Programme Specifications

Veterinary Biosciences


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

N/A



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Science

5 : Programme title
Veterinary Biosciences

6 : UCAS code
D906

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

Biosciences and Veterinary Sciences 2002



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

September 2017



9 : Educational aims of the programme


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.



10 : Intended learning outcomes


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.



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


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.



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


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.



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


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.



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



BSC Veterinary Biosciences [D906]

Academic Year: 2023/2024Single Honours scheme - available from 2015/2016

Duration (studying Full-Time): 3 years

Part 1 Rules

Year 1 Core (100 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR16900

Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology

BR17120

Genetics, Evolution and Diversity

BR17200

Skills for Animal, Equine and Veterinary Bioscientists in Equine Exercise Physiology

BR17520

Cell Biology

Semester 2
BR15420

Disease Diagnosis and Control

BR16920

Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology

BR17220

Skills for Animal, Equine and Veterinary Bioscientists in Equine Exercise Physiology

Year 1 Options

Choose 20 credits

Semester 1
BG17000

Cyflwyniad i Systemau Cynhyrchu a Gwyddor Da Byw

BR17000

Introduction to Livestock Production and Science

Semester 2
BG17020

Cyflwyniad i Systemau Cynhyrchu a Gwyddor Da Byw

BG19920

Amrywiaeth Microbau a Phlanhigion

BR17020

Introduction to Livestock Production and Science

BR19920

Microbial and Plant Diversity

Part 2 Rules

Year 2 Core (80 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR27120

Veterinary Health

BR27500

Research Methods

Semester 2
BR22220

Immunology

BR25220

Animal Breeding: Genetics and Reproduction

BR27520

Research Methods

Year 2 Options

Choose 40 credits

Semester 1
BG20400

Systemau Cynhyrchu Da Byw

BG20720

Maeth Anifeiliaid Fferm, Ceffylau ac Anifeiliaid Anwes

BR20400

Livestock Production Systems

BR20720

Applied Nutrition of Livestock, Horses and Companion Animals

BR26520

One Health Microbiology

Semester 2
BG20420

Systemau Cynhyrchu Da Byw

BG24720

Sgiliau Ymarferol a Proffesiynol ym Microbioleg

BR20420

Livestock Production Systems

BR24720

Practical and Professional Skills in Microbiology

BR25320

Human, Equine and Canine Exercise Physiology and Locomotion

BR26820

Vertebrate Zoology

Final Year Core (100 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR34120

Veterinary Infectious Diseases

BR36400

Research Project

Semester 2
BR35120

Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals

BR36440

Research Project

BR36820

Veterinary Pharmacology and Disease Control

Final Year Options

Choose 20 credits

Semester 1
BG30800

Gwyddor Cynhyrchu Da Byw

BR30800

Livestock Production Science

BR35320

Behavioural Neurobiology

BR35720

Equine Nutrition and Pasture Management

BR37120

Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics

Semester 2
BG30820

Gwyddor Cynhyrchu Da Byw

BR30820

Livestock Production Science


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.