Course of Study: Veterinary Medicine
Contents
The course of study in Veterinary Medicine takes 5 years and leads to qualification as a graduate vet. Veterinary Medicine comprises the following areas:
- Measures to promote the health and well-being of animals: Breeding, husbandry, nutrition, treatment
- Research, prevention and treatment of illnesses
- Protection of people against becoming ill through contact with animal illnesses
- Control of foodstuffs originating from animals
- Problems of animal protection and environmental control
Studies reform
A thorough reform of the course of studies is currently under way. The transitional phase will be regulated as follows:
- Students who passed the second preliminary examination up to 2004 will follow the old curriculum and complete their studies in accordance with the former Examination Regulations.
- All other students will follow the new curriculum and complete their studies in accordance with the derogated ordinance.
Legal principles
Training for veterinary surgeons is regulated by the Federal Department of Health. The previous General Medical Examination Regulation (AMV) and the Ordinance on Examinations for Veterinary Surgeons are to be superseded by a Federal Act on University Training in the Medical Professions (consultation-stage text). The AMV provides that until such time as the new law comes into effect, the faculties may try out special training and testing models with the approval of the Department of the Interior (experimentation clause). The new course in Veterinary Medicine is subject to the Ordinance of the EDI of October 21, 2004 in respect of trying out a special training and testing model for veterinary medicine (www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c811_112_41.html).