Masters Degrees in Veterinary Sciences

Research profile

This programme is the only one of its kind in the UK. It is designed for high-calibre, veterinary graduates from clinical backgrounds who want to explore and benefit from veterinary research, perhaps with a view to pursuing a PhD or a career in research.

The programme offers you the opportunity to undertake a research project in a laboratory or department relevant to your speciality. The choice of research projects carried out is wide, and ranges from bench research to clinical research.

Admission to this programme is subject to identifying a suitable research project and appropriate supervisor before starting the degree. Examples of projects completed in session 2015-2016 were:

1. Interactions of natural killer cells and dendritic cells in bovine tuberculosis immunity.
2. Defining correlates of protective immunity against Mycobacterium bovis.

Subjects include:

epidemiology
gene delivery
genetics
immunology
microbiology
neuroscience
parasitology
pathology
welfare and zoo animals.

The programme begins with a month of teaching to give you an overview of the whole range of techniques used in medical research. The first two weeks comprise lectures on subjects from stem cell biology to ethics and clinical trials and statistics training. This will follow with two weeks of practical workshops in cell biology and molecular medicine and learning practical techniques, including basic tissue culture, how to do PCRs and run Western Blots. After the first month of teaching you will move to a laboratory most relevant to your own speciality.

Career opportunities

Most MVetSci graduates go on to study for a PhD. Those who choose to return to clinical practice go back with a broader experience of research than is afforded by the undergraduate clinical veterinary curriculum.

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Research profile

Our research aims to enhance understanding of disease processes in animals and to translate that understanding into improved therapies for both animal and human disease.

Research focuses on:

the improvement of health and welfare of domestic animal species;
the protection of public health;
alleviation of human poverty (in the context of tropical diseases).
providing holistic solutions to global challenges in human and veterinary medicine and the livestock industry.
Most of our research is carried out within The Roslin Institute, which is incorporated with the School and is the major centre of research.

Training and support

Studentships are of 3 or 4 years duration and students will be expected to complete a novel piece of research which will advance our understanding of the field. To help them in this goal, students will be assigned a principal and assistant supervisor, both of whom will be active scientists at the Institute.

Student progress is monitored in accordance with School Postgraduate (PG) regulations by a PhD thesis committee (which includes an independent external assessor and chair). There is also dedicated secretarial support to assist these committees and the students with regard to University and Institute matters.

All student matters are overseen by the Schools PG studies committee. An active staff:student liaison committee and a social committee, which is headed by our postgraduate liaison officer, provide additional support.

Students are expected to attend a number of generic training courses offered by the Transkills Programme of the University and to participate in regular seminars and laboratory progress meetings. All students will also be expected to present their data at national and international meetings throughout their period of study.

Facilities

The Veterinary Campus at Easter Bush includes the new “state-of- the-art” Roslin Institute Building, the Small Animal and Large Animal Hospitals, the Riddell-Swan Cancer Imaging Centre as well as the New Vet School. Our facilities include: rodent, bird and livestock animal units and associated lab areas; comprehensive bioinformatic and genomic capability; a range of bioimaging facilities; extensive molecular biology and cell biology labs; café and auditorium where we regularly host workshops and invited speakers.

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Why this programme

◾This is the first fully online postgraduate qualification designed specifically for RVNs currently being delivered in Scotland. The part-time and online nature of the programme means it is ideally suited to individuals who are in full-time employment.
◾The University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine is ranked 2nd in the UK (Complete University Guide 2016).
◾The University of Glasgow ranked top amongst UK Vet Schools in the National Student Survey (2016) with 98% overall student satisfaction, and the School of Veterinary Medicine combines both teaching excellence and a supportive learning environment.
◾The programme reflects the need for tomorrow’s RVNs to be involved in lifelong self-directed learning. It supports RVNs to become adaptive to the dynamic care environments that they work in, supports their delivery of quality care, and promotes the use of best practice techniques.
◾The programme offers specialist education in veterinary nursing which encompasses a core set of specialised skills, knowledge and competencies, supplemented by a choice of additional specialised areas including research, education, business management, ethics and best practice.
◾Close involvement of experts from different fields of veterinary nursing and the wider veterinary industry in the planning and delivery of courses ensures that the programme is current and relevant.

Programme structure

The MSc Advanced Practice in Veterinary Nursing comprises three components:

[[Three core courses (Year 1) ]]
◾Introduction to research and evidence based veterinary nursing
◾Clinical governance in veterinary medicine
◾Developing evidence informed practice through independent learning

Three optional courses (Year 2)

◾Promoting best practice in veterinary nursing
◾Animal and veterinary ethics
◾Introduction to teaching and assessment in veterinary nursing
◾Introduction to statistical methods
◾Introduction to veterinary business studies

Dissertation (Year 3)

The programme is delivered fully online using a range of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, tutorials, work-based learning and project work. You will have the flexibility to tailor the subject of many of your assessments and final dissertation to disciplines or specialisms that are relevant and of interest to you and/or your future career.

The online and part-time nature of this programme, and the flexibility this route offers, makes it ideally suited to individuals in full-time employment.

Core Courses:

Introduction to research and evidence based veterinary nursing

This course will introduce students to the concepts of theoretical and practical research. It will cover what research is and why it is carried out, the basic elements of the research process, different types of research (quantitative and qualitative) using relevant examples from veterinary nursing/medicine. Following on from this, students will be shown how to access research, how to find and evaluate evidence, carry out literature searches, utilise evidence in their own writing / studying and how to develop their own research questions.

Clinical governance in veterinary medicine

This course will enable veterinary nurses to learn from an industry expert to develop their knowledge of the key concepts underlying clinical governance in veterinary practice. Students will learn skills than can be directly applied to practice including how to perform audits and monitor performance and outcomes in their own clinical environments and how these skills can be applied if their practice undergoes accreditation or awards assessment.

Developing evidence informed practice through independent learning

This course enables veterinary nurses to learn theoretical frameworks of reflection and develop practical skills in personal reflection. Such skills allow the student to identify any deficits in an area of individual interest or specialism, which can then be addressed through independent learning using evidence informed practice.

Optional Courses:

Promoting best practice in veterinary nursing

This course allows students to develop best practice in a particular area of interest or specialism through independent learning by reviewing and assimilating the appropriate literature, which will then be disseminated to others using written and verbal techniques. This course will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the different techniques that can be utilised to disseminate best practice. They will also learn skills in how to disseminate best practice such as writing for journal publications and delivering oral presentations.

Animal and veterinary ethics

This course will enable students to develop their knowledge of key concepts underlying animal and veterinary ethics. Participants will also improve their ethical reasoning skills by learning to utilise a logical approach to decision making when faced with ethical dilemmas.

Introduction to teaching and assessment in veterinary nursing

This course aims to provide veterinary nurses with the knowledge and skills to create an effective learning environment for individuals within the veterinary nursing profession. Students will analyse strategic learning theories and models of teaching in order to synthesise knowledge and adapt one's own teaching practice. The course will cover delivery of teaching, evaluation of competencies, and self-reflection allowing for research to be utilised and adapted to create a teaching, learning and assessment plan. Individuals will also cover key transferable skills which will influence teaching practice. A proportion of the course will focus on the teaching and assessment of clinical skills, and how it can be practically implemented and utilised within one’s own practice, and in an academic environment.

Introduction to statistical methods

This course assumes no prior knowledge of statistics. It covers graphical and numerical methods of displaying and summarising data along with the use and interpretation of confidence intervals, significance tests (t tests, chi-square tests, etc.), correlation and linear regression. Students get hands on experience of using appropriate statistical software to carry out these analyses.

Introduction to veterinary business studies

This course will enable students to develop their knowledge of core business concepts and how they apply to the veterinary industry. Participants will learn skills that can be utilised in practice from a variety of areas, including business strategy, marketing, finance and human resources.

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Programme description

Veterinary epidemiology is a key component in the global grand challenges of disease control, food security and climate change. Consequently, there is a need to understand, predict and respond to patterns and dynamics of animal diseases and to control outbreaks.

The R(D)SVS and SRUC partnership creates the greatest concentration of research power in veterinary and agricultural sciences in the UK, and the University of Edinburgh is the top university for veterinary science in the UK (Guardian University League table 2018). So you will be taught by the scientists working at the cutting edge of epidemiological research. The veterinary epidemiology MSc draws on this wealth of experience and research activity to provide scientific knowledge of the fundamental biological processes (e.g. behaviour, physiology, immunology, ecology) and environmental and farming management practices (e.g. husbandry, nutrition, livestock trade) driving disease transmission, persistence, prevalence and spread in livestock production systems. This enables in-depth understanding of complex environmental patterns of animal disease, which facilitates prediction of disease risk and control. This multidisciplinary systems approach to veterinary epidemiology will provide you with the epidemiological skills to make significant contributions to tackling disease outbreaks and maintaining food security in your role as an animal health professional.

By the end of the online veterinary epidemiology MSc programme you will not only have a detailed understanding of the biology driving disease persistence and prevalence, but also how the biology scales up from individuals to populations. You will understand how this interacts with livestock management practices to determine the efficacy of disease control strategies and livestock production. Furthermore, the systems approach to veterinary epidemiology offers a way to frame disease challenges and problem solve disease risk at a range of scales (from veterinarians tackling specific disease outbreaks, to policy makers understanding the consequences of climate change on disease risk).

This online MSc programme provides training in methodological skills for the design, implementation, analysis, interpretation and communication of epidemiological studies, disease surveillance and disease control in animal populations and wider host communities. You will learn the latest methods in data analysis, statistics and epidemiological modelling, and learn how to present your findings to a wide audience from vets to policy makers.

This online veterinary epidemiology Masters programme is delivered by active researchers presenting their own research, which is placed into context with global grand challenges. As such, you will be exposed to and taught skills required for developing a research career.

Online learning

The programme will use the University of Edinburgh’s award winning online learning environments, which includes video podcasts, interactive web-based discussion forums, and expert tuition.

Programme structure

The Veterinary Epidemiology MSc programme is delivered part-time by online learning over a period of 3-6 years.

You may undertake the programme by intermittent study (flexible progression route), accruing credits within a time limit of:
- 1 year for the Certificate in Veterinary Epidemiology (maximum period 2 years)
- 2 years for the Diploma in Veterinary Epidemiology (maximum period 4 years)
- 3 years for the MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology (maximum period of 6 years including a maximum period of 12 months from the start of your written reflective element to it being completed)

The programme is modular in structure, offering a flexible student-centred approach to the choice of courses studied. Building on the core courses required for the certificate, students may choose to study individual courses to suit their interests, to complete a sufficient number of credits to be awarded the:
- Certificate in Veterinary Epidemiology (60 credits)
- Diploma in Veterinary Epidemiology (120 credits)
- MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology (180 credits)

Veterinary epidemiology course topics:
- Introduction to veterinary epidemiology
- Livestock behaviour and disease risk
- Wildlife disease ecology
- Livestock management and disease risk & control
- The host-pathogen arms race
- Climate change and animal health
- Livestock nutrition and disease control
- Rights roles & responsibilities in disease control
- Modelling disease systems & control
- Statistics and research skills
- ‘R’ for Veterinary Epidemiologists

Learning outcomes

By the end of this MSc in veterinary epidemiology you will:
- Be confident in the analysis and interpretation of epidemiological data, to inform disease control decisions.
- Acquire knowledge about disease systems in livestock production environments and the interactions between the biological and livestock management processes driving disease epidemiology.
- Acquire specific skills to link individual farm environments and management practices to disease risk and production efficiency at farm and national scales.
- Be able to interpret, be critical of and communicate scientific results and information in research.

Career opportunities

The courses and programme as a whole will provide:

- general postgraduate training (e.g. for people in education, government, policy-making, agricultural and veterinary organisations) to enable promotion, further employment opportunities or personal fulfilment
- general postgraduate training for people considering a career in research (e.g. a precursor to a PhD)
- topic-specific postgraduate training (e.g. for veterinarians for continuing professional development) to enable promotion, further employment opportunities or personal fulfilment

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The MSc in Veterinary Education is a unique part-time programme designed to promote educational excellence in the field of veterinary education. Developed by experts at the RVC's prestigious LIVE Centre, the programme can be studied as a distance learner, face-to-face at the Hawkshead Campus, Hertfordshire, or using a combination of the two delivery modes. It is a flexible programme of study aimed at:
- Professionals who are involved in the delivery of education and training in the veterinary or para-veterinary sectors at either further education, undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels
- Practising veterinary surgeons and other para-veterinary professionals involved in workplace training.

The programme comprises five separate, progressive courses.Students can begin and end their studies at a point that suits their previous experience, qualifications and career aspirations.

Under the microscope

The MSc in Veterninary Education consists of three levels – the Postgraduate Certificate, the Postgraduate Diploma and the MSc Research project. Each level has a different entry requirement and is offered as distance learning or face-to-face.

The Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) in Veterinary Education is open to graduates with a university degree which is acceptable to University of London and consists of two compulsory core modules of 30 credits each:
- Principles and practice in veterinary education
- Current perspectives in veterinary education

The Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) in Veterinary Education comprises the Postgraduate Certificate in Veterinary Education or equivalent, plus four optional modules of 15 credits each, chosen from:
- Enhancing teaching and learning with technology
- Teaching the basic sciences in a clinical context
- Assessment , feedback and learning
- Skills: communication and clinical
- Clinical reasoning and patient-based teaching
- Small group teaching
- Lecturing and large group teaching
- Integrated curriculum design and practice
- Evidence-based veterinary education
- Educational research methods: qualitative and quantitative

The MSc in Veterinary Education is open to those candidates who have successfully completed the PG Diploma in Veterinary Education. In addition, it will include two compulsory core modules:
- Research project (45 credits)
and either:
- Educational research methods: qualitative and quantitative (15 credits)
- Evidence-based veterinary education (15 credits)

How will I learn?

The programme is delivered part time, over a period of 4 months to 6 years (depending on your level of study), and has a flexible structure, designed to give you multiple entry and exit points. We have devised two modes of delivery:

- Mixed mode: a mixture of face-to-face study days with online discussions and support plus some compulsory workshops
- Distance learning: you will study in your own time online, using virtual learning tools, and are not required to attend any workshops.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the programme, you will be able to:

- Evaluate educational theories, methods and practice which can be applied to veterinary education
- Develop, design and deliver courses and programmes using a wide range of appropriate course development and delivery tools
- Appraise curriculum design and models to ensure that teaching methods comply with standards and quality appropriate to the level of skill development
- Select and use appropriate assessment and evaluation strategies to ensure that learning outcomes are met
- Identify, critically assess and address the emerging needs of the training requirements to match the demands of the local provision
- Adopt new teaching technologies to maximize skill development
- Be a reflective and self-evaluative practitioner
- Critically appraise research in veterinary and related educational fields, and develop skills to undertake qualitative and quantitative research using appropriate methodologies
- Continue to develop independent and lifelong learning skills to promote your own personal and professional development as a veterinary educator, researcher and leader.

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This programme provides a framework for postgraduate study which offers Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) the opportunity to advance their knowledge, improve research skills, and practice evidence based veterinary nursing. The programme is flexible and allows individuals to directly align their studies to areas that are of interest to them, or are directly relevant to their current or future roles. The programme is intended to meet the needs of anyone seeking a flexible and adaptable route to a successful postgraduate degree, or who wish to undertake postgraduate-level study for continual professional development purposes at an advanced level.

Why this programme

● This is the first fully online postgraduate qualification designed specifically for RVNs currently being delivered in Scotland. The part-time and online nature of the programme means it is ideally suited to individuals who are in full-time employment.

● The University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine is ranked 2nd in the UK (Complete University Guide 2016).

● The University of Glasgow ranked top amongst UK Vet Schools in the National Student Survey (2016) with 98% overall student satisfaction, and the School of Veterinary Medicine combines both teaching excellence and a supportive learning environment.

● The programme reflects the need for tomorrow’s RVNs to be involved in lifelong self-directed learning. It supports RVNs to become adaptive to the dynamic care environments that they work in, supports their delivery of quality care, and promotes the use of best practice techniques.

● The programme offers specialist education in veterinary nursing which encompasses a core set of specialised skills, knowledge and competencies, supplemented by a choice of additional specialised areas including research, education, business management, ethics and best practice.

● Close involvement of experts from different fields of veterinary nursing and the wider veterinary industry in the planning and delivery of courses ensures that the programme is current and relevant.

Programme structure

The MSc Advanced Practice in Veterinary Nursing comprises three components:

[[Three core courses (Year 1) ]]

• Introduction to research and evidence based veterinary nursing
• Clinical governance in veterinary medicine
• Developing evidence informed practice through independent learning

Three optional courses (Year 2)

• Promoting best practice in veterinary nursing
• Animal and veterinary ethics
• Introduction to teaching and assessment in veterinary nursing
• Introduction to statistical methods
• Introduction to veterinary business studies

Dissertation (Year 3)

The programme is delivered fully online using a range of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, tutorials, work-based learning and project work. You will have the flexibility to tailor the subject of many of your assessments and final dissertation to disciplines or specialisms that are relevant and of interest to you and/or your future career.

The online and part-time nature of this programme, and the flexibility this route offers, makes it ideally suited to individuals in full-time employment.

Please refer to the website for information on

Core and optional courses

,

Studying online

and

Career prospects

http://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/advancedpracticeinveterinarynursingonline/#/

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Our MSc Veterinary Microbiology programme, run in partnership with local world-leading veterinary research institutes (Pirbright, APHA and VMD), offers an in-depth understanding of veterinary infectious diseases and global issues such as AMR, and their associated impact on man.

It offers specialist practical training in the diagnosis of important viral and bacterial diseases of global animal and human health importance.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

This programme is intended for those who wish to enhance their understanding of the role of microorganisms in animal health and disease, and provides an excellent grounding in molecular biology, immunology, epidemiology and microbiology.

This grounding leads into the study of the complex mechanisms of host/microbe interactions that are involved in the pathogenesis of specific animal diseases, and provides insights into diagnosis and interventions, such as vaccines, essential for disease control.

You will enhance your critical and analytical skills and gain hands-on experience in the diagnosis of veterinary diseases, such that you may identify problems, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, acquire and interpret data, and draw conclusions.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

This programme is studied full-time over one academic year. The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
-Microbiology and Veterinary Immunology
-Microbial Genetics
-Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
-Transmission and Control of Infectious Diseases of Animals (Non-vector)
-Transmission and Control of Infectious Diseases of Animals (Vector)
-Infectious Diseases of Animals - Practical sessions (APHA, Pirbright ^ PHE/VMD)
-Diseases of Animal Systems: Gastro-intestinal Diseases of Animals
-Diseases of Animal Systems: Respiratory Diseases of Animals
-Diseases of Animal Systems: Multi-system Diseases of Animals
-Diseases of Animal Systems: CNS/Skin Diseases of Animals
-Research Project

WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR?

This is a full or part-time programme, intended mainly for graduates, those already working in veterinary diagnostic/research laboratories and staff from other laboratories who want to enhance their understanding of the role of microorganisms in animal health and disease.

Pharmaceutical research personnel, policymakers, veterinarians, public health personnel and environmental biologists will also benefit.

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME

This is a one year full-time programme aimed at preparing graduates to work in a range of fields in which a detailed understanding of veterinary microbiology is a valuable asset.

These fields include research, commerce, government and policy, reference laboratory and diagnostic work, epidemiology and disease mapping, veterinary science, farming especially animal production, wild and zoo animal conservation and education.

As such, it is intended that graduates will achieve the highest levels of professional understanding of veterinary microbiology within a range of contexts.

The programme combines the study of the theoretical foundations of, and scholarly approaches to, understanding the application and various practices of veterinary microbiology within the contexts described above along with the development of practical and research skills.

The main aims are to enable students to:
-Acquire sound knowledge of the major principles of veterinary microbiology
-Develop the skills to perform relevant interpretation and evaluation of data
-Apply those acquired skills in practice through research
-To utilise acquired knowledge and evaluative skills to communicate successfully with stakeholders

PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas.

The learning outcomes have been aligned with the descriptor for qualification at level 7 given in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) produced by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education.

Knowledge and understanding
-The main principles of current veterinary microbiology
-The methods and approaches used for the molecular characterisation, and diagnosis of disease agents
-The main principles of infectious diseases epidemiology
-The analysis of disease and disease carriage that impact on the development and application of control measures to combat diseases
-Modes of control of infectious diseases
-Modes of transmission
-The various aspects of host pathology and immune responses to disease agents
-Analytical skills to allow interpretation of data and formulation of conclusions

Intellectual/cognitive skills
-Critically appraise scholarly and professional writing on a wide range of subjects pertaining to the various aspects of veterinary microbiology
-Critically analyse experimental data to enable the formulation of hypotheses
-Design relevant experiments to test formulated hypotheses
-Efficiently analyse new developments in technology and critically assess their utilisation to answer existing and new problems

Professional practical skills
-Plan and execute an experiment/investigation, act autonomously and demonstrate originality
-Analyse numerical data using appropriate computer tools including specialist computer packages
-Communicate experiments at a project level, including report writing
-Perform specific specialised experimental skills

Key/transferable skills
-Problem solve
-Evaluate and exploit new technology
-Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and visual means
-Work effectively in small groups and teams towards a common goal/outcome
-Apply basic statistical and numerical skills to data
-Use information technology including specialist packages

GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

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This is the only programme offering a Master in Veterinary Public Health in Scotland and students enrol in January each year.

Why this programme

◾The University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine is pre-eminent in teaching, research and clinical provision, and attracts students, researchers and clinicians from around the world.
◾Our internationally accredited school provides an expert referral centre via the Small Animal Hospital, the Weipers Centre Equine Hospital and the Scottish Centre for Production Animal Health & Food Safety.
◾In the recent Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF 2014), the Grade Point Average for Glasgow's veterinary and animal health research activity was ranked top amongst the UK veterinary schools.
◾The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has accredited the different courses in the Veterinary Public Health degree programme.
◾You will have access to our virtual abattoir’, created to meet the need for veterinary students and others to understand the processes which take place in the slaughter of food animals for human consumption. Access to abattoirs for training purposes is increasingly difficult and the virtual abattoir takes you through each step of the process in order to maximise understanding and to ensure that you obtain most benefit from actual visits or work experience.
◾You will have the opportunity to visit several establishments in the course of the Veterinary Public Health programme. These include Scotbeef Abattoir and processing facility, Stirling Livestock Market, Scottish Water and the Microbiological reference laboratory. Guest lectures are given by representatives from some of these companies.
◾You will be taught by academics who are considered to be producing work that is world-leading.

Programme structure

The programme comprises of six taught courses and a final dissertation. Each taught course consists of a one-week intensive component designed to familiarise you with your tutors, subject matter and peers followed by directed reading and assessed assignment.

Taught courses are offered on a monthly basis, i.e. one course per month and full attendance will be required during this time. The remainder of each course is completed by web-supported distance education.

All courses and assignment work are taught and assessed by members of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Health Protection Scotland and City of Glasgow College.

Courses
◾Global veterinary medicine
◾Zoonoses and infectious disease
◾Veterinary epidemiology: quantitative methods
◾Hygienic production of food (I)
◾Hygienic production of food (II)
◾Veterinary epidemiology: methods in surveillance and filed investigation.

Career prospects

Graduates with the MVPH degree will be highly qualified and employable for a range of positions from industry through public health practice to government agency.

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Programme description

In veterinary management of animals, anaesthesia (rendering animals unconscious to permit procedures) and analgesia (reducing the pain an animal is suffering) have vital importance in improving animal welfare, as well as permitting the ongoing developments in medical and surgical advances.

Knowledge and advances in anaesthesia over the last 20 years have been considerable. We can use techniques to block sensation locally or over a region of the body not just total unconsciousness. We have an array of drugs and methods of drug administration available to us in our fight against pain. Anaesthesia has always carried risks, and we have an increasing availability of monitoring equipment to help us monitor the physiological function of the body during anaesthesia with the aim of reducing morbidity and mortality in our animals.

The University of Edinburgh is offering this unique opportunity for an entirely online MSc to study these advances, during which students can gain knowledge and understanding in the equipment, drugs and techniques associated with anaesthesia and analgesia. Our team can provide a wide range of clinical and research experience across many species.

Online learning

Our award-winning online learning technology is fully interactive and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace. Online students not only have access to Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community.

Expert tutors will support you through every stage of the programme and you can engage with fellow students in supportive and constructive online networks.

Your progress will be assessed through online presentations, essays, critical reviews of literature, student self- reflection activities, short-answer questions, scientific posters, group wiki events and peer review activities.

Programme structure

The programme is taught part time over 3 years, but its flexible nature will allow you a maximum of 6 years to complete it. There are also options for studying for a certificate (1-2 years) or a diploma (2-4 years).

Each year will consist of three 11-week terms, structured into two blocks of five weeks of study, with a week in between for independent study and reflection.

The Postgraduate Certificate year (Year 1) starts with a series of compulsory courses to give a foundation in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia, then progresses to examine how this may be applied in a variety of species. In the Postgraduate Diploma year (Year 2), you have the choice of selected courses to tailor the programme to your requirements. A dissertation completes the final year, however, this is a very flexible course, which can be tailored to suit you (subject to approval).

Year 1
Compulsory courses:

Basic sciences in anaesthesia and analgesia
Anaesthetic equipment
Patient assessment, critical incidents and cardiopulmonary resuscitation

You will also choose 2 out of 4 species-related courses in dogs and cats, equidae, ruminants, camelids and pigs or small mammals (e.g. rabbits, rats etc).

Year 2
You will choose courses to total 60 credits from the following:

Emergency case management (10 credits)
Chronic pain and advanced analgesic principles (10 credits)
Advanced cardiovascular procedures and monitoring (10 credits)
Lung ventilation and mechanical ventilators (10 credits)
Reptiles and birds (20 credits)
Ethics in veterinary anaesthesia: animal welfare and euthanasia (10 credits)

In addition, you could choose to select additional species courses from Year 1.

Year 3
During the written reflective element of the programme you will have the opportunity to further develop your scientific skills and utilise scientific theory. The form of the dissertation may vary to suit individual candidates, subject to approval of a submitted proposal. The dissertation will be a piece of written work 10-15,000 words long, which may take the form of a research study, analysis of techniques used in previous clinical work or an extended literature review. A casebook or portfolio submission may also be permitted.

Career opportunities

The MSc Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia is likely to be desirable for veterinary surgeons seeking employment in research environments (e.g. as Named Veterinary Surgeon or other roles) due to the key importance of anaesthesia and the emphasis on this from Home Office regulation of research work in the UK.

The MSc will be a different route for progression for veterinary nurses who have key roles in private veterinary practices with regard to veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia. This may be desirable for practices wishing to show a wide range of expertise amongst their staff and patient support for surgical procedures.

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This programme aims to provide animal health specialists, scientists and public health specialists with an understanding of the conceptual basis of veterinary epidemiology and public health. Optional modules make the studies suitable for people from a range of professional backgrounds.

Our Veterinary Epidemiology course graduates find that the international recognition and prestige of their degree opens doors and creates opportunities in their careers.

Modules are designed for self-study using materials provided and with full support from RVC academic experts. Everything you require will be mailed to you, including textbooks and reading material. A Virtual Learning Environment and an on-line library are also available.

Under the microscope

The programme aims to provide you with an understanding of the role of veterinary epidemiology and economics in the design and delivery of effective livestock services, and knowledge of risk analysis approaches in food safety and how human health can be protected through control of zoonotic diseases. The programme also aims to equip you with skills in basic and advanced statistical methods in order to undertake epidemiological investigations and disease modelling.

The course

The course modules provide an essential introduction to a variety of approaches, methods and subjects. These modules are designed to equip you with the preliminary practical and intellectual skills necessary for progression to the next level.

Within the Postgraduate Diploma and the MSc, there is a natural progression from the core modules to the optional modules. Within the selection of optional modules, there is an element of choice in subject matter and disciplinary areas of study. Although the optional modules may not in themselves be more difficult, students will develop a greater understanding and a sophistication of thinking as they work through the modules.

You are required to study three compulsory core modules:
- Epidemiology and animal health economics
- Statistical methods in veterinary epidemiology
- Veterinary public health

Plus four further optional modules selected from:
- Advanced statistical methods in veterinary epidemiology
- Developing and monitoring of livestock production systems
- Economics for livestock development and policy
- Management of infectious disease outbreaks in animal populations
- Research, design, management and grant application writing
- Surveillance and investigation of animal health
- Research project in veterinary epidemiology and public health (MSc only)

How will I learn?

This course is a distance learning course, meaning that you can further your studies without attending the RVC in person.

At the start of the course, you will receive a Study Pack consisting of a study guide, reader and textbooks/CDs. Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) allows studies to be portable, by offering on-line access to the programme handbook, study guide, student discussion board, structured academic tutorials, as well as past exam papers/examiners reports (for the previous 2 years).

A tutorial calendar will be released at the beginning of the academic year and students are advised to plan for these sessions, as academic queries will be answered during tutorials only. Although non-compulsory, indicative study calendars are available and provide an indication of the time to spend on each section.

Examinations take place annually in October, however, the flexibility of the programme allows exams to be deferred, if necessary.

A five-year period is offered to complete the MSc degree, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate, with an average completion time of three years. A two year period is offered for completion of Individual Modules.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates will be able to -

- Improve the health and production of livestock
- Understand the interaction of livestock with people and the environment
- Gain an overview of the factors that influence livestock production (including components on nutrition, reproduction, disease, welfare and the environment)
- Implement control strategies by integrating this knowledge with the principles of epidemiology, economics and disease control within the context of management and infrastructure
- Address the interaction between livestock and the public, in terms of zoonotic disease and clean food production
- Communicate effectively on the health of animal and human populations to a range of audiences, including the general public, farmers, politicians and other key policy makers
- Comprehensive appreciation of welfare and ethical issues connected with farm animal practice
- Formulate a hypothesis and undertake a research project, analyze and present data and how to develop a grant application

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The Graduate and Postgraduate education mission of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is to be an international leader in the training of animal health researchers and postgraduate veterinarians who will advance animal and public health as well as the veterinary profession.

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MSc Animal Sciences

The two-year MSc programme Animal Sciences is a continuation of a BSc in Animal Sciences or an equivalent programme in the field of livestock, companion animals and wildlife.

The focus is to deliver skilled professional animal scientists who are well equipped to tackle problems related to sustainable livestock development as well as to the management of livestock and companion animals. The animal-human interaction plays an important role in this study programme. Themes like animal nutrition, animal health, animal welfare, levels of management, genetic diversity and socio-economic factors are all widely discussed.

Programme summary

Humans interact with animals in many different ways, ranging from raising livestock for food to keeping pets for companion. Animal husbandry and livestock development are not only constrained by technical factors, such as feed supply, animal health, management and genetics, but also by infrastructural and socio-economic factors. Consequently, today’s animal scientists need in-depth scientific training combined with a critical attitude towards all factors that limit the sustainable development of animal husbandry. Our individually tailored programme trains students to become expert animal scientists, well-equipped to tackle relevant issues of livestock and animal management.

Specialisations

Within the MSc Animal Sciences you can choose from various specialisations. Each of the specialisations trains you to become an expert in the field. The specialisations in MSc Animal Sciences are:

Animal Breeding and Genetics
Understanding how genetic differences work and how they can be used in a sustainable manner in a wide range of species plays a central role in this specialisation. Students learn how breeding and genetics can contribute to safe and healthy food from animal origin and how it contributes to the health and welfare of animals.

Animal Nutrition
This specialisation deals with the interaction between animals and their nutrition. Students learn about the way animals digest and convert food by studying the nutrient flows and the physiology of the animals in relation to the composition of feeds. They also learn about the effect of feed in relation to health, welfare and behaviour of the animal.

Applied Zoology
Understanding the relationship between structure and function of all systems within the body is the main focus of this specialisation. Students look at organ structures, hormones, bone structure or the immune system of animals and learn how these systems respond to external influences.

Animal Health and Behaviour
Knowledge of the adaptive capacity of animals is required to be able to determine how to keep an animal healthy and how changes affect the animal. Students learn to study behaviour, stress or immune parameters or energy metabolism to determine e.g. which housing system or feed regime is best for animal health and welfare.

Animal Health Management
How can the risk of transmission of infectious diseases be quantified between and within groups of animals? And which factors are of influence on this process? In this specialisation, students learn to combine animal health management at population level with socioeconomic aspects by studying aspects of veterinary epidemiology.

Animal Production Systems
In this specialisation, students will look at animal production systems in relation to the environment worldwide. Students learn about human and animal interaction. They will also study the environmental, economical and social impact that animal production has on the world.

Professional Tracks and International Programmes
In addition to a specialisation, students can choose a professional track that leads to a specific type of career. You can focus on Research, Education, Communication & Policy, or Business & Management. We also offer international programmes that lead to a double master degree, i.e. in Animal Breeding & Genetics, Sustainable Animal Nutrition & Feeding, European Animal Management, or Animal Welfare Assessment.

Your future career

Our graduates work as nutritionists, policymakers, breeding specialists, advisors, managers, researchers or PhD students. They work for feed manufacturing companies, pharmaceutical companies or breeding organisations but also within regional and national governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations or research institutes and universities.

Alumna Linda van Zutphen.
"I work as a Communication Officer for the Research & Development and Quality Affairs department of Nutreco. This company is a global leader in animal nutrition and fish feed. I am involved in marketing and group communication about innovations, quality and sustainability. During my MSc Animal Sciences, I did my internship at Nutreco’s research facility in Spain. The MSc programme provided me with multidisciplinary knowledge on animal production and the skills to apply this. My job gives me the opportunity to combine my scientific background with my passion for communicating about the applications of our research in products for animal health."

Related programmes:
MSc Biology
MSc Forest and Nature Conservation
MSc Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management
MSc Biosystems Engineering
MSc Organic Agriculture.

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What is biomedical science?

Biomedical science is integral to human and veterinary practice. It looks at how the body works and investigates ways to treat diseases through advanced tools and strategies.

Who is this course for?

This course is for graduates of science, biomedical science, veterinary science or related disciplines who want to specialise in microbiology and immunology. This is a flexible course allowing you to tailor your studies to suit your professional needs and interests.

Course learning outcomes

Biomedical science examines how the body works and investigates ways to treat diseases using advanced tools and strategies. It covers the fields of biochemistry, microbiology, physiology and anatomy with the aim of improving health outcomes for humans and animals tropical, rural and remote and indigenous communities.
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Biomedical Sciences will be able to:
*Apply and adapt advanced and integrated knowledge, including an understanding of recent developments, in the area of biomedicine and related professional competencies, behaviours and ethical frameworks
*Apply an integrated understanding of biomedical science and its application to improve human and animal health in rural, remote and indigenous community settings
*Analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in new situations or contexts with creativity and independence
*Demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy and accountability for their own future professional development through reflection on current skills, knowledge and attitudes in the biomedical science arena
*Interpret and justify scientific propositions, methodologies and conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences through high level written and oral communication and numeracy skills.

Award title

GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (GDipBiomedSc)

Course articulation

Students who complete this course are eligible for entry to the Master of Biomedical Sciences, and may be granted advanced standing for relevant subjects completed under this course

Post admission requirements

Hepatitis B immunisation:
Students must provide evidence of being immune to hepatitis B within the first teaching period of their studies. A blood-borne viral disease may result in a student’s inability to obtain a placement in a Queensland Health facility and consequently may result in their inability to complete the requirements of the course as accredited by the relevant professional accrediting body. If a student has not complied with the above requirement by the last day of the first teaching period of their studies, their enrolment will be terminated immediately.

Entry requirements (Additional)

English band level 2 - the minimum English Language test scores you need are:
*Academic IELTS – 6.5 (no component lower than 6.0), OR
*TOEFL – 570 (plus minimum Test of Written English score of 4.5), OR
*TOEFL (internet based) – 90 (minimum writing score of 21), OR
*Pearson (PTE Academic) - 64

If you meet the academic requirements for a course, but not the minimum English requirements, you will be given the opportunity to take an English program to improve your skills in addition to an offer to study a degree at JCU. The JCU degree offer will be conditional upon the student gaining a certain grade in their English program. This combination of courses is called a packaged offer.
JCU’s English language provider is Union Institute of Languages (UIL). UIL have teaching centres on both the Townsville and Cairns campuses.

Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants of non-english speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

Why JCU?

James Cook University has:
*Purpose-built emergency veterinary clinic including operating theatres and radiology facilities
*anatomy and biomedical science teaching and research laboratories, including housing for small, large and aquatic animals
*veterinary teaching facilities in Atherton, Malanda, Townsville and Charters Towers.

Application deadlines

*1st February for commencement in semester one (February)
*1st July for commencement in semester two (mid-year/July)

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This is a joint programme provided by the School and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). There is a shortage of trained veterinary epidemiologists and there are excellent career opportunities for graduates. This course provides training in essential methodological skills for the design, conduct, analysis, interpretation and communication of epidemiological studies; and surveillance and disease control in animal and human populations.

This course is also available as a Postgraduate Diploma

Graduates from this course hold positions in a variety of organisations including: Ministries of Agriculture & Food; Veterinary Investigation Laboratories; Animal Disease Research Institutes; Animal Health Trusts; Veterinary Faculties in Universities and International Organisations concerned with global health (DFID, FAO, WHO, OIE, etc).

- Full programme specification (pdf) (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/vet_epi_programme_specification.pdf)

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msve.html

Objectives

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

- design and implement epidemiological studies and surveillance systems

- analyse and interpret data from epidemiological studies

- undertake risk analysis and apply this to animal health economics

- apply epidemiological principles to disease control within animal and human populations

- give pragmatic advice on animal health linked to welfare, production and public health

- communicate effectively on the health of animal and human populations to a range of audiences, including the general public, farmers, researchers, politicians and other key policy makers

Structure

Term 1:
All students take the compulsory modules and usually take the recommended modules.

Compulsory modules:

Extended Epidemiology
Epidemiological Aspects of Laboratory Investigation
Surveillance of Animal Health & Production
Statistics for Epidemiology and Population Health
Data Management for Epidemiological Studies
Communication Skills in Epidemiology

Recommended:
Public Health Lecture Series

Optional:
Epidemiology in Context
Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
Introduction to Computing

Terms 2 and 3:
Students take a total of five compulsory study modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.).

Slot 1: Animal Health Economics

Slot 2: Statistical Methods in Epidemiology

Slot 3: Modelling and the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases

Slot 4: Epidemiology & Control of Communicable Diseases

Slot 5: Applied Veterinary Epidemiology

Further details for the course modules - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section2_coursedescriptions/tvet.html

Project Report (MSc only):
During the summer months (July - August), students complete a research project on a topic in veterinary epidemiology, for submission by early September.

Intercalating this course

Undergraduate medical students can take a year out either to pursue related studies or work. The School welcomes applications from medical students wishing to intercalate after their third year of study from any recognised university in the world.

Why intercalate with us?:
Reputation: The School has an outstanding international reputation in public health & tropical medicine and is at the forefront of global health research. It is highly rated in a number of world rankings including:

- World’s leading research-focused graduate school (Times Higher Education World Rankings, 2013)
- Third in the world for social science and public health (US News Best Global Universities Ranking, 2014)
- Second in UK for research impact (Research Exercise Framework 2014)
- Top in Europe for impact (Leiden Ranking, 2015)

Highly recognised qualification: possessing a Master's from the School will give you a focused understanding of health and disease, broaden your career prospects and allow you to be immersed in research in a field of your choice.

Valuable skills: you will undertake an independent research project (summer project) in your chosen topic, equipping you with research skills that will distinguish you in a clinical environment. While your medical qualification will give you a breadth of knowledge; undertaking an intercalated degree will allow you to explore your main area of interest in greater depth.

Alumni network: the School has a strong international and diverse alumni community, with more than 20,000 alumni in over 180 countries.

MSc vs. BSc: undertaking an MSc is an excellent opportunity to develop in-depth specialist knowledge in your chosen topic and enhance your skills in scientific research. Postgraduate qualifications are increasingly sought after by clinicians and possessing a Masters qualification can assist you in your future career progression.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msve.html#sixth

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What is biomedical science?

Biomedical science is integral to human and veterinary practice. It looks at how the body works and investigates ways to treat diseases through advanced tools and strategies.
Students can do a general course or choose from three majors:
*Aquatic Microbiology
*Clinical Microbiology
*Physiology and Pharmacology.
These majors offer advanced level training in aquatic pathobiology, and clinical microbiology, and physiology and pharmacology, relevant to the domains of human and veterinary endeavour.

Course learning outcomes

Biomedical Science examines how the body works and investigates ways to treat diseases using advanced tools and strategies. It covers the fields of biochemistry, microbiology, physiology and anatomy with the aim of improving health outcomes for humans and animals in tropical, rural and remote and indigenous communities.
Graduates of the Masters of Biomedical Sciences will be able to:
*Apply and adapt advanced and integrated knowledge, including an understanding of recent developments, in the area of biomedicine and related professional competencies, behaviours and ethical frameworks
*Apply an integrated understanding of biomedical science and its application to improve human and animal health in rural, remote and indigenous community settings
*Analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in new situations or contexts with creativity and independence
*Demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy and accountability for their own future professional development through reflection on current skills, knowledge and attitudes in the biomedical science arena
*Interpret and justify scientific propositions, methodologies and conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences through high level written and oral communication and numeracy skills
*Plan and execute or critically evaluate a substantial body of novel research with a large degree of independence.

Award title

MASTER OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (MBiomedSc)

Post admission requirements

Hepatitis B immunisation:
Students must provide evidence of being immune to hepatitis B within the first teaching period of their studies. A blood-borne viral disease may result in a student’s inability to obtain a placement in a Queensland Health facility and consequently may result in their inability to complete the requirements of the course as accredited by the relevant professional accrediting body. If a student has not complied with the above requirement by the last day of the first teaching period of their studies, their enrolment will be terminated immediately.

Entry requirements (Additional)

English band level 2 - the minimum English Language test scores you need are:
*Academic IELTS – 6.5 (no component lower than 6.0), OR
*TOEFL – 570 (plus minimum Test of Written English score of 4.5), OR
*TOEFL (internet based) – 90 (minimum writing score of 21), OR
*Pearson (PTE Academic) - 64

If you meet the academic requirements for a course, but not the minimum English requirements, you will be given the opportunity to take an English program to improve your skills in addition to an offer to study a degree at JCU. The JCU degree offer will be conditional upon the student gaining a certain grade in their English program. This combination of courses is called a packaged offer.
JCU’s English language provider is Union Institute of Languages (UIL). UIL have teaching centres on both the Townsville and Cairns campuses.

Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

Why JCU?

James Cook University is dedicated to quality education and research. We have:
*Purpose-built emergency veterinary clinic including operating theatres and radiology facilities
*anatomy and biomedical science teaching and research laboratories, including housing for small, large and aquatic animals
*veterinary teaching facilities in Atherton, Malanda, Townsville and Charters Towers.

Application deadlines

*1st February for commencement in semester one (February)
*1st July for commencement in semester two (mid-year/July)

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