School of Veterinary Sciences Dr Louisa Slingsby
So you want to be a vet? Remember: There are many jobs that involve working with and for the benefit of animals that are not being a vet Most people only think of the veterinary field when asked for careers with animals but check out http://www.vetnetlln.ac.uk/
School of Veterinary Sciences Veterinary Science Veterinary Nursing and Bioveterinary Science Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science
School of Veterinary Sciences Vet Sci VNBS ABWS Course duration 5 years 4 years 3 years A level subjects Chem, Bio plus one other Chem, Bio plus one other A level grades AAA BBC ABB? BTEC extended diploma in science/ animal related GCSE DDD plus A in A level Chemistry Min 6 @ A including Double Science, Maths and English DMM plus B in A level Chemistry Min 5 @ A-C including Science, Maths and English Bio plus at least one other Science/ Maths DMM including D plus B at A-level in Bio/ Chem/ Physics Min 5 @ A-C including Science, Maths and English
School of Veterinary Sciences Number of applicants Vet Sci VNBS ABWS 1450 290 220 Places 150 25 18 Interview? Yes Yes No Post offer visit day? Work experience required for application? No No Yes Yes Yes Desirable
Teaching and assessment Online Learning Environment (Blackboard) Lectures, seminars, small group DSE Small and large group practical classes Large use of E-biolabs for preclinical sciences Assessments exams (written and MCQ), OSCE, group DSE, online quizzes
Years 1-3 Based in Bristol Langford 1 or 2 days per week Hands on from day 1
Years 4 and 5 Full time at Langford Extended Final Year Core 21 weeks Track 5 weeks Elective 3 weeks Plus approx 16 weeks EMS Professional studies
Vet Sci Course Structure First year Animal Health Science This encompasses and integrates the traditional science disciplines of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry with an emphasis on clinical relevance. Professional Studies First year units on communication skills, professional conduct, ethics and the law, business management, health and safety, and learning, study and investigation. Animal Husbandry, Welfare and One Health First year units on Animal Management, Husbandry, Welfare, Veterinary Public Health and Global and One Health.
Vet Sci Course Structure Second year Animal Health Science Continuation from Year 1 for part of Year 2. Animal Disease This encompasses and integrates the disciplines of Immunology, Pathology, Parasitology, Microbiology and Pharmacology, which are primarily taught in Year 2. Professional Studies Second year units on the five elements outlined above. Animal Husbandry, Welfare and One Health Second year units on the elements outlined above.
Vet Sci Course Structure Third year Animal Disease Continuation from Year 2 for part of Year 3. Clinical Management This encompasses Basic Clinical Science, Theraputics, Farm and Companion Animal Sciences. Professional Studies Third year units Animal Husbandry, Welfare and One Health Third year units
Vet Sci Course Structure Fourth year Clinical Management Continuation of elements outlined above. Professional Studies Fourth year units Animal Husbandry, Welfare and One Health Fourth year units
Vet Sci Course Structure Fifth year Clinical Management Extended final year and the opportunity to track and undertake an elective. Professional Studies Final year units Animal Husbandry, Welfare and One Health Final year units
Teaching resources Clinical Skills Lab Farm
On site teaching First Opinion
On site teaching - referral
On site Abattoir
On site diagnostic laboratory Haematology, Cytology, Biochemistry Endocrinology Clinical microbiology (bacteriology, parasitology, feline virology and serology), molecular diagnostics (PCR) Histopathology Clinical immunology Lab
Equine Surgery
Surgery and Imaging
Getting onto the Vet Course How to maximise your chances Dr Louisa Slingsby
From UCAS application to a place at Bristol Academic scoring (GCSE 15%, A level 15%) Personal statement scoring (70%) Top ~ 500 selected to interview Places offered to top ~ 250
Ask yourself Do I really know what the degree course involves? Do I have a reasonably realistic idea of the job of a vet? Do I have the personal attributes which mean I can be a good vet? Am I mentally resilient?
What s the competition? Bristol has about 12 applicants per place Most will apply to 4 vet schools Actual overall odds are 1 in 3
Why are the grades so high? Course is 9-5 every day with afternoon off on Wednesday. Vast amount of information delivered You need to be able to understand almost all of it when delivered No time to dig deeper and learn by first principles
Reconsider if You don t like science You struggle with Chemistry You struggle with Maths You struggle with English You don t cope well with exams
What if I don t get anything like the correct grades Why is this the case? Is this the right course for you? Our admissions office are happy to offer advice vet-ug-admissions@bristol.ac.uk
WHAT ELSE DO WE LOOK FOR IN ADDITION TO ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS? Work Experience Personal Achievement Responsibilities Interests Outside of School
Work Experience
How much? Vet 4 or more weeks at more than 1 practice Animal 4 or more weeks at a good mix of places E.g. horse, dairy, cat, dog, beef, sheep, wildlife, zoo, laboratory, abbatoir
Why vet WE? Realistic idea of the veterinary profession Roles of a vet within a specific area How the roles can vary within a specific area The different types of jobs that vets do Think about the advantages and disadvantages of the profession
Why animal WE? Experience in a range of different animal environments Experience with different species of animals: handling, feeding, housing etc Understand the issues facing farms, catteries, stables etc Appreciate the needs of the users of the veterinary profession
Hints and tips (1) Be punctual, polite and professional Dress appropriately Do not take photos/ film without permission Do not post anything in social media without permission Take care of yourself (health and safety)
Hints and tips (2) Try to do as wide a range of things as possible Find out how the business works Pay attention Always make sure you understand the instructions Nothing is beneath you
Hints and tips (3) Be keen Ask questions Keep a journal or diary Do some research of your own Learn the basics (vaccination, parasites, cleaning, basic husbandry, fertility etc)
You might be asked to Do jobs that you find smelly or boring Push yourself outside your comfort zone Take responsibility for specific tasks Stay for long hours
Personal Achievement, Responsibilities, Interests Outside of School
Non Academic Personal Achievement I am really proud that I. Could be: Musical, dramatic, sporting Challenge Organisational Learning something new Charity Job related
Responsibilities/ contributions I lead/ care for/ coach/ train/teach.. Could be: School roles Sports, drama, music organisations Voluntary organisations Family Job related
Interests outside school I like to relax by; I enjoy. Could be Sport, music or drama Books, film, theatre, games Creative (painting, designing, baking) Being with others