Course Description

Talks

A Day in the life of a small animal vet: Join us for an exciting glimpse into the daily life of a small animal veterinarian! This session will inspire your passion for animal care and showcase the dynamic and rewarding journey of a veterinary career.

Animal Ethics and Welfare in Veterinary Medicine: Learn about key concepts of animal welfare, sentience, and ethics in veterinary medicine. We will discuss how understanding animal sentience enhances our approach to animal welfare, including practical advice and examples on how to improve the welfare of different animal species.

Animal Welfare in Practice: The Veterinary Community Outreach Programme: The Veterinary Community Outreach Programme (https://www.cityu.edu.hk/cahw/vcop.htm) is a City University outreach initiative that empowers Hong Kong’s communities-in-need by supporting the human-animal bond. The programme works with pet owners affected by poverty, isolation, special health needs, and the elderly to provide education and practical support for basic pet care. This talk will introduce the programme's diverse initiatives, discuss the impacts VCOP has made on the community, and present various case studies for students to analyse. The talk will be a great opportunity for students to see community medicine in action and learn about a very different aspect of veterinary medicine outside of the private practice setting that can contribute to bettering the welfare of both people and pets.

Zoological Medicine - what does it take?: Learn about how veterinarians in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife care play a crucial role in animal health, conservation, and public education, as well as their role in designing nutrition plans, managing breeding programmes, and performing surgeries tailored to each animal’s unique biology.

Introduction to Exotic Animal Medicine:This talk will explore the fascinating world of veterinary care for exotic animals, including the diverse species commonly kept as pets: reptiles, amphibians, birds, and exotic companion mammals, like rabbits and hamsters. Additionally, the talk will highlight career opportunities in wildlife centres, zoos, and aquaria, where veterinarians play a crucial role in the health and conservation of exotic species.

Illegal wildlife trafficking & wildlife forensics: This talk will dive into the veterinarian’s role in combating illegal wildlife trafficking, that extends beyond medical care, and plays a crucial part in wildlife forensics and conservation. This talk highlights the intersection of veterinary medicine, forensic science, and environmental justice.

The role of Vets in One-Health and in the World Organisation for Animal Health: What is One-Health? Learn about the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and the role of veterinarians in surveillance and control of zoonotic diseases like rabies, avian flu, and COVID-19 —preventing outbreaks in both animals and people. By promoting animal welfare, ensuring food safety, and researching emerging pathogens, veterinarians safeguard public health.

Government Vets - Keeping people and animals safe: This talk focuses on career opportunities for government veterinarians, including their vital role in protecting public health, ensuring food safety, and promoting animal welfare and sustainable livestock production.

A day in the Life of a Veterinary pathologist: Ever wondered who works behind the scenes to uncover the causes of animal illness? From diagnosing disease in living animals using biopsies to investigating cause of death through necropsy and forensic analysis, this session highlights how pathology, infectious disease investigation, and research help safeguard animal and human health.

Admissions to CityUHK BVM Programme: This talk will provide prospective veterinary students with a comprehensive overview of the application process for the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine Programme at City University of Hong Kong.

Field Trips

Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden:

This tour of Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden will include a tour of the Wild Animal Rescue Centre (WARC) comprising a veterinary hospital, quarantine facilities, animal holding enclosures and rehabilitation facilities. Students will gain an understanding of how injured wildlife such as owls, civets and turtles receive cutting edge treatment. The tour also highlights conservation medicine lessons—from zoonotic disease prevention to humane release protocols. Through this immersive experience, students witness the unique intersection of veterinary science, ecology, and wildlife stewardship.

Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Hospital and Quarantine Centre:

This behind the scenes tour of the veterinary hospital and quarantine centre will provide students with authentic insights into equine veterinary practice for racehorses.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Kai Tak Animal Management and Animal Welfare Building Complex:

During this visit students will observe the compassionate care and regulatory measures in place for stray and quarantined dogs. The visit will showcase the facility’s role in rabies control through mass vaccination programmes, microchipping, and dog licensing, emphasising public health and responsible pet ownership. Students will tour quarantine areas, learning about disease prevention protocols for imported and stray animals, as well as witness the rehabilitation and rehoming processes for rescued dogs.

CityUHK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory:

In this immersive session, students will learn about essential diagnostic techniques using modern laboratory equipment. Walking through the post mortem room, they will learn how animal bodies are processed and examined to understand disease processes. They will see haematology and analysis of blood smears to identify abnormalities like anaemia or infection are undertaken, how blood is tested and fluid or tissue samples rapidly analysed. Seeing microbiology in action, students will learn about bacterial culture, identification and how to determine what antibiotic treatment will be effective. By seeing real-world samples being tested, students will learn how expertise is needed for clinical practice and diagnostic decision-making.

CityUHK Veterinary Medical Centre:

Step inside our state-of-the-art veterinary teaching hospital, where future veterinarians gain hands-on experience under expert guidance. Students will explore the state-of-the art diagnostic facilities in the hospital including MRI and CT, surgical and anaesthesia facilities. The tour highlights our specialised services, including dentistry with digital imaging, cancer care, cardiology, physical rehabilitation with underwater treadmills amongst others. This immersive environment bridges classroom learning with real-world veterinary medicine, preparing compassionate, skilled practitioners.

Ocean Park:

Students will embark on an immersive field trip to Ocean Park Hong Kong, where they will observe the critical role of veterinarians in marine animal husbandry and medicine, research and conservation. The visit includes a guided tour of the park’s state-of-the-art animal hospital, where students will be exposed to diagnostic procedures, treatment protocols, preventive healthcare and research work for species ranging from dolphins and sea lions to sharks and tropical fish.

Practical Sessions

Clinical Skills Laboratory - Palpation skills and surgical dexterity

In this hands-on session, students will start to explore essential surgical skills in our state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Lab. They will test their fine motor abilities using tasks from our surgical dexterity library, including handling surgical instruments and mastering knot-tying techniques. Students will also develop palpation skills—learning to feel and describe hidden structures, a critical diagnostic tool across species. The session features our lifesize cow and calf model, offering a realistic and engaging opportunity to apply these techniques in a simulated clinical setting.

Anatomy Laboratory - The knee bone’s connected to the thigh bone - Explore the comparative anatomy of animals

Ever wondered why cats always land on their feet? It’s not magic—it’s their floating clavicle and a spine more flexible than a gymnast’s! In this class, we’ll explore the bizarre anatomical quirks of domestic animals, like how giant pandas have a "fake thumb" that lets them grip bamboo. Pigs? Their snouts are built like demolition tools, with reinforced cartilage for relentless rooting. And chickens have hollow bones (basically nature’s weight-loss hack) but still can’t fly better than a paper airplane.
We’ll compare why cows have no upper front teeth, just a big dental pad, while horses can sleep standing up thanks to their special "stay apparatus". By the end, you’ll never look at a goat’s rectangular pupils or a rabbit’s non-stop teeth growth the same way again. Perfect for future vets who love weird science—and animals that defy logic!

CityUHK Farm

CityUHK has the only operating dairy farm in Hong Kong, an added bonus of which is the production of fresh milk and ice-cream on sale at the University campus. A dairy farm offers students invaluable hands-on experience in animal care, agriculture, and sustainable farming. Students can assist with milking operations, learning proper techniques for hygiene and efficiency while observing milking parlour operation. They may help feed calves, monitor their health, and practice bottle-feeding youngstock.

Understanding Cats – A Hands-On Experience

In this interactive session, students will immerse themselves in feline behaviour and handling techniques within the relaxed setting of a cat café. Guided by veterinary professionals, students will learn to identify key anatomical landmarks and practice feline-friendly handling methods. Through direct interaction with cats, participants will develop essential skills in observation and gentle restraint, which will be recorded in their individual skill logs. This session aims to build confidence and competence in working with cats, laying a strong foundation for clinical skills in feline care.

Equine Handling Practical: Building Foundational Skills

In this hands-on session at a local riding school, students gain will practical experience in caring for horses under close supervision. They will learn how to safely approach, groom, and handle horses, including fitting halters, leading with proper technique, and gently checking hooves. The programme also covers essential stable management, such as feeding and mucking out bedding, while emphasising the importance of hygiene and animal welfare. Guided by experienced veterinary professionals, students build confidence, develop teamwork, and gain insights into equine health, skills that form the foundation for future veterinary studies.

Tai Tong Ecopark: Goat Farm Practical

Being a production animal vet requires an understanding of husbandry and teamwork with farmers for the benefit of society and consumers. In this immersive session, vet students learn essential goat-handling skills. They practice safe restraint techniques, assess body condition, and administer basic health checks. The session covers nutritional management, including proper hay, grain, and mineral supplementation. Under supervision, they observe or assist with routine procedures. By mucking stalls, refilling water buckets, and observing herd dynamics, students gain firsthand insight into goat behaviour, welfare, and farm hygiene, preparing them for caprine practice.

Hong Kong Guide Dogs Association (HKGDA)

HKGDA provides internationally accredited and professionally trained guide dogs and therapy dogs to care for the visually impaired and other people in need. This experience provides a fantastic opportunity for students to learn the basics of animal handling and canine behaviour, and to see in action the techniques of taking a medical history, performing a physical examination and administering vaccinations. Friendly guide dogs and therapy dogs are well-suited to the task of teaching since they are accustomed to interacting with people on a daily basis. Students can also learn to improve their communications skills by interacting with carers as well as be exposed to a different side of veterinary medicine that helps them increase their social awareness of those who are less fortunate.

Local Poultry Farm

Did you know that disease outbreaks can quickly sweep though poultry farms, with some even posing risk to humans? Imagine a local farm where chickens suddenly become sick. To solve this mystery, a team of investigators spring into action! They carefully examine the flock, search for signs of illness, and test samples to identify the culprit. By identifying the source and solutions, they protect the flock, ensure food safety, and safeguard human health. Curious how it is done? Join us for this exciting lecture/practical session to understand the fascinating blend of science, teamwork, and urgency!

Clinical Skills Laboratory - Clinical Reasoning and Patient Care

In this immersive, case-based simulation session, students will join veterinary professionals in diagnosing and treating Goldie, a golden retriever. Working through each stage of the clinical process—from history taking and selecting diagnostic tests to interpreting results and planning treatment—students will gain insight into real-world veterinary decision-making. The session includes interactive demonstrations and opportunities to revisit key skills such as palpation and surgical knot tying, reinforcing learning in a dynamic and realistic clinical scenario.

Disease Diagnosis through Necropsy, Histopathology and Cytology

This lab session provides overview to how disease is identified through pathology. You will explore anatomy through animal necropsy, examine tissues and blood smears under the microscope, and take part in a forensic image challenge to link visual clues with possible causes of disease or injury.