Programme Specifications
Veterinary Biosciences
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
N/A
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
Biosciences and Veterinary Sciences 2002
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
September 2017
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
To produce proficient biological sciences graduates with a firm understanding of current molecular, cellular, physiological and behavioural concepts underlying animal function, health and welfare.
Subject specific skills
To produce graduates competent to apply their theoretical knowledge of biological sciences and the veterinary field through the design, implementation, and analysis of experiments, and the critical appraisal of information from a variety of sources.
Generic and graduate skills
To produce graduates able to critically assess information, form reasoned opinions and generate testable hypotheses. For those graduates to be competent in collecting, analyzing, interpreting and communicating data accurately in a range of situations.
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
Overall aim of the scheme
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.
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
-
An understanding of animal and pathogen molecular biology, from the control of gene expression to the techniques used in studying livestock and companion animals.
-
An ability to critically assess the various causes, progression, host immune responses and treatment options for infectious and non-infectious veterinary diseases.
-
The theory and practical application of the physiology of animal growth, reproduction and behaviour in a range of animals.
-
Knowledge of structure, metabolism and function of animal cells and tissues, and the mechanisms by which animal cells signal and interact.
-
An understanding of welfare, ethical and legal considerations of animal care including pharmacological treatments and food production.
Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature based research; field work; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation. Specific teaching input by veterinary surgeons will allow students to learn principles involved in veterinary science.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: Unseen examination, essays, multiple choice questions and short answer examinations, exercise-based and essay assignments, project work, practical laboratory reports, posters, the dissertation project and seminar presentations.
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
10.2.1 Intellectual Skills
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
-
The ability to access and evaluate biological information from a variety of sources and to communicate the principles orally and in writing to peers and non-scientists in a clear and effective way.
-
The ability to construct reasoned, evidence-based arguments to support a position or view, including on the ethical and social impacts.
-
An understanding of how to design an experiment, investigation, survey or other means to test a hypothesis or proposition.
-
That they can plan, execute and present an independent piece of work in which qualities such as time management, problem solving, and independence are evident, as well as interpretation and critical awareness of the quality of the evidence.
-
Well developed strategies for updating, critically analysing and enhancing their knowledge of the veterinary field and its interaction with other biological disciplines.
Learning and Teaching
Student development towards these outcomes is primarily promoted through small group tutorials, laboratory practical classes and one-to-one tutoring for the dissertation project and the feedback from assessments. In addition lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; case studies; literature based research and computer-assisted learning also support the teaching and learning of these outcomes. Specific teaching input by veterinary surgeons will allow students to develop an understanding how conceptual ideas are applied in veterinary situations.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Intellectual skills are assessed by a variety of methods throughout the degree scheme. Depending upon the module and the nature of the specific assessment, they 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.
10.2.2 Professional practical skills (where applicable)
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
-
Experience and competence in a broad range of practical techniques and skills relevant to veterinary biosciences, including data collection, analysis and interpretation of data, and the designing of experiments to test hypotheses.
-
An ability to access bioscience databases and use appropriate selection criteria to mine, manipulate, and interpret data/findings.
-
An understanding of the different stakeholders within the veterinary sector and an ability to communicate effectively to a range of individuals and organisations from the veterinary sector.
-
The ability to conceive, plan and undertake field and/or laboratory investigations in a responsible, ethical and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, legislation concerning experimental animal use, relevant health and safety regulations, other legal requirements and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders.
-
The ability to record information or data accurately, and to apply appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques for analysis including basic data manipulation, graphical and statistical analysis.
Learning and Teaching
The teaching and learning of these skills are promoted with laboratory practical classes, one-to-one tutoring for the first year skills modules, research methodologies and dissertation project, feedback from assessments, lectures, tutorials, student-led seminars, problem-based learning scenarios and case studies, literature based research, computer-assisted learning, and work experience. Specific teaching input by veterinary surgeons will allow students to develop an insight into the practical skills required by veterinary practitioners.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Depending upon the module and the nature of the specific assessment, they are assessed using using exercise-based and essay assignments, project work, practical laboratory reports, the dissertation project, seminar presentations, unseen examinations essays and unseen short answer examinations.
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
-
The skills necessary for independent lifelong learning, e.g. the ability to work independently, time management, flexibility, target setting etc.
-
The ability to analyse data, solve problems and present conclusions by a variety of methods including the use of specialised software.
-
That they can communicate about their subject appropriately and clearly to a variety of audiences.
-
That they can cite and reference work in the appropriate manner, ensuring academic integrity and the avoidance of plagiarism.
-
That they can use the internet and other electronic resources to identify and critically evaluate sources of information.
Learning and Teaching
Elements of these skills are embedded in all modules and are taught/learned through a variety of methods including lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature based research; field work; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Transferable/key skills are assessed by a variety of methods throughout the degree scheme. Depending upon the module and the nature of the specific assessment, they are assessed using unseen examination, essays and unseen short answer examinations, exercise-based and essay assignments, project work, practical laboratory reports, the dissertation project and seminar presentations.
BSC Veterinary Biosciences [D906]
Academic Year: 2023/2024Single Honours scheme - available from 2015/2016
Duration (studying Full-Time): 3 years