (>1.0 IU/mL). This titre should be re-checked every 2 years, and once the titre falls below the critical threshold, a booster vaccination should be sought. Failure to comply will result in students being declined permission to work with bats. This will be determined by the appropriate academic/supervisor. Be aware that vaccinations take one month to complete and that you are not considered to be fully protected until 2 weeks after the last injection. 

Unvaccinated students who have not followed the protocols and have been bitten or scratched by a bat should seek medical attention within 24 hours.

7. COVID-19 vaccination 

Students are encouraged (if able) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as it reduces both the risk of transmission of the virus and the health impact. Please note that some placement sites will only take students who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 so not being vaccinated may limit available placements. Students are encouraged to upload evidence on their COVID-19 vaccination to the ‘Checks’ tab in Sonia. 

8. Pregnancy

There are special issues for pregnant students in terms of exposure to pathogens and vaccines. Students who are pregnant should seek advice from their medical practitioner regarding issues relevant to their own situation.

9. Vaccinations for overseas travel 

Students who undertake placements overseas need to consider the relevant vaccinations relative to the country and species they will be working with e.g. rabies. 

10. Vaccination costs - students 

All costs association with testing and vaccination must be paid for by the student. The cost of testing and vaccinations vary from provider to provider. The consultation fee at a GP may be covered by Medicare and the vaccination may be covered by some private health insurance companies. Students are advised to consult their private health insurance provider regarding associated costs with vaccines.

Submission of your application (by yourself or an agent acting on your behalf) is your agreement that you have:

• Read and understand the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) admission information presented on this page
• Read, understand and believe you will meet the Inherent Requirements 
• Read, understand and agree to the Vaccination Guidelines. 

and is your agreement to the requirements below:

The Australian Veterinary Board Council Inc (AVBC) is the Australian body responsible for accrediting veterinary science programs. At Adelaide University, the veterinary science program comprises of two degrees: the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) and the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. To practise as a veterinarian, students need to complete both degrees (6 years in total). Graduates are eligible for registration as veterinarians in all states and territories of Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Kingdom. In order to meet these professional expectations, graduates must be able to demonstrate their ability to perform various animal handling, manipulative, therapeutic and diagnostic techniques. The Veterinary Surgeons Board or Veterinary Practitioners Board in any state or territory of Australia may refuse to register a person not deemed fit to practise veterinary science by reason of infirmity, injury, mental or physical illness, habitual drunkenness or addiction to a deleterious drug. In order to meet and maintain accreditation standards with the AVBC, Adelaide University is required to train graduate students who are eligible to be registered as veterinarians.

The Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) and the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine together form a broad program. It is a requirement of the accreditation of the program that graduates have the skills to practice veterinary medicine and surgery across all species of domestic animals and common wildlife species. All veterinary science students must demonstrate the ethical, physical and emotional capacity to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the level of competence required by the University in order to graduate and be registrable as a veterinarian. 

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 applications. By applying for this program, applicants acknowledge these Inherent Requirements and Vaccination Guidelines.

If you have a temporary or permanent medical condition or disability that may impact on your study in the veterinary science degrees, you should reach out to the University’s Access and Inclusion support areas as soon as possible to discuss whether reasonable study adjustments can be made without compromising the inherent requirements for veterinary registration. Such conditions may include, but are not restricted to, learning disabilities, mental health problems, sensory and physical disabilities, life-threatening allergies, and immunosuppressive conditions.

There will be additional costs, over and above tuition fees for all veterinary students. This includes (but is not limited to) textbooks, equipment, required immunisations, student amenities fees etc. 

For more information visit our non-tuition fees page.