first year

[mjf981]

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I know it varies by school, but could anyone tell me what first year is actually like? I know we take basic anatomy, histology, etc, but is there any animal contact. I've heard that its mostly book work, which is a shame because i was hoping to set up my own clinic next summer doing spays/neuters (kidding). Seriously though, is it all just intense bookwork or do we also get some practical stuff, outside of dissections? Also, is there time for a social life or not? I am in Canada, although i would assume that most North American schools follow the same general curriculm. Thanks a lot. 🙂 🙂

 

[HeartSong]

Well, I'm just going into my first year too so I haven't gone through it already. But they told me that the work is not going to involve live animals but that we are welcome to observe work with live animals anytime we want. Especially the large animals, we are encouraged to go over to the barn, check out the schedule for the day, and watch anything we're interested in. You might see if your school does that too.

As for social life, some but don't go in expecting too much. At least that's what I've been told. And that most of our "free time" will be spent in the anatomy lab studying. But really, what could be more fun than that anyway? 😛

 

[birdvet2006]

I know it varies by school, but could anyone tell me what first year is actually like? I know we take basic anatomy, histology, etc, but is there any animal contact. I've heard that its mostly book work, which is a shame because i was hoping to set up my own clinic next summer doing spays/neuters (kidding). Seriously though, is it all just intense bookwork or do we also get some practical stuff, outside of dissections? Also, is there time for a social life or not? I am in Canada, although i would assume that most North American schools follow the same general curriculm. Thanks a lot. 🙂 🙂

At Glasgow (I know, you were probably interested in US schools...sorry) we have animal husbandry practicals in first year. You go to the vet school farm (1000 acre estate with a huge old mansion) and learn to turn sheep, make halters, do body condition scoring, evaluate farm ventilation etc. You also get field trips to various animal farms/facilities (i.e. a pig farm, a poultry place etc.). Also, in anatomy they have you palpating live animals (greyhounds and a pony) during the gross anatomy labs each week.

First year at a UK school is pretty easy, if you have a previous degree. Plenty of time to go out and do other things besides school, and to explore countries like Scotland and Europe. 🙂

 

[HARLEY D.]

My wife gratuated from UC Davis in 2003. In their first year they had animal handling classes and what they called 490 classes. During the animal handling classes they learned basic ground skills when working around various animals (horses, llamas, birds, etc.). In the 490 classes they learned some of the basic clinical skills (drawing blood, tpr, etc.). Both classes seemed to be designed to break up all that class time and to give students a chance to be around live animals.

As far as social life, it varied from person to person. They did have an organized BBQ on Fridays with two kegs (the vet school was the only organization allowed to have beer on campus). Hope this helps.