GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION

1. What is the Veterinary Bioscience course about?
The Diploma in Veterinary Bioscience (VBS) is a unique course that combines the strengths of both bioscience and veterinary science disciplines.

In the biomedical science sector, animal models enable researchers to study human diseases more effectively.  They are critical for the development of new medicines and therapeutics, particularly in translational medicine, preclinical trials and vaccine development. Students will be trained to properly care for, handle and manage laboratory animals for scientific purposes.

In addition, with the growth of pet ownership, there is an increasing need for animal care. VBS graduates may assist veterinarians in providing animal care, including such activities as medical examination and treatment, vaccination, and surgical procedures.

2. What are the types of modules that I will study in this course?
Core biomedical science modules include cell biology, microbiology, chemistry, molecular biology, cell culture, developmental biology & genetics, and bioinformatics & genomics.

Veterinary bioscience modules include animal nutrition, anatomy & physiology, veterinary pharmacology, immunology & histopathology, animal & fish diseases, animal behavior, welfare and handling.

3. What are the minimum entry requirements?  
English  Grades 1-7                 
Mathematics (Elementary/Additional) Grades 1-6                
Any one of the following subjects:
Additional Combined Science, Additional Science, Biology, Chemistry, Combined Science, Engineering Science, Fundamentals of Electronics, Integrated Science, Physical Science, Physics, Science (Chemistry, Biology), Science (Physics, Biology), Science (Physics, Chemistry), Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).

The aggregate computation for selection is based on grades obtained for English, Mathematics, Science or Design & Technology (Grade 1-9) or Computer Studies (Grade 1-9) or Fundamentals of Electronics (Grade 1-9) and two other subjects.

4. What is the cut-off point for this course?
The cut-off point for Diploma in Veterinary Bioscience varies from year to year. Please check the JAE booklet for the most recent cut-off points. 

5. What is the annual intake for this course?
The annual intake is approximately 48 students.

6. How can I apply for this course?
All applicants will have to go through the Joint Admissions Exercise to apply for this course.

7.  What are the career opportunities after I graduate from this course?
With the growing biomedical sector and increasing pet ownership, you can find employment in a wide range of jobs in the veterinary bioscience and biomedical science industries. 

You can become a research assistant and work in research institutions and university laboratories, or a veterinary bioscientist in animal facilities and pre-clinical trial centres. You can also be employed as a veterinary assistant in veterinary clinics and animal hospitals.

You can also work in animal welfare organizations (SPCA), animal theme parks (Singapore Zoological Gardens, Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park, Underwater World), equine establishments (Singapore Turf Club, Singapore Polo Club), animal-related businesses (pet shops, pet hotels, pet supply companies), and in the government sector (Agri-food and Veterinary Authority, Health Sciences Authority).

8. What are my options for further education? Can I become a research scientist? Can I become a vet?
You can be accepted into biological science and biomedical science degrees offered by both local and overseas universities if you wish to pursue a career in the life sciences and become a research scientist.

You can become a veterinarian by enrolling into veterinary bioscience programmes that are offered by universities in Australia, New Zealand, UK and Canada/USA. Examples of overseas universities currently offering degrees in Veterinary studies include:

Australia
• University of Melbourne
• University of Sydney
• University of Queensland
• Murdoch University

New Zealand
• Massey University

United Kingdom
• Royal Veterinary College, London
• University of Bristol
• University of Cambridge
• University of Edinburgh, Royal School of Veterinary Studies
• University of Glasgow
• University of Liverpool
 
Canada
• University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College
• University of Prince Edward Island, Atlantic Veterinary College
• University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine