Teaching and Programme structure
How is the programme taught?
In order to keep learning stimulating and exciting, the BSc Bioveterinary Science programme is taught in a variety of formats. Sessions include:
- small group directed learning.
- dissections.
- laboratory placements in the RVC research labs.
- lectures.
- small group tutorials.
- laboratory practical classes.
- research projects (as coursework).
Course content
During the BSc Bioveterinary Science programme you'll be taught by some of the UK's most prominent bioveterinary scientists and benefit from studying in an environment defined by cutting-edge bioveterinary research. As part of the programme you will learn amongst other things;
- to understand the physiology, cellular and molecular biology of a variety of animal species, in particular, the domesticated animals which form the bulk of veterinary work, and the mechanisms of disease.
- the anatomical, developmental, physiological, pathophysiological and pharmacological aspects of mammalian biology in an integrated manner.
- the importance of current & relevant research.
- laboratory skills and analytical skills which are developed in parallel with theoretical knowledge.
- to be a lifelong learner, an essential attribute in a rapidly changing world.
All of this is designed to produce bioveterinary scientists who play an important part in the nationwide promotion of animal and human health and welfare. Many veterinary scientists hold prominent positions in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries and in the medical research sector.
Course structure
| Year 1 (Camden Campus) |
| Elements |
Comments |
| The Principles of science |
Including experimental design, scientific method, statistics, epidemiology. |
| Form and Function |
A systems-based introductory course in mammalian physiology and anatomy. |
| Control and Regulation |
The cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning normal animal function. |
| Problem definition and investigation |
Including problem-based learning approaches and an introduction to the research laboratory environment. |
| Supervised science report |
Developing your laboratory and analytical skills alongside your theoretical knowledge. |
| Year 2 (Camden Campus) |
| Elements |
Comments |
| The Immune system and disease |
Introducing immunology and pathology. |
| The Enemy Without |
Microbiology and the role of infection in animal disease. |
| The Enemy Within |
The molecular basis of degenerative and proliferative diseases, including neoplasia. |
| Pharmacology: Principles and practice |
Pharmacology for probing normal and disease mechanisms and as a basis for therapy. |
| From Lab to Market |
Understanding the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to develop innovative new medicines and to work in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors |
6 weeks Research Project |
Provide students with an opportunity to undertake a short research project and present the results in the form of a project report and as an oral presentation. This provides a smooth transition to the design and execution of the third year project and subsequent post-graduate specialisation at Master’s and Doctoral level or academic and industrial research careers. |
| Year 3 (Camden Campus) |
| Elements |
Comments |
|
RVC Study options include**:
- Comparative animal locomotion
- Advanced Skeletal Pathobiology
- Advanced Reproduction & Development
- Animal Behaviour & Welfare
- Infection & Immunity
- Advanced Concepts in Biobusiness
- Wild Animal Biology
|
The first two years, involving the normal and diseased animal, act as the foundation for more specialised, in-depth study in the third year, including a substantial research project and report.
**Alternatively, students may choose third year course elements from the range provided by other constituent Colleges of the University of London, or, by special arrangement, according to their needs, course elements from outside the University of London. |
