Veterinary Degrees Online

There are two specialist themes (or Honours Options) in the Animal Science course at Newcastle, reflecting different career paths after graduation. If you are interested in studying Animal Science but are not sure which Honours Option to select when you apply, please enter C305 on your UCAS form. This enables you to defer your choice of Option until Stage 2, when you choose to specialise in either Companion Animal Studies or Livestock Technology.

Stage 1 is common to all animal science students, during which you will develop knowledge and skills in the areas of animal health, behaviour, physiology, biochemistry, genetics and microbiology. There are optional modules to choose from in agriculture, evolution and biodiversity, as well as modules in information technology and practical techniques. You can also choose a European language or business/marketing modules to complement the science modules that form the core of this degree.

Stage 1: You develop an understanding of the scientific principles underpinning animal science through modules that are common to all animal science students – see Animal Science (Deferred Choice). You can also learn a European language or study aspects of business and marketing, skills that are increasingly sought after by companies in the animal science industry. Stage 2: You discover how scientific principles are applied to practical animal husbandry for a wide range of companion animal species. Stage 3: You examine the latest studies in companion animals being undertaken at centres across the world, such as the control of disease through the use of naturally occurring plant extracts or genotype selection for better disease resistance. You also work in teams to organise a mini-conference on animal health, arranging everything from fundraising, to identifying and inviting keynote speakers, to catering. This involves giving several of the scientific talks, addressing an audience made up of lecturing staff, students from other degree programmes in the University and from other colleges/institutions in the region. This unique experience can be extremely challenging but rewarding, and gives you the opportunity to become proficient in many of the communication and organisation skills that employers require in graduates. You also undertake a research project in an area of animal science that particularly interests you. Previous students have collected and interpreted data on a range of companion animal species from animal centres across the UK. The University also has close links with local kennels and stables where research projects can be based. Recent projects include: how environmental enrichment improves the welfare of dogs in a rescue shelter; the effect of recovery rate following exercise on racing performance in thoroughbreds; and the use of molecular techniques to screen for tick-borne pathogens in cats. Animal Science In today’s society the study of animal science is essential to meet social, economic and environmental objectives. Knowledge and research in this area drives the development of sustainable livestock production, contributes to the UK food and drink sector and is essential in promoting the health and welfare of the nation’s companion animals. Animal science at Newcastle explores all aspects of the biology of animals, developing your knowledge of the underlying scientific principles that govern how animals behave and function as well as the practical application of this knowledge. The sound understanding of science, coupled with the critical thinking, analysis and communication skills that are developed through the course, mean you will be equipped for a wide range of careers in the animal science sector. The flexible nature of the course allows you to learn a European language or to acquire business or marketing skills, thereby increasing your options after graduation.

Veterinary Medicine provides the knowledge of a general medical science of animals and related applications and research. The departments aim is to contribute to the development of our national and international society by training veterinary professionals, furthering the knowledge in veterinary science, biomedical science and public health. The veterinary curriculum provides students with the basic biomedical education and the practical training of veterinary clinical science. Students complete 2 years of preparatory (80 credits) and 4 years of regular courses (160 credits) and can acquire the government authorized license as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) by passing the national board examination. At present, 95-100% of the graduates have passed the national board examination every year.