Head of School Profile
	Mission Statement
	History
	New School of Veterinary Science
	School Relocation to Gatton Campaign
	Contact Details
	Vet School Gatton Construction

Head of School Welcome

Welcome to the UQ School of Veterinary Science. This year is a transformational one and there is great excitement as we build the new School at the UQ Gatton Campus. In 2010, we will move into a new UQ Veterinary Teaching Hospital that incorporates the companion animal and equine clinics; a new research building; new companion animal clinical skills and research facility; and a totally renovated facility for anatomy, microbiology and pathology labs.

Currently The School of Veterinary Science operates at two campuses (St Lucia and Gatton) and four other sites (Pinjarra Hills, Dayboro, Goondiwindi and Oakey). This ensures a diversity of experiences for students and preparation for careers such as companion or production animal veterinary practice, research, government, biosecurity, or within industry.

The SVS has a rich history and a well deserved reputation for graduating self reliant, independent and highly capable veterinarians with plenty of initiative and drive. The diverse group of academic and clinical staff in the School have made major contributions to tropical/sub-tropical animal health and medicine to benefit farm and companion animals, their owners and industry sectors.

The UQ Bachelor of Veterinary Science curriculum is designed to encourage ‘active learning’ by students and this is achieved through a problem solving approach throughout the curriculum. Integration of pre-clinical with clinical disciplines is achieved through a range of approaches to incorporate practical instruction with electronic and on-line media, role plays, and reflective practice. Clinical skills are developed alongside clinical problem solving skills, particularly through the use of case-based learning. Professional development is central to the curriculum and this aspect in particular contributes to the School’s “Learning for Life” project.

The strength of the School lies in the expertise and dedication of staff, with the result that the School has continued to attract intelligent and committed students who have gone on to graduate and contribute successfully to Veterinary Science and the community. As the school moves into its next phase, I aim to ensure that our values remain strongly orientated towards maintaining the strong sense of community for which the school is renowned. The quality of education received by our Veterinary students has never been higher. With new facilities, and an ambitious recruitment program to attract new staff, UQ has backed the School to outperform standards of education in Australasia. New facilities and additional staff will provide the impact for the School to exceed accreditation guidelines and ensure the SVS will prosper into the next decade.

This development will upgrade our facilities to international benchmarks and ensure that the University of Queensland remains a leading centre of excellence in veterinary teaching and research for future generations. The strategic decision to relocate the School from its current suburban location to a rural campus will provide the School with the infrastructure and resources needed to further develop its teaching, research and clinical service reputation. The relocation enables a single-site strategy for all UQ animal health, production and welfare activities. This will enhance state, national and international opportunities for collaboration and interaction both within and external to the University.

With these new facilities the timing is right for us to seek American Veterinary Medical Association accreditation as in 12 months time, our veterinary students will begin their 2010 academic year in brand new facilities. Construction of new facilities and recruitment of additional staff will transform the student experience and enhance learning outcomes. This will ensure that the UQ School of Veterinary Science will continue to graduate high-quality, professional veterinarians.

Jonathan Hill BVSc PhD MACVSc Dip ACT
Head of School and Dean
School of Veterinary Science