COMPULSORY MODULES

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. 

COMPULSORY MODULES

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.

COMPULSORY MODULES

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.