Bioveterinary Science – BSc (Hons)

An introduction to veterinary anatomy and physiology of common domestic animals

The aim of this module is to provide students with an appropriate foundation in Chemistry, focusing on the study of chemical properties, interactions, concepts and calculations that are relevant to animal healthcare, and is supportive of their further studies in years 2, 3 and 4 of their courses. It includes the study of Chemical Bonding, Chemical Reactivity, Organic Chemistry, an introduction to Biomolecules and an introduction to Analytical Science.

The aim of this module is to introduce the core concepts that are fundamental to all biological systems. This includes cell structure and composition, genetics, metabolism, anatomy and physiology of bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, ecosystems and environmental biology.

A knowledge of Physics can help learners gain a deeper understanding of many processes and phenomena associated with Chemical and Life Sciences-related disciplines. This introductory Physics course is designed to provide Chemical and Life Sciences students with intuitive mental models of key fundamental principles of Physics, illustrated and reinforced with relevant examples and applications. This course also provides learners with a strong practical foundation in the application of the Scientific Method, as well as a clear understanding of the concept of uncertainty in measurement. Facilitating learners to gain first-hand experience and proficiency of the practical techniques of measurement, data analysis and visualisation, and error analysis is another key part of this module.

The aim of this module is to offer an introduction to scientific mathematics providing the learner with the necessary tools to deal with the quantitative aspects of the discipline and to equip the learner with the technical skills necessary to become proficient in applying the mathematical concepts and tools for calculus to a wide range of context-based examples in science.

The aim of this module is to support and motivate the learner about their chosen field of study and foster independent learning by reinforcing and developing key academic skills required for a student to effectively learn in a third level institute and for lifelong learning in the workplace.

An introduction to veterinary anatomy and physiology of common domestic animals

The aim of this module is to provide students with an appropriate foundation in Chemistry, focusing on the study of chemical properties, interactions, concepts and calculations that are relevant to animal healthcare, and is supportive of their further studies in years 2, 3 and 4 of their courses. It includes the study of Chemical Bonding, Chemical Reactivity, Organic Chemistry, an introduction to Biomolecules and an introduction to Analytical Science.

The aim of this module is to introduce the core concepts that are fundamental to all biological systems. This includes cell structure and composition, genetics, metabolism, anatomy and physiology of bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, ecosystems and environmental biology.

A knowledge of Physics can help learners gain a deeper understanding of many processes and phenomena associated with Chemical and Life Sciences-related disciplines. This introductory Physics course is designed to provide Chemical and Life Sciences students with intuitive mental models of key fundamental principles of Physics, illustrated and reinforced with relevant examples and applications. This course also provides learners with a strong practical foundation in the application of the Scientific Method, as well as a clear understanding of the concept of uncertainty in measurement. Facilitating learners to gain first-hand experience and proficiency of the practical techniques of measurement, data analysis and visualisation, and error analysis is another key part of this module.

The aim of this module is to offer an introduction to scientific mathematics providing the learner with the necessary tools to deal with the quantitative aspects of the discipline and to equip the learner with the technical skills necessary to become proficient in applying the mathematical concepts and tools for calculus to a wide range of context-based examples in science.

The main aim of this module is to introduce current, topical, socially, or environmentally significant issues that are relevant to the students chosen area of study. While other modules in the first year of this programme provide a board foundation in the basic sciences this module allows the student to research programme specific topics which will enhance engagement, provide identity and fuel knowledge interest in their chosen programme. This early exploration into research topics is underpinned by student learning and development strategies developed in the first semester and is applied and demonstrated in this module.

The module explores the regulatory and policy frameworks around the agricultural and veterinary industries regarding safe food production and the control of diseases important to human health.  It will also provide an overview of disease epidemiology and how it is used in order to deliver disease control programmes.

This Cell Biology module will provide students with the fundamentals of mammalian cell biology. It will involve exploring the components of the cell, their structure, function and location in the cell. The students will be introduced to cell interactions, including cellular interactions with their environments forming tissues. The students will be provided with the opportunity to explore different cell types, their lifecycles and their role in cellular disease, and will introduce special techniques for the study of cell structure and function.

Bio-organic chemistry provides students with in-depth knowledge of biomolecule structure, function and physiologic context.  The chemistry, structure and reactivity of the main functional groups in organic chemistry, particularly those pertaining to molecules of biological interest, lipids, proteins carbohydrates and nucleic acids, will be emphasised.  Students will also develop an understanding and familiarity with mechanistic concepts and laboratory methods for analysis of organic molecules.

Microbiology is the study of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans and various other microscopic organisms. Microbiology investigates both the beneficial and deleterious role of microorganisms in modern society. This module builds on fundamental microbiological concepts studied in year 1 Biology and provides the learner with knowledge of general microbiology emphasising asepsis, microbial laboratory methodologies, and an understanding of the role of microorganisms in industry, medicine and the environment.

An introduction to and the basic theory of common analytical methods including Spectroscopy and Chromatography Techniques and Titrimetry. This includes UV-Vis, IR, and Fluorescent Spectroscopies, Column, TLC, GC and HPLC chromatrography techniques and common titrimetry methods.

The aim of this module is to provide students with necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to care for large animals. The module covers introductory aspects of large animal husbandry to include nutrition, welfare, animal behaviour, animal handling of cattle, sheep and horses and general husbandry of cattle and sheep.

This module builds on Microbiology 2.1 and will provide the learner with an understanding of the application of microbiology in medicine, industry and the environment. In addition to bacteriology, the biology of eukaryotic microorganisms e.g. algae and protozoans are described. Selected disease-causing organisms are described in a public health context.

The module aims to provide a broad understanding of the area of veterinary parasitology, including host interactions, environmental impact, zoonotic aspects, management strategies and diagnostic approaches.

This module covers aspects of large animal husbandry including general husbandry and animal handling of cattle, sheep and horses, large animal reproduction, parasitology and biosecurity.

This course will develop the students mathematical skills giving them an essential facility to solve problems in the life and physical sciences.

Biochemistry 2.2 provides students with an in-depth knowledge of metabolism, enzyme catalysis, endocrine hormones and cellular signalling. Biochemical disturbances underlying various disease states will also be evaluated.  Laboratory skills for the isolation and functional analysis of biological macromolecules will be acquired. The relevance of biochemistry concepts and laboratory techniques in medicine, the bio/pharmaceutical and wider industry and in environmental sustainability will be elaborated.

This module builds on Analytical Techniques 1 by studying further common analytical techniques. These include Atomic Absorption and Emission spectroscopies, Mass spectroscopies including GC/MS, Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X ray analysis. The chromatographic techniques studied include Electrophoresis, Capillary Electrophoresis, Ion Chromatography, SFC and GPC/SEC chromatographies. Other techniques introduced include Radiochemical methods, Thermal Methods of analysis, Microscopic methods and Electrochemical methods

This module is designed to give students an introduction into the major concepts in the field of animal nutrition. Students will develop an understanding of nutritional constituents of feeds as well as analytical techniques. A comparative analysis of the physiology of different types of digestive systems, metabolism and utilisation of macronutrients and micronutrients in different animals will also be discussed. Nutritional requirements and the effects of deficiencies will be discussed in terms of animal health, production and performance. This module will also cover the importance of animal nutrition and nutrition research in developing more sustainable animal production systems.

The aim of this module is to introduce the approaches routinely applied in the animal breeding industry including quantitative and Mendelian genetics, reproductive technologies and the fundamentals of genetic defects and screening programmes.

Quality management is a key part of the highly regulated manufacturing of drugs, biologics and devices. The module will aim to give an overall view of how quality is maintained throughout the manufacturing process from goods in (raw materials) all the way through to the finished product. The learner will become familiar with quality systems’ compliance in the manufacturing process and also in the laboratory. The roles of key quality personnel such as QA, QC and the QP will be described. The current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) regulations, quality regulations and applicable ISO standards will be examined. The module will enable students to identify the key facets of maintaining good manufacturing and good laboratory practices in an industrial setting.

The aim of this course is to give students the knowledge required to comprehensively study and understand animal behaviour. The module will also provide students with an understanding of the impact of poor welfare on animal behaviours.

This module builds on the scientific foundations of Biology and Chemistry to develop critical thinking skills and laboratory practical skills in the sub-discipline of Toxicology. The focus of this module is to introduce learners to the fundamentals of  Bioveterinary Toxicology with emphasis on the effects and assessment of  bioveterinary relevant toxicants at the level of molecule, cell, organs, organisms, population and communities.

This Advanced Cell Biology module will explore the structures and functions of membranes and subcellular organelles in the cell. It will look at membranous organelles in the cell and show how they act as an integrated network for protein and lipid trafficking. It will use examples of abnormal transport and trafficking systems to demonstrate their importance for normal health. The module will also look at how cells communicate with their environment, exploring how these signals are interpreted by the cells resulting unvaried responses and effects in cells. The module also gives the students experience in mammalian cell culture techniques and allows for analysis of data resulting from experiments on these cells.

The aim of this module is to provide the learner with the opportunity to experience full-time employment in a workplace relevant to their degree where they can apply their academic knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

The aim of this module is to provide the student with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of scientists and microbiologists working in Pharma / Biotech and Veterinary Medicines industries.
The student will gain deeper understanding of Quality Systems including compliance and regulatory requirements that underpin work practices in both Laboratory and Manufacturing facilities (cGLP and cGMP). The module will allow students to develop their understanding of Pharma and Bio- manufacturing facilities, including the key roles that plant layout and utilities (air and water systems) play in achieving required manufacturing standards. Throughout the modules learners will get an appreciation of the key role microbial science plays within these industries. The module will also allow students to develop their understanding of key Pharma, Biotechnology and Veterinary processing activities. Throughout the modules learners will get an appreciation of the key role microbial science plays within these industries.

The way in which disease is prevented, detected and treated has been revolutionised by clinical trials. They continue to be an expanding area of research and are central to the work of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. This module will focus on the ethics, design, management, analysis and reporting of clinical trials. It will provide a theoretical and practical understanding of the issues involved in the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of randomised controlled trials of health interventions. It will examine the ethical issues surrounding testing in animals and in human volunteers.

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the fundamentals of environmental science in order to appreciate the relevance of sustainability to their course of study. In this introductory module, the concept utilising our environment in a way that allows us to meet our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs will be explored. Threats to environmental sustainability such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, pollution,  population increase and over harvesting of resources will be investigated in a team based learning environment. An understanding of the potential applications of green technologies, renewable energies, and circular economic strategies is the ultimate outcome of this module.

This module focuses on the process of systematic inquiry through to the design of a research study from its inception to the final report. The emphasis will be on active learning and developing students that are self-motivated, critical thinkers that can work independently or as part of a diverse team

The clinical diagnosis and treatment of many animal diseases requires a thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts of immunology.  This module provides students with detailed information on the biology of the immune system and its importance in veterinary medicine. The module educates the student on current and developing strategies used to diagnose, prevent and treat animal diseases. From a practical perspective, this module will familiarise the student with several routine immunological assays used in the diagnosis or treatment of clinically important animal infections.

The aim of this module is to provide students with the fundamental principles and the applications of molecular biotechnology to agriculture, including crops and livestock. Case studies include the use of transgenic animals/crops to improve production traits, to mitigate the impact of farming on ecosystems and to stimulate the production of biopharmaceuticals.

This module builds on the Bioveterninary Toxicology module in year 3 and will provide the learner with a comprehensive understanding of the ecotoxicological effects of agricultural pollution and how agricultural pollutants are monitored in the environment at the level of population, communities and ecosystems.   Emphasis will be placed on eutrophication and the ecotoxicological effects of agrichemicals such as pesticides and organic wastes. Monitoring strategies and the relevant legislation will be explored with the aim of providing the learner with the necessary skill sets to understand, design and implement ecotoxicological assessments of selected environmental matrices such as soil and water.

The aim of this module is to provide students with knowledge regarding sustainable and efficient animal production as it relates to intensive and extensive animal production systems in Ireland.

The aim of this course is to:

1. Provide students with an understanding of the design strategies involved and validation demands of acute, chronic and carcinogenic studies.
2. Evaluate the range and design of in vitro and in vivo toxicity testing methods for hepatic, pulmonary and neurotoxicity testing.
3. To review and demonstrate detailed knowledge on in vitro and in vivo ocular and dermatological models.
4. To critically appraise developmental and reproductive models used in preclinical testing.
5. Select and perform a suitable battery of toxicity assays.

This module describes the properties, formulation of, disposition and delivery, of veterinary dosage forms.

This module is designed to introduce students to the  Ecosystem and Agri-Environmental Issues and to understand the factors and processes involved in agricultural and environmental science with regard to agricultural systems and productivity. This module provides an overview of the challenges that climate change presents to agriculture and other land uses.

The aim of this module is to introduce students to computational biology. Upon completion of this module students should have an appreciation for emerging bioinformatic and computational tools and approaches to addressing biological questions and have gained experience in applying this knowledge in hands on computer based practical sessions.

This module aims to provide the student with an opportunity to engage in a thorough and independent examination of specific issues in their chosen scientific discipline, identified through previous studies and focused research.