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Bioveterinary Science (BSc)

If you love animals, study Bioveterinary Science (BVS Degree) at Dalhousie's Truro campus - the only program of its kind in Canada. 

Program Type
Bachelor
Faculty
Unit
Location
Program Start
September and January
Program Options
Honours
Major

Why choose this program?

If you’re interested in a career in veterinary medicine, this program will provide you with the fundamental knowledge you need to launch into your education and career. You’ll be eligible to apply to veterinary schools after just two years.

Admission requirements

Minimum admission requirements

To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:

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

Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Program-specific admission requirements

Bachelor of Science Agriculture (Bioveterinary Science) requirements:   

  • Minimum overall average: 75% 

  • Academic English 12 

  • Pre-calculus Math 12* 

  • Three additional academic subjects 

*If you don't have the appropriate pre-calculus math class, but are otherwise qualified, you may be admitted with the stipulation that you take the relevant non-credit introductory studies class in first year prior to registering .

Bachelor of Science Agriculture (Bioveterinary Science) Honours requirements:

To enter the program, students enrolled in the BSc (Bioveterinary Science) Major program 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. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you. 

Program options

If you’re interested in a career in veterinary medicine, this program will provide you with the fundamental knowledge, and you’ll be eligible to apply to veterinary schools after just two years. By choosing the honors option, you can pursue research and further study in bioveterinary and animal science.

The following Bioveterinary Science program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  

  • Bachelor of Science Agriculture with Major

  • Bachelor of Science Agriculture with Honours

  • Certificates including Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare. 

What you will learn

The first two years of the program are designed to give you 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 your last two years, you will immerse yourself in courses that are central to understanding animal health.

Sample courses may include:

  • Overview of Animal Health Sciences,

  • Physics for Life Sciences

  •  Biology I 

  • Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

  • Cell Biology

  • Mammalian Physiology 

  • Veterinary Immunology

  • Veterinary Epidemiology 

  • Animal Health 

  • Companion Animal Biology

  • Animal Ethics

  • Animal Stress and Adaptation

The only Bioveterinary Science program in Canada, this four-year Bachelor of Science program gives you the foundation for a career in veterinary medicine, and opens up a world of other exciting options. 

Careers

Bioveterinary Science can be your launching point for a career as a veterinarian. Our graduates can also follow a wide range of other paths to success. The broad science education and specialized knowledge of animals you obtain in Bioveterinary Science prepares you for careers in animal nutrition, conservation, research, animal welfare and so much more.

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