Module Information

Module Identifier
VE10320
Module Title
Principles of Science
Academic Year
2021/2022
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
BR14410 Some overlap with a range of modules (BR14410, BR12110 etc.) and discussed with module coordinators but sufficient differences in aims, delivery and assessment to be own module
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Due to Covid-19 students should refer to the module Blackboard pages for assessment details

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 1 Hours   Mid-term In-class test  20 MCQs, 5 short answer questions. Mid-term In-class test  20%
Semester Assessment Lab report  Lab report 1000 Words  20%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Exam  Exam  All VE modules to be in one week of exams (confirmed by TW, PVC)  60%
Supplementary Assessment Essay  Essay 1500 Words  40%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Resit Exam  Resit exam  60%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Describe genetic processes at all levels of organisation (e.g. molecular, chromosomal, population) with reference to appropriate structures and concepts

Describe the principles of pathology under examination conditions

Describe the structure and biology of viruses, bacteria, fungi and other parasites of veterinary importance

Describe the role of innate and adaptive immune responses in animals

Identify the underpinning contribution of basic biological research to veterinary science.

Brief description

This module utilises a principles-based approach to allow students to understand concepts that underpin and traverse body systems. It has been designed to be delivered throughout the BVSc course and in the first year will be taught both semesters.

Content

This module will begin by introducing the basic concepts of tissue architecture which will introduce students to histology. Then the module will introduce the major classes of infectious agents and provide an overview of the basic biology of viruses, bacteria and parasites. Key components of the immune system that are utilized to protect the animal against infection will be also described. In the second semester, it will focus primarily on cellular and molecular biology and will cover genome, gene expression and protein synthesis, structure and function. It will discuss concepts of genetics, inheritance and genetic testing, a field that is becoming increasingly important to the veterinary profession, in both production systems and companion animal medicine. This module will also introduce the development of animals from single cells to functioning individuals. Finally, the module will also describe the principles of pathology such as the concept of abnormal structure and function in disease states.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Outside the formal contact hours, students will be expected to research materials, manage time and meet deadlines for the coursework and exam. This aspect is not assessed.
The coursework and exam will require students to research topics beyond the depth and scope of the lecture material. Information from a variety of sources will be used. Research skills will be assessed in both the examination and coursework. Feedback on this will be given for the coursework.
Small group learning will encourage students to communicate, assess and present information as a team. This aspect is not assessed
Small group learning/Practical classes, coursework and exams will involve problem solving.
During the module, students will gain knowledge of veterinary terminology, laboratory techniques and anatomical locations.
Students will develop effective written communication skills in the lab report where these will be assessed. Feedback for this coursework will be available.
Students will have contact with veterinary surgeons and biology researchers providing insight into these sectors. This aspect is not assessed. Laboratory report assessment will provide insight in scientific writing, which will be assessed.
Students will have contact with veterinary surgeons and biology researchers providing insight into these sectors. This aspect is not assessed. Laboratory report assessment will provide insight in scientific writing, which will be assessed.
Accessing the web for reliable information sources and using databases to find literature in preparation for the coursework and the exam. Presentation of coursework will be assessed, which should be prepared on a computer and feedback on this aspect will be given. Data analysis will be a component of the laboratory report and feedback on this aspect will be given

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4