Introduction to Programme

Programme’s purpose

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programme is designed to offer first-class scientific and clinical training in veterinary medicine.

An integrative approach has been adopted to deliver knowledge in a horizontal and vertical manner in order for the students to understand the multifaceted science underpinning veterinary practice and research. The programme enables students to understand the basic biological principles of normal body function and disease, and the ability to distinguish the pathological from the normal, to prevent disease and safely manage the processes of animal production. The primary educational goal of the DVM programme is to prepare graduates for a productive career within the veterinary medical profession, while at the same time give them a strong academic foundation to pursue a research career. The curriculum covers all the fundamental topics of veterinary medicine, including anatomy, animal husbandry, cells and genes, physiology, the concept of professionalism, epidemiology, infectious diseases and pathology. It is fully aligned with the One Health agenda and aims to establish close links with all stakeholders with the view to improve the public’s awareness of animal rights and protect and preserve a healthy ecosystem, which will safeguard the health of both animals and humans. Students will have the opportunity to learn the fundamental theoretical knowledge and develop clinical skills that will assist them to acquire the necessary day 1 skills and competencies to practise the veterinary profession whether choosing to work with companion, production or equine animals. In addition, they will be endowed with critical thinking skills and in-depth understanding of evidence-based medicine, which will prepare them to follow a research career path.

An inter-professional education (IPE) policy has been developed aiming at a multi-disciplinary, delivery scheme under the One Health concept ensuring that Veterinary students interact with students in related professional degrees. The IPE policy serves to strengthen the School’s Student-Centred Education Plan.

Programme Objectives

This programme of study provides students with the opportunity to receive high quality education in Veterinary Medicine. The general programme objectives are to:

1. Provide students with a strong foundation in the basic sciences and many opportunities to apply their knowledge.
2. Train graduates to acquire the necessary skills and competencies to evaluate patients, make diagnoses, treat a wide range of conditions, preserve the quality of life and alleviate pain of animals under their care.
3. Produce competent and caring graduates with decision-making skills, clinical skills, manual dexterity, and solid communication skills.
4. Encourage critical thinking, research, evidence-based decision making and lifelong learning.
5. Offer students primary care learning opportunities to better prepare veterinary graduates for entry-level practice and provision of affordable care.
6. Nurture interest in animal welfare, ethics, and public policy, One Health and international veterinary medicine.
7. Enhance student competencies in non-technical skills such as communications, financial literacy and business management.
8. Help students to gain a broad understanding of diversity and cultural competencies.
9. Provide students inter-professional learning opportunities, by bringing together students from different professions and encouraging them to work together to reach a common goal: improve patient health outcomes.
10. Deliver student-centred teaching that facilitates active learning and understanding.