Programme Specifications

N/A

Biosciences

August 2024

The foundation year provides opportunities for students to develop further the foundation of their interest and knowledge in the biological sciences. It aims to develop the intellectual and practical skills of the student in preparation for the DLS degree schemes and the wider range of disciplines open to the graduate biologist. It provides the skills necessary to allow students to adapt and to respond to change, and to engage in life-long learning. Students will develop an appreciation of the social responsibilities of graduates in biological sciences in general.

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, think creatively to solve novel challenges and are able to direct their own research and learning.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate the listed learning outcomes relating to knowledge and understanding, intellectual skills and professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills.

A1 Describe, discuss and understand the key biological concepts and phenomena relevant to Veterinary Biosciences confidently, accurately and in detail, using appropriate terminology.

A2 Be aware of the full breadth of Veterinary Biosciences, across multiple species of relevance to the veterinary sector (companion animals, exotics, horses and livestock), from molecular to cellular, and from organism to ecosystem.

A3 Engage with literature in Veterinary Biosciences to develop insight into the subject in key areas such as animal genetics, physiology, and behaviour.

A4 Appreciate the contribution of Biosciences to the innovations that characterise the current veterinary sector, and the potential of Veterinary Biosciences graduates to develop sustainable solutions to current and future challenges.

A5 Stay up to date with advances in Veterinary Biosciences, including aspects of sustainability, and appreciate the fluid nature of knowledge that evolves as new findings emerge.

A6 Show an understanding of welfare, ethical and legal considerations of animal care including pharmacological treatments.

A7 Show an ability to critically assess the various causes, progression, host immune responses and treatment options for infectious and non-infectious veterinary diseases.

A8 Understand the key concepts and techniques in general systems biology. Underpinning basic sciences including mathematics and computing (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, etc.), biological chemistry, microbiology, analytical techniques and genetics (evolution, phylogeny, taxonomy, etc.).

A9 Gain knowledge and understanding of cellular biology, cell division, organelles and cellular homeostasis. Interactions of microbes, plants and animals with each other and with the environment.

Learning and Teaching
Student development towards these outcomes is promoted through a range of teaching activities. These include: small group tutorials, seminars, workshops, directed independent study, laboratory practical classes, one-to-one tutoring for the dissertation project, lectures and problem-based learning scenarios. Additionally, feedback from assessments, 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 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.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

B1 Recognise the relationships and interfaces between Veterinary Biosciences and other subjects (both scientific and outside of the sciences), such that they are able to operate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.

B2 Apply ethical awareness to working in Biosciences and the animal sector, appreciate the historical context of the subject and the societal impacts of advances in the Biosciences.

B3 Display the ability to construct reasoned, evidence-based arguments to support a position for a range of areas related to veterinary science.

Learning and Teaching
Student development towards these outcomes is promoted through a range of teaching activities. These include: small group tutorials, laboratory practical classes, one-to-one tutoring for the dissertation project, lectures and problem-based learning scenarios. Additionally, feedback from assessments, 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 essay assignments, project work, practical laboratory reports, the dissertation project, seminar presentations, seen examination essays, unseen examinations essays and unseen short answer examinations.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

C1 Apply knowledge and understanding of biological systems and methodologies to design experiments and to solve theoretical and practical problems within the veterinary biosciences area, with awareness of appropriate controls, possible bias, ethics and sustainability.

C2 Describe, document and enact safe working practices in terms of managing biological, chemical, laboratory or field-based risk, through knowledge-based risk assessments and practical activities.

C3 Select and carry out appropriate quantitative and qualitative practical (laboratory, field or computational) techniques to solve problems relevant to veterinary biosciences, including consideration of the theoretical basis and limitations of various techniques.

C4 Complete independent open-ended investigative work through a project/research-based assignment relevant to the course. This could be a laboratory or field-based project or an evidenced-based review, and/or collecting and evaluating data from a variety of sources.

C5 Collect qualitative and quantitative data from investigations relevant to the course and analyse and interpret these data to allow testing of hypotheses, contextualising of findings, presentation of findings, and suggestions for further lines of investigation.

C6 Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and aims of different stakeholders within the veterinary sector.

Learning and Teaching
The teaching and learning of these skills are promoted during laboratory practical classes, small group tutorial classes, feedback from assessments, lectures, tutorials, student-led seminars, directed independent study, problem-based learning scenarios and case studies, literature-based research, computer-assisted learning and experimental research during the dissertation. 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
Discipline-specific 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 essay assignments, project work, practical laboratory reports, the dissertation project, seminar presentations, seen examination essays, unseen examinations essays and unseen short answer examinations.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

D1 Acquire skills in research and data analysis.

D2 Deploy mathematical and statistical concepts, processes and tools, such as the manipulation of equations and graphical and statistical analysis, to solve problems or evaluate data.

D3 Develop problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

D4 Develop a thorough grounding in information technology skills and use appropriate databases, computational techniques and tools to aid further understanding of and insight into biological processes.

D5 Demonstrate the ability to work independently.

D6 Demonstrate time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines.

D7 Develop the ability to express ideas and communicate effectively, in both written and oral forms, selecting appropriate content, media and methods for the audience, purpose and subject.

D8 Demonstrate self-motivation and self-reliance.

D9 Collaborate and work successfully and inclusively in a group environment, contributing positively and flexibly to team outputs.

D10 Act professionally, with due regard for legal, ethical and societal responsibilities, modelling good practice that promotes positive, sustainable and inclusive perceptions of the Biosciences and of Bioscientists.

Learning and Teaching
Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Students learn and develop skills through student and tutor-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; self-directed learning, oral presentations and experimental dissertation work. Students will be encouraged to undertake work experience, including access to the Year in Employment Scheme. Students will also have access to an optional study exchange programme which will also develop transferable skills of communication, personal development and career planning.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
The skills listed above 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.