BSc

Equine and Veterinary Bioscience

Key Facts

D334

  • UCAS Tariff

    104 - 128

  • Course Length

    3 Year

Further details on entry requirements

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Equine Science and Veterinary Bioscience at Aberystwyth means studying the biology of a range of animal species in such a way as to provide you with the underpinning veterinary medicine and scientific theory and examples using the horse (including some equine-specific modules) are used where possible. This includes how nutrition, welfare, anatomy and physiology as well as understanding diseases, their diagnosis and control. It does not provide recognised training for those wishing to practise as a veterinary surgeon but may provide graduates with a suitable pathway to a veterinary medicine degree programme.

If that is not enough, scroll down for why we think Aberystwyth is a great place to study Equine and Veterinary Bioscience.

Student Satisfaction and Employability Results

92% of our D334 Equine and Veterinary Bioscience students agreed that staff were good at explaining things (NSS 2020).

95% of students agreed that staff are good at explaining things (NSS 2020).

Top 15 in the UK for Teaching Quality and Student Experience for the subject of Biological Sciences (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019)

98% of our graduates were in work or further study within 6 months, 3% more than Biological Science graduates nationally, (HESA 2018*)

Overview

Why study Equine and Veterinary Biosciences at Aberystwyth University?

  • Superb teaching and research facilities including modern labs
  • Over 100ha of farmland, an equine centre
  • An advanced microscopy and bio-imaging laboratory
  • Internationally renowned passionate teaching staff who are experts in their fields
  • A fantastic equine centre with Olympic size indoor arena, all-weather manège, round pen, horse walker and livery facilities
  • A stunning coastal location with miles of unspoiled beaches to gallop upon a few miles from the equine centre!
  • Opportunities for work experience, foreign exchanges, internships, bursaries and training towards BHS exams all within a multi-award winning Institute environment

International opportunities

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take the chance to study abroad during your degree? We have exchange agreements with universities in Europe, USA, and elsewhere, so you can apply to spend all or part of your 2nd year studying veterinary biosciences overseas. You will miss Aberystwyth, but you’ll love the new perspectives that international study can bring!

Want to study in Welsh?

Students can elect to study a number of IBERS modules in the medium of Welsh. Check out the module tab for more information!

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry.  The Institute has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

Modules

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Equine Anatomy and Physiology BR10910 10
Equine Exercise Physiology BR11010 10
Exploring Genetics BR14410 10
Biochemistry and the Cellular Basis of Life BR15320 20
Disease Diagnosis and Control BR15420 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Microbial Diversity * BR12110 10
Study and Communication Skills * BR12410 10
Applied Animal Biology * BR13300
Applied Animal Biology * BR13320 20
Molecular Laboratory Skills BR12210 10
Equine Study Tour BR14210 10

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Immunology BR22220 20
Animal Breeding: Genetics and Reproduction BR25220 20
Veterinary Health BR27120 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Applied Nutrition of Livestock, Horses and Companion Animals * BR20720 20
Research Methods * BR25620 20
Ethology BR21620 20
Vertebrate Zoology BR26820 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Veterinary Infectious Diseases BR34120 20
Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals BR35120 20
Veterinary Pharmacology and Disease Control BR36820 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Research Project * BR36400
Research Project * BR36440 40
Equine Stud Management BR32500
Equine Stud Management BR32520 20
Equine Nutrition and Pasture Management BR35720 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Employability

What opportunities are there for me?

Our alumni are currently in these following fields:

  • Research Scientist;
  • Working at nutrition companies;
  • Pharmaceuticals;
  • Progression to MSc and PhD postgraduate study.

Studying Equine science, you will develop specialist skills including:

  • Ability to evaluate the physiological needs of a range of species in health and disease, with a special emphasis on the horse.

More information:

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying? 

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer. 

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

As a specialist branch of Zoology, your BSc in Equine and Veterinary Bioscience opens up a range of exciting opportunities for employment and further training. In addition, the work placement opportunities available to you will help you gain valuable industry experience

Learning & Teaching

If you are interested in the biology that underpins the health and welfare of the horse and range of other animals, then Equine and Veterinary Bioscience is for you. Here’s why we think Aberystwyth is the very best place to make your journey of discovery.

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three year degree scheme.

What will I be taught?

You may investigate the subject from both clinical and welfare perspectives through to the latest developments in animal biotechnology, bioethics and infectious diseases. A detailed course structure can be found by clicking the tab 'course content'. Example subject areas include:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Principles of genetics and metabolism
  • Equine exercise physiology
  • Management of the performance horse
  • Equine study tour
  • Principles veterinary science
  • Animal behaviour and welfare
  • Nutrition
  • Equine stud management
  • Applied veterinary science
  • Veterinary drugs and veterinary infectious diseases

How will I be taught?

This course will be delivered through a balanced programme of lectures, seminars, workshops, practicals, field visits, and lab work. You will have an opportunity to develop an understudy of concepts, research and methodology relating to equine and veterinary bioscience. You will explore this learning in laboratory research and experimentation, as well as hands-on exercises. You may also participate in a study tour, which will cover a range of different equine-related organizations and may include racing training stables, studs, racecourses and veterinary hospitals.

You’ll be taught by expert scientists, with an international reputation, who conduct research in a wide range of equine and animal science areas. Our lecturers are passionate teachers too, with years of experience of communicating the science of the horse and other animals. 

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 104 - 128

A Levels ABB-BCC with B in Biology

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-DMM with a specified subject

International Baccalaureate:
30-28 with 5 points in Biology at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in Biology

The University welcomes applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma. Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits, and offers can vary. If you are studying a qualification not listed on this page, please get in touch with the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further advice. Details about the country-specific qualifications the University accepts can be found on our country-specific pages. For further information, contact ug-admissions@aber.ac.uk

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