Course Catalogue

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The VetStart Pathway is designed for students who are currently undertaking degree programmes in Animal Science (or closely related disciplines) or other approved qualifications e.g. the University of Glasgow's BSc Veterinary Biosciences, to supplement prior knowledge of basic biochemistry, physiology, anatomy and basic and applied animal husbandry, with knowledge and practical skills associated with the practice of Veterinary medicine.

The course complements Year 1 of the BVMS programme and aims to provide a firm foundation in knowledge and skills for further clinical study, integrating concepts of structure and function, health and disease with an emphasis on the clinical and societal applications of this knowledge and encourages the development of skills for lifelong learning. Successful completion prepares students for direct entry into Year 2 of the BVMS programme. 

6 weeks, typically, 25 hours of on-campus teaching including lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical activities and 10 hours of asynchronous self-directed learning per week with scheduled opportunities provided to complete course assessments.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.6 (out of 4) obtained over 3 years of an approved BSc programme in animal science (or closely related disciplines) at a nominated University. The programme must have included, organic chemistry and physics or maths or calculus or statistics. Alternatively a 2:1 BSc Honours degree in an approved subject area. All applicants must have a minimum of 6 weeks animal experience including at least two weeks experience shadowing a veterinarian.

Assessment

Knowledge and understanding assessment (Marked against Schedule A descriptors)

The grade for this assessment will be derived from summatively assessed course work, which will take the form of three components of assessment each of which may contain Multiple choice, short answer and data handling questions (70%).

Practical competence assessment

These will take the form of DOPs (pass/fail) (20%) and two reflective portfolio assets (requirement to be completed) (10%).

While a single grade will be reported, all assessments must be passed for successful completion of the course.

The course supplements prior knowledge in animal science, to provide a firm foundation in knowledge and skills for further clinical study, integrating concepts of structure and function, health and disease in veterinary contexts which emphasise the clinical and societal applications of this knowledge and encourage the development of skills for lifelong learning. In this context, the aim of this course is to provide an opportunity for development of basic clinical and professional skills as preparation for engagement in pre-clinical extramural studies; to introduce the principles of veterinary medicine.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills relevant to professional conduct and cultural awareness when presenting information in educational and professional contexts.

2. Successfully complete basic supported, independent or collaborative learning activities

3. Demonstrate safe working practices and appropriate behaviour in a variety of environments to protect human and animal safety e.g. laboratory and clinical and field environments and recognise the theoretical basis for these protocols.

4. Demonstrate safe, effective and humane handling and restraint of a range of common domestic animals.

5. Demonstrate competence in specific basic clinical appropriate to the level of a BVMS1 student.

6. Recognise the importance of the scientific basis of veterinary practice through the application of scientific principles in investigation and resolution of specific case focused problems and scenarios.

7. Apply scientific principles which form the basis of research questions, and be able to evaluate evidence and integrate information to produce a balanced argument or plan of investigation.

8. Describe and compare the structure and function of specific body systems in a range of common domestic species in terms of their normal anatomy, and the cellular and systemic mechanisms which maintain homeostasis.

9. Be able to discuss key characteristics of specific body systems in other species of international veterinary interest, which relate to common or important clinical conditions.

10. Describe the principles of ethics & welfare, nutrition and husbandry, in relation to how these can impact on animal health.

11. Recognise changes in the structure and function in specific body systems in response to clinical disease and explain how these changes relate to normal anatomy, and to the cellular and systemic mechanisms which maintain homeostasis.

12. Explain how infectious agents cause disease in domestic animal species and describe prophylactic measures which can be adopted to prevent disease in individuals and populations.

13. Explain the mechanisms of action and methods of use of some common and important veterinary drugs and relate these to knowledge of specific causative agents and body systems.

14. Discuss the role of the veterinary professional in international society, understand how legal and regulatory frameworks underpin veterinary practice and identify appropriate professional conduct in a range of situations.

15. Identify the link between human and animal health in a variety of situations including :

a) processes to ensure safety of food and food products of animal origin from 'farm to fork';

b) the importance of appropriate use of medicines;

c) the significance of zoonotic diseases.

16. Reflect on a variety of relevant experiences, plan and evaluate their own learning and professional development.

Students must submit at least 100% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.

Students on VetStart Pathway course must complete all components of the course including compulsory attendance at all practical and tutorial sessions. Students must complete all course work and assessment e.g. directly observed procedural skills (DOPs) and portfolio.