Program Overview

Bioveterinary Science (BSc) Program

The Bioveterinary Science program at Dalhousie University is a unique and comprehensive undergraduate degree that provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for a career in veterinary medicine. This four-year Bachelor of Science program is the only one of its kind in Canada and is designed to give students a broad science education and specialized knowledge of animals.

Program Type and Faculty

The Bioveterinary Science program is a Bachelor's degree offered by the Faculty of Agriculture at Dalhousie University. The program is located at the Truro campus and starts in September and January.

Program Options

The Bioveterinary Science program offers several options, including:

• Bachelor of Science Agriculture with Major
• Bachelor of Science Agriculture with Honours
• Minors in a range of subjects, including Animal Agriculture and Equine Science
• Certificates, including Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Bioveterinary Science program, students must meet the minimum academic criteria, which include:

1. Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
2. Achievement of the minimum average for the program of choice
3. Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course)

In addition to the minimum admission requirements, the program has specific requirements, including:

• Minimum overall average: 75%
• Academic English 12
• Pre-calculus Math 12 (or equivalent)
• Three additional academic subjects

For students who do not have the appropriate pre-calculus math class, admission may be conditional upon completing a Grade 12 pre-calculus equivalent upgrading course before arriving at Dalhousie.

Honours Requirements

To enter the Honours program, students must:

• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher after their second year of study
• Identify and gain the support of a thesis supervisor at the start of their third year of studies

Financial Information

A university education is a significant financial investment. Dalhousie University offers competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help students explore financial options and develop a plan that works for them.

Program Curriculum

The first two years of the program are designed to give students the prerequisites needed to apply to veterinary college, including biology, chemistry, mathematics, and English composition, in addition to courses targeted to the bioveterinary sciences. In the last two years, students will immerse themselves in courses that are central to understanding animal health.

Sample courses may include:

Year 1

• Overview of Animal Health Sciences
• Physics for Life Sciences
• Biology I

Year 2

• Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
• Cell Biology
• Mammalian Physiology

Year 3

• Veterinary Immunology
• Veterinary Epidemiology
• Animal Health

Year 4

• Companion Animal Biology
• Animal Ethics
• Animal Stress and Adaptation

Careers

The Bioveterinary Science program can be a launching point for a career as a veterinarian. Graduates can also follow a wide range of other paths to success, including:

• Veterinarian
• Wildlife Conservation Officer
• Food Promotion and Inspection Officer
• Animal Nutrition Specialist

After completing an Honours degree in Bioveterinary Science, students will be well-prepared to pursue graduate studies in areas such as animal science, animal conservation, zoology, or animals and public policy.