Course Catalogue

View Specification Document | Reading List

BVMS 2 is the second of 2 years of the Foundation Phase of the BVMS Programme. This phase aims to provide a firm foundation in knowledge and skills for further clinical study, introducing basic clinical concepts, integrating concepts of structure and function, health and disease in contexts which emphasise the clinical and societal applications of this knowledge and encourage the development of skills for lifelong learning.

The course adopts a modular structure, with each module of teaching focused around a specific body system. The course consists of 7 modules, within each module, there are typically three weeks of intensive instruction followed by an end of module week focussed on integration and synthesis of content and concepts. Based on maximum 24 hours/week and averaging no more than 12hrs/week lectures, typical weekly timetables are shown below:

Weekly timetable BVMS2

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Students must have successfully completed the BVMS1 course.

Recommended Entry Requirements

Not applicable

Not applicable

None

Assessment

End of semester examinations (end of Semester 1 exam: 30% of course grade; end of Semester 2: 30% of course grade) may include a range of assessment modalities such as practical spot, short answer, data interpretation and multiple-choice questions assessing learning outcomes from the relevant modules delivered that Semester. There will be a 2-hour end of course Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) (20%) to assess practical skills competence. A synthesis assessment (10%) will be completed at the end of the academic session. This assessment will be open book and directly supported by the learning activities during the synthesis weeks. The assessment may include various components such as an individual practical viva and a group presentation. Marking rubrics will be based on synthesis of knowledge, interdisciplinary application reasoning skills, communication, professionalism, and ability to critique and support their work. The Professional Portfolio (10%) will be used to promote personal development planning and support the development of skills in reflection and reflective practice. The Professional Portfolio will include outcomes of all course assessments such as end of semester examinations, continuous assessment tasks (e.g. self-directed or collaborative learning assignments, presentations, essays, literature reviews, etc) and Directly Observed Procedural Skills (DOPS) assessments.

The BVMS2 course forms the second year of the Foundation Phase of the BVMS programme. The Foundation Phase aims to provide a firm foundation in knowledge and skills for further clinical study, integrating concepts of structure and function, health and disease in contexts which emphasise the clinical and societal applications of this knowledge and encourage the development of skills for lifelong learning. In this context, the aim of the BVMS 2 course is to

■  introduce additional principles of veterinary science as well as building on those covered in BVMS 1;

■ promote the development of additional clinical and professional skills as well as refining those obtained in BVMS1;

■ study the body systems not covered in BVMS 1, illustrated by relevant clinical cases.

There will be an emphasis on supporting students to develop their own self-directed learning skills, and to provide opportunities for students to evaluate their own progress through engagement in formative and in-course assessments.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1.Demonstrate the effective mathematical, data interpretations, written and verbal communication skills expected of a veterinary student to allow them to undertake clinical EMS

2.Demonstrate core attitudes and cultural awareness required of a veterinary surgeon and act responsibly in professional contexts

3.Recognise and describe the appearance of a range of species including breed, colour and markings, weight/body condition, age, purpose and behaviour

4.Demonstrate appropriate handling and restraint of a range of species for the purposes of their movement, sex determination or performance of clinical procedures

5.Apply knowledge to perform a basic clinical examination and procedures in animals.

6.Demonstrate competence in basic surgical skills in the context of Foundation Phase teaching and experience.

7.Apply skills, knowledge and principles from previous Foundation phase modules to underpin the teaching in BVMS 2.

8.Reflect on a variety of relevant experiences to plan and evaluate your own learning and professional development in the context of Foundation Phase teaching and experience.

9.Work independently or as part of a group to synthesis, evaluate, integrate and present appropriately referenced information from a range of sources to provide a balanced argument or to develop or interpret a plan of investigation.

10.Explain key pharmacokinetic principles and parameters, applying them to Foundation Phase topics. 

11.Describe the structure, function and topography of the kidney and how the kidney contributes to the maintenance of homeostasis.

12.Describe the structure, function and topography of the lower urinary tract including the physiology of micturition. 13.Describe how the urogenital system develops and explain how the most common congenital abnormalities occur due to disruption of this process.

14.Describe and identify the normal anatomy, function and topography of the adrenal glands and explain common malfunctions and their consequences.

15.Explain the pharmacology of drugs acting on the urinary system.

16.Explain and recognise common patterns of renal disease.

17.Demonstrate and briefly explain the basic tests and procedures used in the diagnosis of urinary tract conditions. 18.Provide advice on types of pet food available and how much of a given food to feed to animals taking into account life-stage and nutritional requirements.

19.Recognise normal animal behaviour and discuss the common and important causes of changes in behaviour 20.Describe the processes which give rise to benign and malignant neoplasia and demonstrate how to distinguish these microscopically.

21.Apply principles of biostatistics to describe and interpret data.

22.Describe key characteristics of bacteria, the mechanisms of action for common antimicrobials and the wider implications of their use in relation to Foundation Phase topics.

23.Describe and identify the normal structure and function of the common integument.

24.Explain the processes underlying healing in different tissue types and methods of managing healing

25.Describe and identify the normal structure, function and topography of the locomotor system and apply correct directional terminology.

26.Describe and identify the processes involved with normal bone formation, growth and remodelling

27.Explain mediators of inflammation, immunopathological (hypersensitivity) mechanisms and how these can affect the skin.

28.Describe the main features of ectoparasites, fungi and viruses including how they are transmitted, how they can be controlled, and the effects they have on the host in relation to Foundation Phase topics.

29.Describe weight bearing and gait during normal locomotion and lameness and explain options available for localising the site of the lameness.

30.Discuss and demonstrate the safe performance of radiography, identify and recognise normal and abnormal anatomy on radiographs and ultrasound images.

31.Describe and identify some common pathological processes affecting the locomotor system, explain their pathogenesis and some of the procedures used in their diagnosis

32.Explain the mode of action and the pharmacokinetics of NSAIDS, local anaesthetics and muscle relaxants

33.Describe and identify the normal structure, function and topography of the peripheral nervous system including the cranial nerves

34.Describe and identify the normal structure, function and topography of the brain

35.Describe and identify the normal structure, function and topography of the spinal cord and vertebral column

36.Describe how the component parts of the nervous system are structurally and functionally organised and integrated including different types of sensory input to the nervous system, their central projections and neuroendocrine control.

37.Describe and explain the embryological development of the nervous system and associated structures and the consequences of developmental disorders

38.Describe tests to investigate the nervous system, interpret their results and use this information to discuss potential treatment strategies

39.Describe the mechanisms underlying the sensation of pain, the pharmacology of drugs used to alleviate pain and evaluate evidence for pain in animals.

40.Explain the pharmacology of drugs that affect the central and autonomic nervous systems.

41.Explain the mechanisms regulating posture and locomotion including the hierarchy of motor control and spinal reflexes

42.List the routes of infection, describe the pathological features associated with selective disorders and explain the causes of tissue damage and mechanisms of repair within the central nervous system.

43.Describe the clinical consequences of abnormalities arising in the component parts of the nervous system and explain how to localise neurological problems

44.Discuss animal ethics with regard to the moral status of animals and different ethical frameworks

45.Identify the main niche species and their taxonomy

46.Identify and compare the main anatomical and physiological differences that exist between niche species

47.Describe the appropriate management and nutritional requirements of niche species in a range of settings to ensure good standards of basic care

48.Identify the characteristics of normal and adaptive behaviour patterns within niche species to identify possible signs of illness and or welfare issues

49.Recognise common pathologies related to poor management of niche species and appropriate preventative measures

50.Describe the responsibilities of the Veterinary profession relating to legal and regulatory frameworks.

51.Explain basic concepts of wildlife rehabilitation and when it is appropriate to release an animal into the wild

52.Explain basic concepts of animal conservation including reproductive success and population management.

53.Demonstrate safe working practices in the PM room, describe how to perform and record a basic post mortem examination and collect suitable samples for ancillary testing

54.Review the fundamental pathological mechanisms which underpin disease processes and relate these to changes in the structure and function of body systems in response to clinical disease

55.Describe the structure, function and regulation of endocrine systems.

56.Describe the common zoonotic risks associated with parasitic infection, be able to collect and process appropriate samples and use these to identify common parasites.

57.Collect and process appropriate samples and use these to identify common parasites

58.Describe the processes which ensure animal welfare, quality and safety of food and food products of animal origin from farm to fork

59.Discuss the importance of genetics in improving animal production systems worldwide and potential applications of genetic techniques.

60.Follow safe procedures for processing and analysis of microbiological samples and explain the importance of microbiological testing in ensuring food safety and informing clinical diagnosis.

61.Describe the basic principles of diagnosis, staging and therapy for neoplastic disease and relate these to underlying mechanisms of disease

62. Explain how veterinary practices are organised and how key operational factors influence practice operations, including veterinary medicines regulations.

63.Describe and discuss the role of the Veterinary Professional in society and recall how legal and regulatory frameworks underpin veterinary practice.

64.Review the clinical reproductive examination and treatment of female domestic animals using knowledge of their oestrus cycles, reproductive behaviour and pregnancy.

65. Apply Foundation Phase anatomical knowledge to identify, dissect, and interpret major body systems on carnivore cadaveric specimens.

66.Take an appropriate case history, perform a full clinical examination and evidence knowledge of clinical signs of disease of young ruminants and periparturient ruminants

67.Identify agents and apply knowledge of the aetiology, pathogenesis and epidemiology of key diseases/conditions of the periparturient, neonatal and growing periods in the ruminant production cycle

68.Explain current therapies and formulate control/prevention plans of common diseases of the periparturient, neonatal and growing periods of ruminants (at an individual and group level).

69.Explain current therapies and formulate control/prevention plans for important diseases and conditions in camelids, poultry and fish.

70.Outline the causes of important diseases and conditions in camelids, poultry and fish and synthesise information from a clinical history, examination and other diagnostic testing to propose likely differential diagnoses.

71.Demonstrate/apply a systematic approach to investigation of young stock and periparturient disease (including at the flock and herd level) and evidence knowledge of the relevant diagnostic tools

72.Evidence knowledge of the issues of production animal therapeutics within the context of food residues and development of anthelmintic and antimicrobial resistance

73.Analyse herd and flock performance and epidemiological data to summarise the impact of diseases and recommend preventative interventions.

74.Apply an appreciation of the impact of domesticated species on society and environment in relation to Foundation Phase topics.