Veterinary Biosciences

Veterinary Bioscience at SRUC is designed for students who are curious about animal biology and motivated to apply scientific knowledge to improve the health and welfare of animals, people, and the environment. This degree provides a strong foundation in the biological sciences while focusing on how they can be used to address real-world challenges such as sustainable food production, disease control, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and animal welfare.

The course combines academic study with applied learning, drawing on SRUC’s research and teaching strengths in veterinary, animal, and agricultural sciences. Core topics include animal anatomy and physiology, genetics, microbiology, nutrition, animal welfare, conservation, and infectious disease. Throughout the programme, you will also explore the ethical and scientific principles that underpin animal science and the practical tools used to assess and enhance animals’ lives across a range of contexts.

Teaching combines lectures, laboratory classes, fieldwork, and independent research. You will develop practical and analytical skills through hands-on learning in SRUC’s specialist facilities. Engagement with ongoing research and industry projects, will build your transferable competencies in data handling, experimental design, problem-solving, and professional communication.

Graduates from the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Bioscience degree progress to a wide range of careers within animal production, health, welfare, research, and environmental management. Typical roles include laboratory or field technician, animal health officer, research assistant, and scientific adviser in sectors such as animal production, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and public health. Many students also continue into postgraduate study or use this qualification as a route towards further professional training, including veterinary medicine, animal science, or bioscience research.

Examples of typical modules include:

• Cell Biology
• Ecology and Evolution
• Pathogens and Principles of Immunity
• Scientific and academic skills
• Animal husbandry
• Animal behaviour
• Principles of Infectious Disease
• Human and Animal Conflict
• Applied Animal Ethics
• Climate change and sustainability
• Improving Animal Welfare

Assessment within the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Bioscience programme at SRUC is designed to evaluate your academic knowledge, practical skills, and professional development across all years of study. Assessments are varied and authentic, they include written examinations, laboratory books and reports, scientific essays, case studies, literature reviews, oral presentations, posters, data-handling exercises, and independent research projects. This balanced approach allows you to demonstrate understanding and application in different ways and supports the development of key scientific and transferable skills valued by employers and professional bodies.

The final year features a substantial independent research project, which provides an opportunity to design, conduct, and present a scientific investigation on your topic of choice. This project allows you to demonstrate initiative, independence, and professional competence while applying the full range of skills developed throughout the programme. Many students choose to undertake research linked to SRUC’s active projects or collaborations with industry, government, or veterinary partners, providing valuable experience of professional research environments.

By engaging with a range of assessment types, you will graduate with the ability to communicate scientific information effectively, evaluate evidence critically, and apply research skills to complex problems in animal and biosciences. SRUC’s assessment strategy ensures that, on completion of the programme, you are confident, competent, and ready to contribute to improving animal health, welfare, and sustainability in a range of professional contexts