Veterinary Medicine and Science BVMSci (Hons) - 2020/1
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
BVMSci (Hons) Veterinary Medicine and Science
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | Veterinary Science |
| Ord | Veterinary Science |
| DipHE | Veterinary Science |
| CertHE | Veterinary Science |
Professional recognition
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
Accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) for the purpose of eligibility for registration as a veterinary surgeon with that body.
Australian Veterinary Boards Council Inc. (AVBC)
On successful completion of this course, you’re recognised for automatic registration by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC)
South African Veterinary Council (SAVC)
On successful completion of this course, you’re recognised for automatic registration by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC)
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | UCE30001 | 600 credits and 300 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Veterinary science (Bachelor)
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - School of Veterinary Medicine
Programme Leader
AKTAN Ilknur (Vet Med)
Date of production/revision of spec
21/01/2022
Educational aims of the programme
- The aim of this programme will be to graduate students with skills, knowledge and attributes required for Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons i.e. to achieve accreditation of the programme by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
- Specific educational goals are to produce competent and confident veterinarians with more than day One competencies and a good understanding of evidence based practice, the scientific process along with strong professional communication skills and technical competencies. The student will be encouraged to have a global perspective.
- To provide students with the opportunity to learn the breadth of the subject with emphasis on clinical science, veterinary pathology and research
- To provide a fully-integrated programme with hands-on practical experience early in the programme
- To provide the appropriate environment to encourage the development of the students' interest in veterinary medicine and science and to help them acquire appropriate intellectual, scientific, technical and key transferable skills to promote self-directed and life-long learning
- To provide a programme that is focused on the FAIR principles of education providing: Feedback, Active participation in learning, Individualisation and Relevance in a changing world
- To provide clinical education through a distributed model of teaching that provides training by specialist and general veterinary practitioners
- To provide an opportunity to gain experience, knowledge and research skills from our partner institutes, including the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, the Pirbright Institute and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate
- To ensure a multidisciplinary approach to learning that encompasses veterinary clinical sciences, clinical training and comprehensive professional and business skills.
- To provide opportunities for international placements with our global partners in Brazil, the USA and other countries
- To further the students' knowledge of the fundamental principles of veterinary medicine and to develop a deeper knowledge in the close relationship between human and animal health
- To provide state of the art research training within world-leading veterinary research institutes and veterinary practices
- To develop critical analytical skills in relation to identifying problems, formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, interpreting data and drawing conclusions
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Be fully conversant with, and follow the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct | KCPT | ||
| Understand the ethical and legal responsibilities of the veterinary surgeon in relation to patients, clients, society and the environment. | KCPT | ||
| Demonstrate a knowledge of the organisation, management and legislation related to a veterinary business. | KPT | ||
| Promote, monitor and maintain health and safety in the veterinary setting; demonstrate knowledge of systems of quality assurance; apply principles of risk management to their practice. | KPT | ||
| Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience concerned. | KCPT | BVMSci (Hons) | |
| Prepare accurate clinical and client records, and case reports when necessary, in a form satisfactory to colleagues and understandable by the public. | KPT | ||
| Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of services. | PT | ||
| Understand the economic and emotional context in which the veterinary surgeon operates. | KCPT | ||
| Be able to review and evaluate literature and presentations critically. | KCPT | ||
| Understand and apply principles of clinical governance, and practise evidence-based veterinary medicine. | KCPT | ||
| Use their professional capabilities to contribute to the advancement of veterinary knowledge, in order to improve the quality of animal care and public health. | KCPT | ||
| Demonstrate ability to cope with incomplete information, deal with contingencies, and adapt to change. | KCPT | ||
| Demonstrate that they recognise personal and professional limits, and know how to seek professional advice, assistance and support when necessary. | PT | ||
| Demonstrate a commitment to learning and professional development, both personal and as a member of a profession actively engaged in work-based learning. This includes recording and reflecting on professional experience and taking measures to improve performance and competence. | PT | ||
| Take part in self-audit and peer-group review processes in order to improve performance. | KPT | ||
| Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group, and its/their environment | KCP | ||
| Handle and restrain animal patients safely and humanely, and instruct others in helping the veterinary surgeon perform these techniques. | KCPT | ||
| Perform a complete clinical examination | KCPT | ||
| Develop appropriate treatment plans and administer treatment in the interests of the patients and with regard to the resources available. | KCPT | ||
| Attend all species in an emergency and perform first aid. | KCPT | ||
| Assess the physical condition, welfare and nutritional status of an animal or group of animals and advise the client on principles of husbandry and feeding. | KCPT | ||
| Collect, preserve and transport samples, select appropriate diagnostic tests, interpret and understand the limitations of the test results. | KCPT | ||
| Communicate clearly and collaborate with referral and diagnostic services, including providing an appropriate history. | KCPT | ||
| Understand the contribution that imaging and other diagnostic techniques can make in achieving a diagnosis. Use basic imaging equipment and carry out an examination effectively as appropriate to the case, in accordance with good health and safety practice and current regulations. | KCPT | ||
| Recognise suspicious signs of possible notifiable, reportable and zoonotic diseases and take appropriate action, including notifying the relevant authorities. | KCP | ||
| Apply the RCVS Twelve Principles of Certification. | KC | ||
| Access the appropriate sources of data on licensed medicines. | KP | ||
| Prescribe and dispense medicines correctly and responsibly in accordance with legislation and latest guidance. | KP | ||
| Report suspected adverse reactions. | KP | ||
| Apply principles of bio-security correctly, including sterilisation of equipment and disinfection of clothing. | KP | ||
| Perform aseptic surgery correctly. | KCP | ||
| Safely perform sedation, and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint. | KCP | ||
| Assess and manage pain. | KCP | ||
| Recognise when euthanasia is appropriate and perform it humanely, using an appropriate method, whilst showing sensitivity to the feelings of owners and others, with due regard to the safety of those present; advise on disposal of the carcass | KCP | ||
| Perform a systematic gross post-mortem examination, record observations, sample tissues, store and transport them. | KCP | ||
| Perform ante-mortem inspection of animals destined for the food-chain, including paying attention to welfare aspects; correctly identify conditions affecting the quality and safety of products of animal origin, to exclude those animals whose condition means their products are unsuitable for the food-chain. | KPT | ||
| Advise on, and implement, preventative programmes appropriate to the species and in line with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards. | KCPT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Bachelor of Veterinary and Medicine and Science Degree programme is studied full-time over five years, consisting of 600 credits studied at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and 7. All modules are worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Honours) (360 credits)
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Parts of this programme may be studied outside of the standard University structure and may be subject to professional body requirements.
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
Three attempts (one first attempt and two resit attempts) are allowed across all core barrier units of assessment within years 3, 4 and 5 (levels 5, 6 and 7). Changes will be applied for 2018/9 onward. Third attempts are allowed within year for years 3 and 4 (levels 5 and 6).
Modules
Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
Module Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
N/A
Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
N/A
Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VMS3008 | VETERINARY RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE-BASED VETERINARY MEDICINE | Core | 15 | 1 |
| VMS3009 | VETERINARY RESEARCH PROJECT | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
| VMS3010 | VETERINARY MEDICINE 1 | Core | 45 | 1 |
| VMS3011 | VETERINARY MEDICINE 2 | Core | 45 | 2 |
Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
N/A
Year 4 - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 4 - FHEQ Level 7
N/A
Year 5 - FHEQ Level 7
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VMS5001 | INTRAMURAL ROTATIONS | Core | 120 | Year-long |
Module Selection for Year 5 - FHEQ Level 7
N/A
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | N | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | Y | Students within the BVMSci may apply to undertake an undergraduate intercalated degree programme following the successful completion of the second year (Level 5) and before the start of the third year (Level 6). |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.