Course Catalogue

View Specification Document | Reading List

BVMS 2 is the second of 2 years of the Foundation Phase of the BVMS Programme and builds on the areas studied in BVMS 1. This phase aims to provide a firm foundation in knowledge and skills for further clinical study, introducing basic clinical concepts, integrating concepts of structure and function, health and disease in contexts which emphasise the clinical and societal applications of this knowledge and encourage the development of skills for lifelong learning.

The course adopts a modular structure, with each module of teaching focused around a specific body system. The course consists of 7 modules, within each module, there are typically three weeks of intensive instruction followed by an end of module week focussed on integration and synthesis of content and concepts. Based on maximum 24 hours/week and averaging no more than 12hrs/week lectures, typical weekly timetables are shown below:

Weekly timetable BVMS2

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Students must have successfully completed the BVMS1 course.

Recommended Entry Requirements

Not applicable

Not applicable

None

Assessment

End of Course Assessment

There are 2 end of course assessments, each of which will be reported under a separate course code (VETMED2022 & VETMED2023).

Knowledge and understanding assessment (Marked against Schedule A descriptors)

The grade for this assessment will be derived from summatively assessed course work (10%) in course MCQ quizzes (30%) and end of course written examination (60%).

Competency assessment (marked against Schedule B descriptors).

The grade for this assessment will be derived from the grade achieved for the Professional portfolio (10%) and a 2 hr end of course objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) (90%).

A candidate must achieve a minimum of Grade D in both the OSCE examination and in the Portfolio in order for the candidate to progress to the next phase of the programme.

Summatively assessed coursework:

It will be compulsory for all Students to submit a range of coursework assignments for assessment

throughout the course. The students will be exposed to each type of coursework assignment formatively before it is used as part of the summative coursework assessment.

Coursework assignments may include material from one or more modules.

The coursework assignments will be varied but may include:

- Self-directed or collaborative learning assignment (self/peer assessed against generic feedback)

- Presentations

- Essays

In course MCQ quizzes

Total approx. 2 hours of assessment delivered in 2 or more parts including testing methods such as single best answer multiple choice questions.

End of course written examination

Total 4hrs split over a few papers which may include testing methods such as single best answer multiple choice questions, short answer question formats, problem solving, practical spot test and data handling questions.

Professional Portfolio

A Professional Portfolio will be summatively assessed at the end of the course. The purpose of the

Professional Portfolio is to promote personal development planning, support the development of skills

in reflection and reflective practice and demonstrate that students have met the intended learning outcomes of the course relating to professional skills.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Reassessment

A student may be offered reassessment of the written examination component of the Knowledge and Understanding assessment and/or the two components (professional portfolio and OSCE) of the competency assessment at the next available diet.

Students who do not pass Schedule A will, as part of the second attempt at assessment, be required to sit an MCQ paper (covering all modules).

Reassessment of summatively assessed coursework is not available.

The BVMS2 course forms the second year of the Foundation Phase of the BVMS programme. The Foundation Phase aims to provide a firm foundation in knowledge and skills for further clinical study, integrating concepts of structure and function, health and disease in 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 the BVMS 2 course is to

■  introduce additional principles of veterinary science as well as building on those covered in BVMS 1;

■ promote the development of additional clinical and professional skills as well as refining those obtained in BVMS1;

■ study the body systems not covered in BVMS 1, illustrated by relevant clinical cases.

There will be an emphasis on supporting students to develop their own self-directed learning skills, and to provide opportunities for students to evaluate their own progress through engagement in formative and in-course assessments.

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

1.Demonstrate basic written and verbal communication expected of a veterinary student undertaking clinical EMS

2.Demonstrate core attitudes and cultural awareness required of a veterinary surgeon and act responsibly in professional contexts

3.Recognise and describe the appearance of healthy niche species including breed, colour and markings, weight/body condition, age, purpose and behaviour

4.Demonstrate appropriate handling and restraint of niche species for the purposes of their movement, sex determination or performance of clinical procedures

5.Apply knowledge to perform a basic clinical examination in animals and procedures relating to year 2 topics.

6.Apply competence in basic surgical skills including the surgical preparation, suturing, gowning and gloving

7.Apply skills, knowledge and principles from previous Foundation phase modules to underpin the teaching in this module

8.Reflect on a variety of relevant experiences to plan and evaluate your own learning and professional development in the context of year 2 teaching and experience

9.Work independently or as part of a group to collate, evaluate, integrate and present appropriately referenced information from a range of sources to provide a balanced argument or to develop or interpret a plan of investigation

10.Describe and identify the normal structure and function of the common integument.

11.Explain the processes underlying healing in different tissue types and methods of managing healing

12.Describe and identify the normal structure, function and topography of the locomotor system and apply correct directional terminology.

13.Describe and identify the processes involved with normal bone formation, growth and remodelling

14.Explain mediators of inflammation, immunopathological (hypersensitivity) mechanisms and how these can affect the skin.

15.Describe key characteristics including transmission and control of ectoparasites, fungi and viruses harboured by blood feeding organisms and explain how the host is affected.

16.Describe weight bearing and gait during normal locomotion and lameness and explain options available for localising the site of the lameness.

17.Discuss and demonstrate the safe performance of radiography and identify normal locomotor anatomy on radiographs and ultrasound images

18.Describe and identify some common pathological processes affecting the locomotor system, explain their pathogenesis and some of the procedures used in their diagnosis

19.Explain the mode of action and the pharmacokinetics of NSAIDS, local anaesthetics and muscle relaxants

20.Describe and identify the normal structure, function and topography of the peripheral nervous system including the cranial nerves

21.Describe and identify the normal structure, function and topography of the brain

22.Describe and identify the normal structure, function and topography of the spinal cord and vertebral column

23.Describe how the component parts of the nervous system are structurally and functionally organised and integrated including different types of sensory input to the nervous system, their central projections and neuroendocrine control.

24.Describe and explain the embryological development of the nervous system and associated structures and the consequences of developmental disorders

25.Describe tests to investigate the nervous system, interpret their results and use this information to discuss potential treatment strategies

26.Describe the mechanisms underlying the sensation of pain, the pharmacology of drugs used to alleviate pain and evaluate evidence for pain in animals.

27.Explain the pharmacology of drugs that affect the central and autonomic nervous systems.

28.Explain the mechanisms regulating posture and locomotion including the hierarchy of motor control and spinal reflexes

29.List the routes of infection, describe the pathological features associated with selective disorders and explain the causes of tissue damage and mechanisms of repair within the central nervous system.

30.Describe the clinical consequences of abnormalities arising in the component parts of the nervous system and explain how to localise neurological problems

31.Discuss animal ethics with regard to the moral status of animals and different ethical frameworks

32.Describe and identify the normal structure, function and topography of the respiratory system.

33.Describe the physiology of respiration and the regulatory processes involved.

34.Discuss the metabolic implications of anaerobic and aerobic respiration

35.Describe the principles of inhalational anaesthesia and the pharmacology of the drugs used

36.Explain the importance of viral genetic change, and other factors, in the emergence of new viral diseases

37.Describe the aetiology and pathogenesis of basic respiratory disease processes and their impact

38.Describe the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and adverse effects of drugs commonly used in the treatment of respiratory conditions

39.Describe tests to investigate respiratory dysfunction, interpret their results and use this information to discuss potential treatment strategies

40.Explain the role of environment as a contributing factor to animal health and performance

41.Describe and identify the normal structure, function and topography of the cardiovascular system

42.Explain the pathophysiology of heart failure and the systemic response to haemorrhage

43.Describe the pathology of common cardiovascular disorders

44.Describe the common microbiological and parasitic causes of cardiac disorders

45.Explain the pharmacology of drugs commonly used to treat cardiovascular disorders

46.Describe tests to investigate cardiovascular dysfunction, interpret their results and use this information to discuss potential treatment strategies

47.Discuss fetal development of the circulatory system and the anomalies that can arise.

48.Describe the veterinary surgeons role in assisting clients with purchasing a horse for an intended use as well as options for investigations if its subsequent athletic performance does not match this use

49.Identify the main niche species and their taxonomy

50.Identify and compare the main anatomical and physiological differences that exist between niche species

51.Describe the appropriate management and nutritional requirements of niche species in a range of settings to ensure good standards of basic care

52.Identify the characteristics of normal and adaptive behaviour patterns within niche species to identify possible signs of illness and or welfare issues

53.Recognise common pathologies related to poor management of niche species and appropriate preventative measures

54.Describe the responsibilities of the Veterinary profession relating to the legal and regulatory frameworks associated with niche species

55.Explain basic concepts of wildlife rehabilitation and when it is appropriate to release an animal into the wild

56.Explain basic concepts of animal conservation including reproductive success and population management.

57.Demonstrate safe working practices in the PM room, describe how to perform and record a basic post mortem examination and collect suitable samples for ancillary testing

58.Review the fundamental pathological mechanisms which underpin disease processes and relate these to changes in the structure and function of body systems in response to clinical disease

59.Describe the structure, function and regulation of endocrine systems.

60.Describe the common zoonotic risks associated with parasitic infection, be able to collect and process appropriate samples and use these to identify common parasites.

61.Collect and process appropriate samples and use these to identify common parasites

62.Describe the processes which ensure animal welfare, quality and safety of food and food products of animal origin from farm to fork

63.Discuss the importance of genetics in improving animal production systems worldwide and potential applications of transgenic animals, cloned animals and stem cells.

64.Follow safe procedures for processing and analysis of microbiological samples and explain the importance of microbiological testing in ensuring food safety and informing clinical diagnosis.

65.Describe the basic principles of diagnosis, staging and therapy for neoplastic disease and relate these to underlying mechanisms of disease

66.Describe the organisation of a Veterinary practice and appropriate dispensing, use and storage of Veterinary medicines

67.Describe and discuss the role of the Veterinary Professional in international society and recall how legal and regulatory frameworks underpin veterinary practice.

68.Review the clinical reproductive examination and treatment of female domestic animals using knowledge of their oestrus cycles, reproductive behaviour and pregnancy.

69.Take an appropriate case history, perform a full clinical examination and evidence knowledge of clinical signs of disease of young ruminants and periparturient ruminants

70.Identify agents and apply knowledge of the aetiology, pathogenesis and epidemiology of key diseases/conditions of the periparturient, neonatal and growing periods in the ruminant production cycle

71.Explain current therapies and formulate control/prevention plans of common diseases of the periparturient, neonatal and growing periods of ruminants (at an individual and group level).

72.Explain current therapies and formulate control/prevention plans for important diseases and conditions in camelids, poultry and fish.

73.Outline the causes of important diseases and conditions in camelids, poultry and fish and synthesise information from a clinical history, examination and other diagnostic testing to propose likely differential diagnoses.

74.Demonstrate/apply a systematic approach to investigation of young stock and periparturient disease (including at the flock and herd level) and evidence knowledge of the relevant diagnostic tools

75.Evidence knowledge of the issues of production animal therapeutics within the context of food residues and development of anthelmintic and antimicrobial resistance

76.Analyse herd and flock performance and epidemiological data to summarise the impact of diseases and recommend preventative interventions

Students on the BVMS 2 Foundation Phase course must successfully complete all components of the course including compulsory attendance at all practical, workshop and seminar sessions. Students must successfully complete all course work, including continual assessment tasks, specified DOPS and portfolio.