JCU Webinar Series: Veterinary Sciences Lecture

Introduction

• Presenter: David Simcock, Dean of the College of Public Health, Medical, and Veterinary Sciences at JCU
• Acknowledgment: Traditional owners of the lands, Australian Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Housekeeping: Use Q&A box for questions, viewer discretion due to graphic content

Presenters

1. John Cavalier
   • Associate Professor and Academic Head for Veterinary Sciences
   • Expert in reproductive functions and optimizing fertility in domestic animals
   • Leader of the Animal Health and Reproduction group
   • Focuses on artificial insemination of cattle and reproductive function in animals
2. Grace Shing Francis
   • Fourth-year Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences student
   • Passionate about all animals
   • Will share personal journey and experiences

John Cavalier's Presentation

JCU Veterinary School Overview

• 1 of 7 veterinary schools in Australia, only one in a tropical region
• Focus on issues in tropical environments
• Goal: Students to be world-class in knowledge and skills, work-ready
• Skills needed: Technical competence, problem-solving, communication, teamwork
• Emphasis on lifelong learning and business awareness

Learning Strategies

• Outcomes-focused: Aligned with post-graduation tasks
• Authentic learning: Real-world application
• Skill Development: Immediate interaction with animals, scaffolding of skills over five years
• Participator learning: Group work, problem-solving, presentations
• Staff approachability: Open communication with students
• Career Development: Embedding ethics, leadership, resilience, and entrepreneurship in the curriculum

Career Opportunities

• Private practice, agriculture, pharmaceutical companies, Animal Welfare, zoos, quarantine, food safety, teaching
• High demand for veterinarians domestically and internationally
• Graduates can work in New Zealand, UK, Ireland, South Africa, and potentially the US

Course Structure

• Year 1-2: Foundational knowledge (biology, chemistry, animal handling)
• Year 3: Introduction to diseases and abnormal conditions
• Year 4: Treatment and management of diseases
• Year 5: Real-world application, rotations in companion animals, horses and cattle, diagnostic services, and elective experiences

Placements and Extracurriculars

• Extramural placements: 12 weeks of farm and industry placements; 10 weeks of clinical placements
• Extramural activities: Field trips, student-organized activities, clinical skills development

Grace Shing Francis's Presentation

Personal Journey

• From Melbourne, early interest in veterinary sciences
• Completed Bachelor's in Animal Science and Honors in Reproduction
• Applied to JCU and moved to Townsville

Course Experience

• Year 1: Introduction to veterinary science, emphasis on safety and animal handling
• Years 2-3: Farm and industry placements, foundational and clinical skills
• Year 4: Clinical placements, applying theoretical knowledge
• Year 5: Advanced clinical experience and rotations
• Emphasis on practical, hands-on experience

Student Life

• Balancing social life with rigorous academic schedule
• Various social events organized by student associations
• Flexibility in attending lectures (recorded options available)
• Active participation in sports and extracurricular activities

Advice and Encouragement

• Persistence in pursuing veterinary science, various pathways into the program
• Importance of practical experience and maintaining a balanced lifestyle

Application Process and Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Prerequisites: English, Mathematics Methods, Chemistry
• Recommended: Biology
• ATAR: Generally above 91
• Written Application: Explaining interest in veterinary science, relevant experience, references

Additional Costs

• Clothing, stethoscope, immunizations (Tetanus, Q fever), first aid certification, travel and accommodation for placements
• Scholarships and relocation grants available

Entry Pathways

• Pathways for students without prerequisites (online courses)
• Alternative entry via other tertiary courses (GPA of 5.5 or higher)
• Mature age entry evaluated on experience and recent GPA
• Encouragement for rural, remote, and Indigenous students to apply

Conclusion

• Veterinary science offers a rewarding career impacting both animals and people
• JCU provides a comprehensive, hands-on, and supportive educational environment
• Lifelong friends and professional network built during the course

Q&A Session

• Diverse pathways and experiences considered for course entry
• Emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and student support
• Various accommodation options available on and off-campus

Contact Information

• QR code, email, and phone number provided for further inquiries and support
• Upcoming events and Expos for prospective students