I enjoy the fact that the individual lecturers are taught by specialists in the particular subject, meaning that you can have every confidence in your learning and benefit from the experience and enthusiasm of those teaching you.
On our Veterinary Biosciences degree programme, you will learn about the science of animal health and disease – issues which are constantly in the news. If you are interested in contributing to the enhancement of animal (and indirectly human) health, then this is the programme for you.
The recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, Schmallenberg virus and bluetongue have had major animal health and economic impacts. The risk of human infection from avian and swine influenza, Salmonella and E. coli highlights the importance of knowing the links between animal and human health. Our understanding of the scientific basis of these topics has increased dramatically, but the challenges remain and global warming is likely to bring new diseases to this country.
The programme provides you with a strong understanding of the key elements that underpin all modern biological sciences. Specialist modules will also provide a more detailed study of the specific aspects of veterinary sciences and the interplay with human health.
In Year 1, you will acquire a strong knowledge and skills base from a unique blend of bioscience topics and specialist veterinary modules, including veterinary anatomy and animal handling (both taught and practical). 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 Year 2. At the end of Year 1, the top four students will have the opportunity to undertake overseas summer research internships at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.
Core modules:
During Year 2, the broad base of the programme is expanded to include animal virology and immunology, as well as mammalian physiology, animal nutrition, pharmacology and toxicology.
Core modules:
Optional modules:
You will be encouraged to take advantage of the excellent professional placement provision that 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, veterinary surgeries, research laboratories and academia.
In Year 3, you will study modules focusing on the scientific basis of health and disease in animals, veterinary public health, veterinary immunology and pathology, plus a range of core biosciences topics. These are combined with a research project, carried out within one of our research groups or at a neighbouring veterinary research institute, under the supervision of a member of academic staff. This will give you the opportunity to explore a research area that you are especially interested in and to develop specialised lab-based skills and experience.
Core modules:
Optional modules include:
For this programme, you will have the opportunity to undertake Professional Training placements at the nearby AHVLA and the Pirbright Institute, providing you with a unique insight into working in these world-class veterinary research institutes. Additional placements in state-of-the-art veterinary surgeries and other academic research institutes are also available. The Professional Training placement year will offer you an opportunity to work in a number of disciplines such as pathology, bacteriology, virology, epidemiology, bioinformatics, risk analysis and parasitology, alongside veterinary scientists and veterinary surgeons.
The Professional Training placement year is of immense benefit to students, both in their final-year study and in helping them to get appropriate jobs after graduating.
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. Some modules are shared with students on our Veterinary Medicine and Science degree programme.
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.
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.
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 in Year 3, you will work within our research laboratories alongside active researchers.
You will also benefit from the facilities at the University’s new School of Veterinary Medicine, due to open in autumn 2015. The new School will include a Clinical Skills Centre, an academic building and aveterinary pathology facility.
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).
A strategic link with North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine offers two places on their veterinary medicine programme for students graduating from the Veterinary Biosciences programme at Surrey (subject to meeting the NCSU entrance requirements).
The majority of graduates from our Biosciences programmes go immediately into the job market, but further study, including MSc and PhD degrees, is also a popular choice.
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, the NHS, the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency or the Pirbright Institute. Many have entered related industries, in the pharmaceutical, food and agriculture sectors.
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 Veterinary Biosciences student from the year of study above you, so that you can benefit from their recent experience on our programmes.
Come to one of our Open Days, when you can tour the campus, speak to students and academic staff, see our student accommodation and ask as many questions as you like. In the meantime, order a personal prospectus – tailored to only include the subjects that interest you.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent).
Two science A-levels, one of which should be Biology.
Offers are normally made in terms of grades. Suitable candidates may be invited for an interview. During the visit to the University the candidate can find out more about the programme and meet staff and students.
Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill (or equivalent).
We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
| Award | Course Length | Professional Training | UCAS code | KIS code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | 3 years | D300 | View KIS data set | |
| BSc (Hons) | 4 years | D300 | View KIS data set |
We offer a range of bursaries, scholarships and other financial support.
See course information for students applying to start in September 2013.
Emily Moxom, BSc Veterinary Biosciences, talks about her Professional Training placement year at London Zoo.
Phone: +44 (0)1483 681 681
