Module Information
- Professor Darrell Abernethy
- Dr Iain Chalmers
- Mr Jonathan King
- Mr Jim Scott-Baumann
- Miss Julia Fenn
- Miss Leysan Clift
- Dr Matthew Hegarty
- Mrs Hilary Laxton
- Dr Beverley Hopkins
- Professor Glyn Hewinson
- Ms India Shaw
- Dr Alexander Stoll
- 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 Oral Assessment | 10% |
| Semester Assessment | Essay - PVP 1500 Words | 5% |
| Semester Assessment | .5 Hours Semester Exam - Oral | 20% |
| Semester Assessment | Lab Report - PRIS1 1000 Words | 5% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Semester Exam SAQ | 20% |
| Semester Exam | 1.5 Hours SAQ This is a mid-term assessment | 10% |
| Semester Exam | 1.5 Hours MCQ | 10% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Semester Exam MCQ | 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Essay - PVP 1500 Words | 5% |
| Supplementary Assessment | .5 Hours Semester Exam - Oral | 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Lab Report - PRIS1 1000 Words | 5% |
| Supplementary Assessment | .5 Hours Oral Assessment | 10% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Semester Exam MCQ | 20% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Semester Exam SAQ | 20% |
| Supplementary Exam | 1.5 Hours MCQ | 10% |
| Supplementary Exam | 1.5 Hours SAQ This is a mid-term assessment | 10% |
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
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
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