Program Overview
Gain expertise in animal biology, welfare, and management through the BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation degree. This four-year program includes a foundation year for developing academic skills and provides a solid foundation in biosciences, physiology, and animal science. With a focus on practical research and transferable skills, graduates are well-equipped for careers in animal-related fields.
Program Outline
The foundation year will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed at university. You’ll develop core skills in academic study, writing, mathematics, and research, as well as subject-specific skills in biology, ecology and sustainability. Choose BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation at the University of Reading Bioveterinary scientists play a vital role in the challenges facing our society: contributing to sustainability and food security by ensuring the optimal health, welfare and management of farmed animals applying scientific approaches to the management of the health, welfare and behaviour of domestic and captive animal populations engaging in research at the interface of animal biology, veterinary science and animal management. At Reading, you’ll develop the specialist knowledge, research expertise, and laboratory skills to tackle these global challenges. You’ll gain a solid grounding in biosciences and an understanding of animal function from molecular to whole-animal level. Your studies will cover: cell biology biochemistry physiology of body systems health, welfare, and behaviour sciences nutritional sciences. You will learn how to apply this knowledge in the management of animal health and welfare in a range of settings, including farms, zoos, and domestic households. You’ll also gain vital transferable skills – including team-working, problem-solving, data-handling and statistical analysis skills – which are highly regarded and sought after by employers. Studying bioveterinary sciences at the University of Reading will enable you to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of animals in an ever-changing world. Our academics employ a variety of teaching methods – including lectures, tutorials, practical classes and lab work – and provide one-to-one support to help you get the most from your studies. Throughout your degree, we’ll help you develop essential employability skills. You’ll benefit from dedicated careers curiosity and skills sessions, exploring the possible jobs you could do and building the communication skills needed for successful applications and interviews. You can also gain hands-on professional experience and networking opportunities with a placement year, or complete a mini placement in your final year. Bioveterinary science facilities Unique facilities such as the Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR), with its dairy herd of 550 cows and other livestock species, are used to enhance your learning experience. The University also has strong connections with local equine centres, veterinary clinics, small animal facilities and zoos, providing further opportunities for field visits and practical work. Placement opportunities with BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation You can opt for a 35-hour mini work placement as part of your degree, or gain in-depth insight into the animal or veterinary industries with a year-long work placement leading to our BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Placement Year degree, a five-year version of this course with an integrated work placement between your third and final year. We have a dedicated placements team who can provide advice and support in finding a suitable placement, as well as developing your CV and interview skills. You’ll benefit from our links with the animal and bioveterinary science community, including leading organisations and companies in the sector. Past students have undertaken placements at Danisco Animal Nutrition (DuPont), Paignton, Chester and Jersey Zoos, and the RSPCA. Study abroad As part of your degree, you could choose to spend time abroad.
Outline:
Foundation Year
Compulsory modules Foundation Biology Explore the life cycle of cells and the chemical reactions that give them energy and allow them to replicate. You’ll also study the biology of the human body and about natural selection and genetics. Through practical classes, you’ll familiarise yourself with laboratory work, as well as handling and interpreting data. Mathematics Foundation Gain a fundamental understanding of the role of basic mathematics in biological and chemical sciences. Ecology and the Environment Explore key concepts and processes associated with both the physical and living environment and the interactions of both within ecosystems. Environmental Sustainability Explore the causes and consequences of global contemporary sustainability issues. You’ll critique and evaluate both theoretical and actual methods used to minimise the harm caused through anthropogenic activities whilst recognise the interconnected nature of environmental problems. Foundation in Academic Skills Develop academic skills essential for success both on the Foundation Year and as an undergraduate.
Year 1
Compulsory modules Animal Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition 1 Develop a fundamental understanding of how animals function (and malfunction) as integrated biological systems. You will study the main organ systems including cardiovascular, respiratory and locomotory systems in the main domestic species. You will gain key skills in comparative biology as you learn to link examples of animal health, ill health and behaviour to underlying physiology. Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics Discover key concepts related to animal ethics, behaviour and welfare. You will consider the functions, evolution, causes and development of normal and abnormal behaviour in animals alongside the concept of sentience. You will also study the main ethical frameworks and policies designed to protect animal welfare. Bioveterinary Science in Practice 1 Meet people practicing bioveterinary science and develop an understanding of its scope. You will be introduced to scientific research and develop numeracy and statistical skills, including data handling and computing, as you undertake small research projects. Fundamentals of Biochemistry Gain an understanding of key biochemical concepts such as enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, metabolic regulation, and pathological metabolism. Fundamentals of Microbiology Gain a foundation in microbiology, covering the biology, diversity, structure, genetics, ecology, and evolution of bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, and viruses. You’ll discover their impact on environment and society, and how they cause infections or develop antimicrobial resistance, while exploring different methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life Learn about the structure and organisation of cells, with a focus on the common features found in all life. You’ll also discover how the differences between cells are essential for creating the diversity of life on the planet.
Year 2
Compulsory modules Animal Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition 2 Learn the science behind how animals feed and develop. You will study the fundamental nutrition requirements for certain animals, as well as factors that affect feed, and intake and how nutritional values of animal feed can be determined. You will also study the anatomy and physiology of reproduction in the male and female – from puberty and conception to birth, lactation, rearing and growth of offspring. Bioveterinary Science in Practice 2 Plan and undertake a bioveterinary science research project within a team. Data Skills Explore the principles of experimental design, data management and visualisation as well as common statistical methods for analysing datasets. You will gain the ability to collect data in a rigorous way, process that data, analyse and interpret it, and communicate the results. Veterinary Health and Disease Develop fundamental knowledge in animal health biology, including immunology and epidemiology. You will examine the role people play in managing the environment, minimising pathogens and maximising animal defences, while also exploring disease challenges and appropriate disease management strategies. Optional modules Livestock Production, Nutrition and Welfare Develop a detailed understanding of the underlying factors that influence the management of food producing animals. You will explore a range of livestock production systems (dairy and beef cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry) and investigate how nutrition and management interact with welfare and other factors to determine the long-term sustainability of animal production. Zoo and Exotic Animal Science Explore the scientific underpinnings of the management practices of exotic animals, including how animal health and welfare is maintained and what the behaviour of zoo animals or exotic pets can tell us about their needs. You will study exotic mammals, reptiles, birds and fish and carry out a small-scale behavioural research project. Medical Genetics Understand how genetic defects at the molecular level impact on pathophysiology and influence disease risk, progression and severity. You’ll study aetiology of major medical diseases, with a focus on both mendelian and complex polygenic disorders.
Year 3
Compulsory modules Independent Research Project Build on the skills, knowledge and experiences you have developed throughout your degree in an independent research project. You will identify a suitable topic, develop a hypothesis, and plan and conduct your project. Optional modules Advanced Livestock Production and Product Quality Develop an advanced understanding of the factors and processes which affect the composition and eating quality of meat, and the quality and profitability of milk production. You will develop a series of farm to fork strategies that can be employed by the meat and dairy industry to optimise the organoleptic quality of meat and the environmental impact of milk production. Advances in Bioveterinary Science Study the major contemporary issues impacting the animal sector today, including why they matter and how science and technology research can help address them. You will focus on the latest methodology in animal welfare research, emerging issues affecting
- New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250
- New international students: £27,650
