View Specification DocumentVeterinary Diagnostic Strategies 3 VETSCI3011
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Biodiversity One Health Vet Med
- Credits: 30
- Level: Level 3 (SCQF level 9)
- Typically Offered: Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course focuses on a range of common testing methods utilised in veterinary medicine to monitor normal biological processes and identify and quantify disease processes and pain in animals.
Timetable
Weekly lectures supplemented with practicals, tutorials, seminars and self-directed study.
Requirements of Entry
Students must have attained the minimum requirements for entry into level 3 of the Veterinary Biosciences [Hons]/MSci Programme as specified in the Veterinary Biosciences [Hons]/MSci Programme Supplementary Regulations.
Excluded Courses
None
Assessment
In course assessment (45%): will normally comprise of critical analysis of literature relating to a novel development in diagnostics (30%); critical report on the analytical performance of a diagnostics assay (15%)
End of course assessment (55%): will normally comprise questions selected from the following formats - DIQ, SAQ, MCQ .
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
To provide students with the knowledge and understanding of
■ The range of methods, concepts and principles that can be used to identify and quantify normal biological processes as well as pathological disorders and pain in animals
■ The components of blood and tissue, and gross and microscopic morphological changes expected in health and disease
■ Mechanisms to critically evaluate the performance of different testing methods ensuring accuracy and precision
■ Assessment of disease and pain using non-invasive imaging techniques and different pain scoring systems.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
Knowledge:
1. Critically evaluate molecular, tissue and whole-body veterinary diagnostic strategies with an understanding of the importance of laboratory quality management.
2. Interpret outcomes from a range of diagnostic tests such as blood profiles, histology, biological and molecular assays, imaging data and postmortem analysis.
3. Describe the underlying pathophysiological processes associated with infectious and non-infectious disease.
4. Critically discuss the physiology, pathology, and assessment of pain with an understanding of associated ethical issues and alternative therapies.
5. Critically appraise diagnostics-based scenarios and science through independent research
Skills:
6. Safely handle and observe pathological specimens ·
7. Identify anatomical features in selected species through the examination of specimens and the dissection of cadavers. ·
8. Use a microscope, applying a range of objective lenses, to observe histological and cytological specimens