Veterinary Biosciences (with integrated year in industry)

Program Overview

This four-year Veterinary Biosciences (with integrated year in industry) program delves into the biology and medical applications for farm animals, horses, and companion animals. Students gain valuable work experience through an integrated year in industry. The program emphasizes research skills and prepares graduates for careers in veterinary medicine, research, and industry, as well as further study.

Program Outline

It delves into the biology of farm animals, horses, and companion animals, providing a suitable pathway to a veterinary medicine course. Other exciting career options include veterinary laboratory diagnostician, nutritionist, or animal health researcher. The program features an integrated year of work experience in the veterinary-related industry, providing students with valuable skills, experience, and contacts before entering the job market. This integrated year is assessed and contributes to the final degree grade.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Cell Biology (BR17520) - 20 credits
• Disease Diagnosis and Control (BR15420) - 20 credits
• Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology (BR16920) - 20 credits
• Genetics, Evolution and Diversity (BR17120) - 20 credits
• Skills for Animal, Equine and Veterinary Bioscientists in Equine Exercise Physiology (BR17220) - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Introduction to Livestock Production and Science (BR17020) - 20 credits
• Microbial and Plant Diversity (BR19920) - 20 credits

Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Animal Breeding: Genetics and Reproduction (BR25220) - 20 credits
• Immunology (BR22220) - 20 credits
• Research Methods (BR27520) - 20 credits
• Veterinary Health (BR27120) - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Applied Nutrition of Livestock, Horses and Companion Animals (BR20720) - 20 credits
• Human, Equine and Canine Exercise Physiology and Locomotion (BR25320) - 20 credits
• Livestock Production Systems (BR20420) - 20 credits
• One Health Microbiology (BR26520) - 20 credits
• Practical and Professional Skills in Microbiology (BR24720) - 20 credits
• Vertebrate Zoology (BR26820) - 20 credits

Year 3:

• Core Module:
• Integrated Year in Industry (BRS0060) - 60 credits

Year 4:

• Core Modules:
• Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals (BR35120) - 20 credits
• Research Project (BR36440) - 40 credits
• Veterinary Infectious Diseases (BR34120) - 20 credits
• Veterinary Pharmacology and Disease Control (BR36820) - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Behavioural Neurobiology (BR35320) - 20 credits
• Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics (BR37120) - 20 credits
• Equine Nutrition and Pasture Management (BR35720) - 20 credits
• Livestock Production Science (BR30820) - 20 credits

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Exams
• Essays
• Practical exercises
• Oral presentations
• Worksheets
• Reports
• Statistical exercises
• Dossiers
• Posters
• Portfolios
• Wikis
• Reflective diaries
• Literature reviews
• Magazine articles
• Field notebooks

Teaching:

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Practicals
Students are assigned a personal tutor throughout the degree course to provide support and guidance.

Careers:

Graduates from this program are well-prepared for careers in:

• Veterinary research
• Charity advocacy (e.g.
RSCPA)
• Research in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industry
• Teaching
• Civil service
Many students pursue further training in:
• Veterinary Medicine training
• Postgraduate research (PhD, MRes, PGCE)

Other:

• The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
• The Department of Life Sciences has a large number of research-only staff with whom students may have contact.
• The program benefits from collaborations with the Wales Veterinary Science Centre and other organizations.
• The university has over 100ha of farmland, including lowland and upland sheep farms, a 500 cow dairy herd, intensive and extensive beef production systems, and an equine centre.
• Students have access to modern laboratories, dissection rooms, and microscopy suites on campus.
• The university is located in an exceptional environment with marine, moorland, mountain, grassland, and coast right on its doorstep.
Students are responsible for securing their work experience, but the university provides assistance through its Work Experience Coordinator and dedicated careers advisor. If a student cannot find work experience, they can transfer to the three-year version of the BSc Veterinary Biosciences program.