Program Overview
The BSc Bioveterinary Sciences degree at Reading equips students with expertise in animal health, welfare, and management through a curriculum covering biosciences, research methods, and transferable skills. It provides a foundation for careers in the animal science, veterinary, and biotechnology sectors.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Gain the expertise to succeed in an animal-related career with our BSc Bioveterinary Sciences degree. 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 microbiology 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 by employers.
Outline:
Year 1
Compulsory modules Animal Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition 1 Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics Bioveterinary Science in Practice 1 Fundamentals of Biochemistry Fundamentals of Microbiology Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life
Year 2
Compulsory modules Animal Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition 2 Bioveterinary Science in Practice 2 Data Skills Veterinary Health and Disease Optional modules Livestock Production, Nutrition and Welfare Zoo and Exotic Animal Science Medical Genetics
Year 3
Compulsory modules Independent Research Project Optional modules Advanced Livestock Production and Product Quality Advances in Bioveterinary Science Companion Animal Science Equine Science and Management Mini Work Placement and Professional Development for Bioveterinary Sciences
Teaching:
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.
Careers:
Your BSc Bioveterinary Sciences degree will provide numerical, laboratory, scientific and research skills that offer a route into any animal-based career, whether in industry, research or education. You could enter scientific, technical and management positions in the agriculture, food and veterinary sectors. Opportunities are also available in animal health, nutrition or welfare, as well as in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Alternatively, you could use your degree as a stepping stone to a further bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine or veterinary science, or a postgraduate programme in a specialist aspect of bioveterinary science.
Other:
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 You can opt for a mini work placement as part of your degree, or gain in-depth insight into the animal or veterinary industries with our BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Placement Year degree, a four-year version of this course with an integrated work placement between your second 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.
- New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250
- New international students: £27,650
