Module Information
- Professor Darrell Abernethy
- Mr Jonathan King
- Mr Jim Scott-Baumann
- Miss Julia Fenn
- Miss Leysan Clift
- Dr Matthew Hegarty
- Mrs Hilary Laxton
- Dr Joe Ironside
- Dr Rhys Jones
- Dr Russ Morphew
- Professor Glyn Hewinson
- Ms India Shaw
- Professor Bernardo Villarreal-Ramos
- Gwenllian Rees
- Dr Amanda Gibson
- Mr James Cuffe
- Mrs Louisa Cookson
- Professor Peter Brophy
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | .5 Hours In-class written test Mid-term In-class test | 20% |
| Semester Assessment | Lab report Lab report 1000 Words | 20% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Exam Exam | 60% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Lab report Lab report 1000 Words | 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment | .5 Hours In-class written test Mid-term In-class test | 20% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Exam 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 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.
Demonstrate how module content can be applied to clinical settings and how it integrates with other modules
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, developmental biology and 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 |
|---|---|
| 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. Data analysis will be a component of the laboratory report and feedback on this aspect will be given |
| Professional communication | Students will develop effective written communication skills in the lab report where these will be assessed. Feedback for this coursework will be available. |
| Real world sense | 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. |
| Reflection | 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. |
| 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