Bioveterinary Science BSc (Hons)
Available with:
- Foundation Year
Accreditations
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Course Summary
Bioveterinary Sciences at Chester takes a holistic approach to animal health. You will gain an appreciation for disease and its impact on animals in terms of physiology and welfare, as well as how we can diagnose and treat disease. You will also be able to explore the wider implications on animal health, such as the impacts on the human population and the environment.
Our Bioveterinary Science degree utilises the strengths of the University of Chester in the areas of biology, behaviour and welfare. These strengths offer an opportunity to study animal health and welfare not only at the physiological and cellular level but also at the behavioural level. You’ll learn from experienced staff, including qualified veterinarians, who are experts in their fields and will share their current research work to improve animal health and welfare with you.
Our BSc Bioveterinary Science degree has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. As such, it has been independently assessed to ensure that it provides graduates with both a deep understanding of their subject and that it will suitably prepare graduates for employment in the biosciences. To achieve this, accredited programmes must meet rigorous criteria that ensure students are trained in, and have practical experience of subject-specific technical skills and broader transferable skills.
Overall, studying Bioveterinary Science encompasses a comprehensive range of scientific disciplines that support the care of animals and understanding of animal disease. We also place an emphasis on technical laboratory skills to provide you with the skills required to work in laboratories that support the veterinary profession. We aim to consider both the individual animal and groups of animals and ultimately produce graduates who can have an impact on animal welfare.
If you have any queries about the BSc Bioveterinary Science course after viewing this course page, please email the Programme Leader, Dr Nicola Beesley, via nbeesley@chester.ac.uk.
What You'llStudy
Module content:
- Reading and writing critically.
- Constructing and evaluating an argument.
- Note-taking techniques for reading and listening.
- Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity.
- Introduction to reflective practice.
- Preparing for, and delivering, powerpoint presentations.
- Referencing and citation.
- Summarising and paraphrasing written sources.
- Literature searching.
- Report writing.
- The culture and expectations of higher education.
- The assessment process including the role of assessment criteria and feedback.
- The nature of research journal publishing.
Whilst much of the content above is generic, students will be encouraged to situate skills within the context of the undergraduate discipline they are entering, which leads to some variation in emphasis for certain skills.
Module aims:
1.To raise awareness of the range of study skills required for successful higher education studies, including the process of academic writing, reading strategies, seminar skills, organisation of time and materials, planning for and meeting deadlines, understanding and responding to feedback.
2. To introduce students to concepts such as plagiarism, academic integrity and appropriate use of artificial intelligence tools.
3. To facilitate an effective transition into higher education by exploring, and providing guidance in, the key elements of successful undergraduate studentship including students' understanding of taking responsibility for their own learning.
4. To teach students how to undertake a literature, visual or data review for their discipline and be able to differentiate between a valid, reliable source and an unsubstantiated or irrelevant source.
Module content:
- Research and planning skills.
- Becoming familiar with topics that comprise their undergraduate degree subject.
- Developing a knowledge base for a discipline of study.
- Identifying areas of interest.
- Application and development of critical analytical skills.
- Development of self-directed study.
- Use of learning resources.
Module aims:
1. To develop students' skills in planning and writing an essay.
2. To familiarise students with the process of tutor supervision for a written piece of work.
3. To give students an opportunity to focus on a topic within their undergraduate degree subject.
4. To write a piece of work that allows the student to broaden and deepen knowledge on a topic of their choice.
5. To prepare and deliver an academic poster presentation outlining the student's research topic.
Module content:
- Fractions, ratios and percentages
- Standard form, significant figures and scientific units and notation
- Errors and inaccuracies
- Basic algebra and its use in units and indices
- Shapes, volumes and area
- Graphs and equations of a line
- Using arithmetical functions in laboratory applications
- Statistics – variation and averages
- Statistical tests and their uses in the life sciences
- Symmetry in living systems
- Logs, exponential growth and rates of change
Module aims:
1. To provide a foundation-level knowledge of mathematics in preparation for progression to Level 4 of a Life Science degree.
2. To introduce students to fundamental concepts within maths using a selection of applications relevant to Life Sciences.
Module content:
- Atomic structure and its influence on properties of elements
- Bond formation in chemical compounds
- Intermolecular forces and their effects on properties
- Calculating amounts in chemical reactions
- Carbon chemistry, functional groups and isomerism
- Rates of reaction
- Enthalpy change in reactions
- Equilibria
- Acids, bases and buffers
- Energy transfers in living systems
- Techniques in biochemical analysis
Module aims:
- Develop an understanding of the arrangement of subatomic particles in atoms, and how these influence the properties and chemical behaviour of substances
- Develop practical laboratory skills and procedures, including calculations of amounts
- Understand the importance of carbon chemistry to living organisms
- Describe energy changes that take place in reactions and the mechanisms of energy transfers in living systems
- Describe the underlying scientific concepts and applications of some modern analytical techniques in biochemistry
Module content:
- Biodiversity and classification of animals
- Animal cells and tissues
- Comparative study of key organ systems
- Consideration of adaptations and the selection pressures involved
- Studying and sampling animals in natural habitats - techniques and challenges
- Introduction to the principles and study of animal behaviour
- Animals and humans - considerations of interactions
- Animal disease
Module aims:
On completion of this module students will be equipped to:
- Compare classic and modern methods of animal classification
- Explain differences in in animal species and describe the underlying evolutionary processes
- Describe selected areas of animal anatomy and physiology
- Use basic concepts and techniques in the study of animal behaviour
- Describe some animal-human interactions and their outcomes
- Discuss aspects of animal disease
Module content:
- Introduction to marine ecosystems
- Comparative anatomy and physiology of selected marine organisms
- Adaptations to life in the marine environment
- Marine ecology
- Human impacts on the marine environment
- Marine conservation
Module aims:
- To provide an introduction to the marine environment.
- To provide an overview of the biology and ecology of marine organisms, from cells to communities.
- To provide an explanation of the evolutionary processes behind adaptations to life in the marine environment.
- To explore the relationship between humans and the marine environment: exploitation, impacts and conservation strategies.
In your first year, you will study key concepts aimed at understanding what is normal and learn essential practical techniques required to become a Bioveterinary scientist.
Module content:
Introduction to Genetics
Mendelian Genetics
Introduction to Cytogenetics
Introduction to DNA
Protein Synthesis and the Genetic Code
Inheritance patterns of single genes and gene interaction
On the origin of species
Natural selection and speciation
Classification and phylogenies
Evolution and conservation
The Molecular Basis and Phenotypic Consequences of Mutation
Understanding genetic analysis
Introduction to gene technology
Evolution of Disease
Genetics of Disease
Module aims:
The module is designed to provide students with:
An understanding of the application of taxonomic principles An appreciation of the weight of evidence supporting modern evolutionary theory An enhanced understanding of the basic principles and concepts in classical and modern genetics. |
Module content:
Review of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells Animal and plant cell ultrastructure and function SI units of measurement; moles and molarity Basic organic chemistry pH and buffer systems Structure and function of major biomolecules Energy and biochemical processes Action and properties of enzymes and coenzymes Enzyme kinetics Metabolism and metabolic pathways Appropriate practical techniques; data analysis. |
Module aims:
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of those aspects of cell biology and biochemistry that underpin the subsequent study of behavioural, nutritional and life sciences. Further, the module also aims to develop the process skills involved in investigative methods.
Module content:
Science and public health reform in the 20th and 21st century Introduction to the structure, function(s) and growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi Introduction of the role of microbes as pathogens (including parasites) Application of microbial processes in medicine and industry Antibiotics and bacterial resistance Introduction to immune cells and molecules Innate immunity – Cells involved, complement, processes involved Acquired immunity – basic function, maturation and activation of B and T lymphocytes. Introduction to Major Histocompatibility Complex Antibody structure and function and the role of antibody and cell mediated immune mechanisms Introduction to microbiological and immunological techniques |
Module aims:
The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the processes in microbiology and immunology relevant to human and animal health. It describes the range of microbes that can affect human and animal health and how the immune system responds to these organisms.
Module content:
Core Quantitative Operations:
Specialised techniques of project design, academic skills and data analysis: The module involves students working towards completing a portfolio of academic skills, project design and data analysis related to the area of study of their main degree programme with the advice and guidance of an appropriate tutor. |
Module aims:
The use of quantitative methods in the design, collection, analysis and presentation of data is central to the practice of science. This module aims to introduce biological science students to the basic operations underlying both mathematical and statistical approaches to data preparation, analysis and presentation. In addition, students will receive training in the use of techniques and principles applying to their particular areas of study in preparation for more advanced study at levels 5 and 6. This module will cover material and core skills common to all the sciences along with more specialist areas applicable to the student's discipline area. |
Module content:
Animal Nutrition - feeding behaviour, comparative anatomy and function of the digestive system across a range of taxa, nutritional requirements for production, reproduction, growth and health, metabolic diseases, and feed analysis and composition.
Breeding for Fitness - reproductive behaviour, comparative anatomy and physiology of reproductive system across a range of taxa, reproductive system health and disease, reproductive technologies in animal breeding, and animal selection.
Development and Growth - normal development and growth of a range of species, disease of development and growth.
Production - lactation biology, food conversion to meat, biology of egg production, production diseases, the production cycle and animal welfare issues.
Fitness and Health - monitoring health, disease surveillance, prophylactic treatments and management practices, stress and immunity.
Housing and Habitat, Disease and Biosecurity - husbandry regimes, production systems and infrastructure, handling for health and disease, diseases associated with poor health, hygiene control and biosecurity measures.
Ethical and Social Impacts - production animals in society, keeping the public safe, food security and safety, use of laboratory animals.
Module aims:
This module is designed to:
- Develop and enhance knowledge of nutrition, reproduction and preventative health care management and how this is used to maximise welfare, health and production of animals.
- Develop an understanding of the importance of good husbandry in maintaining animal health.
- Have an awareness of the ethical and social impacts of the use of animals.
- Give students the opportunity to engage with bioveterinary professionals in the field and to understand how their acquired knowledge is applied in the industry.
Module content:
- Cell structure, organelle function and inclusions.
- Nervous system structure and function, neurones, action potential transmissions, synapses, and sensory systems.
- Study of the tissue type: connective, muscle and epithelial.
- The use of anatomical descriptors to identify locations of the body.
- The structure and function of the cardiac system, including blood components and parameters, vessels, cardiac cycle and lymphatic system.
- Homeostatic control and the role of positive and negative feedback systems, and acid base balance.
- Musculoskeletal system and integument of a range of taxa: muscle contraction, muscle types, skeleton structure and function, and locomotion.
- Endocrine system: control and response to internal and external factors.
- Structure and function of the digestive system: physical and chemical digestion, absorption and assimilation
- Reproduction: structure and function of the reproductive system, reproductive cycles and their control, embryo development, parturition and growth in a range of taxa.
- Respiration: structure and function of the respiratory system, transport and exchange of gas.
- Osmoregulation: structure and function of the kidneys and urinary tract.
Module aims:
This module aims to provide students with a grounding knowledge in the principles of animal anatomy and physiology across a range of taxa. The module is designed so that students will gain an understanding in the structure and function of major body systems, and the physiological control of these systems, across a range of taxa.
In your second year, you will develop your knowledge and skills to explore what is abnormal and how we can diagnose disease. You also have the opportunity to undertake work-based learning.
Module content:
Indicative content:
- Appreciation of numbers
- Literature searching and critical appraisal of research papers
- Survey methods and feedback
- Experimental design
- Research questions, hypotheses and statistical analysis
- Research proposals and dissertations
- Research ethics and sustainable development
- Development and exposure to a range of core biological skills
Module aims:
To build upon knowledge gained in Level 4 (e.g. BI4114 Data Handling and Project Design);
To equip students with the skills required to critically analyse primary research papers;
To provide an introduction to the essential processes involved when conducting good scientific research;
To expose students to a range of core biological skills and techniques;
To equip students with the statistical skills required to handle data, analyse and report findings in accordance with scientific convention;
To expose students to the importance of ethical and sustainable development considerations when conducting research in relevant disciplines;
Allow students to plan and complete a research proposal that will help them develop and prepare for their dissertation at Level 6.
Module content:
This module will cover key areas in behaviour management and animal welfare, such as the following:
- Historical background; evolutionary approaches to animal behaviour and welfare; perspectives on the human-animal relationship, and the changing roles of animals in society
- Animal welfare theory and practical approaches in applied settings
- Learning theory and the biological basis for behaviour
Behaviour management theory and techniques (including environmental enrichment and training) for animals under human care, including zoos, farms, laboratories, companion and service/assistance animals
Module aims:
To enable students to:
- Reflect upon the various roles of animals in society over time
- Apply knowledge of the human-animal relationship to animal management and welfare
- Apply principles of learning theory to animal management and welfare
- Reflect critically upon different kinds of animal management techniques in applied settings
Apply principles of animal behaviour theory to welfare assessments in applied settings
Module content:
This module will use veterinary examples to illustrate the applied use of a range of diagnostic techniques. Examples of such techniques include:
Diagnostic Imaging
- Ultrasound and its applications
- Radiography including X ray, CT and MRI imaging
Cytometry
- Haematological analysis including cytometers and coulter counters
- Microscopy applications tissue assessment and parasite identification
Biochemical screening
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis for chemical group identification.
- Titrimetric techniques.
- Spectroscopic techniques.
- Chromatographic techniques and associated detection methods
Molecular Screening and pathogen detection
- DNA based techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction
(PCR), Real-time PCR, sequencing and electrophoresis. - Immunodiagnostic methods such as Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assays (ELISAs) and bioassays
Module aims:
To develop an understanding of the theories underpinning modern physiological ,biochemical, molecular and cytological diagnostic procedures relevant to bioveterinary science.
To develop practical skills in biochemical, molecular, physical and chemical analytical techniques.
To apply the theoretical and practical skills to problem solving exercises.
To understand and critically evaluate common analytical and diagnostic technologies.
Module content:
Microbial communities and interactions (e.g. commensalism, mutualism);
Microbiological issues relating to animal health and how environmental health and food quality affects them;
Introduction to microbiological hazards to animals – analysis of selected issues including zoonoses;
Microbiological pathogenesis;
Prevention and control of infectious animal disease, including disinfection, vaccination and biosecurity.
Module aims:
To appreciate relationships between animal health, microorganisms and the environment.
To understand selected environmental health issues and associated microbiology relevant to animal health.
To appreciate the use of microbiological investigations in the diagnosis and monitoring of animal health.
To develop analytical skills in data handling and in appropriate practical investigations.
Module content:
The following pathology based topics will be studied using examples relevant to animal health and disease :
- The nature of disease and pathology - terminology
- Basic principles of epidemiology
- Cell and tissue response to injury - necrosis / apoptosis; healing and repair
- Poisons and toxicology
- Diseases of intolerance; hypersensitivity
- Auto-immune diseases
- Mutation and mutagenic substances, teratogens
- Cell growth disorders, cancers
- Metabolic disease
- Nutritional disease
- Circulatory disorders
- Degenerative disease
Module aims:
The module is intended to provide students with an introduction to the biology of animal disease that is applicable to veterinary science. It will:
- develop understanding of fundamental concepts of aetiology, pathology and epidemiology which may be applied in further studies.
- review the causes and effects of a range of significant animal diseases.
- provide an opportunity for students to develop written presentation skills.
- provide computer based experience in the interpretation of diagnostic data relevant to an animal disease.
Module content:
Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:
- Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
- Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
- Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
- The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world
Theories, models and strategies of learning
- Critical thinking skills, experiential learning and models of reflection
Personal and placement-related transversal skills
- Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
- Effective time management and organisational skills
- Project management – working away from University and independent study
- Self-management and personal development
Whilst abroad:
Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load. This must be agreed by the host institution and the International Tutor. Students must supply details of their courses/modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university, note students who fail to supply this within 4 weeks may have the opportunity withdrawn.
Module aims:
- To experience academic life in country outside of the EU, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness and increasing transversal skills.
- To reflect on the impact of the experience in their destination on one’s own personal, academic and professional development.
- To engage with the experience of study at a partner university to gain extensive first-hand knowledge and understanding of the relevant society from the perspective of the resident.
- To further develop independent learning techniques.
- To foster critical evaluation.
Module content:
Pre-placement:
- Structured approaches to researching, selecting and securing a suitable work placement relevant to the student’s interests and career aspirations*.
- Writing an effective CV. Constructing a letter of application.*
- Interview skills.*
*Note: Students are required to undertake these pre-placement tasks during term 1 level 5, as part of the placement acquisition process and will be supported by the Work Based Learning team and the Careers and Employability department.
Induction Programme and Placement:
- The organisational context: research-informed analysis of the placement organisation’s aims, structure, culture.
- Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess. (Employability Skills: e.g. verbal and written communication, analytical / problem solving capabilities; self-management; team working behaviours; negotiation skills; influencing people; positive attitude, resilience, building rapport).
- Devising a strategy for integrating into the workplace and work based teams
- Completion of online assignment tasks covering sourcing and obtaining placement; health and safety procedures in general; general workplace integrity; placement requirements.
During and post-placement: Learning effectively in and from the workplace:-
- Devising and implementing strategies to improve own approach and performance
- Critical analysis/evaluation of approach to skill development and performance in the workplace;
- Influencing the Placement Provider’s appraisal;
- Devising an action plan to develop gaps in transferable skills based on the placement experiences;
Module aims:
This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment through engagement with a University approved work placement**, which will enable them to:
- Develop their understanding of workplace practice and lifelong learning;
- Enhance their work readiness and employability prospects through development of transferable skills;
- Take responsibility for their own learning and acquisition of workplace employability skills;
- Articulate, in writing, their employability skills.
In your third year, you will study a range of subject-specific modules that will draw together your knowledge from previous years and you will undertake an independent research project.
Module content:
The module offers students the opportunity to engage in extensive independent study with supervision from a tutor/s. Primary scientific sources should be used to a significant extent in addition to a thorough grounding in the secondary literature.
Chester blend will provide all relevant support during the second half of level 5 so that students can be allocated to a supervisor before the end of the academic year to enable them to collect data during the summer if necessary for their project (or if preferred). Guidance will also be given on procedures that need to be carried out before any data is collected, e.g. ethical permission and risk assessment.
A small number of lectures will take place during the module to advise on what is expected of students, how to present data and organise work. Students will mainly be prepared for the dissertation during modules in levels 4 and 5 in modules such as Research Methods.
Module aims:
To enable the student to engage in research, development and/or interpretation of a selected topic relevant to their programme of study through the scholarly use of primary and other sources.
Module content:
Critical discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of different frameworks for understanding welfare (e.g. Fraser 1997)
Critical discussion of the scientific debate surrounding sentience and consciousness in animals.
Critical discussion of behavioural and physiological aspects of both acute and chronic stress responses; the modulation of the stress response by external and internal factors
Critical assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of using physiological methods for quantifying stress.
Critical assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of using a selection of the following behavioural methods for quantifying stress
1. Discrimination tests
2. Consumer demand theory
3. Cognitive bias paradigms.
Critical discussion of the application of welfare assessment methods for studying the welfare of captive subjects across a range of settings including the laboratory, zoo, sanctuary and farm.
Critical discussion of the application of welfare assessment methods for studying the welfare of 'wild' animals across a range of settings including the natural habitat, reintroduced animals and relocated animals.
Module aims:
To enable students to
- appreciate the theory and practical aspects of the science underpinning animal welfare.
- critically evaluate the scientific debate surrounding consciousness and sentience in animals
- examine how welfare can be quantitatively assessed across a variety of environments and taxonomic groups.
- critically evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using physiology and behaviour to assess welfare.
- critically assess the limitations and strengths of the literature in animal welfare.
Module content:
Each seminar session will use on a case study or series of case studies as a framework for problem based learning activities focused on a disease process, health problem or welfare issue. Areas that will be covered will include:
- Non-infectious disease processes of major organs and body systems
- Investigation of disease and illness in individuals
- Infectious disease outbreaks and investigations in individuals and groups
- Production poor performance and improvement including nutritional disease
- Welfare investigations and husbandry best practice
- Reproduction failure investigations and interventions
Module aims:
This module is designed to utilise the students understanding of bioveterinary science in applied clinical scenarios. By using case studies the students will be required to demonstrate their ability to investigate health and welfare problems from real world situations. This will consolidate their knowledge from across the programme and allow clinically focused continuation of pathology, diagnostics, microbiology, epidemiology and animal management teaching. The module will be diverse expecting students to work in the role of a diagnostic scientist, health and welfare inspector, specialist advisor (pharmaceutical, nutritional, production) or a specialist scientist (reproduction scientist) thus making this module directly relevant to employability skills.
Module content:
- Mechanisms of action of drugs and therapeutic agents covering different body systems
- Principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
- Drug dosage and delivery
- Appropriate use of antimicrobials in veterinary practice including resistance
- Anaesthesia and analgesia in animals
- Vaccines
Module aims:
- To gain an understanding of how pharmacological principles impact treatment
- To gain an understanding of major therapeutic interventions used to protect animal health.
- To gain an understanding of disease prevention and control strategies in therapeutic approaches.
- To apply the concepts, skills and understanding of bioveterinary science to the care and treatment of diseased or compromised animals.
Module content:
All of the content within this module will address the protection of both animal health and human health. Focus will be placed on the diversity of routes of transmission and how these routes can be exploited to protect animal and human health. This content considered with respect to the following areas:
- The relationship between animal and human medicine.
- Identification of important groups associated with animal/human medicine.
- Legal and ethical issues in animal/human medicine.
- Disease surveillance and monitoring.
- Epidemiology and disease investigation.
- Occupational health and animal workers.
- Public health issues associated with animal/human medicine.
- Strategies for disease control in human and animal medicine.
- Biosecurity and quarantine systems in disease control.
- The relationship between animal health and the wider environment.
Module aims:
- To gain an understanding of public health concerns within a context of animal and human interactions.
- To gain an understanding of mechanisms, techniques and strategies used to protect human health and animal health.
- To appreciate how different disease control strategies relate to different animal/human diseases and the development of such strategies.
- To acquire knowledge of how issues relevant to animal health may also affect human health and environmental stability.
Module content:
- Animal welfare and ethics in clinical practice
- Animal welfare assessment in clinical practice
- Pain perception, sentience and ability to suffer.
- QoL assessment in a variety of clinical settings
- Animal euthanasia, humane killing and palliative care
- Animal welfare issues and interventions in veterinary clinical settings
- Client communication, compliance and achieving animal welfare goals.
- Applied case scenarios of animal welfare assessment and intervention in clinical practice.
Module aims:
This module is aimed at utilising students’ combined understanding of animal welfare and bioveterinary sciences to applied clinical science. For this, students will be required to demonstrate their ability to investigate and determine appropriate means of intervention in case scenarios which reflect real world situations in clinical practice. Application of animal welfare science to a clinical setting will enable students to consolidate their knowledge from both general animal welfare and bioveterinary sciences for continued professional development in veterinary clinical practice. This module will therefore advance students’ understanding on:
1-Current animal welfare and ethical issues across a variety of clinical settings from farm, companion to laboratory animals.
2-Animal welfare frameworks and methodology used to assess the welfare status of animals across a variety of clinical settings.
3-Developing quality of life assessments for application in veterinary clinical practice.
4-Client communication strategies to enhance compliance with animal welfare enhancements.
Coursework includes essays and reports, lab reports, portfolios, data processing and presentations. End-of-module-assessments may include multiple-choice questions, essays, short-answer and essay questions.
Beyond the Classroom
Exploring the different ways that animals are used and cared for enables you to see the potential career paths available upon graduation. In the past, we’ve run trips to animal reproductive laboratories and Chester Zoo.
We aim to ensure you have experiential learning opportunities so that you will graduate with key employability skills. Previous students have attended placements to gain insights that help prepare them for employment.
This course offers the exciting opportunity to study abroad for a full academic year at one of our bilateral exchange partners or through ISEP (International Student Exchange Programmes), a network of over 300 additional higher education institutions worldwide.
Entry Requirements
112 UCAS Points
UCAS Tariff |
112 points |
GCE A Level |
Typical offer – BCC-BBC. The school requires one of the following subjects as essential for entry: GCE A Level – Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science. |
BTEC |
BTEC Extended Diploma (Animal Management, Applied Science) Typical Offer: DMM |
International Baccalaureate |
26 points including 5 in Biology or Chemistry |
Irish / Scottish Highers |
Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 including H3 in Biology or Chemistry Scottish Highers: BBBB including Biology or Chemistry |
Access requirements |
Access to HE Diploma (Science), to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above |
T Level |
T Level Science - Merit |
OCR Cambridge Technicals |
OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM |
Extra Information |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. |
Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.
We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.
For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements
72 UCAS Points
UCAS |
72 UCAS points |
GCE A Level |
72 points overall, including grade D in A level Biology, Chemistry or Applied Science |
BTEC |
BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science/Animal Management): MMP |
International Baccalaureate |
24 points, including 4 in HL Biology or Chemistry |
Irish / Scottish Highers |
Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4, including Biology or Chemistry Scottish Highers: CCDD including Biology or Chemistry |
Access requirements |
Access to HE Diploma (Science) – Pass overall |
T Level |
T Level (Science): Pass (D or E on the core) |
OCR Cambridge Technicals |
OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): MMP |
Extra Information / General Entry Requirements |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree. |
Fees and Funding
£9,250 per year (2024/25)
Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.
The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.
Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.
Following the UK’s exit from the EU, students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU starting in or after the 2021/22 academic year will pay International Tuition Fees.
Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.
Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.
£13,950 per year (2024/25)
The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950.
This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.
For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.
Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.
Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.
If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.
To take part in some of the practical sessions within this course, we will require students to be immunised against Tetanus and Hepatitis B. If you are not immunised against these diseases, then this may limit your experience during this course. In addition, in order to achieve the best experience from the field trips within this course, we also require you to supply appropriate waterproof trousers, coats and footwear (e.g. Wellington boots).
Your Future Career
Careers service
Our graduates have pursued further education, including Master's and PhDs, as well as training to be veterinary nurses or veterinary surgeons. Additionally, some graduates have secured positions with the RSPCA, in education, diagnostic laboratories and animal export industries.
The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.