Student support
2020 SVS Student Handbook
The 2020 Student Handbook is available online. It is advisable to view the handbook online, rather than printing a copy, as the online version will be updated as required.
The Student Clinical Skills Hub
The Student Clinical Skills Hub (the Hub) is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art self-directed learning facility located centrally in the School (John Mahon (8105), room 101) with two main areas and an online resource community available for all veterinary students. The Hub has a lab where students can practice their clinical skills using standard veterinary equipment, on simulators and/or models in conjunction with supporting audio-visual resources and a smaller communications suite with two working consult rooms, a viewing room and debriefing space. The Hub’s aim is to provide a safe, authentic, self-directed learning environment where students can practice their clinical skills in accordance with individual competences, beyond the scheduled contact hours of their programs and further enhance their capacity for self-directed, lifelong learning.
Inherent Requirements for BVSc(Hons) students
The inherent requirements outline the physical and personal attributes expected of a veterinarian and of veterinary students. Prospective and current students are encouraged to read the inherent requirements for veterinary science programs and to reflect on these requirements.
Information on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE)
The International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA), formerly the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME), manages the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).
The North American Veterinary Medical Licensing Examination (NAVLE) is administered by the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and is the examination used to determine eligibility for veterinary medical licencing in the United States and Canada. Each state in the USA differs in their requirements and we recommend you visit the American Association of Veterinary State Boards licensing boards site for licensing information relevant to each US state.
The NAVLE is offered twice a year – in November/December and in April. It is offered throughout North America and inn Sydney at computer testing centres. It is available during a four week testing window in November-December, and also a two week window in April.
You will apply through a potential US state or the Canadian national board. Application deadlines are August 1 or February 1. It costs $1,000 for an overseas test plus relevant US state or Canadian fees.
To sit the NAVLE you must have an expected graduation date no later than ten months from the last date of the applicable testing window.
The exam
The NAVLE consists of 360 clinically relevant multiple choice questions, which aim to test day 1 skills applicable to general clinical veterinary practice. It is 5-7 hours long and tests both endurance and knowledge base. The 360 questions are divided by activity (eg data gathering & interpretation; health maintenance and problem management) and species (small animal/large animal/equine plus a small amount of public health).
Exam blueprints are available at:
https://www.nbvme.org/?id=26&page=NAVLE+Test+Specifications
https://www.nbvme.org/?id=23&page=Sample+Questions-NAVLE
https://www.nbvme.org/navle-general-information/practice-versions
Why do you need the NAVLE?
The NAVLE is a requirement to enter into private veterinary medical practice in North America. It may not be required for those seeking to undertake an internship or residency at a US or Canadian university veterinary hospital.
Preparation for the NAVLE is essential and should focus on examination technique. The exam is 6.5 hours of multiple choice questions (MCQs), and the pass mark is 70%. You will need to become familiar with the format of the questions asked. You also need to become adept at identifying the distractors for each MCQ question.
To assist in this preparation there are companies offering online NAVLE preparation material (practice questions + answers).
Companies offering this service include
VetPrep https://www.vetprep.com/index.jsp
Zuka Review https://zukureview.com/
Further information on how North American students prepare for the NAVLE
https://www.avma.org/About/SAVMA/WhatIsSAVMA/Documents/NAVLEStudentTestingPreparationReport2012.pdf
NAVLE UQ Results
| Year | Student Taking Exam(s) | Student Passing Exam(s) | Average Score | Criterion Group Average | Percent Passing |
| 2015 | 4 | 4 | 482 | 509 | 100 |
| 2016 | 2 | 2 | 486 | 509 | 100 |
| 2017 | 3 | 3 | 525 | 505 | 100 |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 499 | 505 | 80 |
| 2019 | 10 | 8 | 467 | 503 | 80 |
Guidelines for Online Conduct
Online conduct relates to use of Social Media and details the expectations of students in the School of Veterinary Science. Please refer to the SVS Guidelines for Online Conduct.
Student Support
The School complies with the University of Queensland’s policies and all applicable laws regarding discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and equal opportunity. Student support services provide an integrated service in the areas of careers and employment, learning assistance, personal counselling, disability support, financial services and international student support. At Gatton Campus, you can email the Student Support Services, which is located at Morrison Hall.
Within the School of Veterinary Science, students should contact Reception in the main Veterinary Science building (8114) and ask to speak to, or make an appointment to see the Academic Advisor. Year Coordinators are academic members who are interested in student welfare and are able to give advice or refer a student on for professional help and guidance when required. For concerns relating to course specific issues (e.g. examinations, special circumstances, and deferrals), students should first contact the course coordinator. If the issue remains unresolved, contact your Year Coordinator or the Academic Advisor. Appointments with the Academic Advisor are best organised through the School office.
Disability Advisors
The School and University are committed and dedicated to ensuring that students with disabilities are given the same educational opportunities wherever possible. Any student with a disability who may require alternative academic arrangements in any course within the program is advised to seek advice at the commencement of the semester from a Disability Advisor at Student Support Services. For example, special arrangements in examinations can be made for students with disabilities. Refer to the University policy on Student Disability.
Student Union
As a UQ Student, you are represented by the UQ Student Union. Typically, a veterinary student will also be a representative on the Union Council. Your representative on the Union Council can support you in resolving a range of academic and other problems, or advice on seeking professional assistance if required. Apart from the student representative on the Student Union, the Union also employs a Student Advocate who can help you prepare submissions to appeal against academic decisions, or simply provide an impartial source of advice on academic matters. The Student Advocate’s office is also in Morrison Hall.
Fees
Specific information on the BVSc(Hons) pogram can be found here. General information on fees can be found here.
Admissions
Details can be found here on undergraduate and postgraduate admissions
Academic Processes
Details on progression, withdrawal, deferement, examinations, financial processes and more can be found on the MyAdvisor website.
Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar is the official Unversity calendar of events and includes holidays, teaching periods, examination sessions and more. Accessing the link, you can view the current year and the next year.
Feedback
As part of a continuous improvement process, the School encourages feedback from students about how the school is performing in a number of areas. Enrolled students can provide feedback either by providing anonomous responses to our accreditation standards by paper, or a soon to be established electronic feedback system. Specific areas we regularly review are: Organisational structures, Finances, Physical Facilities & Equipment, Clinical Resources, Library & Information Resources, Admissions processes, Curriculum, Research, Staff and Student support systems and Outcomes Assessment.
We would welcome any feedback you might have on your experiences so far by directing them to the Feedback Box located outside the Anatomy Laboratory (Building 8106).
Student Year Representatives
The purpose of Year Representatives is to provide a collective voice for students in a single year who may have an issue with some aspect of their program.
The general process for managing issues is to first contact the Year Representative or Course Coordinator, who will then elevate the concern, if warranted, to the Year Coordinator. Further discussion can go to the Chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee or the Chair of the Students and Admissions Committee before being finally handed to the Head of School for consideration.
- BVSc Year representatives can be contacted via their generic email addresses.
1st year reps: uqvets2024@gmail.com
2nd year reps: uqvets2023@gmail.com
3rd year reps: uqvets2022@gmail.com
4th year reps: uqvets2021@gmail.com
5th year reps: uqvets2020@gmail.com
2. VetTech students can contact their Vet Tech Student Association by emailing their query to the following emaill address: uqgvettech@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about life at Gatton Campus, home of the School of Veterinary Science.
Is there a Security Service at Gatton Campus?
Yes. Security of staff and students is a primary concern for the University. The Security office is located in the main administration complex, at the northern end of the main walkway. Emergency phones are located around the campus. If you have a non-emergency need to call security staff, dial 3365 1234. This will be answered by the central security office in St. Lucia, Brisbane. Tell them who you are, that you are at Gatton Campus and the reason for your call. If you have an emergency, dial 3365 3333 ( or 1800 800 123 from public phones) and follow the same procedure as before. UQ has a SafeZone app for mobile devices which can alert Security to your location if you have an emergency. Go to your preferred app store and download for free.
I have a disability. Can I get support?
Yes. You will need to contact Student Services and discuss your requirements with them. They may then contact the School to develop, in conjunction with you, a plan to ensure your disability does not interfere with your learning opportunities.
Where can I find a bus timetable?
Bus timetables can be found here or go to the UQ Homepage and type in Intercampus Bus Timetable in the search area.
Are there any clubs or sporting groups at Gatton Campus?
Yes. Details about sport at Gatton Campus can be found here. We have clubs for a number of sports including rugby league, hockey, netball and rugby union.
Where can I eat at Gatton Campus?
Gatton campus has three options for food, the Dining Hall, the Walkway Café and the Coffee Cart located outside the main administration complex. The Walkway Café caters for fast food, meals, and drinks. They accept pre-purchased meal passes, cash and credit cards. The Coffee Cart only accepts cash or cards. Alternative food outlets exist outside the campus, with a number of cafés and restaurants in Gatton, Forest Hill and Laidley. The Dining Hall caters for residential students and visiting groups. Specific food needs can be catered for provided notice is given of your requirements. Only Australian currency is accepted.
Where is the Student Services office located?
Student Services is located upstairs at Morrison Hall, in the eastern wing, which is on the southern end of the main walkway, past the Foundation Building. Campus maps are available for download from the UQ home page.
Please note this is different to the Student Centre which handles academic queries from students and is located at the opposite end of the campus, in the main administration complex.
How big is Gatton Campus?
Gatton Campus is located about an hour’s drive west from Brisbane. It covers 1068 hectares and includes working farms and enterprises, student accommodation, many teaching buildings and laboratories. Full details about Gatton Campus can be found here.
Visit the UQ Gatton website for full details of services available.
Things you should know
The BVSc (Hon) program is one of the most challenging and rewarding at UQ. You will become a professional veterinarian with clinical, diagnostic and personal skills second to none. Entry is competitive, not all OP1/Rank 99 students will be offered a place, with first year student numbers currently limited to approximately 130 students. Once you gain a place in the BVSc (Hons) program, you must pass all courses in the current year to progress to next year. For details, refer to the Program Rules, listed here (enter in the year of study where directed.)
Generally, you cannot defer any year. This means that once started you must continue until you complete the final year of study and, you must have your own laptop.
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