Background

Some of those reading will be familiar with the course (I suspect, in fact, the vast majority of you), however, I am sure there are those of you who have no idea what Veterinary Bioscience might be about.

The Veterinary Bioscience degree at Glasgow University was started in 2008 as a joint effort by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FVM) and the Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences (FBLS). It is aimed at sending students into the veterinary research field with the skills and knowledge specifically required for it. The entry requirements are of a higher level than a standard Biology course (A-Level or Advanced Highers are needed), but at a slightly lower grade level than for the Veterinary Medicine course. The work experience required for the BVMS is not necessary but is still useful as there is still some practical work.

First year consists of 40 credits in FBLS in the form of Level 1 Biology (two courses, each covering one semester), 40 credits in Level 1 Chemistry (a year long course) and 40 credits in FVM (4 separate 10 credit courses, two in each semester). Biology and Chemistry are standard courses taken by everyone in FBLS, and are aimed at making sure that all students go into second year at the same education level. This means that they can be a little repetitive at times for those who have taken either A-level or Advanced Higher, but most students find that there will be at least some elements of the courses that they have not covered. Besides, it never hurts to go over the basics when you have the chance.

The FVM courses are somewhat more challenging. Semester one consists of Animal Production and Management and Basic Mammalian Body Plan. APM gives students an insight into the basics of the agricultural industry, focussing on cattle and sheep farming. As well as the intensive lecture course there is a weekly trip to the university farm (see future posts for things to remember the first time you go) which involves being bussed to just outside Clydebank. BMBP is an introduction to Anatomy with two lectures and a laboratory session each week. Not for the weak-stomached, lab sessions involve dissections to illustrate the points made in lectures. These sessions are a valuable tool in the course, providing both real representations of the principles taught and experience for the practical part of the exam at the end of the course. A session on animal handling is included, although it is based around cats and dogs.

Semester two continues Anatomy with Comparative Vertebrate Morphology, a course which looks at the differing anatomy within the animal kingdom. Although the main focus is on mammalian anatomy, the course looks at reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish as well. Small mammals are the subject of several lectures, and with this course students can start to get a feel for the sort of animals they are likely to be working with if they continue into the research field. The practical labs continue, this time with a wider range of species both for dissection and as prepared specimans. The final ten credits of the year are through Body Systems Physiology, an introductory course to Physiology. BSP focuses on the nervous system and provides a good basis in this area for moving into 2nd year. The practical sessions are less frequent than with other courses and include computer labs which cover both an experiment and the theory behind it.

BSP is continued in second year as a year long level 2 course. The other courses in second year are worth 10 credits each and consist of Protein, DNA and Basic Genetics in the first semester, and Animal Science, Behaviour and Nutrition and Veterinary Bioinformatics in the second semester. Once the term restarts I can go into these in more detail, but for now I think I've covered the basics of the course.

Any questions or requests for post topics can be directed to me via the comments section and I will do what I can to cover them in the future. And I think that's everything for now!