University of Guelph 1997-98 Undergraduate Calendar

X--Degree Programs

Program Information

Objectives of the Program

  1. The graduates should have the knowledge and skills appropriate to their career orientations and sufficient to allow the pursuit of a variety of careers in veterinary medicine, including graduate studies. They should be able to pass the examinations of all Canadian licensing bodies and must possess a fundamental core of academic veterinary science knowledge and of technical competence.
  2. The graduates must be able to solve animal health problems and must have knowledge of the management of domestic animals and the functioning of the various animal industries.
  3. The graduates must be able to communicate effectively, whether writing scientific papers, or conversing with clients. The ability to relate to people is an acquired skill that must be encouraged during the program of study.
  4. Through a commitment to continuing education, the graduates must accept the professional responsibility to stay abreast of new developments and to pursue solutions to new problems.
  5. The graduates must have a genuine concern for the welfare of all animals. The graduates should be aware of their responsibilities to the profession in terms of ethical and professional conduct and have an understanding of the moral questions facing veterinarians.
  6. The graduates must have had the opportunity during their university tenure to develop a range of non- veterinary interests sufficient to equip them to take a responsible role in society.

Regulations for Licence to Practise

Graduates are eligible to practise in Canada, but the degree in veterinary medicine does not in itself confer the right to practise. For information on matters relative to licence to practise in the various provinces of Canada, students should communicate with the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, 339 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1R 7K1, who will refer them to the appropriate provincial veterinary association.

Admission to the Veterinary Medicine Program

Students wishing to enter the program of study leading to the degree Doctor of Veterinary Medicine must first complete certain university courses beyond the level of the SSGHD or SSGD, including 6 OAC's. Complete details on admission requirements and procedures for the Pre-Veterinary Year are listed in Section IV - Admission Information.

Conditions for Progression from the Pre-Veterinary Year to First Semester D.V.M.

In order to be eligible to proceed from the Pre-Veterinary Year to the 1st semester of the D.V.M. program, a student will be expected to obtain a minimum of pass standing in all course attempts taken after admission to the Pre-Veterinary Year. In addition, a student is to attain grades of 60% or better on at least 60% of all course attempts taken after admission to the Pre-Veterinary Year either at the University of Guelph or at another post-secondary institution. Those students who fail to satisfy these criteria are likely to be prohibited from proceeding to the 1st semester of the D.V.M. program.

In order to qualify for progression to the 1st semester of the D.V.M. program, the student must have successfully completed a minimum of 20 semester courses including the following specific requirements. Courses taken for purposes of admission to the Pre-Veterinary Year may be counted and need not be repeated.

If all the courses (or approved equivalents) of the Pre-Veterinary year have been completed satisfactorily, attendance at college or university is not required. Such students may be offered admission directly to semester 1 of the D.V.M. program if a place is available. Students accepted for the Pre-Veterinary Year must have their proposed program of study approved by the Assistant Dean, Ontario Veterinary College, prior to registration in the Fall semester.

Total Course Requirements

(including 1 semester course in each of microbiology and genetics).

(including at least 1 semester course in biochemistry.)

(either 2 arts and 1 social science, or 2 social sciences and 1 arts are required.)

(including at least 1 semester course in calculus.)

Total: (20 courses)

Practical Experience

Veterinary students should have had some practical farm experience since a sensitivity for the problems of animal agriculture and for the problems encountered by veterinarians is essential. Students are urged to take every opportunity to work with livestock producers and veterinarians in situations which will provide them with a realistic outlook of Canadian animal production and veterinary practice.

Conditions for Continuation of Study

The criteria for continuation of study are stated in Section VIII, Undergraduate Degree Regulations & Procedures.

In addition:

  1. A student who achieves a final grade of 40-49% in any course or has failed to complete the components of the examination and received an incomplete grade should be referred to Academic Review. (Note: a student who receives a final grade of less than 40% is not eligible for consideration).
  2. A student who achieves a failing grade in more than one course over the Fall/Winter semester will not normally be granted a supplemental privilege in any course. The student will be required to repeat the failed courses (Section VIII, Undergraduate Degree Regulations & Procedures). Effectively, for students in the D.V.M. program, this will mean that the student will be required to repeat the failed course, thus, effectively repeating the year. Academic Review will not normally create exceptions to this policy.
  3. A student will be allowed to fail a particular course only once. Therefore, the student will normally be required to withdraw from the program at the second failure. A supplemental privilege will not be granted for a second failure in a course.
  4. A student who achieves a final grade of 40-49% in only one course over the year will be eligible for consideration for a Supplemental Privilege (Section VIII, Undergraduate Degree Regulations & Procedures).
  5. Continuation of study from 1 year to another is dependent on successful completion of all courses, or approved equivalents, in the published schedule of studies.
  6. The DVM program is offered as a full-time program and normally requires 8 semesters to complete. In exceptional extenuating circumstances, the Academic Review committee may allow a student to take courses on a part-time basis. In these instances, the Academic review Committee has the discretion to select the courses. Student taking courses on a part-time basis are cautioned that there is an enrolment limitation for the program and that access to certain courses or resumption of the program on a full-time basis will be conditional on the availability of space.

Conditions for Graduation

In order to qualify for graduation from the 8 semester Honours D.V.M. program, the student must have completed successfully the courses approved for the program and at least 60% of all course attempts in the D.V.M. program must be at a grade of 60% or better.

Withdrawal from the Program

Students who have voluntarily withdrawn from the D.V.M. program and who wish to return must give notice to the Assistant Dean, O.V.C., of their intention to return by May 1 if they wish to return in September or January of the upcoming academic year. Students contemplating a withdrawal from the program are cautioned that there is an enrolment limitation for the program and that re-entry will be conditional on the availability of space. The Program Committee reserves the right to select the quota from among the qualified applicants.

Protective Clothing

All D.V.M. students will require 3 laboratory coats and 3 pairs of coveralls. Students in semesters 5 and 6 must also have 3 surgical suits. Semesters 7 and 8 students will require an additional 1 of each of the 3 types of protective clothing. Labels with each student's name must be affixed to all items of clothing. All soiled clothing must be laundered through the Veterinary Teaching Hospital's "dirty-in /clean-out" plan. Students must wear steel-capped shoes or boots in the large animal clinic and rubber boots in pathology laboratories. A pair of white shoes and a pair of obstetrical boots must be available in semesters 7 and 8. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital will not provide extra protective clothing, however, short white jackets will be provided by the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for semesters 7 and 8 students during the small animal medicine rotation.

Estimate of Expenses

Attention is drawn to Section VI, Schedule of Fees for information on tuition, University student organizations and rabies immunization required for all students in the program. In addition, while the college supplies most laboratory equipment, students may wish to purchase instruments for personal use. Texts, protective clothing, and a minimum of supplies for personal use may cost approximately $500 per semester.

Health and Safety

Students must follow the health and safety policies required for the various courses in the veterinary program. Pregnant students and others with increased medical risks should consult Health Services concerning potential health risks which may occur during the normal course of their studies.

1998-99 Undergraduate Calendar
X--Degree Programs
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - D.V.M.

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For general calendar inquiries contact: sdorr@registrar.uoguelph.ca
Last revised: November 4, 1997.