BSc

Equine and Veterinary Bioscience

Equine and Veterinary Bioscience Code D334 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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Key Facts

D334

  • UCAS Tariff

    128 - 104

  • Course duration

    3 years

Further details on entry requirements

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The BSc Equine and Veterinary Bioscience degree at Aberystwyth University is the only one of its kind in the UK. It capitalises on Aberystwyth’s reputation as a long-established provider of equine courses, our research strengths in animal disease, nutrition, reproduction and behaviour, and our collaborative links with practising veterinary surgeons at the Wales Veterinary Science Centre to provide you with skills and knowledge related to the health and welfare of horses and a range of other animals. 

Course Overview

This unique course will provide you with a solid understanding of core concepts in veterinary medicine, including immunology, disease processes and the diagnosis and treatment of disease in a range of species. Dedicated theoretical and practical classes will place special emphasis on the physiology of the horse. Teaching, including some led by veterinary surgeons, will help frame your understanding within the practical context.  

While the BSc Equine and Veterinary Bioscience does not provide recognised training for those wishing to practise as a veterinary surgeon, the unique mix of subject matter will help you develop the knowledge and skills required for professional roles within the equine industry, as well as in careers allied to veterinary medicine, such as veterinary laboratory diagnostician. 

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

Modules September start - 2023

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
Applied Animal Biology BR13320 20
Microbial Diversity BR12110 10
Study and Communication Skills BR12410 10
Biochemistry and the Cellular Basis of Life BR15320 20
Disease Diagnosis and Control BR15420 20
Equine Anatomy and Physiology BR10910 10
Equine Exercise Physiology BR11010 10
Exploring Genetics BR14410 10

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Equine Study Tour BR14210 10
Molecular Laboratory Skills BR12210 10

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Animal Breeding: Genetics and Reproduction BR25220 20
Immunology BR22220 20
Veterinary Health BR27120 20
Applied Nutrition of Livestock, Horses and Companion Animals BR20720 20
Research Methods BR27520 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Animal Behaviour BR21620 20
Vertebrate Zoology BR26820 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals BR35120 20
Veterinary Infectious Diseases BR34120 20
Veterinary Pharmacology and Disease Control BR36820 20
Research Project BR36440 40

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Equine Nutrition and Pasture Management BR35720 20
Equine Stud Management BR32520 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Equine and Veterinary Bioscience provides a broad scientific foundation which will prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities in equine and animal science, animal welfare, research and development, advisory and technical support work, and education, in the UK and overseas. 

Our graduates work as research scientists, in pharmaceuticals and for animal nutrition companies. Some have progressed to MSc and PhD postgraduate study.  

What work experience opportunities are available to me while I study? 

Find out about the various opportunities that our Careers Service offers. 

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and our Year in Employment Scheme.  

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?   

In the first year you will be introduced to the anatomy and physiology of the horse, and the effects of exercise and training upon specific body systems. You will explore the biology of key functions within livestock, horses and companion animals, including digestion, reproduction, growth and development and lactation. You will study biological topics including genetics, metabolism, microbial life and micro-organisms. Practical sessions combining animal handling and examination training will provide first-hand experience of the techniques used in the diagnosis of diseases, possible treatments and environment management. 

An optional equine study tour will include visits to a range of different commercial organisations including racing training stables, studs and allied enterprises such as racecourses, and sales. Other enterprises may include veterinary laboratories, veterinary practices or schools, equine sporting events, non-thoroughbred breeding and/or training centres, and auction houses.  

In the second year you will explore topics such as the applied nutrition of horses and livestock, and mammalian reproductive anatomy and physiology. You will gain an understanding of immune responses in both humans and veterinary animals, and will become familiar with veterinary terminology and welfare guidelines for the care of sick and injured animals. There will be practical sessions on the examination of sick animals and methods of disease diagnosis. 

In your final year you will study animal welfare and welfare assessment methods, and will build on your knowledge of immunology by exploring how infectious diseases spread and can be controlled. You will also study veterinary pharmacology and gain an understanding of the biochemistry, discovery, practical use and legislation relating to veterinary drugs and related treatment strategies. A compulsory research project will allow you to perform in-depth research under the guidance of a supervisor. Your project may be based on laboratory experiments or fieldwork exercises, comprise a computer modelling exercise or involve data analysis.  

How will I be taught?  

You will be taught through a variety of methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, practicals, field visits and lab work. You will receive thorough training in concepts, research and methodology relating to equine science. You will explore this learning in laboratory research and experimentation, as well as hands-on exercises.  

Assessment  

You will be assessed through a range of methods including essays, practical exercises and reports, presentations, posters, lab reports, exams, portfolios, reflective diaries, feed analysis and / or rationing exercises, magazine articles, webpages and podcasts.  

Personal Tutor   

You will be assigned a personal tutor who will be your main contact throughout the duration of your studies. Your personal tutor can help you to settle in when you first arrive and will be available to help you with academic or personal matters.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 128 - 104

A Levels ABB-BCC with B in Biology

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

BTEC National Diploma:
D*D*D* 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

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
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 would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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