Veterinary Biosciences BSc (Hons) - 2025/6
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 6
Final award and programme/pathway title
BSc (Hons) Veterinary Biosciences
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| DipHE | Biosciences |
| CertHE | Biosciences |
| Ord | Biosciences |
Professional recognition
Royal Society of Biology
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | UCD10004 | 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits |
| Full-time with PTY | UCD10029 | 480 credits and 240 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 Biosciences
Programme Leader
SELEMETAS Nick (Biosciences)
Date of production/revision of spec
20/12/2024
Educational aims of the programme
- To provide a high quality education in the various aspects of Biological Sciences for students with an interest in veterinary science and diverse career aspirations (including laboratory scientist, researcher, scientific writer/editor).
- To further the students' knowledge of the fundamental principles of biological sciences and to develop a deeper knowledge in the close relationship between human and animal health.
- To provide the appropriate environment to encourage the development of the students' interest in biological sciences and to help them acquire appropriate intellectual, scientific, technical and key transferable skills to promote self-directed and life-long learning.
- To provide opportunities for students to think creatively, both individually and within groups, in order to propose innovative solutions to a range of problems of a biological nature.
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| An understanding of laboratory-based investigations in biological sciences applicable to studying animal health and disease. | K | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| An understanding of the basic principles of biological sciences and the application of these to the understanding and solution of a range of scientific and academic problems related to human and animal health. | K | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| A good breadth of knowledge in the field of biological sciences in general and how biological disciplines relate to global challenges such as sustainability; as well as a good depth of knowledge in the specialist fields as defined in these specifications and the subject bench marking statements. | K | Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| An understanding of the basic principles of animal/veterinary anatomy, physiology, nutrition, experimental biology, immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases. | K | DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Evaluate research findings and scientific literature and demonstrate the ability to find and evaluate appropriate sources of material and to critically assess it. | C | DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Demonstrate an understanding of research design and planning and the limits of scientific findings. | C | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Learn basic laboratory skills relevant to biological and animal/veterinary sciences. | P | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Develop advanced practical skills relevant to biological and veterinary/animal sciences. | P | DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Interpret qualitative and qualitative data and develop critical thinking and other transferable skills associated with employability. | P | Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Learn independently through literature search using databases and resources such as textbooks and/or peer-reviewed journal papers to develop resourcefulness and resilience. | P | DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Take responsibility for planning and organisation of work both their own and in a team. | P | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and visual means. | T | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Work effectively and independently on a given project or task. | T | Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Work effectively in small groups and teams towards a common goal/outcome to appreciate the importance of team work as well as the understanding of different global + cultural backgrounds. | T | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Apply basic statistical and numerical skills to biological data. | T | DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Develop computer literacy skills and digital capabilities using online and electronic resources, word processors, spreadsheets, visual presentation tools and statistical packages. | T | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over three academic years, consisting of 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Full-time with PTY
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and the optional professional training year). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Students must select 1 optional module for semester 1, and 1 optional module for semester 2.
Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Students must select 2 optional modules for semester 1, and 2 optional modules for semester 2.
Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Students must select 1 optional module for semester 1, and 1 optional module for semester 2.
Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Module Selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Students must select 2 optional modules for semester 1, and 2 optional modules for semester 2.
Professional Training Year (PTY) -
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMSP007 | PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) | Core | 120 | Year-long |
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | Y | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | Y | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | Y | Yes |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
Graduate attributes gained from this programme:
1) Resourcefulness + resilience, including: Literature search using online databases and resources, e.g. textbooks, peer-reviewed journal papers; Flipped classroom seminars that allow students to measure their progress and understanding in preparation for exams; A well-organised personal tutoring system that supports students academically and pastorally; A Vet Society with a strong social network.
2) Global + cultural capabilities, including: Lectures delivered by a broad range of speakers with diverse backgrounds (UK or international, veterinarians, animal scientists, researchers, and food inspectors); Lectures covering a wide range of veterinary biosciences¿ topics from various disciplines with impact across the One-Health sector; International mobility opportunities during Professional Training Year that challenge and enrich the lives of students and contribute to intercultural understanding; Internationally broad and balanced EU and non-EU student population at all levels.
3) Sustainability, including: Lectures in line with the One-Health approach towards the development of sustainable methods and practices in the agri-food sector; Understanding of the role of animal production in food production and sustainability.
4) Digital capabilities, including: Use of various software tools for online interaction and review of content; High content of digital external resources to support lectures.
5) Employability, including: Visits and workshops on potential veterinary-related Professional Training Year employers; Discussion with former Professional Training Year students about their professional experiences and employability options; Modules designed to meet employers¿ expectations towards self-learning ability, critical analysis, problem-solving skills, and resilience; Lectures by professionals working at Food Standards Agency (FSA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA), providing information to students about potential job opportunities.
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 2025/6 academic year.