Veterinary Medicine
The University of British Columbia does not have a veterinary school. A veterinary college, The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (W.C.V.M.), was established at the University of Saskatchewan to serve the four western provinces. In preparation for admission to the four-year veterinary program at W.C.V.M., a pre-veterinary program is required, and this may be completed at UBC in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. In addition, Thompson Rivers University offers Distance education (correspondence) courses. Other veterinary care certificate programs are offered at the college level.
Course requirements for admission to W.C.V.M. are six credits each of English, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics and mathematics; three credits each of genetics, organic chemistry and introductory microbiology; and additional electives to complete 60 credits.
Competition for admission to W.C.V.M. is severe, and although pre-veterinary requirements can be met in two years, few applicants are currently admitted with less than three years of university coursework. Pre-veterinary students at the University of British Columbia are therefore strongly advised to follow a program that also satisfies the requirements of the B.Sc. (Agr.) program. For information and program approval, contact the Dean's Office in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems.