Module Information

Module Identifier
VE11560
Module Title
Veterinary Science (Year 1)
Academic Year
2024/2025
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Co-Requisite
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Essay - PVP  1500 Words  5%
Semester Assessment .5 Hours   Semester Exam - Oral  20%
Semester Assessment Lab Report - PRIS1  1000 Words  5%
Semester Assessment .5 Hours   Oral Assessment  10%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Semester Exam SAQ  20%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   MCQ  10%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Semester Exam MCQ  20%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   SAQ  This is a mid-term assessment  10%
Supplementary Assessment .5 Hours   Oral Assessment  10%
Supplementary Assessment .5 Hours   Semester Exam - Oral  20%
Supplementary Assessment Lab Report - PRIS1  1000 Words  5%
Supplementary Assessment Essay - PVP  1500 Words  5%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   SAQ  This is a mid-term assessment  10%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   MCQ  10%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Semester Exam SAQ  20%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Semester Exam MCQ  20%

Learning Outcomes

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

Describe the normal structure and function of animals including the principles of homeostasis and how these might be disrupted.

Demonstrate an understanding of the roles of ethical theory, evidence-based medicine, and professionalism in the work of the veterinarian.

Understand the basic structure and biological nature of microorganisms and parasites, and apply these to the immunology, pathogenesis and control of selected diseases.

Describe animal care in relation to livestock production systems, the equine industry and companion animals, including management, environment, nutrition and their normal behaviour, and apply these to working with selected animals.

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

Brief description

The module consists of six “strands” that will provide students with an introduction to the basic foundations of veterinary science. The “Animal Husbandry” strand is an introduction to animal care and the role animals play in our societies. In this first year, students will gain a practical and theoretical understanding of anatomy and physiology of the major animal body systems in three strands: “Alimentary, Endocrine and Urogenital systems”, ”Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Locomotor systems” and “Neurology, Ophthalmology and Special Senses” strand. Understanding of core biological concepts will be delivered in the “Principles of Science” strand encompassing areas such as infectious diseases, pathology, genetics and immunology. Finally, the “Principles of Veterinary Practice & Evidence Based Medicine” strand introduces important themes of professionalism, ethics, communication skills and decision-making.

Aims

1. Provide an overview of the normal tissue architecture, developmental biology, physiology, and husbandry of animals, with an emphasis on domestic livestock and pets.
2. Develop skills in confidently working with domestic livestock and pets and understanding their normal behaviour.
3. Describe the structure of selected microorganisms and parasites, how they invade animal hosts and the mechanisms utilised by vertebrates to resist such invasion.
4. Describe genetic processes at all levels of organisation (e.g. molecular, chromosomal, population) with reference to appropriate structures and concepts.
5. Describe the roles and standards expected of veterinarians in the profession.

Content

The module comprises the following strands:
1. AEU: Alimentary, endocrine and urogenital systems
2. CRL: Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Locomotor systems
3. PVP: Principles of Veterinary Practice & Evidence Based Medicine
4. AH: Animal Husbandry
5. PRIS: Principles of Science
6. NOSS: Neurology, ophthalmology and special senses
Teaching will be delivered through a mixture of lectures, practicals and self-directed learning, with a strong emphasis on small group working and problem-solving.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Adaptability and resilience 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.
Co-ordinating with others Small group learning will encourage students to communicate, assess and present information as a team. This aspect is not assessed
Creative Problem Solving Small group learning/Practical classes, coursework and exams will involve problem solving.
Critical and analytical thinking 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.
Digital capability 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
Professional communication Students will develop effective written communication skills in the two assignments and in the tutorial group setting. Feedback for this will be available.
Real world sense Students will have contact with veterinary surgeons and biology researchers providing insight into these sectors and facilitating their own professional development. This aspect is not assessed.
Reflection Reflection is explicit and emphasised throughout the course in that the module where this is addressed is the only one present in all five years of the programme. In BVSc 1 and BVSc 2, students have formative and summative reflection experiences on their experience in practice, on farms, or while at AU. Laboratory report assessment will provide insight in scientific writing, which will be assessed.
Subject Specific Skills During the module, students will gain knowledge of veterinary terminology, laboratory techniques and anatomical locations.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4