For animal lovers there can be a no more rewarding subject that this. It is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills that will allow you to make a significant contribution to animal health and welfare. Covering the fundamental and applied biology relating to animals, it is a unique blend of fundamental science, practical application and insights into social perspectives.

A degree will allow you to be at the forefront of animal health and welfare, where you will be able to combine your knowledge of animal physiology, nutrition and medicine with practical skills to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medicines and perform surgery. The unique blend of fundamental science, practical application and insight into social perspectives will allow students to enter a industry that has very low unemployment.

Graduates will have the ability to treat all animals, whether domestic, farmyard or exotic, by examining them, determining the nature of any disease or injury and then treating them surgically or medically. They will also be able to advise animal owners about sanitary measures, feeding, and general care to promote health of animals.

The degree will give you credibility in the eyes of future employers, and can open up a wide range of career opportunities in scientific research within private or public organisations, as well as in other fast growing sectors such as biotechnology, conservation, pharmaceuticals and animal management.

Veterinary science degree course overview

Programmes comprise of compulsory and optional modules offering all types of learning opportunities, both on and off campus. They include substantial amounts of practical teaching, with field trips and visits to relevant research organisations all an integral part of the course. In addition to studying a set of core modules, veterinary science degree courses are flexible enough to enable you to specialize in any area that meets your particular interests and career intentions. As the course continues, students will find that opportunities to practice their skills and to go on professional placements increases. This is something they are encouraged to do, gain work experience on farms, veterinary practices, animal charities and laboratories.

Typical course modules and areas of study on a veterinary science degree 

  • Animal Science
  • Animal Production Science
  • Animal Biology
  • Equine Science
  • Animal Nutrition
  • Animal Breeding
  • Animal Behaviour
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Epidemiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathology
  • Parasitology
  • Public Health
  • Animals in their Environment
  • Diverse Species
  • Animal Maintenance

Students will learn about

  • Cell structure
  • Metabolism
  • Genetics
  • Information management
  • Research techniques
  • Statistical methods
  • The interaction between animals and the environment.
  • Legislation
  • Preventing and controlling communicable animal diseases.
  • Conducting clinical research.
  • The use of medical equipment such as stethoscopes, surgical instruments, and diagnostic equipment, including radiographic and ultrasound equipment.

Students will learn how to

  • Examine, handle and treat a wide range of domestic and wild animals.
  • Carry out tests such as X rays and scans.
  • Immunise animals.
  • Meet and consult with pet and animal owners.
  • Update and maintain administrative and medical records.
  • Deal with emotional or demanding pet owners.

 

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