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for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Pre-Clinical Science |
| Unit code |
VETS10005 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
C/4
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Vidana Mateo |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None
|
| Co-requisites |
All other first year units
|
| School/department |
Bristol Veterinary School |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Health Sciences |
Description including Unit Aims
This Unit introduces the principles of Biochemistry, Haematology, Microbiology and Immunology and has a large practical element covering the applied laboratory aspects of these subjects. Practicals are compulsory.
Aims:
- To provide a sound understanding of the fundamental concepts and relevant scientific principles underlying the subjects of eukaryotic and prokaryotic biochemistry, haematology, microbiology and immunology.
- To teach the structure and function of fundamental biochemical molecules, their involvement in metabolic pathways and interaction in the whole living organism.
- To provide the molecular foundation that enables students to understand techniques such as genetic manipulation.
- To provide the molecular foundation upon which other pre-clinical or clinical units will build on later in the course.
- To teach the more applied aspects of microbiology, including current knowledge of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi of importance in companion animals in this country.
- To teach the more applied aspects of biochemistry and haematology, including diagnostic laboratory procedures.
Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit students will be able to:
- Describe the structure and function of basic molecules important in biochemistry, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids
- Explain simple metabolic pathways
- Outline nucleic acid biochemistry from gene to protein
- Explain importance of biochemical pathways in the whole organism
- Describe the basic biology of the major groups of microorganisms and, with regards to the major pathogens of animals, describe the diseases they cause, the mechanisms by which they cause disease, their modes of transmission, epidemiology and control, and the principles of laboratory recognition
- Explain and perform safe working practices in the laboratory
- Explain the importance of correct collection, preservation and processing of pathological samples and specimens
- Describe and perform the correct use of laboratory equipment
- Perform laboratory tests that fall within the remit of the veterinary nurse/laboratory technician in the veterinary practice
- Demonstrate practical competency in the identification of a wide range of veterinary pathogens
Teaching Information
Practicals
Online synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning
Small group working
Use of Virtual learning environment (Blackboard)
Assessment Information
Students must pass the following assessment:
1 hour written examination (100% weighting)
All units must be passed in order to progress to the next year of study. There will be an opportunity to resit a written examination during the resit period.
Please note that practical and technical skills will be assessed via the RCVS Nursing Progress Log.
Reading and References
Please refer to the central University reading list repository: https://bristol.rl.talis.com/index.html
