Program Overview

Bioveterinary Science – BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

Bioveterinary science is dedicated to the investigation of life processes and exploring the inter-relationships of living organisms. This may involve studies at a variety of levels from molecules to populations. Bioveterinary science is divided into many specialisms such as biology, biological sciences, life sciences and animal sciences. This degree emphasizes specific technologies, interactions and/or systems (e.g. animal behaviour, biochemistry, biotechnology), or the environments that living organisms inhabit (e.g. ecology, environmental biology). This Bioveterinary Science degree programme at TUS was the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a multi-disciplinary degree programme in science which allows the graduate access to a wide range of career options. All of this is designed to produce bioveterinary scientists who play an important part in the nationwide promotion of animal and human health and welfare. Bioveterinary scientists may progress to hold positions in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and medical research sectors. Please note that the BSc(Hons) in Bioveterinary Science degree programme does not confer eligibility to register with the Veterinary Council of Ireland as either a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary nurse. The degree programme is neither designed nor intended as a route to further study in the area of veterinary medicine or veterinary nursing.

Course Details

• CAO Points: 289
• Location: Athlone
• Years: 4
• Course Code: US867
• Level: 8
• Course Type: Undergraduate
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Department: Bioveterinary & Microbial Sciences

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate

• Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects, plus Grade O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate. Two of these subjects must be mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

QQI

• Any major QQI award with three distinctions and a pass in C20139 or 5N1833 or C20174 or C2017 or Leaving Certificate Maths at O6/H7.

Mature Applicants

• Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

• International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application.

Course Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

• Bioveterinary Anatomy & Physiology (10 credits)
• Chemistry for Bioveterinary & Microbial Science (10 credits)
• Biology for Bioveterinary & Microbial Science (10 credits)
• Physics for Chemical & Life Sciences (10 credits)
• Mathematics for Scientists (10 credits)
• Learning & Development for Higher Education (5 credits)

Year 1 – Semester 2

• Bioveterinary Anatomy & Physiology (10 credits)
• Chemistry for Bioveterinary & Microbial Science (10 credits)
• Biology for Bioveterinary & Microbial Science (10 credits)
• Physics for Chemical & Life Sciences (10 credits)
• Mathematics for Scientists (10 credits)
• Current Scientific Issues (5 credits)

Year 2 – Semester 1

• Bioveterinary Public Health and Epidemiology (5 credits)
• Cell biology (5 credits)
• Bio-organic Chemistry (5 credits)
• Microbiology 2.1 (5 credits)
• Analytical Techniques 1 (5 credits)
• Large Animal Husbandry 2.1 (5 credits)

Year 2 – Semester 2

• Microbiology 2.2 (5 credits)
• Bioveterinary Parasitology (5 credits)
• Large Animal Husbandry 2.2 (5 credits)
• Mathematics and Statistics for Life & Physical Sciences 2.2 (5 credits)
• Biochemistry 2.2 (5 credits)
• Analytical Techniques 2 (5 credits)

Year 3 – Semester 1

• Animal Nutrition (5 credits)
• Animal Breeding and Genetics (5 credits)
• Quality and Compliance (5 credits)
• Animal Behaviour (5 credits)
• Bioveterinary Toxicology (5 credits)
• Advanced Cell Biology (5 credits)

Year 3 – Semester 2

• Placement (30 credits)
• Year 3 Semester 2 Placement Alternative Modules
  • Industry Relevant Project (15 credits)
  • Clinical Trials with Bioethics (5 credits)
  • Environmental Science and Sustainability (10 credits)

Year 4 – Semester 1

• Research Methods (5 credits)
• Bioveterinary Immunology (5 credits)
• Agricultural Biotechnology (5 credits)
• Agricultural Ecotoxicology (5 credits)
• Sustainable Herd Management Strategies (5 credits)
• Toxicity Testing Models (5 credits)

Year 4 – Semester 2

• Veterinary Pharmaceutics (5 credits)
• Ecosystem and Agri-Environmental Issues (5 credits)
• Computational Biology (5 credits)
• Research Project (15 credits)

Career Opportunities

Graduates are well placed to go onto employment in a wide range of areas such as veterinary diagnostics, pharmaceutical research, veterinary, medical and nutritional sales and forensic laboratory work.

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.