Bioveterinary Science (BSc)
If you are interested in animal health or veterinary medicine, this program gives you a strong place to start. It is the only program of its kind in Canada and focuses on both science and real-world experience.
Why choose this program?
Build a strong foundation in science, along with focused knowledge of animal health and care.
You love animals and are curious about their biology and, physiology, passionate about improving their health and welfare, and seek the fundamental knowledge you need to launch your education and career.
This program will provide you with the prerequisites and support to apply to veterinary schools (some after just 2 years), graduate studies, and achieve other career goals.
Careers
Bioveterinary Science can be your starting point for a career in animal health sciences, including veterinary medicine. Using your science and animal knowledge, you will find opportunities in animal nutrition, conservation, research, and animal welfare.
This degree prepares you for many paths in animal science and health. While many use it as a pathway to veterinary medicine, others will use the broad, science-based education and specialized knowledge of animals to find careers in animal nutrition, conservation, research, animal welfare, and so much more.
You will find many of our graduates in veterinary clinics and related sectors across the country.
What you will learn
The first two years of the program will provide you with the prerequisites needed should you decide to apply to veterinary school, including:
- biology
- chemistry
- mathematics
- English composition
in addition to courses in the bioveterinary sciences.
In your last two years, you will immerse yourself in courses that are central to understanding animal physiology, health, and welfare.
Sample courses
Overview of Animal Health Sciences
Physics for Life Sciences
Biology
Companion Animal Behaviour
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Cell Biology
Mammalian Physiology
Introduction to Aquaculture
Veterinary Immunology
Veterinary Epidemiology
Animal Health
Wildlife Ecology and Management
Companion Animal Biology
Animal Ethics
Animal Stress and Adaptation
Zoonotic Diseases
Hands-on experience
You’ll have the unique opportunity to gain beneficial hands-on experience working with many different species, through courses, extra-curricular activities, and volunteer opportunities. These experiences are useful when applying for veterinary schools and other related programs or employment.
Customize your degree
By choosing the honours option, you can pursue research and further study in bioveterinary and animal science.
Options for focused degree specialization in unique concentrations help to provide you with a diverse educational resume upon graduation from the program. Options for program specializations include
animal welfare
equine science
aquaculture
Equine Science, Aquaculture, Environmental Science
Animal Welfare, Food, Agriculture and Sustainability, Organic Agriculture
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 animal health sciences along with a world of other exciting options.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- 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 on the condition that you complete a Grade 12 pre-calculus equivalent upgrading course before you arrive at Dalhousie.
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.
