BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation

Compulsory modules

Foundation Biology

Explore the life cycle of cells and the chemical reactions that give them energy and allow them to replicate. You’ll also study the biology of the human body and about natural selection and genetics. Through practical classes, you’ll familiarise yourself with laboratory work, as well as handling and interpreting data.

Mathematics Foundation

Gain a fundamental understanding of the role of basic mathematics in biological and chemical sciences.

Ecology and the Environment

Explore key concepts and processes associated with both the physical and living environment and the interactions of both within ecosystems.

Environmental Sustainability

Explore the causes and consequences of global contemporary sustainability issues. You’ll critique and evaluate both theoretical and actual methods used to minimise the harm caused through anthropogenic activities whilst recognise the interconnected nature of environmental problems.

Foundation in Academic Skills

Develop academic skills essential for success both on the Foundation Year and as an undergraduate.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods. 

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. 

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading. 

Compulsory modules

Animal Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition 1 

Develop a fundamental understanding of how animals function (and malfunction) as integrated biological systems. You will study the main organ systems including cardiovascular, respiratory and locomotory systems in the main domestic species. You will gain key skills in comparative biology as you learn to link examples of animal health, ill health and behaviour to underlying physiology.  

Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics 

Discover key concepts related to animal ethics, behaviour and welfare. You will consider the functions, evolution, causes and development of normal and abnormal behaviour in animals alongside the concept of sentience. You will also study the main ethical frameworks and policies designed to protect animal welfare.  

Bioveterinary Science in Practice 1 

Meet people practicing bioveterinary science and develop an understanding of its scope. You will be introduced to scientific research and develop numeracy and statistical skills, including data handling and computing, as you undertake small research projects.  

Fundamentals of Biochemistry 

Gain an understanding of key biochemical concepts such as enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, metabolic regulation, and pathological metabolism.

Fundamentals of Microbiology 

Gain a foundation in microbiology, covering the biology, diversity, structure, genetics, ecology, and evolution of bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, and viruses. You’ll discover their impact on environment and society, and how they cause infections or develop antimicrobial resistance, while exploring different methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life

Learn about the structure and organisation of cells, with a focus on the common features found in all life. You’ll also discover how the differences between cells are essential for creating the diversity of life on the planet.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods. 

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. 

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading. 

Compulsory modules

Animal Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition 2 

Learn the science behind how animals feed and develop. You will study the fundamental nutrition requirements for certain animals, as well as factors that affect feed, and intake and how nutritional values of animal feed can be determined. You will also study the anatomy and physiology of reproduction in the male and female – from puberty and conception to birth, lactation, rearing and growth of offspring.  

Bioveterinary Science in Practice 2 

Plan and undertake a bioveterinary science research project within a team. You will learn new experimental techniques, analyse data and report your findings as you enhance your existing skillset, expand your employability and explore career prospects.  

Data Skills 

Explore the principles of experimental design, data management and visualisation as well as common statistical methods for analysing datasets. You will gain the ability to collect data in a rigorous way, process that data, analyse and interpret it, and communicate the results.  

Veterinary Health and Disease 

Develop fundamental knowledge in animal health biology, including immunology and epidemiology. You will examine the role people play in managing the environment, minimising pathogens and maximising animal defences, while also exploring disease challenges and appropriate disease management strategies. 

Optional modules

Livestock Production, Nutrition and Welfare 

Develop a detailed understanding of the underlying factors that influence the management of food producing animals. You will explore a range of livestock production systems (dairy and beef cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry) and investigate how nutrition and management interact with welfare and other factors to determine the long-term sustainability of animal production.  

Zoo and Exotic Animal Science  

Explore the scientific underpinnings of the management practices of exotic animals, including how animal health and welfare is maintained and what the behaviour of zoo animals or exotic pets can tell us about their needs. You will study exotic mammals, reptiles, birds and fish and carry out a small-scale behavioural research project.  

Medical Genetics 

Understand how genetic defects at the molecular level impact on pathophysiology and influence disease risk, progression and severity. You’ll study aetiology of major medical diseases, with a focus on both mendelian and complex polygenic disorders. 

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods. 

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. 

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading. 

Compulsory modules

Independent Research Project 

Build on the skills, knowledge and experiences you have developed throughout your degree in an independent research project. You will identify a suitable topic, develop a hypothesis, and plan and conduct your project.  

Optional modules

Advanced Livestock Production and Product Quality 

Develop an advanced understanding of the factors and processes which affect the composition and eating quality of meat, and the quality and profitability of milk production. You will develop a series of farm to fork strategies that can be employed by the meat and dairy industry to optimise the organoleptic quality of meat and the environmental impact of milk production.  

Advances in Bioveterinary Science 

Study the major contemporary issues impacting the animal sector today, including why they matter and how science and technology research can help address them. You will focus on the latest methodology in animal welfare research, emerging issues affecting global animal health, and how keeping animals for food production and leisure are impacting our environment.  

Companion Animal Science 

Consider the scientific evidence that underpins how we manage the most popular companion animals in society, such as domestic dogs, cats and rabbits. You will study the science behind animal nutrition, including factors that affect their health and welfare and reproductive physiology and behaviour.   

Equine Science and Management 

Learn about the continuing centrality of horses, ponies and donkeys to leisure, sport and in rural businesses. You will develop a deeper understanding of equine health, nutrition, welfare and breeding as you consider their specific dietary, behavioural and health needs.   

Mini Work Placement and Professional Development for Bioveterinary Sciences  

Build on your networking and recruitment skills as you identify, apply for and undertake a short work experience placement (70 hours) related to bioveterinary sciences. You’ll deepen your self-awareness and engagement with critical self-reflection in the context of career planning and employability.  

Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases

Study diseases originating from wildlife or livestock and the issues they pose for the health and well-being of people, companion animals, livestock and wild animals. You will study disease-causing organisms, their hosts, vectors, and symptoms, and how they can be controlled.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods. 

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. 

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.