Course Overview
Transform your passion for animals into a fulfilling and meaningful career path! This comprehensive course integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, empowering you to become a skilled veterinary technician. If you're harbouring aspirations in marine science or aquaculture, rest assured this program will also lay a solid foundation for your future endeavours in these fields.
Under the guidance of our expert team, you'll receive specialised training in veterinary care, mastering essential techniques such as animal husbandry, anaesthesia monitoring, and diagnostic testing at our fully equipped and licensed TP Animal Clinic & Wellness facility. The broad-based and well-structured curriculum goes beyond to cultivate your expertise in caring for aquatic animals and pets.
With growing awareness about animal welfare issues and our pursuit of advancing medical solutions for various ailments, you'll gain a scientific grasp of the applications of laboratory animal science, with an emphasis on responsible and humane animal care practices. Further enhancing your technical proficiency, a structured 5-month internship awaits you, either within local institutions or abroad. This immersive experience can take you to veterinary research institutions, aquaculture and marine animal facilities, veterinary clinics and hospitals.
Upon completing this comprehensive training, you'll be poised to tap into a wide array of career prospects spanning the aquaculture, veterinary care, and biomedical research sectors.
Get the opportunity to attain the below certification(s) throughout the course of your study:
- Responsible Care and Use of Fish (RCUF) certificate
- Responsible Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (RCULA) certificate
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for consideration for admission, applicants must obtain 26 points or better for the net ELR2B2 aggregate score (i.e. English Language, 2 relevant subjects and best 2 other subjects, including CCA Bonus Points) and meet the minimum entry requirements of this course. CCA cannot be used to meet the minimum entry requirements.
English Language (EL1)*
Mathematics (E or A)
Any one of the following subjects
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Food & Nutrition / Nutrition & Food Science
- Physics
- Science (Chemistry , Biology)
- Science (Physics, Biology)
- Science (Physics, Chemistry)
Note: Applicants with complete colour appreciation deficiency are not eligible to apply.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- TPFun
Strengthen your knowledge of the key concepts and build skills in the veterinary-related content during your second year. You can dabble in a variety of subjects in aquatic and veterinary studies to discover your passion, and get involved with interesting field studies and community service projects designed to enhance your learning.
In your third year, you will gain practical work experience through your choice to specialise in either fields of aquaculture or veterinary. You can look forward to exciting internships in various industries such as research laboratories, fish farms, wildlife reserves, veterinary clinics and universities.
Diploma Elective Cluster Subjects
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVT3017 | Aquaculture Science & Technology
This subject covers basic understanding of food security, the regulations from Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the roles it plays in aquaculture product quality and safety, basic engineering principles, system designs and culture systems applicable for aquaculture. Experimental design in the reproduction techniques of aquatic animals (mainly finfish, mollusks and crustaceans), the management of farm practices, and key concepts in sustainable aquaculture will be introduced. Safety measurements and controls such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), product certification at international, regional, and national levels will also be introduced. The management of aquaculture product quality and safety involving scientists, policymakers, farmers, stakeholders, and consumers to ensure sustainability will be discussed. Hands-on training on good aquaculture practices and farm operation, handling and husbandry for aquatic animals will also be emphasized. |
9 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVT3016 | Animal Science & Technology
This subject provides a comprehensive coverage of the diverse field of animal science and technology. It encompasses the study of laboratory animal care, health, welfare, and their applications in biotechnology. Key topics include the operation and maintenance of animal facilities, animal disease prevention and control, animal breeding programs, fundamental principles of reproduction, and reproductive technology. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, integration of environmental, genetic, and physiological considerations will be explored to identify and analyse factors influencing successful breeding and reproduction in laboratory animals within a research context. |
9 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASM3001 | Marketing of Science Products and Services
The subject covers marketing concepts, code of ethics, guidelines and regulations governing the sales and sustainable marketing of products and services that can be applied in various sectors of the applied science industry such as life science, chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and pet industries. |
5 | ||
| BSE2001 | Business Development
This subject is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to identify and seize business opportunities, build and maintain strategic partnerships, and foster sustainable growth. The subject covers key aspects such as opportunity identification, relationship management, communication skills, negotiation skills, and cultural competence. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical applications, students will learn to navigate the complexities of business development in a dynamic and globalised market. |
4 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWB3001 | Guided Work-based Learning
This is a competency-based subject that aims to develop students’ industry-specific knowledge, skills and attitudes through a structured on-the-job training programme. Students will work with company supervisors to develop and execute a learning plan based on their job role(s), and monitor and reflect on their learning progress. Students’ acquisition of the essential knowledge and technical and generic skills will be evaluated through various assessment methods which may include competency tests, completion of relevant certification courses/training programs. |
9 |
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMA3002 | Modelling & Analysis
The main objective of this subject is to provide students firm foundations of single variable calculus so that they can apply calculus to model, solve and analyse applied math problems. It aims to motivate students on the importance of calculus through a plethora of applications in engineering, physical and biological sciences, computer science, finance, economics, probability and statistics and other topics. On top of the basic concepts, techniques and applications of two branches of calculus - differentiation and integration, students will also learn to use simple software to implement numerical methods in calculus. |
4 | ||
| ESC3002 | Physical World
This subject provide students with the ability to understand and explain the inner mechanism of the physical world based on the principles of mechanics and thermodynamics. It aims to help students appreciate the beauty of physics and enable them to apply key concepts learnt to evaluate and address physics-based problems to make a positive impact on the world. By using concepts established through simplified mathematical models, reverse engineering case studies and experiential learning through hands-on demonstrations, connections between physics concepts and theoretical models are reinforced with practice. |
4 | ||
| ESE3015 | Computational Thinking for Design
This subject covers programming both in the architectural design and computing contexts targeted at novice programmers. It will introduce students to programming and design computing skills that are essential for their studies. Students will learn visual programming and python programming together with design concepts, and will apply these skills in related projects. |
4 | ||
| ECS3003 | Global Humanities: Literature, Philosophy & Ethics
This subject examines stories as a way to understand ourselves and our world. Some of these stories have endured for centuries and spread far beyond their locus of origin. They raise questions that resonate with our lives even today. This subject will equip you with critical reading, thinking, and writing skills by exploring different ways of reading and interpreting classic texts. You will learn to identify the connections between various texts and between thinkers in history – ranging from those in ancient China and Greece to those in contemporary Singapore. |
4 |
You will also take this set of subjects that equips you with the crucial 21st-century life skills you need to navigate the modern world as an agile, forward-thinking individual and team player.
| Subject Code | Subject | Credit Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTP1304 | Beyond the Classroom: Guided Learning
This subject empowers students to take charge of their personal learning in a chosen area of inquiry. Students will broaden or deepen their knowledge and skills, fostering a proactive approach to lifelong learning. Following a scaffolded process, students will design and execute a personalised learning plan that extends beyond traditional classroom walls. The journey culminates in a curated portfolio that highlights their achievements and growth. |
3 |
Outstanding Projects
What is this course about?
- What is this course about?
This Diploma in Veterinary Technology will train you to be a Veterinary Technician or Nurse in veterinary care that supports the veterinary industry. You will work in places such as a veterinary hospital or general practice clinic, conservation park, or research institution. As a graduate, you will also be able to work with aquatic species upon completing the 3rd year electives in aquaculture.
Should I join this diploma if I want to be a veterinarian?
- Should I join this diploma if I want to be a veterinarian?
This Diploma in Veterinary Technology is NOT a pathway to pursue the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or become a registered Veterinarian.
For students aspiring to become veterinarians, we strongly recommend considering the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level, which are internationally recognised by universities. The GCE A-Levels pathway typically offers a shorter duration compared to our comprehensive 3-year polytechnic training. Alternatively, GCE 'O' levels graduates may opt for enrollment in Foundation Programmes or Preparation Courses that can pave their way to Veterinary Science (BSc, BVMS) programmes offered by overseas universities.
We strongly advise seeking direct consultation from the respective universities for guidance before making any decisions.
Besides the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE), is there any other way I can apply for this course?
- Besides the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE), is there any other way I can apply for this course?
All fresh “O” Level school leavers will have to go through the JAE. Others can apply through Direct Admission Exercise (DAE) and Early Admission Exercise (EAE). For admission related enquiries, please call our Admission Office at 6780 4201 or email to Admissions@tp.edu.sg
Could Temasek Polytechnic provide a list of universities that offer advanced standing for graduates from the Diploma in Veterinary Technology programme?
- Could Temasek Polytechnic provide a list of universities that offer advanced standing for graduates from the Diploma in Veterinary Technology programme?
While we do not provide specific information on universities offering advanced standing, as this can vary due to non-periodic changes in course curriculum at Temasek Polytechnic (TP) and partner universities, we are proud to note that many of our diploma graduates with higher aspirations have successfully gained admission to various degree programmes, both locally and overseas.
It is important to recognise that university admissions are primarily determined by academic achievements and fair competition among all eligible candidates. We strongly advise seeking direct consultation from the respective universities for guidance before making any decisions.
Contact
- aschotline@tp.edu.sg
- Website: https://www.tp.edu.sg/asc
-
School of Applied Science
Temasek Polytechnic
East Wing Block 1A
21 Tampines Ave 1
Singapore 529757