Module Information

Module Identifier
VE20300
Module Title
Principles of Science (year 2)
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Oral assessment  20 Minutes  20%
Semester Assessment 1 Hours   Mid term in-class written test  20%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   Exam - Short Answer Question (SAQ) paper  30%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   Exam - Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) paper  30%
Supplementary Assessment Oral assessment  20 Minutes  20%
Supplementary Assessment 1 Hours   Mid term in-class written test  20%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   Exam - Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) paper  30%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   Exam - Short Answer Question (SAQ) paper  30%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Evaluate the use of histopathology and related pathology techniques in veterinary diagnosis

Describe the principles of oncogenesis and tumour biology

Describe the key viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases of veterinary importance including biological features, transmission and control measures available

Discuss the importance of understanding the immune system in diagnosing, treating and controlling key veterinary diseases.

Discuss the key principles of veterinary pharmacology

Be able to demonstrate how module content can be applied to clinical settings and how it integrates with other modules

Brief description

Building upon the content of Principles of Science and other modules from your 1st year, this module will cover a range of areas critical for the veterinary profession. These include common veterinary infectious diseases, cancer, immune responses, veterinary drug treatments and pathology. The module will explore these related veterinary disease topics by using lectures, practicals and seminars to teach key concepts.

Content

The module will be divided into seven main sections: Principles of Pharmacology, General Pathology, Immunology, Oncology, Virology, Bacteriology and Parasitology. Principles of pharmacology will be an introduction to the principles of drug action and toxicity, concepts that form the basis of all future pharmacology and therapeutics teaching. General Pathology will focus on disease, through a series of lectures and practicals that introduce principles of general pathology, covering key characteristics of gross and cellular pathological changes, together with tissue and cellular responses to injury. Immunology will be provided with an integrated series of lectures, directed learning and practical sessions covering the mediators of the immunological responses, diseases related to the immune system and the drugs that can be used to target these mediators. The Oncology section will introduce the key gross, cellular, infectious and molecular features of neoplasia, providing an essential basis for clinical oncology that will be studied in future years of the course. Virology provides an overview of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and epidemiology of viral diseases. Examples of some of the more common viral infections of animals will be used to illustrate key principles of viral infection and the features that permit viruses to evade immune detection. Bacteriology will encompass classification of bacteria, bacterial pathogenicity and immunological responses by the animal to bacterial infections. Additionally, it will introduce the pharmacology of antimicrobial drugs, together with the principles of antimicrobial resistance by bacteria. Parasitology will be taught using a systems-based approach, covering the important characteristics of veterinary endo- and ectoparasites. Teaching will address the epidemiology, pathogenicity, diagnosis and control of parasitic diseases of companion and production animals.

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 and exams will involve problem solving.
Critical and analytical thinking The exams 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 the examination.
Digital capability Accessing the web for reliable information sources and using databases to find literature in preparation for the exam. This will not specifically be examined.
Professional communication Students will develop effective written communication skills in the examination and oral communication in the oral exam, where these will be assessed. Feedback for this will be given.
Real world sense Application of Number: Data analysis and interpretation of data will be taught and assessed in the exam.
Reflection Students will have contact with veterinary surgeons and biology researchers providing insight into these sectors. This aspect is not assessed.
Subject Specific Skills During the module, students will gain knowledge of veterinary and biological terminology assessed in exams.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5