Program Overview

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Introduction to the Veterinary Biosciences BSc (Hons) Programme

The Veterinary Biosciences BSc (Hons) programme is offered by the University of Surrey, with the aim of providing a high-quality education in the various aspects of biological sciences for students with an interest in veterinary science and diverse career aspirations.

Awarding Body and Teaching Institute

• The awarding body for this programme is the University of Surrey.
• The teaching institute is also the University of Surrey.

Framework and Final Award

• The programme is structured at the FHEQ Level 6 framework.
• The final award for this programme is the BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Biosciences.

Subsidiary Awards

The following subsidiary awards are available:

• DipHE in Biosciences
• CertHE in Biosciences
• Ord in Biosciences

Professional Recognition

The programme is 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

The programme is available in two 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 |

Quality Assurance and Reference Points

• The programme adheres to the QAA Subject benchmark statement for Veterinary Science (Bachelor).
• Other internal and/or external reference points are not applicable.

Faculty and Department

The programme is offered by the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences.

Programme Leader

The programme leader is SELEMETAS Nick (Biosciences).

Date of Production/Revision of Specification

The programme specification was produced/revisioned on 27/01/2026.

Educational Aims of the Programme

The educational aims of the programme are 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

The programme learning outcomes are categorized into attributes developed, including:

• C - Cognitive/analytical
• K - Subject knowledge
• T - Transferable skills
• P - Professional/Practical skills The specific learning outcomes include:
• An understanding of laboratory-based investigations in biological sciences applicable to studying animal health and disease.
• 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.
• 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 benchmarking statements.
• An understanding of the basic principles of animal/veterinary anatomy, physiology, nutrition, experimental biology, immunology, microbiology, and infectious diseases.
• Evaluate research findings and scientific literature and demonstrate the ability to find and evaluate appropriate sources of material and to critically assess it.
• Demonstrate an understanding of research design and planning and the limits of scientific findings.
• Learn basic laboratory skills relevant to biological and animal/veterinary sciences.
• Develop advanced practical skills relevant to biological and veterinary/animal sciences.
• Interpret qualitative and quantitative data and develop critical thinking and other transferable skills associated with employability.
• Learn independently through literature search using databases and resources such as textbooks and/or peer-reviewed journal papers to develop resourcefulness and resilience.
• Take responsibility for planning and organisation of work both their own and in a team.
• Communicate ideas, principles, and theories effectively by oral, written, and visual means.
• Work effectively and independently on a given project or task.
• 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.
• Apply basic statistical and numerical skills to biological data.
• Develop computer literacy skills and digital capabilities using online and electronic resources, word processors, spreadsheets, visual presentation tools, and statistical packages.

Programme Structure

The programme is structured as follows:

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 on a 15 credit tariff system.
• 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 on a 15 credit tariff system.
• Possible exit awards include:
  • Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
  • Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
  • Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Modules

The programme consists of the following modules:

Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4

Module Code	Module Title	Status	Credits	Semester
BMS1066	Fundamental Molecules and Processes in Biochemistry	Compulsory	30	Year-long
BMS1025	Cell Biology	Compulsory	15	1
BMS1026	Microbiology: An Introduction to the Microbial World	Compulsory	15	1
BMS1051	Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology	Compulsory	15	1
BMS1032	Introduction to Principles of Physiology and Practical Skills	Compulsory	15	2
BMS1047	Molecular Biology and Genetics - Genes and Their Function	Compulsory	15	2
BMS1061	Principles of Evolution	Compulsory	15	2

Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

Module Code	Module Title	Status	Credits	Semester
BMS2041	Food Microbiology	Compulsory	15	1
BMS2036	Molecular Biology and Genetics: From Genes to Biological Function	Compulsory	15	1
BMS2083	Experimental Biology	Compulsory	15	1
BMS2038	Integration of Physiological Systems	Optional	15	1
BMS2085	Medical Microbiology	Optional	15	1
BMS2045	Introduction to Immunology	Compulsory	15	2
BMS2054	Animal Nutrition	Compulsory	15	2
BMS2070	Animal & Plant Ecology - Theory & Practice	Compulsory	15	2
BMS2046	Pathology and Medicine	Optional	15	2
BMS2047	Pharmacology: Introduction to Drug Action	Optional	15	2
BMS2081	Biodiversity	Optional	15	2

Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Module Code	Module Title	Status	Credits	Semester
BMS3108	Applied Immunology	Compulsory	15	1
BMS3052	Biochemistry - Receptors and Energy Metabolism	Optional	15	1
BMS3095	Animal Diversity	Optional	15	1
BMS3060	Biomedical Microbial Products	Optional	15	1
BMS3105	Environment and Sustainability	Optional	15	1
BMS3074	Animal Infectious Diseases	Compulsory	15	2
BMS3071	Food Security	Optional	15	2
BMS3073	Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases	Optional	15	2
BMS3096	Animal Behaviour	Optional	15	2
BMS3048	Research Project	Core	30	Year-long

Opportunities for Placements/Work-Related Learning/Collaborative Activity

The programme offers opportunities for:

• Associate Tutor(s)/Guest Speakers/Visiting Academics
• Professional Training Year (PTY)
• Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY)
• Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) are not available.

Graduate Attributes

The programme aims to develop the following graduate attributes:

1. Resourcefulness + resilience
2. Global + cultural capabilities
3. Sustainability
4. Digital capabilities
5. Employability

Quality Assurance

The programme adheres to the Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes, which can be found on the University's website.