Programme Specifications

Biosciences and Veterinary Sciences

September 2023

An Equine and Veterinary Bioscience graduate should have a detailed, comprehensive and systematic knowledge and understanding so will be provided with the opportunity to:

• Develop the technical knowledge and transferable skills required for a leading career in the field of equine or animal / veterinary science, including for example, lecturing, research and development, and advisory work within the field.

• Develop a detailed knowledge and systematic understanding of equine or animal / veterinary science at the forefront of student’s academic specialism.

• Develop an holistic view of animal anatomy, physiology and function, and its application to practice.

• Integrate theory, experiment and investigation into practical horse management and care.

• Develop a detailed understanding of animal research, its current practice, applicable techniques, future potential and application to management.

• Develop an awareness of the legal, moral, ethical and social issues associated with the use of animals for work, leisure and research.

• Develop a knowledge of some of the biological concepts that underpin veterinary science.

• Develop a knowledge of the diagnosis, treatment and control of veterinary diseases.

• Develop a critical and analytical approach in all aspects of study and problem solving, including the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively and communicate with specialist and non-specialist audiences
  
  

Subject specific skills

An Equine Veterinary Bioscience graduate should be able to:

• Apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry.

• Assimilate information from a number of sources, including current research and scholarship, in order to gain an understanding of theory and practice.

• Critically evaluate research, evidence and information supplied from a variety of sources and where appropriate propose new hypotheses.

• Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.

• Apply knowledge and understanding to address familiar and novel problems.

• Design an experiment, investigation, survey or other means to test a hypothesis or proposition.
  
  

Generic and graduate skills

The following transferable skills will be developed and assessed in the proposed BSc Equine and Veterinary BioScience degree:

• Problem solving

• Research skills

• Communication

• Improving own learning and performance

• Team work

• Information technology

• Application of number

• Personal development and career planning

Overall aim of the scheme

The course aims to provide students with a broad in depth knowledge of some of the common aspects of equine and general animal veterinary science. To produce graduates who are able to work in a range of fields relating to veterinary science, who can operate efficiently and safely in field and laboratory, are able to communicate and understand data and concepts, are able to utilise specific applied skills to address diverse biological problems, and are able to direct their own research and learning.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

• A1 The confident assimilation and integration of animal anatomy, physiology and function.

• A2 The ability to discuss the theoretical and practical application of animal biology to management.

• A3 The ability to critically appraise factors affecting animal health, welfare, growth and development.

• A4 The ability to design and assess correct nutritional provision for animals in relation to performance, growth and development and well-being.

• A5 An in-depth knowledge of reproductive animal reproductive physiology, breeding and genetics

• A6 The ability to make a balanced case and detail methods for integration and application of scientific techniques and technology to animal science.

• A7 An ability to detail and evaluate causes, progression, host immune responses and treatment of infectious and non-infectious veterinary diseases.

• A8 The capacity to reason the theoretical and practical application of scientific research
  
  

Learning and Teaching

Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

• B1 That they can apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry.

• B2 That they can assimilate information from a number of sources, including current research and scholarship, in order to gain an understanding of theory and practice.

• B3 The critical evaluation of research methodologies, and a variety of types of information and evidence. Where appropriate, the formulation of new hypotheses based on these evaluations.

• B4 That they can apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.

• B5 That they can apply knowledge and understanding to address familiar and novel problems.

• B6 The ability to design an experiment, investigation, survey or other means to test a hypothesis or proposition.
  
  

Learning and Teaching

Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; field excursions, work experience and laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills (where applicable)

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

• C1 That they can design, apply and evaluate various research/study techniques.

• C2 That they can plan, conduct, and report on investigations.

• C3 The ability to collect & record information / data in the library, laboratory or field, summarizing it appropriately.

• C4 That they can conceive, plan and undertake laboratory investigations in a responsible, ethical and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, animal welfare, relevant health and safety regulations, legislation concerning experimental animal use, legal requirements and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and personnel.

• C5 Effective and appropriate communication skills aimed at individuals and organisations in a range of scenarios

• C6 That they can write for a range of audiences including academics, practitioners, special interest groups and the wider public.

• C7 The application of appropriate management and experimental techniques to a range of situations.
  
  

Learning and Teaching

Professional practical skills are acquired and promoted through practical laboratory classes, field visits, lectures, seminars and other class activities, case studies undertaken in a range of real-life situations and experimental research for the dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Coursework to include: the submission of scientific reports, oral presentations and essays. Students are expected to demonstrate advanced critical, interpretative and analytical skills in both their coursework and written examinations. The dissertation should demonstrate student competence in practical and academic skills.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

• D1 Problem solving

• D2 Research skills

• D3 Communication

• D4 Improving own learning and performance

• D5 Team work

• D6 Information technology

• D7 Application of number

• D8 Personal development and career planning
  
  

Learning and Teaching

Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Students learn and develop skills through student and tutor-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; self-directed learning, oral presentations and experimental dissertation work. Students are also given the opportunity to produce a CV and will gain feedback. Students will be encouraged to undertake work experience, including access to the Year in Employment Scheme. Students will also have access to an optional study exchange programme which will also develop transferable skills of communication, personal development and career planning.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

The skills listed above are assessed using exercise-based and essay assignments, project work, practical laboratory reports, the dissertation project, seminar presentations, unseen examinations essays and unseen short answer examinations.