The department organises a foundation course and all basic sciences for veterinary studies during the first 2 years including a foundation course.

Foundation Course
An analysis of secondary school systems in the area covered by the ISTVS project indicated a number of weaknesses and diversity of curricula and standards, as well as them all adopting a teacher centred methodology. A 3 month foundation course is set up to introduce students to a new student centred methodology, to homogenize educational levels on essential topics and to upgrade important concepts in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and English to “A” level standards.

Animal system studies
In the ISTVS methodology, general sciences are studied using a systemic and integrated approach, combining theory, practical, social sciences and clinical studies within systems. During the first 2 common years, students are taught 5 groups of animal body systems in 4 semesters. Some systems are studied in depth while others introduce what students need to acquire for their professional skills.

The systems are as follows:
Integumentary system (including sense organs and skin annexes)
Digestive system (including digestive annexes and nutrition)
Respiratory system (including cellular respiration)
Circulatory system (including lymphatic system and immunology, endocrine system, urinary and reproductive system)
Neuro-musculoskeletal system.

Each system involves gross anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, statistics, economics, marketing communication and extension, all adequately associated with clinical sciences delivered by the department of Food Safety and Public Health.