Veterinary Medicine
Augustana provides an excellent environment in which to pursue pre-veterinary studies. The smaller student population produces smaller class sizes in which students are able to have greater direct interaction with their instructors than is possible at a larger institution. Also, the core curriculum at Augustana ensures that students are exposed to the full range of the liberal arts and sciences - an excellent background for a professional to draw upon when dealing with the public. In addition, our senior students are eligible to apply for student laboratory assistantships.
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan is the only veterinary school in western Canada. Hence, students with residence in the western provinces should direct their academic training toward meeting the admission requirements of WCVM. Although WCVM does allow students to apply for admission to veterinary school after only 60 credits (two full years) of university education, Augustana advises that a student pursue - if not obtain - a 4-year degree in biology or chemistry. Working towards a degree provides the time required to gain both the academic and volunteer experience necessary to be competitive in an application to veterinary school.
The Department of Science has prepared a couple of possible 4-year pre-veterinary programs (shown below). These are intended only as a guide. Since Augustana is located in western Canada, the pre-vet programs outlined below are tailored to meeting the requirements of WCVM; the WCVM requirements are marked with asterisks (*) in the course listings below (WCVM also requires 6cr in English, 6cr in Chemistry - not including organic, and 15cr in electives). It is advisable that students plan their preveterinary program such that they meet the admission requirements of a number of veterinary schools to cover the possibility that their first choice does not accept them.
Please Note: Institutions reserve the right to change program requirements without notice. Students should therefore check directly with their school(s) of choice to receive a current program description and its requirements. Current program information for WCVM may be obtained from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine website.
The first year of pre-veterinary medicine is the same regardless of the student's degree program.
| Year 1 | |
| AUBIO 110 and 130 - Evolution of Biological Diversity and Cell Biology | 6 cr |
| AUCHE 110 and 112 - General Chemistry | 6 cr |
| AUENG 103 and 104 - Literature | 6 cr |
| AUMAT or AUSTA | 6 cr |
| AUPHY | 6 cr |
|
Total:
|
30 cr |
Subsequent senior years tend to diverge depending upon the degree program.
Please note that some senior courses (eg. Biochemistry and Microbiology) may be offered in alternate years. Hence, some courses may be taken in the second, third, or fourth year of a student's degree program, depending upon the course's scheduled rotation. The following schedule of courses is, therefore, only a suggestion.
4-Year Major in Biology
| Year 2 | |
| AUBIO 253 - Principles of Ecology | 3 cr |
| AUBIO 260 - Principles of Genetics | 3 cr |
| AUBIO 280 - Biochemistry I | 3 cr |
| AUCHE 250 and 252 - Organic Chemistry | 6 cr |
| Option1 | 3 cr |
| core curriculum | 12 cr |
|
Total:
|
30 cr |
| Year 3 | |
| AUBIO xxx- Biological Diversity2 | 6 cr |
| AUBIO 274 - Microbiology3 | 3 cr |
| AUBIO 381 - Biochemistry II3 | 3 cr |
| AUBIO option4 | 6 cr |
| core curriculum | 12 cr |
|
Total:
|
30 cr |
| Year 4 | |
| AUBIO 338 - Developmental Biology3 | 3 cr |
| AUBIO 411 - History and Theory of Biology | 3 cr |
| AUBIO options3 | 12 cr |
| core curriculum | 9 cr |
| options | 3 cr |
|
Total:
|
30 cr |
1 AUPHY 250 recommended.
2 From Vertebrates (AUBIO 245), Plants (AUBIO 222), Microbiology (AUBIO 275), or Invertebrates (AUBIO 294).
3 Some senior courses are offered in alternate years. Check the current University Calendar.
4 Recommended BIO options for pre-veterinary students include Vertebrate Physiology (AUBIO 397), Histology (AUBIO 336), and Immunology (AUBIO 471).
4-Year Major in Chemistry
| Year 2 | |
| AUCHE 230 - Inorganic Chemistry I | 3 cr |
| AUCHE 250 and 252 - Organic Chemistry | 6 cr |
| AUCHE 381 - Biochemistry II | 3 cr |
| AUBIO 274 - Microbiology1 | 3 cr |
| core curriculum | 15 cr |
|
Total:
|
30 cr |
| Year 3 | |
| AUCHE 232 - Inorganic Chemistry II | 3 cr |
| AUCHE 279 - Physical Chemistry | 3 cr |
| AUCHE 381 - Biochemistry II | 3 cr |
| AUBIO 261 - Principles of Genetics | 3 cr |
| option2 | 3 cr |
| core curriculum | 15 cr |
|
Total:
|
30 cr |
1 Some senior courses are offered in alternate years.
2 AUCHE 330, 354, and 388 are recommended. These courses are typically offered in alternate years. Check the current University Calendar.
Veterinary Medicine Links
University of Calgary Veterinary Program
Western College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Saskatchewan
Ontario Veterinary College - University of Guelph
Université de Montréal, Faculté de médicine véterinairé
Atlantic Veterinary College - University of Prince Edward Island
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
For More Information
For more information regarding an undergraduate pre-veterinary medicine program, contact:
Chair, Department of Science
Requirements for admission to Augustana may be obtained from our Admissions Counselors. They may be reached at:
Prospective Student Office