Veterinary Biosciences 2012
"The lectures are superb and make the learning process really enjoyable."
Alun Carter
Surrey has a long-standing reputation for excellence in both teaching and research in the biomedical sciences. This degree builds on these strengths and is run in collaboration with experts from world-class veterinary institutes, the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) and the Institute for Animal Health (IAH), based within 20 minutes of the University.
Watch our short film to gain a further understanding of what to expect during your study of Veterinary Biosciences and the opportunities available to you throughout the programme.
Factfile
| Minimum Entry Requirements | A level grades AAB All applicants should also adhere to the University's General Entrance Requirements. |
|---|---|
| Required Subjects | Two science/maths A levels, preferably Biology and Chemistry. |
| English Language Requirements | An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent for non-native-English-speaking applicants. Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre. |
| Other Suitable Qualifications | BTEC National Diploma - DDD (in an appropriate science subject) A wide range of other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. |
| Selection Process | Offers are made in terms of grades. We do not include General Studies in our offers. We may invite candidates for interview. We invite suitable candidates to visit the University to find out more about the programme and meet staff and students. |
Degrees
Degree Programme
BSc (Hons) Degree
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BSc (Hons) Veterinary Biosciences | D300 | 3/4* years |
Degrees
Degree Programme
BSc (Hons) Degree
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BSc (Hons) Veterinary Biosciences | D300 | 3/4* years |
Our Degree
Our Veterinary Biosciences programme provides excellent training for students intending to work in bioscience research, veterinary public health, veterinary research, and veterinary infectious diseases and diagnostics. It also provides a broad education in the biosciences, including the interface between human and veterinary medicine, for those with interests in veterinary sciences who may then go on to work in a wide variety of fields, with opportunities in organisations such as Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). It does not provide recognised training for those wishing to practise as a vet, although it may be suitable as an entry point for such a recognised programme.
Our modular programme structure provides a broad range of skills in your first year that ensure a solid foundation on which to build for your specialisation in the final year.
Your second year combines further studies in fundamental sciences with specialised animal science modules. The optional professional training year, after your second year, will complement your academic knowledge and enhance your employment prospects upon completion of your degree. Your final year consists of core modules in specialised aspects of animal science, combined with a choice of a wide range of optional modules, together with a research project conducted in one of our own research laboratories or, subject to arrangement, neighbouring research institutes.
Animal Handling Course
In your first year you will have the opportunity to work for up to one week on rotation on a pig, sheep, cattle or poultry farm. This period will provide you with a basic training in animal handling and real practical experience of working with animals.
Summer Research Internships
A limited number of our Veterinary Biosciences students will have the opportunity to undertake overseas summer research internships at, for example, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Read the weekly blogs from our students who have been out to the USA and hear about their experiences.
Videos
In this interview, pioneering veterinary surgeon Noel Fitzpatrick talks about the significance of Veterinary Biosciences and his connections with students on the programme.
Watch the interview with some of our Veterinary Biosciences students as they talk about their experiences participating in the Summer Research Internship.
Other degrees you may be interested in:
Programme
Programme Overview
The programme starts with a broad base of the fundamental subjects that provide you with a strong understanding of the key elements that underpin all modern biological sciences. You will then progress towards a more detailed study of the specific aspects of veterinary sciences.
The modular structure of the programme combines core modules with a broad range of options. This enables you to tailor the programme to your own interests while maintaining a coherent package of the key elements.
At Level 1 you will acquire a broad basic knowledge and practical skills, including cell and molecular biology, microbiology and biochemistry together with undertaking specialist animal anatomy and handling training. The programme has the flexibility to accommodate students with and without A level Chemistry, to bring every student’s knowledge to the standard necessary for Level 2. There is an opportunity to study one of seven modern languages if you wish.
During Level 2 the broad base of the programme is expanded to include animal virology and immunology, as well as mammalian physiology and animal nutrition and toxicology.
At Level 3 you will study core modules focusing on the scientific basis of health and disease in animals, public health, veterinary immunology and pathology plus a range of optional modules. These are combined with a research project carried out within one of our research groups, or at a neighbouring research institute, under the supervision of a member of academic staff. This will give you the opportunity to explore a research area you are especially interested in and develop specialised lab-based skills and experience
Programme Structure
Level 1
Modules include:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry and Maths for Biosciences
- Animal Handling
- Anatomy
Level 2
Modules include:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Introduction to Immunology
- Analytical Biochemistry
- Cellular Microbiology and Virology
- Physiology
- Animal Nutrition and Toxicology
Optional modules include:
- Pharmacology
- Pathology and Medicine
- Current Topics in Biosciences
Level P
- Optional professional training year
Level 3
Modules include:
- Pathogenesis of Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases
- Animal Infectious Diseases, Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety
- Veterinary Immunology
- Research Project
Optional modules include:
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology
- Metabolic Engineering and Systems Biology
Professional Training
Our students are encouraged to take advantage of the excellent professional placement provision we offer. Our experienced professional training tutors will help you to choose between, and apply to, a strictly vetted selection of excellent placements in industry, research laboratories and academia.
For this programme, you will have the opportunity to undertake professional training year placements at the nearby VLA and IAH, giving you a unique opportunity to work in these world-class veterinary research institutes. The professional training year offers students an opportunity to work in a number of disciplines, such as pathology, bacteriology, virology, epidemiology, bioinformatics, risk analysis, neuropathology and parasitology, along with veterinary scientists and vets. For their professional training year, students will be an integral part of a research team dealing with both the diagnosis and fundamental research into infectious diseases of animals.
The professional training year is of immense benefit to students, both in their final-year study and in helping them to get appropriate jobs after graduating.
Why Surrey?
Key reasons to study Veterinary Biosciences 2012 at Surrey
- Experience a broad education in the biosciences, including the interface between human and veterinary medicine
- Excellent preparation for a wide range of careers in bioscience research, veterinary research, animal health and disease, public health, animal nutrition, food and pharmaceutical industries and veterinary microbiology
- Visits to local world-leading veterinary surgeries in first year and possibility of one-year placement at the IAH or VLA in third year
- Training in animal husbandry and handling
- Opportunity for ten-week overseas summer placement
- State-of-the-art teaching laboratories for practical sessions
- Learn about the exciting advances in biological research including infectious diseases, nutrition, immunology, anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, toxicology and systems biology
- Undertake your final-year research project in a top-rated research group
- A professional training year with many international opportunities
- Opportunity for top performing students to go on to study veterinary medicine at NCSU. Read the weekly blogs to hear about what our students have got up to during their summer research internships.
Play our online game
Discover more about the role of a Veterinary Bioscientist in our new online game!
Careers
Top for Jobs
Biological science graduates from the University of Surrey have typically gone on to become, for example, postgraduate researchers, or laboratory scientists within the Health Protection Agency, NHS, the Veterinary Laboratories Agency or the Institute for Animal Health. Many have entered related industries, in the pharmaceutical, food and agriculture sectors.
Career Opportunities
Our graduates are found in academic and industrial research laboratories throughout the world. Look for Surrey amongst the top universities for employment in both general and subject-specific league tables.
The Veterinary Biosciences programme provides excellent preparation for a wide range of careers in biological sciences, veterinary research, animal health and disease, public health, animal nutrition and the food and pharmaceutical industries. The programme may also provide a suitable platform for undertaking a further undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine or a postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD).
From 2012 a strategic link with North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine will result in two places on their veterinary medicine programme being available for students graduating from the Veterinary Biosciences programme at Surrey (subject to meeting the NCSU entrance requirements).
The majority of graduates from our Biomedical and Chemical Science programmes go immediately into the job market, but further study is also a popular choice.
Please view the Veterinary Scientist profiles to learn more about what sort of career our Veterinary Biosciences Degree could lead you to.
More
Teaching
We offer a modular degree based on a structured programme of advanced study which allows you to pursue the subjects essential to your particular degree, but at the same time offers you the flexibility to study other subjects of interest.
During your first year, almost half of your time is spent in laboratory practicals. In your second year, this decreases to around a quarter of your time. In your final year, you will conduct your own scientific research project, usually in one of our state-of-the-art research laboratories.
To discover what our practical laboratory sessions are really like, watch a video of a first-year Microbiology practical lesson, which features interviews with students from Microbiology, Biotechnology and Veterinary Biosciences.
Facilities
The laboratories in which you will undertake practical work have recently been fully refurbished and are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and audiovisual equipment.
Our commitment to the development of your practical skills means that you will spend a great deal of time utilising these facilities. For your research project at Level 3, you will work within our research laboratories alongside active researchers.
Assessment
Each module is assessed individually and credits are awarded for the successful completion of each one. Assessment is by a combination of examination and/or coursework. Credits are then accumulated towards the award of Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Honours.
Academic Support
You will be allocated a personal tutor to guide you through the programme and to advise on module option and career choices, helping you get the most from your studies with us. You will also be paired with a Biological Sciences student from the year of study above you so that you can benefit from their recent experience on our programmes.