Bioveterinary Science BSc (Hons)

This module describes the detailed composition of cells and the processes by which they obtain and generate energy, grow, replicate and eventually die.
The lectures will be supplemented with on-line resources and illustrated with some of the latest research methods that are used to study cell structure and function.
Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module.
The module will be assessed by both continuous assessments and by a final examination.

This module describes the evolutionary processes that have resulted in the generation of the diverse life forms that populate the planet.

This includes the theory of evolution by natural selection, and the genetic processes that result in gene evolution and diversity.

Selected scenarios and case studies will apply evolutionary concepts, showing the fundamental importance of evolution to a broad range of the life sciences.

The module is split into two parts: the first part (A) is the same for all students, the second part (B) contains a number of parallel strands tailored to students interest.

Students will be advised by their programme director which strand to follow. 

The lectures will be supplemented with a variety of on-line resources.

Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module.

The module will be assessed by continuous assessments.

​This module introduces students to how grand challenges (scientific and societal) are addressed in universities and in particular at the University of Liverpool. Students will be introduced to four major topics (Infections and Global Health, Ageing, Food Security, Personalised Medicines) by experts in the respective fields. Emphasis will be placed on students understanding concepts and assembling information rather than memorizing facts. The material will be delivered based on the concept of a scientific conference with plenary talks and parallel sessions presented by the lecturers, and (in light of Covid-19 driven procedures at scientific meetings) a video session driven by student input. Assessment of lecture material and associated readings will be by continuous assessment.

This is the first practical module that students will take in the School of Life Sciences. The skills that students acquire will be needed for other practical modules that they will take in semester 2 Year 1, and during Year 2 and will prepare them for their year 3 research project and for their subsequent career.
This module is designed to teach the basic multidisciplinary skills required in the biological sciences.

It aims to develop careful working practices, experimental design and interpretation of results. Skills acquired in this module will be both utilised and enhanced by the co-requisite module LIFE 109 (communication and study skills and quantitative skills).

The way in which LIFE 107 is taught and assessed is designed to place emphasis on encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning . Demonstrators and academic staff will be on hand to answer questions or show students how to use lab equipment.

Resources will be available online via VITAL and include a weekly Blog, technical manual, module handbook, lab instruction manual and weekly lectures.
The module will be taught in weekly practical classes and it will be assessed through continuous assessment (assessment 1-2) and a final exam (assessment 3).

This module studies the body plans of the major groups of animals and explores the relationship between body form and function.

It also discusses the evlolutionary origins of these basic body plans and how these have been modified to adapt to particular habitats.

The module will be taught through a mixture of asynchronous and synchronous material. The former consists of pre-recorded videos and other online learning material, the latter consists of scheduled interactive online sessions. Students will also be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module.

The module will be assessed through continuous assessment.

For any student studying the Biological Sciences a firm grasp of quantitiative skills is an absolute necessity. This module will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to manipulate numbers and analysis/visualise data using digital tools. The module emphasises a "learn by doing" approach to the development of quantitative skills and is heavily workshop based.

This module provides an introduction to veterinary animal husbandry in the form of lectures, a workshop on poster presentation and a mini conference where students exhibit their posters.

The module covers the basic physiology relevant to animal management; environmental considerations, nutrition and housing; the welfare of managed animals and breeding issues.

The module is assessed by continuous assessment, the poster, and by a final examination.

This course introduces widely used laboratory concepts and practical techniques that are relevant to academic research, industry and medical applications.

The module will introduce the biology of a range of veterinary infectious diseases. Basic concepts in disease epidemiology, surveillance and control will be introduced and the effects/association diseases have on animals, society and the environment. Students will be taught in small tutorial groups by research active teaching staff to develop information on a specific disease and present their group findings as a PowerPoint presentation at a “mini-conference”. The module is assessed through the presentation and a final exam.

to provide students with study and communication skills for higher education in the Life Sciences;

to develop students’ ability to reflect on their progress and use feedback to identify opportunities for personal development;

to develop students’ appreciation of the application of these skills to future employment.

This module is designed to integrate and extend student’s knowledge of nutrition, reproduction, genetics and breeding, behaviour and welfare and to combine this with an assessment of the environment in which animals are kept. A species approach is used in which feeding, housing, breeding and general management of several major species important in the animal industries are considered. Transfer of knowledge about principles will be expected between species to help develop a deep understanding of animal husbandry.

The module will be supplemented with on-line resources. Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module.

The module will be assessed by both continuous assessments and by a final examination.

This practical module aims to provide practical and theoretical experience in techniques currently used in cell biology. These techniques include assay, culture, histology and microscopy. The module is assessed through coursework and a final exam.

This module will continue, extend, and broaden the transferable skills developed in Year 1. It will focus on improving the students’ analytical, communication, quantitative, and employability skills. The communication skills component is assessed through a portfolio whereas the quantitative skills component is assessed through a group poster and SAQ.

This module aims to provide practical experience in advanced laboratory techniques in zoology. These techniques are placed within a biological context so that students will not only learn the techniques, but also use them to answer questions about form and function of animals. The module is laboratory-based and students will work in small groups to conduct experiments and generate data that will be analysed using Excel and Minitab, SPSS or similar software. The module is assessed continuously and through an exam.

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge of the important parasitic diseases of companion and food producing animals in the U.K. and globally, leading also to an understanding of the importance of these diseases to human and animal public health. The lectures will be supplemented with on-line resources.

Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module.

The module will be assessed by two items of continuous assessment and by a final examination.

This module will allow students to develop an understanding of functional anatomy and physiology of the major body systems (reproductive/endocrine, cardiovascular/respiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous, and digestive/excretory) using the dog as a model species;

The module will take an integrative approach, allowing the students to compare and contrast the anatomy and physiology of these body systems with those in other species of veterinary interest and apply this knowledge to understand how disruption of these systems can result in disease;

The module will be supplemented with on-line resources;

Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module;

The module will be assessed by coursework and a final exam.

This module seeks to explain how the process of natural selection underpins the origins of biodiversity.

The first part of the module will address the origins of phenotypic diversity, focussing on where heritable phenotypic variation comes from and how it shapes the evolutionary process within species (microevolution).

Having established a basic model for understanding how evolution works, the second part of the module will explain the link between microevolution and evolution above the species level (macroevolution), overviewing the major evolutionary transitions. At the end of the module, students will choose between two specialised short courses on either evolutionary ecology or molecular evolution.

The lectures will be supplemented with online resources. Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises that will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module.

The module will be assessed by both continuous assessments (40%) and by a final examination (60%).

This module provides an introduction to the fundamental evolutionary principles that explain a wide range of animal behaviours. These include sexual selection and animal mating behaviours, the evolution of co-operative societies, as well as conflict and conflict resolution. The lectures will be supplemented with on-line resources. Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module. The module will be assessed by both continuous assessments and by a final examination.

This module aims to describe the structure and function of fundamental tissues, such as epithelial and connective tissue and of specialised tissues such as bone, muscle and the nervous system. An introduction to the mechanisms by which cells differentiate to form different tissues and regenerate following injury will be included. The processes that occur during aging will be explained with special reference to changes in key tissues and organs. The lectures will be supplemented with on-line resources, guided reading and formative assessment exercises that will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module. The module will be assessed by both continuous assessment and by a final examination.​

The module will develop knowledge and understanding of the immune system, the molecules, cells and tissues that are involved in its function, its role in combating infection and how its dysfunction can contribute to disease.

Lectures will be supplemented with on-line resources. Problem solving workshops dedicated to case studies will be held to help students prepare for the assessments. Students will be given guided reading, and formative and summative assessment exercises held during the course will enable students to monitor and evaluate their progress and to prepare for the final assessment.

The module will be assessed by two assessments.

This module aims to provide the essential background knowledge to understand key concepts in neuroscience. It covers the principles of operation of nervous system, systematic and sensory neurophysiology, excitotoxicity and behaviour. The module also provides essential background knowledge to understand the key principles of endocrinology, and how it contributes to physiological homeostasis. It covers the secretions, functions and regulation of the major endocrine glands. The module also explores the role of the nervous and endocrine systems in the integrative control of the digestive tract. The lectures will be supplemented with on-line resources. Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module. The module will be assessed by both continuous assessments and by a final examination.

This module will describe the molecular mechanisms that allow cells to communicate with each other;

The basic properties common to all signalling pathways will be studied and then a series of individual pathways will be examined in more detail, in the light of these general principles;

The importance of cellular signalling mechanisms will be illustrated by examining diseases (e.g. cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, neurological disorders) that result from defects in these mechanisms;

The lectures will be supplemented with on-line resources. Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module;

The module will be assessed by continuous assessment

This module describes the physiological problems encountered by animals in their natural environments, and how these problems are overcome.

The setting is environmental, relating lifestyle and physiology to habitat and to the rigours of a potentially hostile environment.

The module will explain how the lifestyles of animals and the independence of animals from environmental disturbance are critically linked to the management of energy flow through their bodies. Physiological mechanisms will be described at all levels of organisation in relation to energetics, temperature, respiration, osmoregulation, and nitrogen excretion. Emphasis will be placed on differentiating the molecular, cellular and system levels of organisation and their integrated role in optimising animal-environmental interactions.

The module is taught through a mixture of asynchronous and synchronous sessions. The former consist of pre-recorded videos, the latter are interactive online sessions to promote student engagement and active learning. Students will also be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module.

The module will be assessed by Coursework

The aims of this module are to describe the comparative pathology, cellular and immunological responses in veterinary diseases in different species and explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin them. Lectures will be will be supplemented with a practical session, online resources, guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises that will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module. The module will be assessed by a final examination.

Many aspects of modern biology are being revolutionized by high-throughput methods that make copious amounts of data available in digital form. The aim of this module is to provide students with a practical appreciation of the nature and significance of this revolution. While the focus will be on analysis of data from areas such as genome sequencing, gene expression, and protein structure studies, the module will also look at use of such data in the context of understanding higher order phenomena within cells, such as metabolism, gene regulation, and protein-protein interaction. The module is continuously assessed.​​​

This is an elective residential field course in Uganda. The aim of this module is to introduce students to the ecology of tropical ecosystems and the field techniques used to study them, through staff-led field visits, seminars and student executed field studies.

The module includes tropical ecosystem function, patterns of forest regeneration, patterns of biodiversity in the tropics, the natural history of important plant and animal taxa and primate behavioural ecology. Interactions between humans and tropical ecosystems will also be a key focus, with conservation, sustainable development, human-wildlife conflict and ecotourism also being addressed.

The module will be assessed by continuous assessments. In the event of unforeseen circumstances that prevent either individual students attending, eg illness shortly before departure, or cancellation of the trip, eg on FCO and/or University insurer advice, local alternate assessment exercises will be made available. These will predominantly be library-based, but might involve field visits where possible to practice field skills.

Many aspects of modern biology are being revolutionized by high-throughput methods that make copious amounts of data available in digital form. The aim of this module is to provide students with a practical appreciation of the nature and significance of this revolution. While the focus will be on analysis of data from areas such as genome sequencing, gene expression, and protein structure studies, the module will also look at use of such data in the context of understanding higher order phenomena within cells, such as metabolism, gene regulation, and protein-protein interaction. The module is continuously assessed.​​

This module is a 6 weeks molecular biology practical to provide experience in techniques to isolate, clone and analyse genes (analysis of DNA fragments by agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR, transformations, plasmid DNA preparations, gene cloning). The module has a range of different formative and summative assessments to include in-course problem-solving exercises, online quizzes and abstract writing, which ensure the student becomes confident to continue genetic manipulations in specialist Year 2 Semester 2 practical modules and for project work in Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology.  ​The module will encourage confidence, teamwork and communication through active learning in lectures and practicals centred around authentic assessments.

The aims of this module are for students to gain skills in assessing animal health and relate this to measuring behaviour, physical condition and welfare. he module will be supplemented with on-line resources. Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative feedback will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module. The module will be assessed by producing a final report of protocols.

This practical module aims to provide practical experience in a range of genetic techniques including the production and characterisation of specific deletion mutants, mutagen screening, cytogenetics and karyotype analysis, population studies, molecular analysis of genomes and bioinformatics. This module is required for students intending to enter the Genetics Honours School. The module is continuously assessed.

This module will address the cellular, molecular and biochemical basis of a number of disorders in animals.

The latest science underpinning these conditions will be examined through case studies explained by experts in the relevant fields.  

Students will be assessed by both in-course and final exam written assignments .

The aim of this module is to provide an overview of major veterinary pathogens and modern approaches to their control and diagnosis, with a particular emphasis on the societal impact of infectious diseases of livestock. Lectures will be supplemented with laboratory practicals. To support independent learning, online resources, guided reading, and formative exercises will be provided. The module will be assessed by continuous assessment and a final examination.

This module provides students with experience in the planning, design, and execution of a research project in the area of their programme discipline. The project will encompass a range of approaches including laboratory work, fieldwork, outreach work and data, and / or literature analysis depending on the nature of the project. Students will write an evaluative report on a relevant scientific area and work in collaboration with an academic supervisor to develop, plan, carry out, and record research work. The supervisor will hold regular discussion meetings with the student, and both will contribute to a reflective record of progress. Students will be expected to communicate their findings orally and in a variety of written formats.

This module will provide training in epidemiological and statistical approaches and methods, for applications in bioveterinary sciences, animal science and human medical science.

It addresses topics including epidemiology and clinical veterinary medicine, public health issues for farm animals, zoonoses, and food of animal origin. 

The module is assessed by written examination and by continuous assessment.

This module aims to provide a set of communication and critical reflection skills in the context of bioveterinary sciences. These skills will help students enhance the execution and presentation of their research project, prepare them for Level 6 assessments and maximise their employment and personal development opportunities. The module is taught though seminars and tutorials, but has a strong emphasis on independent learning. Learning material is provided through VITAL. The module is assessed by continuous assessment.

​ This module allows students to undertake an employment placement that will be undertaken during the summer-break between Year 2 and Year 3. Students will have to find and secure their own placement, which will need to be approved by the module leader beforehand. Placements will typically be 6-8 weeks. Early in Year 2 there will be an introductory event to present the module and advise students on how to search for placement opportunities. This session will be available to all students (including those who do not wish to enrol on the placement module). Students will be encouraged to search for placements during Semester 1, with the support of Academic Advisers and the Careers and Employability Service. Other seminar activities will take place during Semester 2 of Year 2 to prepare students for the placement work. More taught sessions will be delivered in early Semester 1 of Year 3, which include lectures on relevant psychological theories and research (e.g., workplace performance, leadership, motivation) and reflective group sessions on placement experience. The module will provide students with an opportunity to develop their employability skills by direct engagement in a commercial, research, voluntary or similar professional organisation that will support future plans, develop skills and graduate attributes. Module assessments include a skill audit and reflective log to be completed before and during practical work placement, and final written recommendations-to-employer report based on reflection on the placement experience of the individual student and the wider cohort, supported by relevant employability and occupational theories. 

This module uses research-led teaching to explore current thinking in conservation biology;

The module explores patterns of biodiversity and encourages students to critically evaluate the evidence supporting alternative explanations for the extinctions or demise of many animal and plant species;

It also enables students to critically evaluate different approaches to conserving biodiversity;

The module is taught via lectures and student led seminars, in the form of debates. To support independent learning, students will also be guided to sections of specific textbooks and expected to follow upreferences, primary and secondary sources, listed by staff.

This module uses research-led teaching to critically examine a selection of contemporary themes in evolutionary biology.

In the first part, students will receive training in modern methods for reconstructing the evolutionary history of species and specific traits. In the second part, we will cover a range of up to date and exciting topics in evolutionary biology, delivered by staff who are experts in their field;

Here students will learn about and discuss the cutting edge of important and generally applicable areas of evolutionary thought;

The module is taught via lectures, seminars, structured discussions and computer practicals; and assessed by formal examination and continuous assessment.

This module addresses contemporary topics in animal behaviour within an evolutionary framework. It combines current experimental and field research and links behaviour to other areas including ecology, neurobiology, comparative cognition and human evolution. The module is delivered through traditional lectures and a combination of guided and self-directed reading. The module is assessed by formal examination and continuous assessment.

This module will provide students with an insight into physiological mechanisms underpinning adaptations to potentially hostile environmental conditions such as anoxia, toxic sulphide, high hydrostatic pressure and extreme temperatures.

It will also explore the physiological mechanisms related to homeostasis and the evolution of air-breathing, terrestriality and endothermy.

The module will take an integrative approach, considering physiological mechanisms from molecules to cells, tissues, whole animals and the environment.

The module is taught through a mixture of pre-recorded short online lectures and synchronous online seminars and is assessed by coursework.

This module addresses how the musculoskeletal system of humans and other animals functions to perform whole body tasks, such as locomotion and keeping balance.

It will focus on healthy normal functioning but also on sports performance and disease. To do this, the module will first present the basic principles from anatomy, physiology and mechanics that underly musculoskeletal functioning, and then show how these aspects apply to gait and other daily activities, see syllabus.

The module will also address all major relevant techniques.

This module very strongly aligns with the B110 programme, and most notably with the LIFE219, Human Locomotor Anatomy, module but also with LIFE218, Functional Neuroanatomy.

B110 students will see how the anatomy is used in living humans doing daily activities such as walking or running, and how such activities are being studied scientifically and clinically. That said, the module will require no prior detailed anatomical knowledge in order to accommodate for students from other programmes. Rather, the students will contextualise the new materials with their own existing knowledge .​

The course will used hybrid teaching delivery with asynchronous content including pre-recorded lectures, videos, texts and interactive use of software. Synchronous sessions will introduce the course contents and provide feedback opportunities.

Summative assessment will consist of essay-style coursework and a online portfolio.

A peer forum will be setup on Canvas to help peer and self-directed learning.