Veterinary Medicine, Bachelor of Science Pre-Professional - University of Saskatchewan

Contact Information
Contact Name: 
Dr. Jane MacNeil
Contact Title: 
Associate Dean

Program Information

Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca
University Transfer Program

Two Year Pre-professional Program: (University of Saskatchewan)

For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides in Academic Advising.

The Program

The Pre-Veterinary Medicine program is the first two years of a Bachelor of Science program, tailored to meet the admission requirements of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Program Admission Features

The Western College of Veterinary Medicine requires successful completion of 20 specific courses plus a high GPA to be eligible for admission.

Please note that University of Saskatchewan strongly encourages prospective students to work towards obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree while preparing for admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. Most successful applicants have 3 or 4 years of university study prior to admission.

Admission to RDC does not guarantee admission to WCVM University of Saskatchewan. The quota for Alberta students is 20 per year. Competitive admission to professional programs requires a high grade point average. You should check with universities to be aware of specific admission requirements.

Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  1. Biology 30
  2. Chemistry 30
  3. ELA 30-1
  4. Mathematics 30-1
  5. Physics 30

Note: In addition to the program admission requirements applicants, whose first language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Program Content
University of Saskatchewan

(Please note these credits are U of S credits.)

Suggested Pattern Year 1

  • BIOL 217/BIOL 218 (6 credits)
  • CHEM 211/CHEM 212/CHEM 351 (9 credits)
  • ENGL 219/ENGL 220 (6 credits)
  • Two of MATH 202 (or MATH 203), MATH 204, MATH 221 or STAT 251 (6 credits)
  • 1 Option (3 credits)
Year 1 Course Descriptions

BIOL 217

An introduction to cellular and molecular biology. Topics include: biological macromolecules; membrane stucture and function; cellular structure; bioenergetics and energy flow; respiration and photosynthesis; cell division and the cell cycle; DNA structure and replication; transcription and translation; recombinant DNA and genetic regulation. Prerequisite: Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 Note: BIOL 217 and 218 can be taken in either order.

BIOL 218

An introduction to how the diverse organisms on this planet have been affected by their ennvironment and how the current environment is the product of the activities or organisms. The course also examines how evolution has operated over long time periods to produce major groups of organisms and how evolutionary origins are reflected in their classsification. The principles that underlie our understanding of the major lineages will be discussed using examples from bacteria; fungi; protists; animals; and plants. A description of the involvement of organisms in major ecosystem processes leads to an evaluation of the stability of those systems and of human impact on the processes. Prerequisite: Biology 30 Note: BIOL 217 and 218 can be taken in either order

CHEM 211

Stoichiometry; ideal gases; atomic structure and bonding; thermochemistry; chemical equilibrium; acids and bases; buffers; titrations. Prerequisite: Chem 30 and Math 30

CHEM 212

Titration curves; solubility and complex ion equilibria; entropy and Gibbs energy; chemical kinetics; electrochemistry; bonding and structure. Prerequisite: CHEM 211

CHEM 351

An introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds. The molecular structure; nomenclature; reactions; reaction mechanisms; structure determination and stereochemistry of alkanes; alkenes; alkynes and alkyl halides is discussed. Important organic compounds related to industry; agriculture and everyday use (polymers; fats; soaps; pesticides; medicinals; etc) are introduced. Prerequisite: CHEM 211 Note: You can only get credit for one of CHEM 241; CHEM 251 and CHEM 351.

ENGL 219

The focus is on formal preparation for university level essay writing and the skills related to critical reading; interpretation; and argument. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or English 095 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 219 and ENGL 210.

ENGL 220

The course explores a range of literary genres while continuing to focus on deepening the required structural and critical skills related to thinking and writing about literature. Pre-requisite: Engl 219 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 220 and 210.

MATH 202

Review of analytical geometry; differentiation and integration of simple functions; and applications. Prerequisite: Math 30-1 Note: You should take MATH 203 if you have at least 70% in Math 31.

MATH 203

Review of analytical geometry; differentiation and intergration of simple functions; and applications. Prerequisite: Math 30 and 31 or the equivalent. Note: Not recommended if you have less than 70% in Math 31.

MATH 204

Differentiation and integration of trigonometric; exponential; and logarithmic functions. Indeterminate forms and improper integrals. Techniques of integration. Applications. Prerequisite: MATH 202 or 203 or equivalent. Note: You cannot have credit in both MATH 204 and MATH 213.

MATH 221

Solving linear systems of equations. Matrix algebra. Determinants; vectors; lines and planes; vector spaces; and applications. Prerequisite: Math 30 or equivalent.

STAT 251

Data collection and presentation; descriptive statistics. Probability distributions; sampling distributions and the central limit theorem. Point estimation and hypothesis testing. Correlation and regression analysis. Goodness-of- fit and contingency table. Prerequisite: Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 Note: This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in any of STAT 241; PSYC 309; SOCI 311; or BUS 306.

Suggested Pattern Year 2

  • BIOC 393 (3 credits)
  • BIOL 317 (3 credits)
  • MICR 365 (3 credits)
  • PHYS 205 (3 credits)
  • GENE 370 (3 credits)
  • CHEM 352 or Option (3 credits)
  • 4 Options (12 credits)
Year 2 Course Descriptions

BIOL 317

The chromosomal and molecular basis for the transmission and function of genes. The construction of genetic and physical maps of genes and genomes. Strategies for the isolation of specific genes. Examples of regulatory mechanisms for the expression of the genetic material in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Note: Credit will not be given for BIOL 317 and BIOL 297 Prerequisite: BIOL 217

BIOC 393

This is essentially the same course as BIOC 301 but has a laboratory. Prerequisites: CHEM 211 and 251 or 351 Restrictions: Students may only transfer BIOC 301 or 393 for credit.

CHEM 352

This course is a continuation of CHEM 251 or CHEM 351. Nomenclature; physical properties; stereochemistry; synthesis and reaction of aldehydes; ketones; carboxylic acids and derivatives; carbohydrates; amino acids; proteins and amines. Chemistry of biomolecules. Use of spectroscopic tools. Industrial; environmental and biological implications. Prerequisite: CHEM 251 or CHEM 351

GENE 370

A detailed look at the genetics of microorganisms. Experiments on bacteria and viruses are used to examine concepts such as fertility; genetic fine structure; mutagenesus; DNA repair; DNA replication and the control of gene expression. Prerequisite: BIOL 317

MICR 365

Nutrient uptake; metabolism; extracellular proteins; chemotaxis; and differentiation. The eukaryotic microbes; their ecological roles; and eukaryotic cell culture. The interactions environment and symbiotic relationships. Basic principles of industrial microbiology. The use of biotechnology for producing economically and medically important substances. Laboratory exercises deal with topics related to the lecture material. Prerequisite: BIOL 217 and CHEM 251 or CHEM 351

PHYS 205

A non-calculus course in physics. Kinematics; vectors; and forces in equilibrium. Linear and rotational motion. Dynamics of particles (oscillations). Prerequisite: Physics 30 or equivalent. Math 30 Pure.