The veterinary undergraduate program is a five-year educational process designed for students who wish to specialize in animal health and welfare. The aim of the program is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills in the field of veterinary medicine, making them competent in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of animal diseases. Students receive a broad education in clinical practice, surgical interventions, laboratory techniques and public health by working with various animal species.
The academic content and curriculum consists of basic sciences, clinical sciences and professional practice. In the early years, basic science courses such as biochemistry, physiology, histology and anatomy are taught, while clinical science courses such as pharmacology, pathology, microbiology and parasitology come into play in the following years. In the last years, professional practice courses such as internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, veterinary public health are intensified. The curriculum is supported by laboratory studies, clinical internships and field practices to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Educational methods and teaching materials aim to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience. Theoretical lectures are usually conducted in the classroom and supported by various materials such as textbooks, scientific articles, digital resources. Practical training is carried out in animal hospitals and laboratories affiliated to veterinary faculties of universities. Students actively participate in the diagnosis and treatment processes by working on real cases. In addition, students' professional development is supported by various seminars, workshops and conferences held during the education period.
There are wide career and employment opportunities for graduates of the veterinary medicine program. Graduates can work in private veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, food safety and veterinary public health. They can also find jobs in animal production farms, zoos, research institutes and pharmaceutical companies. In the public sector, they can work as veterinarians in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, municipalities and other public institutions. Graduates can also pursue an academic career and work as a faculty member in universities or open their own veterinary clinic.
During the program, internship and practice opportunities for students are quite wide. Students have the opportunity to put their theoretical knowledge into practice by doing compulsory internships in animal hospitals affiliated to veterinary faculties of universities. They can also do voluntary internships in various farms, zoos or research laboratories during the summer semesters. These internships help students develop their professional skills by giving them experience with different animal species and diseases. Students also have the opportunity to attend congresses and seminars organized in Turkey and abroad to follow the innovations in their field and network with their colleagues.