Bioveterinary Science

Program Overview

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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.

Program Outline

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Degree 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.

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Outline:

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Year 1

• Semester 1
• Bioveterinary Anatomy & Physiology (Credits: 10) - An introduction to veterinary anatomy and physiology of common domestic animals
• Chemistry for Bioveterinary & Microbial Science (Credits: 10) - The aim of this module is to provide students with an appropriate foundation in Chemistry, focusing on the study of chemical properties, interactions, concepts and calculations that are relevant to animal healthcare, and is supportive of their further studies in years 2, 3 and 4 of their courses.
It includes the study of Chemical Bonding, Chemical Reactivity, Organic Chemistry, an introduction to Biomolecules and an introduction to Analytical Science.
• Biology for Bioveterinary & Microbial Science (Credits: 10) - The aim of this module is to introduce the core concepts that are fundamental to all biological systems.
This includes cell structure and composition, genetics, metabolism, anatomy and physiology of bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, ecosystems and environmental biology. This introductory Physics course is designed to provide Chemical and Life Sciences students with intuitive mental models of key fundamental principles of Physics, illustrated and reinforced with relevant examples and applications. This course also provides learners with a strong practical foundation in the application of the Scientific Method, as well as a clear understanding of the concept of uncertainty in measurement. Facilitating learners to gain first-hand experience and proficiency of the practical techniques of measurement, data analysis and visualisation, and error analysis is another key part of this module.
• Learning & Development for Higher Education (Credits: 5) - The aim of this module is to support and motivate the learner about their chosen field of study and foster independent learning by reinforcing and developing key academic skills required for a student to effectively learn in a third level institute and for lifelong learning in the workplace.
• Semester 2
• Bioveterinary Anatomy & Physiology (Credits: 10) - An introduction to veterinary anatomy and physiology of common domestic animals
• Chemistry for Bioveterinary & Microbial Science (Credits: 10) - The aim of this module is to provide students with an appropriate foundation in Chemistry, focusing on the study of chemical properties, interactions, concepts and calculations that are relevant to animal healthcare, and is supportive of their further studies in years 2, 3 and 4 of their courses.
It includes the study of Chemical Bonding, Chemical Reactivity, Organic Chemistry, an introduction to Biomolecules and an introduction to Analytical Science.
• Biology for Bioveterinary & Microbial Science (Credits: 10) - The aim of this module is to introduce the core concepts that are fundamental to all biological systems.
This includes cell structure and composition, genetics, metabolism, anatomy and physiology of bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, ecosystems and environmental biology. This introductory Physics course is designed to provide Chemical and Life Sciences students with intuitive mental models of key fundamental principles of Physics, illustrated and reinforced with relevant examples and applications. This course also provides learners with a strong practical foundation in the application of the Scientific Method, as well as a clear understanding of the concept of uncertainty in measurement. Facilitating learners to gain first-hand experience and proficiency of the practical techniques of measurement, data analysis and visualisation, and error analysis is another key part of this module.
• Current Scientific Issues (Credits: 5) - The main aim of this module is to introduce current, topical, socially, or environmentally significant issues that are relevant to the students chosen area of study.
While other modules in the first year of this programme provide a board foundation in the basic sciences this module allows the student to research programme specific topics which will enhance engagement, provide identity and fuel knowledge interest in their chosen programme. This early exploration into research topics is underpinned by student learning and development strategies developed in the first semester and is applied and demonstrated in this module.

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Year 2

• Semester 1
• Bioveterinary Public Health and Epidemiology (Credits: 5) - The module explores the regulatory and policy frameworks around the agricultural and veterinary industries regarding safe food production and the control of diseases important to human health.
It will also provide an overview of disease epidemiology and how it is used in order to deliver disease control programmes.
• Cell biology (Credits: 5) - This Cell Biology module will provide students with the fundamentals of mammalian cell biology.
It will involve exploring the components of the cell, their structure, function and location in the cell. The students will be introduced to cell interactions, including cellular interactions with their environments forming tissues.
• Bio-organic Chemistry (Credits: 5) - Bio-organic chemistry provides students with in-depth knowledge of biomolecule structure, function and physiologic context.
The chemistry, structure and reactivity of the main functional groups in organic chemistry, particularly those pertaining to molecules of biological interest, lipids, proteins carbohydrates and nucleic acids, will be emphasised. Students will also develop an understanding and familiarity with mechanistic concepts and laboratory methods for analysis of organic molecules.
• Microbiology 2.1 (Credits: 5) - Microbiology is the study of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans and various other microscopic organisms.
Microbiology investigates both the beneficial and deleterious role of microorganisms in modern society. This module builds on fundamental microbiological concepts studied in year 1 Biology and provides the learner with knowledge of general microbiology emphasising asepsis, microbial laboratory methodologies, and an understanding of the role of microorganisms in industry, medicine and the environment.
• Analytical Techniques 1 (Credits: 5) - An introduction to and the basic theory of common analytical methods including Spectroscopy and Chromatography Techniques and Titrimetry.
This includes UV-Vis, IR, and Fluorescent Spectroscopies, Column, TLC, GC and HPLC chromatrography techniques and common titrimetry methods.
• Semester 2
• Microbiology 2.2 (Credits: 5) - This module builds on Microbiology 2.1 and will provide the learner with an understanding of the application of microbiology in medicine, industry and the environment.
In addition to bacteriology, the biology of eukaryotic microorganisms e.g. algae and protozoans are described. Selected disease-causing organisms are described in a public health context.
• Bioveterinary Parasitology (Credits: 5) - The module aims to provide a broad understanding of the area of veterinary parasitology, including host interactions, environmental impact, zoonotic aspects, management strategies and diagnostic approaches.
• Mathematics and Statistics for Life & Physical Sciences 2.2 (Credits: 5) - This course will develop the students mathematical skills giving them an essential facility to solve problems in the life and physical sciences.
• Biochemistry 2.2 (Credits: 5) - Biochemistry 2.2 provides students with an in-depth knowledge of metabolism, enzyme catalysis, endocrine hormones and cellular signalling.
Biochemical disturbances underlying various disease states will also be evaluated. Laboratory skills for the isolation and functional analysis of biological macromolecules will be acquired. The relevance of biochemistry concepts and laboratory techniques in medicine, the bio/pharmaceutical and wider industry and in environmental sustainability will be elaborated.
• Analytical Techniques 2 (Credits: 5) - This module builds on Analytical Techniques 1 by studying further common analytical techniques.
These include Atomic Absorption and Emission spectroscopies, Mass spectroscopies including GC/MS, Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X ray analysis. The chromatographic techniques studied include Electrophoresis, Capillary Electrophoresis, Ion Chromatography, SFC and GPC/SEC chromatographies. Other techniques introduced include Radiochemical methods, Thermal Methods of analysis, Microscopic methods and Electrochemical methods

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Year 3

• Semester 1
• Animal Nutrition (Credits: 5) - This module is designed to give students an introduction into the major concepts in the field of animal nutrition.
Students will develop an understanding of nutritional constituents of feeds as well as analytical techniques. A comparative analysis of the physiology of different types of digestive systems, metabolism and utilisation of macronutrients and micronutrients in different animals will also be discussed. Nutritional requirements and the effects of deficiencies will be discussed in terms of animal health, production and performance. This module will also cover the importance of animal nutrition and nutrition research in developing more sustainable animal production systems.
• Animal Breeding and Genetics (Credits: 5) - The aim of this module is to introduce the approaches routinely applied in the animal breeding industry including quantitative and Mendelian genetics, reproductive technologies and the fundamentals of genetic defects and screening programmes.
• Quality and Compliance (Credits: 5) - Quality management is a key part of the highly regulated manufacturing of drugs, biologics and devices.
The module will aim to give an overall view of how quality is maintained throughout the manufacturing process from goods in (raw materials) all the way through to the finished product. The learner will become familiar with quality systems’ compliance in the manufacturing process and also in the laboratory. The roles of key quality personnel such as QA, QC and the QP will be described. The current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) regulations, quality regulations and applicable ISO standards will be examined. The module will enable students to identify the key facets of maintaining good manufacturing and good laboratory practices in an industrial setting.
• Animal Behaviour (Credits: 5) - The aim of this course is to give students the knowledge required to comprehensively study and understand animal behaviour.
The module will also provide students with an understanding of the impact of poor welfare on animal behaviours.
• Bioveterinary Toxicology (Credits: 5) - This module builds on the scientific foundations of Biology and Chemistry to develop critical thinking skills and laboratory practical skills in the sub-discipline of Toxicology.
• Advanced Cell Biology (Credits: 5) - This Advanced Cell Biology module will explore the structures and functions of membranes and subcellular organelles in the cell.
It will look at membranous organelles in the cell and show how they act as an integrated network for protein and lipid trafficking. It will use examples of abnormal transport and trafficking systems to demonstrate their importance for normal health. The module will also look at how cells communicate with their environment, exploring how these signals are interpreted by the cells resulting unvaried responses and effects in cells. The module also gives the students experience in mammalian cell culture techniques and allows for analysis of data resulting from experiments on these cells.
• Semester 2
• Placement (Credits: 30) - The aim of this module is to provide the learner with the opportunity to experience full-time employment in a workplace relevant to their degree where they can apply their academic knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.
• Clinical Trials with Bioethics (Credits: 5) - The way in which disease is prevented, detected and treated has been revolutionised by clinical trials.
They continue to be an expanding area of research and are central to the work of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. This module will focus on the ethics, design, management, analysis and reporting of clinical trials. It will provide a theoretical and practical understanding of the issues involved in the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of randomised controlled trials of health interventions. It will examine the ethical issues surrounding testing in animals and in human volunteers.
• Environmental Science and Sustainability (Credits: 10) - The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the fundamentals of environmental science in order to appreciate the relevance of sustainability to their course of study.
Threats to environmental sustainability such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, pollution, population increase and over harvesting of resources will be investigated in a team based learning environment.

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Year 4

• Semester 1
• Research Methods (Credits: 5) - This module focuses on the process of systematic inquiry through to the design of a research study from its inception to the final report.
The emphasis will be on active learning and developing students that are self-motivated, critical thinkers that can work independently or as part of a diverse team
• Bioveterinary Immunology (Credits: 5) - The clinical diagnosis and treatment of many animal diseases requires a thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts of immunology.
From a practical perspective, this module will familiarise the student with several routine immunological assays used in the diagnosis or treatment of clinically important animal infections. Case studies include the use of transgenic animals/crops to improve production traits, to mitigate the impact of farming on ecosystems and to stimulate the production of biopharmaceuticals.
• Agricultural Ecotoxicology (Credits: 5) - This module builds on the Bioveterninary Toxicology module in year 3 and will provide the learner with a comprehensive understanding of the ecotoxicological effects of agricultural pollution and how agricultural pollutants are monitored in the environment at the level of population, communities and ecosystems.
Emphasis will be placed on eutrophication and the ecotoxicological effects of agrichemicals such as pesticides and organic wastes. Monitoring strategies and the relevant legislation will be explored with the aim of providing the learner with the necessary skill sets to understand, design and implement ecotoxicological assessments of selected environmental matrices such as soil and water.
• Sustainable Herd Management Strategies (Credits: 5) - The aim of this module is to provide students with knowledge regarding sustainable and efficient animal production as it relates to intensive and extensive animal production systems in Ireland.
• Toxicity Testing Models (Credits: 5) - The aim of this course is to:
• Provide students with an understanding of the design strategies involved and validation demands of acute, chronic and carcinogenic studies.
• Evaluate the range and design of in vitro and in vivo toxicity testing methods for hepatic, pulmonary and neurotoxicity testing.
• To review and demonstrate detailed knowledge on in vitro and in vivo ocular and dermatological models.
• To critically appraise developmental and reproductive models used in preclinical testing.
• Select and perform a suitable battery of toxicity assays.
• Semester 2
• Veterinary Pharmaceutics (Credits: 5) - This module describes the properties, formulation of, disposition and delivery, of veterinary dosage forms.
• Ecosystem and Agri-Environmental Issues (Credits: 5) - This module is designed to introduce students to the Ecosystem and Agri-Environmental Issues and to understand the factors and processes involved in agricultural and environmental science with regard to agricultural systems and productivity.
• Computational Biology (Credits: 5) - The aim of this module is to introduce students to computational biology.
Upon completion of this module students should have an appreciation for emerging bioinformatic and computational tools and approaches to addressing biological questions and have gained experience in applying this knowledge in hands on computer based practical sessions.
• Research Project (Credits: 15) - This module aims to provide the student with an opportunity to engage in a thorough and independent examination of specific issues in their chosen scientific discipline, identified through previous studies and focused research.

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Careers:

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.

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Further Study:

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