BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science

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The BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science degree at Lincoln gives students the opportunity to explore the science that underlies animal health and disease.

The degree combines key concepts in animal science with relevant laboratory, field, and computer analysis. Students are introduced to the processes surrounding animal health including life histories of pathogens and parasites, infection and immunity, preventative measures, diagnosis, and treatments. There is the opportunity to study these issues in a range of animal species, including exotic, companion, livestock and wild animals, as well as in humans.

Students also have the option of a field trip in their final year as part of the optional 'Overseas Field Course' module. This will provide the opportunity to do research in a novel environment and to study local plants and animals. Destinations may vary, but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Peniche in Portugal.

"This information was correct at the time of publishing (July 2023)"

How You Study

The first year of the degree introduces health and disease in the context of animal anatomy and physiology, cell biology, genetics, and the biochemistry of metabolism.

The second year builds on this, with further specialist study of animal health and disease, also providing the opportunity for students to pursue individual interests within a wide range of topics, including animal behaviour, protection, toxicology, and reproduction.

In the final year, students embark upon individual research projects and are provided the opportunity to travel overseas to participate in research field trips as part of the optional Overseas Field Course module. Further specialist modules including Control of Animal Disease and Veterinary Parasitology can be chosen to complete the final year.

All full-time Bioveterinary Science students may take an optional placement year between the second and third year of the programme.

Students undertaking research projects have access to a range of advanced facilities including equipment for cytometry and confocal microscopy, as well as a bioacoustics lab. Our animal behaviour laboratory includes aquatic and reptile provision alongside an insectary.

First Year

• Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Animals (Core)
• Health and Disease (Core)
• Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Core)
• Introduction to Life Sciences (Core)
• Research Methods for the Life Sciences (Core)

Second Year

• Animal Health and Disease (Core)
• Data Skills for the Life Sciences (Core)
• Fundamentals of Pharmacology & Toxicology (Core)
• Immunology (Core)
• Molecular Biology (Core)
• Animal Behaviour (Option)†
• Animal Protection (Option)†
• Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics (Option)†
• SLS Study Abroad (Option)†

Third Year

• Control of Animal Disease (Core)
• Life Sciences Research Project (Core)
• 21st Century Medicine (Option)†
• Animal Cognition and Welfare (Option)†
• Blood Sciences (Option)†
• Cancer Epidemiology and Pathology (Option)†
• Genetics & Bioethics (Option)†
• One Health (Option)†
• Overseas Field Course (Option)†
• Palaeobiology (Option)†
• Veterinary Parasitology (Option)†

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

How You Are Assessed

The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests.

The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.

This course aims to prepare graduates for a range of careers in animal-related professions. These include roles in research and development, technical support, and sales of animal pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and nutrition products, as well as in animal health, laboratory diagnostics, toxicology, forensics, wildlife parks, and zoos. Many students continue to study at Master’s and PhD level, and some go on to veterinary medicine.