Bioveterinary Science

Program Overview

Bioveterinary Science BSc (Hons)

Year of entry

• 2025 - for 2026 entry see here - for 2025 entry see here

UCAS code

• D300

Duration of study

• 3 years or 4 years with international or placement year

Course summary

Can you envision yourself working in high-tech veterinary diagnostic labs, contributing to ground breaking animal science research or tackling challenges in public, animal or environmental health? Keele's Bioveterinary Science BSc is the perfect launchpad for exciting careers that let your love of animals and fascination with science thrive. Our programme focuses on animal health, disease and cutting-edge veterinary diagnostics, provides practical experience in state-of-the-art labs and work placement opportunities to gain real-world experience.

Why study Bioveterinary Science at Keele University?

• Explore how core bioscience principles are applied to animal health, disease and diagnostics
• Engage in a core laboratory programme delivered in modern facilities including our David Attenborough and Central Science Laboratories to develop practical experience and research skills
• Hone your communication skills by presenting your research findings at our Undergraduate Student Research Conference
• Undertake a work placement year or choose our flexible work placement option to gain experience around existing demands
• Benefit from innovative, relevant assessments that foster creativity, cultivate leadership and encourage self-reflection

Course overview

If you're eager to learn more about animals and science, our Bioveterinary Science degree offers an exciting opportunity to build knowledge and skills in both fields. You’ll develop an understanding of core themes such as animal physiology, anatomy, biochemistry and molecular cell biology, and examine current bioveterinary challenges facing society and how scientific research is providing solutions.

What communicable and non-communicable diseases affect major animal species? You’ll seek to understand this question through examining wildlife, livestock, birds and pets. The public health implications of infectious diseases that pass from animals to humans and vice versa are studied, you’ll explore animal nutrition, welfare and behaviour, and analyse how bioveterinary and animal health sciences can be applied to global challenges such as food security.

A main feature of our Bioveterinary Science BSc is our extensive laboratory programme utilising state-of-the-art facilities in our David Attenborough and Central Science Laboratories. You will gain hands-on experience performing routine veterinary tests and learn how theses are applied to screening, diagnosing and monitoring various diseases. Laboratory activities provide you with the scope to gain advanced skills in biochemical and molecular techniques, enhance your experiential study design abilities and directly apply the theoretical knowledge acquired throughout the programme.

You’ll also strengthen your transferable skills in communication and teamwork, sharpen your critical thinking by evaluating contemporary scientific literature, become confident in analysing data using computational and bioinformatic tools, and benefit from work placement opportunities.

Related courses

• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Biomedical Science

Course structure

Year 1

• Molecules of Life: This module will introduce you to fundamental concepts in our understanding of the structure and function of biological molecules, from the three-dimensional structure of proteins and the activity of enzymes to the progress and organisation of major metabolic pathways, which you will build on across the course. You will also develop key skills in data analysis, presentation and communication where you will report the outcomes of laboratory investigations, applying theoretical knowledge from the module.
• Animal Physiology and Anatomy: This module offers you a fascinating insight into animal biology, exploring the diversity of life through the study of animal physiology and anatomy. You will examine key body systems across diverse animal groups, gaining essential knowledge of these complex organisms. This experience will develop important skills in teamwork and communication while providing critical knowledge for careers in veterinary science, conservation, or animal welfare. Build a solid foundation for your future studies!
• Molecular Cell Biology: This module introduces you to the fundamentals of molecular cell biology. You will explore how genetic information is stored, replicated and processed; the roles played by nucleic acids in the production of proteins; how proteins get to their final locations within cells and how cells interact with each other and communicate to co-ordinate their activities. You will also develop key skills in the presentation and communication of information in various formats.
• Animal Health and Disease: You will investigate a range of animal diseases, developing skills to identify critical clinical signs for accurate diagnosis. The module covers diagnostic procedures and the role of differential diagnoses in effective treatment. By applying knowledge of animal physiology, you’ll understand the pathophysiology of infectious and non-communicable diseases across livestock, poultry, wildlife, and companion animals. It also addresses the animal-human interface in pandemic diseases and explores control strategies, such as vaccination and biosecurity. Case-based learning enhances teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
• Practical and Academic Skills in Bioscience: In this module you will develop a range of core practical laboratory skills, applying theoretical concepts from across your programme and deepening your understanding of the subject through hypothesis-driven practical investigation. Additional workshops support your development of wider academic skills, including effective study practice, data analysis and communication. Aspirational career talks from invited speakers, including former graduates, and further employability skills workshops will support you in reflecting on your key skills development and career-planning.

Year 2

• Microbes, Viruses and Parasites: Here you will study the biology of bacteria, viruses and parasites, considering a range of pathogenic organisms and the diseases they cause. You will explore approaches to treatment and management of disease, ranging from development of novel antimicrobials to vaccination strategies, and the use of select viruses and microorganisms as research tools. Key skills in literature analysis and communicating to different audiences will be developed through the production of content on a select module topic.
• Animal Behaviour: In this module we will delve into the study of animal behaviour. Through lectures, field trips, and labs you'll learn how animals behave in different environments, from zoos to wild settings and why they behave the way they do. This module will teach you how to ask questions about animal behaviour, formulate hypotheses, then test them by observing and analysing animal behaviour whilst using rigorous research methods. By module end, you'll possess vital research skills applicable to diverse animal-related careers, such as research, conservation, and ecological consulting.
• Veterinary Diagnostics: This module builds on prior knowledge of animal health and disease, focusing on the practical application of diagnosing, treating, and monitoring animal diseases across different taxa. You will gain skills in veterinary diagnostics, learning how to research diseases independently, assess clinical tests, and report findings in a scientific format. Through hands-on laboratory sessions, you will also develop the ability to interpret data using statistical tools and communicate results effectively to both scientific and public audiences, preparing them for real-world veterinary challenges.
• Practical and Professional Skills in Bioscience: This module will expand your practical skills through enquiry-based, hypothesis-driven laboratory investigations applying key skills and competencies to more advanced molecular and analytical techniques. Through additional workshops, you will develop higher-level skills in the acquisition and analysis of information from online sources, including journal databases and generative AI. Further sessions will also support you in evaluating your career readiness with employability skills-focused workshops in areas including CV writing and interview technique.
• Current Topics in Bioveterinary Science: Here you will be offered a comprehensive understanding of key bioveterinary issues impacting society and the role of bioveterinary scientists in addressing them. Through presentations by leading experts, in-depth discussions, and independent study, we will critically explore current research. By the end of the module, you will be able to assess scientific literature, evaluate research methodologies, and discuss the practical applications of bioveterinary science. This course prepares you to engage with the complexities of bioveterinary challenges and contribute to scientific advancements.
• Research and Analytical Skills: This module brings together skills of experimental design and data analysis which are a vital step in the process of scientific research. In this module you will explore the different forms of scientific experimental design that you may encounter in your final year experimental projects. The data analysis skills you will hone will be essential in your final year and onwards into postgraduate study or employment in a data-driven world.
• Animal Nutrition and Health: Gain a deep understanding of the vital role nutrition plays in animal growth, production, and health. We will explore nutrient requirements, metabolism, and the impact of deficiencies across various animal models. They will also evaluate common animal feedstuffs and their composition. By the end of the module, you will be able to discuss the relationship between nutrition, health, and diet-related diseases, equipping them with essential knowledge for careers in animal health and production.

Optional modules

• Animal Adaptations: On Animal Adaptations you will study physiological and behavioural adaptations of a range of vertebrate and invertebrate animals to challenges presented by various harsh environmental conditions. Key themes of the module are explored in theory and in lab practicals. You will further develop skills of data collection, analysis and presentation. You will also explore how to present technical scientific information linked to the module themes to different audiences.
• Flexible work placement and professional training (level 5): In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement around existing demands.

Year 3

• Case Studies in Animal Infection and Control: This module enhances your understanding of controlling infectious diseases in wildlife, livestock, and companion animals. It covers essential strategies such as vaccination, biosecurity, and genetic engineering to manage and prevent outbreaks. You will explore disease control through a One Health perspective, focusing on cross-species transmission and zoonotic diseases. By evaluating current and proposed disease management programmes, you will also gain skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and interpretation of scientific publications. The module also develops presentation skills through group seminars on communicable disease control.
• Food Security and Sustainability: Throughout this module, you will examine the challenges and potential solutions for creating sustainable food production systems, focusing on food production animals while also addressing sustainability issues related to companion and display animal diets. You will explore various food production systems in both scientific and commercial contexts and discuss threats to food security on multiple scales. By the end of the module, you will have developed skills in critical evaluation and strategic planning, culminating in a business proposal for a sustainable food production system.
• Animal Welfare: This module will develop your knowledge of legislation and current topics in animal welfare. It will help you appreciate the social, political and moral dimensions of animal welfare, bridging the gap between science and ethics in the animal industry. A journal club format will help you to sensitively approach complex issues, handle nuance and build your own opinions, based on scientific fact. Building on your previous studies, this module will help prepare you for a broad range of animal-related careers.
• Research Project: Your research project is an excellent opportunity for you to carry out a substantial piece of meaningful research drawing together skills in experimental study design, critical interpretation of data and presentation. You can choose from a range of projects, depending on your interests/career ambitions, including lab- or field-based research, systematic reviews, bioinformatics, teaching and learning, or outreach. In addition to a project report, you will also present outcomes as an oral presentation and research poster at our undergraduate student conference.
• Employability and Communication Skills in Bioscience: Whatever your interests or future career, communication is vital. This module helps to develop skillsets needed to communicate effectively to diverse audiences. We explore a range of communication methods to present and disseminate findings to inform and enthuse both a scientific and lay audience. We aim to develop a suite of valuable transferrable skills for the employment market and ensure those who truly understand scientific issues are heard.
• Professional Development in Bioscience: As you approach graduation, this module will focus on career-readiness, helping you to consolidate and articulate the professional skills, attributes and competencies you will have developed across your degree. You will have the opportunity to refine interview techniques and write covering letters, personal statements and a high-quality CV. We will explore the current employment marketplace, identifying opportunities and building your social media profile for future employers. We will consider discrimination, unconscious bias, and develop strategies to support resilience and wellbeing.

Optional modules

• Animals and Society: Non-human animals interact with humans on a daily basis as wildlife, livestock, food, clothing, companions, beasts of burden, entertainment and therapy. Animals and Society draws from research in human-animal studies and animal geographies to explore and understand these complex relationships across space and time. As well as drawing from academic expertise and campaigning experiences, the interactive lecture series includes insights from guest speakers.
• Human Parasitology: In this module, you will explore the theoretical and practical aspects of parasitic diseases of humans, considering such topics as the life cycle of select parasites between vector and host, the pathogenesis of parasitic infection and their diagnosis and treatment. You will also investigate challenges to effective treatment and transmission control, including socio-economic and cultural factors. Through evaluation of current research in the subject, you will develop higher-level skills in the critical analysis and interpretation of data.
• Conservation Biology: Dive into conservation biology, exploring biodiversity and conservation in the face of human impacts. Engage in a real-world ecological consultancy scenario as the core of your assessment, honing skills through fieldwork, research, and tutorials. Craft a biodiversity net gain report for a site of ecological and historical significance, mirroring the tasks of a professional ecological consultant. Delve into conservation with guest speakers, gaining firsthand insights into this multifaceted domain. Experience conservation work first-hand and broaden your understanding of this vital field.
• Tropical Biology Field Course: This module allows you to explore the vibrant world of tropical ecology first-hand and join an exciting opportunity to explore firsthand the challenges facing tropical ecosystems and how humanity impacts them. You will learn from leading experts about the critical role of biodiversity in these lush environments. Experience international travel and immerse yourself in diverse cultures. Hosted by the University of Sains Malaysia (USM), this field course, which comes at an additional cost to be confirmed each year, promises cutting-edge knowledge in tropical ecology and conservation.
• Epidemiology: Epidemiology is concerned with the study of disease development and prevention within populations. Here, you will develop knowledge and understanding of epidemiological study design and data interpretation, exploring the scientific procedures of public health research, policies, program implementation and evaluation. You will develop skills in the design and conduct of epidemiological research, developing data collection tools, and interpreting epidemiological findings used in public health, including of relevance to outbreak investigations.
• Flexible Work Placement and Professional Training (Level 6): In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement around existing demands.
• Professional Placement Year: Employers value candidates with practical skills and workplace understanding. The Natural Sciences Placement Year gives you the opportunity to undertake a placement between year 2 and 3 of your course, enabling you to experience the world of work in an area aligned to your academic, or career preferences. You will have access to expert advice and guidance on how to find a placement, application and interview preparation via personalised and group activities, plus ongoing support throughout your placement, and beyond.
• Work Placement and Professional Training in Education: This module gives students interested in pursuing teaching or training as a career the opportunity to gain experience in the world of teaching in schools and colleges. You will develop skills highly valued by employers such as communication, and interpersonal skills, whilst learning to address individual needs and developing engaging teaching materials. You will be supported via a range of activities to prepare for your placement and have the choice to source your own placement or apply to university sourced roles.

Entry requirements

• A Level: BBB in three A levels including B in Chemistry or Biology
• Contextual Offer: BCC in three A levels including B in Chemistry or Biology
• You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification
• BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma: DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Applied Science, Forensic and Criminal Investigation
• Contextual Offer: DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Applied Science, Forensic and Criminal Investigation
• You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 555 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Chemistry or Biology, or 30 points including 5 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology
• Contextual Offer: 544 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Chemistry or Biology, or 28 points including 5 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology
• You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification

Fees and funding

• UK: £9,535 for the 2025/6 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval)
• International: Band 1, £17,700 for the 2025/26 academic year

Your future career

Our BSc aims to equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience to pursue a career or further study in a number of areas including research and development, animal nutrition and veterinary diagnostic laboratories. In addition to developing core knowledge and practical skills in the subject, you will also develop key transferable and employability skills related to the critical evaluation of scientific literature, effective communication in a variety of formats to target audiences, teamwork, networking and careers support.

Teaching, learning and assessment

• Teaching: Digital materials, Campus-based tutorials and workshops, Laboratory practicals, Fieldwork, Case-based learning (CBL) tutorials, Live, online tutorials, workshops and drop-in sessions, Independent study, Life Sciences Double Experimental Project (with research skills assessment)
• Assessment: Essays, portfolios and literature reviews, Laboratory reports, Experimental projects, Scientific posters, Public-facing information leaflets, Wikis, Blogs, Oral presentations, Pro formas, Literature reviews, Final year, independent research project, Group presentations, Case-based learning sessions, Delivering a group seminar, Online tests, End-of-semester, online, open-book examinations

Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, offering preparation for your chosen degree with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, build your confidence, and provide a better understanding of higher education.

On our Foundation Year, you'll join our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

Foundation year course content

• FYO-00185 | Practical and Academic Skills in Science | 15 credits
• FYO-00211 | Foundations in Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Scientists | 15 credits
• FYO-00189 | Foundations of Chemistry | 15 credits
• FYO-00197 | Foundations of Life Sciences | 15 credits
• FYO-00199 | Advancing Life Sciences | 30 credits
• FYO-00191 | Advancing Chemistry | 30 credits

Foundation year entry requirements

• 56 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A Level, BTEC, Access Course, or T Level)
• Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths

Foundation year course structure

• Semester one modules: FYO-00185, FYO-00211, FYO-00189, FYO-00197
• Semester two modules: FYO-00199, FYO-00191

Foundation year teaching and assessment

• Teaching: Campus-based tutorials and workshops, Laboratory practicals, Fieldwork, Case-based learning (CBL) tutorials, Live, online tutorials, workshops and drop-in sessions, Independent study
• Assessment: Essays, portfolios and literature reviews, Laboratory reports, Experimental projects, Scientific posters, Public-facing information leaflets, Wikis, Blogs, Oral presentations, Pro formas, Literature reviews, Final year, independent research project, Group presentations, Case-based learning sessions, Delivering a group seminar, Online tests, End-of-semester, online, open-book examinations