FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
VETERINARY BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES –
BVMS I
CURRICULUM FOR THE DEGREE OF BVMS
COURSE INFORMATION
2005 –2006
COURSE LEADER:
QUALITY ASSURANCE OFFICER:
EXAMINATION OFFICER:
L. NASIR & C. BRITTON
V. DALE
C. BRITTON
Course Information
INFORMATION FOR THE FIRST YEAR COURSE IN
VETERINARY BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES
ACADEMIC YEAR 2005/2006
PLEASE NOTE
Items contained within this Course Information Document are sometimes unavoidably subject to
change. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the correct lecture, practical,
tutorial and examination schedules. Lecture venues may be changed during the Course. The Year
Notice boards and email should be checked daily.
Code of Professional Conduct to Fitness to Practice. You are reminded that you will be expected to
have read the above code, sign for it and implemented during your time in the course.
Special Needs. All staff are not routinely made aware of Students with Disabilities. This information
is considered confidential unless such a person agrees to complete disclosure. Consequently, the onus
is on you to make individual staff aware of special needs you may have that impact on a particular
method of teaching; staff will attempt to make reasonable adjustments. E.g. you may have a degree of
red-green colour blindness and have difficulty distinguishing certain tissues or cells during
microscopy.
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
1.
Place of the Course in the BVMS Degree Curriculum
1
2.
Aims of the Course
1
3.
Learning Objectives of the Course
1
4.
Components of the Course (4.1 - 4.13)
1-8
5.
Course Content
8
6.
Course Texts and Required Reading
8
7.
8.
Teaching Hours and Teaching Methods
7.1 Teaching Hours
7.2 Lecture Course
7.3 Lab and Computer Classes
7.4 Tutorials
7.5 Self Directed Learning Assignment
Methods of Assessment
8.1 Methods of Assessment of Student Learning and the Course
8.2 Examinations and Course Work
14
8.3 Role of External examiner and oral exmainations
8.4 Marks to Grade Correlation for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
8.5
The External Examiner
8.5 Prizes
9
9
10
10
10
11-12
1314
15
16
16
9.
Policy on exemptions and course certification
16
10.
Other Important Information
10.1
Protective Clothing, Health and Safety
10.2
Staff-student liaison, Student Notices, Illnes, Help & Advice
10.3
Staff
10.4
Moodle
17
Practical Competencies required of the Veterinary Surgeon
Essential Competences Required of the New Veterinary Graduate
19-20
20-22
11.
12.
17
17
18
18
1
2
Course Information
INFORMATION FOR THE FIRST YEAR COURSE IN
VETERINARY BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES
ACADEMIC YEAR 2005/2006
1.
PLACE OF THE COURSE IN THE BVMS DEGREE CURRICULUM
The Veterinary Biomolecular Sciences course is taught over two years jointly by the Divisions
of Animal Production and Public health, Pathological Sciences and Infection and Immunity.
Teaching is conducted by means of lectures and small group tutorials along with laboratory and
computer-based classes and a Student Directed Learning Assignment. There is liaison with
other Pre-Clinical courses and the later years of the course to ensure adequate coordination in
appropriate areas. Most components of the course are taught on the main University campus at
Gilmorehill, with some classes at the computer cluster of the Veterinary School at Garscube.
The course is spread over the first and second years of the BVMS course.
2.
AIMS OF THE COURSE
To provide veterinary undergraduates with knowledge and understanding of:

molecular function in health and disease of animals

cellular function in health and disease of animals

cell signalling and interaction between tissues and organs in health and disease in
animals

molecular and cellular functions of commensal and pathogenic microrganisms

applications of biotechnology to diagnosis and treatment of diseases of animals
3.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE
The student should understand:

How biochemical and molecular mechanisms interact to maintain the health of animals

How malfunctions in biochemical and molecular mechanisms lead to disease in
animals

How advances in biotechnology are improving the diagnosis and treatment of disese in
animals
4.
COMPONENTS OF THE COURSE
The Course is made up of several Components. Each Component is a set of Lectures with a
series of Laboratory/computer classes and tutorials related to particular parts of the course.
These components with their aims and learning objectives are listed below in the order they
appear in the Course
4.1
Introduction to Biomolecular Sciences
Aims:

To introduce students to veterinary biomolecular sciences in preparation for the
succeeding parts of the lecture course.
Learning Objectives: the students should be able to

Understand the relationship between biomolecular sciences, biology and veterinary
medicine

Be familiar with the levels of organisation in biology, emphasising molecule, cell and
organism

Appreciate the concept of the genome as a set of genes containing information for an
organism
4.2
Proteins
Aims:
3

To present a basis for understanding the structures and activities of proteins which will be
encountered throughout the course and in veterinary practice
Learning Objectives: the students should be able to

Draw the general structure of L-alpha aminoacids

Describe examples of polar, non-polar and charged side chains

Describe the ionisation of aminoacids and their side chains

Draw the structure of the peptide linkage and describe how peptides are named

Cite examples of peptides with high biological activity

Explain classification of proteins based on shape

Define the terms primary structure, secondary structure, supersecondary structure,
domain, tertiary and quaternary structure

Draw the structures of -helix,  sheets, -turns and collagen helix

Describe the structure and function of fibrous proteins

Describe the interaction between deoxyhaemoglobin and oxygen as a model for allosteric
effects

Describe the types of weak interactions which maintain protein structure and allow
interaction with other molecules
4.3
Cell Biology
Aims:

To introduce and present the structure and function of cell membranes and cellular
organelles.

To introduce and present the processes of mammalian cell growth and cell death
Learning Objectives: the students should be able to

Describe the structure of phospholipid bilayers and their importance as the basis for cell
membranes

Understand the role of additional lipids (cholesterol and glycolipids) in membrane
structure.

Outline the difference between transmembrane, lipid linked and peripheral membrane
proteins.

Outline the functions of membrane proteins.

Describe the factors that contribute to membrane fluidity and asymmetry.

Know the basic structure of eukaryotic cells.

Describe the structure and function of cell organelles.

Outline the pathways by which proteins are transported within the cell.

Outline the principle elements of the cytoskeleton (microfilamants, microtubules and
intermediate filaments).

Describe the transport (diffusion, active, facilitated) of small molecules in and out of cells

Describe the role of exocytosis and endocytosis in the transport of large molecules in and
out of cells.

Describe the mammalian cell cycle.

Describe how progress through the cell cycle is controlled by cyclins and cylin
dependent. kinases and ‘checkpoints’.

Understand the association between loss of cell cycle control and cancer.

Explain the mechanisms of cell death (apoptosis and necrosis).

List the differences between apoptosis and necrosis.
4.4
Molecular Biology
Aims:
4
Course Information


To present the biochemistry of nucleotides and nucleic acids.
To present the basic molecular biological processes involved in hereditary and gene
expression.
Learning Objectives: the students should be able to

Describe the base, sugar and phosphate moieties of nucleotides.

Describe phosphodiester bond and the concept of chain polarity and the 3' and 5' ends of
polynucleotides.

Explain the importance of primary and secondary structure in DNA/RNA.

Describe the main features of the double helical Watson Crick model of DNA.

Understand the implications of the antiparrallel complementary nature of DNA.

Describe 4 types of template directed nucleic acid polymerises.

Understand the structure of chromatin and chromosomes.

Describe the general features of DNA replication (semi-conservative, replication origins,
fork movement).

Describe the role of DNA polymerases in replication.

Explain the attainment of fidelity of DNA replication.

Describe the function of proteins and enzymes at the replication fork.

Outline damage to DNA and its repair.

Describe the process of transcription.

Describe 5' capping, 3' tailing and nuclear exit.

Define introns and exons and splicing of eukaryotic RNA.

Describe the ribosome, rRNA and tRNAs and their functions.

Explain codon, anticodons and features of the genetic code.

Describe the concept of open reading frame.

Describe initiation and termination of translation.

Outline post synthetic modification of proteins and their targeting to specific locations.

Outline eukaryotic gene regulation.
4.5
Enzymes
Aims:
 To give an understanding of the importance of enzymes in metabolism.
 To explain the function of enzymes as biological catalysts in relation to their protein
structure.
Learning Objectives: the students should be able to
 Understand enzyme nomenclature based on reactions catalysed.
 Explain the mechanism by which enzymes act as catalysts.
 Be familiar with the kinetics of enzyme activity (Kmax, Vmax, Lineweaver plot).
 Explain the mechanism of enzyme action in relation to active sites, binding sites,
orientation and proximity.
 Be familiar with enzyme specificity and the requirement for optimal reaction conditions.
 Explain in molecular terms irreversible, reversible, competitive and non-competitive
enzyme inhibition.
 Understand the regulation of enzyme activity, allosteric modulation and enzymes in
metabolic regulation.
4.6
Central Pathways of Metabolism
Aims:
5


To present the organisation of cellular metabolism and its relationship to
thermodynamics.
To describe the reactions of the central pathways of carbon metabolism and oxidative
phosphorylation.
Learning Objectives (Cellular metabolism): the students should be able to

Define the terms autotrophic and heterotrophic and their significance for the metabolism
of higher organisms

Understand the limitations of chemical thermodynamics as applied to cellular metabolism

Understand the conservation of energy in the form of ATP

State the significance of anaerobic and aerobic metabolism to the economy of the cell

Understand the importance of various redox compounds as cofactors in metabolism

Outline the significance of the chemistry and thermodynamics of glycolysis

Understand the significance of the irreversible reactions in glycolysis

Understand the role of pyruvate reduction in regenerating NAD+

Know how monosaccharides other than glucose enter metabolism

Know the structure/function relationships of glycogen and its metabolism

Understand the significance of pentose phosphate pathway in comparison with glycolysis

Know the reactions of pyruvate dehydrogenase and the significance of its cofactors

Know in outline the reactions of the Krebs cycle and its relation with other pathways

Understand the significance of anaplerotic pathways

Know the precursors and pathways of gluconeogenesis, and their physiological
significance
Learning Objectives (Oxidative Phosphorylation): the students should be able to

Describe the form and functions of mitochondria and its inner and outer membrane,
matrix and inter membrane space

Understand the origin of the components of the mitochondrion

Know the process of oxidative phosphorylation

Understand the relevance of reduced cofactors, NADH and FADH2 as a source of energy

Understand the electron transport chain as a series of redox reactions

Understand the relation of free energy to reduction potential in relation to the electron
transport chain

Describe the components of the electron transport chain

Be familiar with the components of the ATPase complex

Understand the phosphorylation of ADP on ATPase

Provide evidence to support the chemiosmotic theory of oxidative phosphorylation

Understand transport systems across mitochondrial membranes
4.7
Lipid and Ketone Body Metabolism
Aims

Describe the types of lipids, their nomenclature, structure and function

Explain the importance of lipids and lipid metabolism in biological processes

Demonstrate how lipids are transported, oxidised and synthesised
Learning Objectives: the students should be able to
 Understand the role of lipoproteins in transport of lipid between tissues
 Describe adipose tissue as source of stored lipid and triglyceride as a source of stored
energy
 Describe Carnitine acyl transferase in the transport of fatty acid into mitochondrion
 Understand -oxidation of acyl-CoA, with production of NADH and acetyl CoA and its
control
6
Course Information







4.8
Explain fatty acid synthesis in the cytoplasm
Describe the citrate shuttle for the export of acetyl CoA from the mitochondrion
Understand fatty acid synthase complex as a multi domain enzyme
Describe the synthesis of malonyl CoA
Compare fatty acid synthesis to -oxidation
Understand cholesterol biosynthesis and its control
Understand phopholipid metabolism
Concepts of Biostatistics :
Aims:
 Introduce the science of statistics as a tool for experimental design and analysis
 Provide an understanding of the use of statistics in scientific research.
 Provide an understanding of statistical concepts and how to use computer programs





4.9
Learning Objectives: the student should be able to
Describe the use of means and distributions to summarise data
Present the analysis of categorical data
Introduce the analysis of continuously distributed data
Be familiar with the use of correlations and regression analysis to examine relationships
among traits
Illustrate analysis of variance to partition variation in continuously distributed traits
Genetics
Aims:

Provide an understanding of chromosomal disorders (cytogenetics)

Provide an understanding of single gene disorders (mendelian gneetics)

Provide an understanding of quantitative genetics
Learning Objectives: the student should be able to
 Define and describe how karyotype ar e prepared
 Describe the different types of chromosomal abnormalities (structural and numerical)
 Discuss how abnormal karyotypes arise and the consequences for reproduction and
performance traits
 Describe the types of gene mutations that cause genetic diseases
 Explain X chromosome inactivation and its consequences
 Describe the different models for inherited single gene disorders
 Discuss the factors that complicate basic modes of inheritance
 Define and describe quantititative or multifactorial traits
 Explain how some quantitiative traits are due to a combination of genetic and environmental
influences
4.10
Nitrogen metabolism
Aims:
 Present the biochemical pathways for the synthesis and degradation of nitrogen containing
biochemical compounds
 Demonstrate the importance of the source and fates of amine groups and carbon skeletons
Learning Objectives: the students should be able to
7













4.11
Know the central roles of glutamine synthetase and glutamate dehydrogenase in nitrogen
metabolism
Understand the role of amino transaminases and pyridoxal phosphate in the transfer of
amino groups from amino to keto-acids
Explain the mechanism of transport of ammonia from brain & muscle to liver and the role
of glutamine and alanine
Understand the toxic effect of ammonia and the metabolism of the urea cycle in mammals
Understand the linkage between urea cycle and TCA cycle
Know the metabolic intermediates that are the source of carbon skeletons for amino acids
Give examples of synthesis of amino acids (essential and non essential)
Understand the importance of amino acids as precursors of other N-compounds porphyrins, nucleotides and hormones
Know the importance of deamination in amino acid catabolism
Explain how glucogenic amino acids can provide glucose by gluconeogenesis
Understand the role of ketogenic amino acids in ketone body metabolism
Explain the catabolism of nucleotides
Understand the comparative aspect of nitrogen metabolism with particular reference to
ruminants and carnivores
Biochemistry of digestion and nutrition
Aims:
 To describe the importance of the major and minor nutrients to the metabolism of an
animal's body.
 To present the biochemical mechanisms of digestion and absorption of the major nutrients
in mono-gastric animals
 To describe the process of fermentation, digestion and absorption of nutrients in ruminating
animals
Learning Objectives: the students should be able to
 Understand the importance of protein, lipid and carbohydrate in the diet
 Understand the digestion of carbohydrate, protein and lipid in non-ruminant
 Understand an outline of biochemical interactions in the rumen
 Know how fermentation in the rumen leads to the production of volatile fatty acids
 Know how nitrogen in the diet is assimilated by ruminants
 Understand the requirement for minerals in the diet and their role in metabolism
 Know the fat and water soluble vitamins and their role in metabolism
 Explain the role of trace elements in metabolism
4.12 Biochemistry of blood
Aims:

Provide and understanding of the biochemical aspects of the red blood cell, its
metabolism and maintenance during its life span and the transport of O2 and CO2 by the
red blood cell,

Describe the roles of globins in oxygen binding and the effects of ligands on the binding

Describe the synthesis and degradation of haemoglobin and the structures and functions
of selected plasma proteins pertinent to their roles in transport of solutes around the body
Learning Objectives: the students should be able to
8
Course Information


















Describe the components of blood
Describe the principal classes of plasma proteins and their roles in transport
Understand the blood clotting mechanism
Describe the main proteins involved in blood clotting and clot lysis
Describe the main proteins in the red blood cell membrane and their functions
Explain the importance of carbonic anhydrase
Describe the role of glycolysis in the production of 2,3-BPG
Explain the importance of the PPP and NADPH
Describe the anti-oxidant defense mechanisms of the red blood cell
Outline the main structural features of hemoglobin and myoglobin
Compare the properties of myoglobin (hyperbolic) and hemoglobin (sigmoid)
Describe the overall transport of O2, CO2 and H+ by the red blood cell
Explain the effects of CO2, H+ and 2,3-BPG on oxygen binding by Hb
Understand the phsysiological importance of allosteric regulation of Hb
Explain the differences between maternal and foetal Hb
Explain the basis of Hb diseases
Outline the synthesis of Hb
Describe the death of the RBC and the production of bilirubin
4.13 Cellular signalling & Molecular Endocrinology
Aims:

To present the general principles of cell signaling with particular emphasis on the role of
hormones

To show how hormones can be classified by (i) their chemical nature, (ii) the cellular
location of their specific receptors and (iii) whether they induce short- or long-term
responses

To present the signaling pathways employed by different classes of hormones and
demonstrate how such pathways alter the behaviour of cells and elicit biological effects.
Learning Objectives: the students should be able to

Describe the general principles of cell signaling

Know the different types of molecules that act as signaling molecules

Describe the different classes of hormones based on their chemical structure

Understand the synthesis, secretion and transport of the different classes of hormones

Explain the structure of the different types of hormone receptors

Describe signaling through G protein linked cell surface receptors

Describe signaling through enzyme linked cell surface receptors

Describe the different group of secondary messengers

Explain the mechanisms by which intracellular receptor-hormone complexes induce
biological effects by acting as transcription factors

Understand the molecular mechanisms of hormone action and how they relate to
physiological endocrine processes
5.
COURSE CONTENT
The distribution of the Lectures, Tutorials and Practical/Computer Classes throughout the
academic year is shown in the Timetables.
6.
COURSE TEXTS AND REQUIRED READING
Recommended Textbook:
Medical Biochemistry, 2005, 2nd edition, Baynes & Dominiczak, Mosby, London,
9
ISBN:0723433410, £34.99
OR
Biochemistry: Molecules, Cells and the Body; 1996 Dow, Lindsay & Morrison
Addison-Wesley, Wokingham ISBN 0-201-63187-3, £25.95
Other relevant reading
Essential Cell Biology Alberts et al 1998 Garland, New York ISBN 0-815-32971-7
Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals, Kaneko, Harvey & Bruss, 5th ed 1998
Academic Press, New York, ISBN 0-12-396305-2
Instant Notes in Biochemistry, Hames and Hooper, BIOS ISBN 1-85996-142-8
Instant Notes in Molecular Biology. Turner et al , BIOS ISBN 1-85996-152-5
Veterinary Genetics F. W. Nicholas 1987, Oxford University Press, Oxford 0-19857-569-6
Biochemistry, Stryer 2002 W H Freeman 0716746840
This book and other useful books are available electronically at
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=Books
Pre-test Biochemistry and Genetics, Ingram Smith & Smith,
McGraw Hill, 2002, ISBN 0-07-143747-9.
7.
TEACHING HOURS AND TEACHING METHODS
7.1
Teaching Hours
The number of hours each student needs to attend all the classes in the Veterinary Biomolecular
Course (I) are detailed in the Table below. The number of hours of academic staff time needed
to teach the course is also shown.
TERM I
Hrs per
Staff
student
hrs
TERM II
Hrs per
Staff
student
hrs
TERM III
Hrs per Staff
student hrs
TOTALS
Hrs per
Staff
student
hrs
Lectures
33
(33)
19
(19)
8
(8)
60
(60)
Practicals
Classes
Computer
sessions
Tutorials
Self Directed
Learning
assignment
3
(40)
3
(40)
0
(0)
6
(80)
3
(12)
3
(12)
1
(6)
7
(30)
2
1
(16)
(1)
2
25
(16)
(64)
1
0
(8)
(0)
5
33
(40)
(10)
Totals
42
(102)
52
(151)
10
(22)
111
(220)
7.2
10
Lecture Course
Lectures are given at the dates and times shown in the timetables. Attendance at lectures will be
monitored during the session. In general, the content of the lectures indicates the expected level
of understanding of any area of the course but students are expected to reinforce this by
reference to the recommended textbook. Students are encouraged to ask questions and seek
help over points of difficulty in the lecture material. This is normally done at the end of lectures
and/or at tutorial or practical classes, but appointments may also be made with individual
lecturers or they may be contacted by e-mail.
Course Information
7.3
Laboratory & Computer Classes
The aims of these classes are:

to illustrate practical aspects of the lecture material

to develop transferable practical skills

to give a basic grounding in laboratory skills, experimental methods and use of
computers and relevant software.
These are held on Wednesday mornings, as shown in the timetable for the course, in the BoydOrr Building, Level 10 and at the Computer Cluster at Garscube with the student groups
attending as indicated.
Attendance at laboratory and computer classes is compulsory unless prior agreement has
been reached with Course Leaders. Lab coats must be brought to all laboratory classes.
The work of these classes will be assessed by a mark given on the completion of the practical
work books.
Student with poor attendance at practical classes and/or unsatisfactory
completion of practical work books may be excluded from the Class and Professional
examinations.
7.4
Tutorials
The aims of the tutorials are:

to consolidate material covered in the lecture course;

to give students an opportunity for direct interaction with teaching staff.
Attendance at tutorial classes is compulsory unless prior agreement has been reached with
Course Leaders. These are held on Wednesday mornings in rotation during all three terms in
various rooms in the Boyd-Orr Building or at Garscube. Sets of questions will be distributed
in advance of the tutorials and will be available on the student server and students are required
to prepare themselves to discuss these questions in the tutorial.
7.5
Student Directed Learning Assignment
The aims of the self directed learning assignment (SDLA) are

to access and retrieve information on veterinary and biological science from varied
resources

to present personally acquired knowledge on veterinary and biological science in a
coherent and logical report.

to contribute to the effective function of a research study group

to contribute to the preparation and presentation of a research review seminar
During the course of the year student working groups will study an area of veterinary science
relating to cellular and molecular functions in health or disease. Each group of students will
be allocated a topic and will collaborate in accessing relevant sources of information using
library and internet resources and in preparation and delivery of a 30 minute presentation on the
topic to the remainder of the class which will take place during Candlemas Term. Individual
assignment reports will be prepared by each student for submission by 13th February 2006. The
Student Directed Learning Assignment will be assessed on the basis of the written report and
will contribute a third of the mark (5%) based on course work (15%) to the Biomolecular
Science component of the 1st Year Professional Examination.
8.
8.1
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT.
Assessment of Student Learning
*
All the examinations in Veterinary Biomolecular Sciences in 2005/2006 will be considered as
summative assessment, for the Biomolecular Sciences component of the 1st Year Professional
Degree Examination:
11
Term 1
Term 2
June Examination
Examination worth 5%
Examination worth 5%; SDLA worth 5%
Examination worth 85%
*
All examination papers are submitted in advance to the External Examiner for his approval.
*
The examinations in Term 1 and Term 2 will be marked internally and the results will be
available to the students as provisional Grades. The final Grades will be assessed, and if
necessary, modified after consultation with the External Examiner, at the time of the June
examination.
The External will attend in June and September to oversee the examination, the completion of
the Grades and to conduct Pass/Fail and Distinction Orals.
If a student fails to complete any of the Examinations then the Code of Practice on
Incomplete Assessment and Good Cause will apply (Details of the Code of Practice can be
found
in
the
University
Calendar
2005-2006
[http://senate.gla.ac.uk/calendar/cal2005/cal2005.html]. Relevant extracts are reproduced
below.
*
*
“XXII CODE OF PRACTICE ON INCOMPLETE ASSESSMENT AND GOOD CAUSE
17.1
(i)
For the purposes of this section ‘good cause’ shall mean illness or other adverse
personal circumstances serious enough to prevent a candidate from completing a
summative assessment at or by the due time; ‘evidence’ shall mean a full medical
report detailing the severity, duration and possible impact of the medical
condition on the candidates performance.
(ii)
A chroninc medical condition shall not itself be considered good cause, unless the
medical report refers specifically to a short term exacerbation of the condition.
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
17.2
12
This section sets out the rules covering the treatment of students prevented by good
cause from completing an assessment or performing adequately therein.
If a candidate believes that good cause has prevented a piece of summative
assessment, including an examination script, being completed at or by the due
time or has seriously prejudiced his or her performance in a summative
assessment, then he or she must promptly notify the Head of Registry and submit
appropriate evidence. Notification later than a week after the due date for
completion of the assessment will not normally be taken into account except where
circumstances prevented the student from notifying the Head of Registry within
this time. The Head of Registry will notify the relevant Head(s) of Department.
The Head of Department shall have discretion to set a later completion date for
the assessment in question including a special sitting of an examination. The
candidate shall have the right to decline such an alternative unless the assessment
has been designated as compulsory in the assessment scheme approved by Senate
in respect of the course or programme concerned and published in the course
data-base. Where the Head of Department does not exercise discretion to set a
later completion date, or where the candidate declines such an alternative, the
candidate may pursue the claim for good cause.
Where the claim for good cause is pursued the evidence submitted shall be
considered by the Board of Examiners which shall determine.
(a) if the evidence is of sufficient weight to constitute evidence of good cause;
(b) if sufficient material has been presented in respect of the summative
assessment in question for it to be regarded as completed, rather than merely
attempted; in the latter case the assessment shall be treated as though it had
been prevented by good cause from being completed.
If a candidate fails to complete a summative assessment required by a course without
adequate evidence of good cause then he or she shall be awarded zero marks or
Course Information
equivalent for that assessment, and his or her mark or grade for the course shall be
calculated accordingly.
17.3
not relevant for BVMS
17.4 not relevant for BVMS
17.5
If a candidate is adjudged by the Board of Examiners to have been prevented by good
cause from completing the assessment of the course, then the following arrangement
shall apply;
(i)
The extent of the completion of the assessment shall be determined as a
percentage of the totality of summatively assessed work, based on assessment
weightings published in the course data-base, required by the assessment
scheme approved by the Senate.
(ii)
The Board of Examiners shall make an overall judgement of the standard
reached in the completed part of the assessment, using as far as possible the
same procedures as apply to candidates who have completed the assessment.
(iii)
If the candidate has completed 75 per cent or more of the assessment the
Board of Examiners shall recommend the award of an appropriate grade (or
no credit) on the basis of the completed proportion.
(iv)
If the candidate has not completed 75 per cent of the assessment then the
candidate shall be regarded as not having attempted the assessment.”
Second Diet of Examination – September
The Grades for the second diet will be based on the single examination unless the student has missed
the June examination with good cause. In such a case the total assessment will be based on the results
for Term 1 Examination , 5%; Term 2 Examination, 5%; Term 2 SDLA, 5%; September Examination
85%.
8.2
Examinations and Course Work
Term I (Martinmas) Assessment
This assessment consists of a Written Examination held in the last week of the Term.
The Written Examination (1.5 hours) is composed of a MCQ Section (with negative
marking) of 20 questions (suggested time 0.5 hour) and an Essay Section of 1 essay question
(suggested time 0.5 hour) and a Short Answer Section of 4 questions (suggested time 0.5
hour).
.
The total marks awarded for this Exam is 300; allocated as follows: MCQ - 100 marks,
Essay - 100 marks, Short Answers - 100 Marks.
Term II (Candlemas) Assessment
This assessment consists of a SDLA essay (due 13thth February 2006) and a Written
Examination held in the last week of the Term.
The total marks allocated for the SDLA is 10.
The Written Examination (1.5 hours) is composed of a MCQ Section (with negative
marking) of 20 questions (suggested time 0.5 hour) and an Essay Section of 1 essay question
(suggested time 0.5 hour) and a Short Answer Section of 4 questions.
The total marks awarded for this Exam is 300; allocated as follows: MCQ - 100 marks,
Essay - 100 marks, Short Answers - 100 Marks.
All staff are available to discuss the performance of individual students in general terms.
All students attaining less than 40% are required to arrange a meeting to discuss exam
13
performance with a member of staff. Students attaining marks between 40-50% are
also advised to discuss performance with a member of staff.
Term III (Whitsun) Assessment
Name of exam
First Professional Examination (Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery)
Components of the exam
The First Professional Examination consists of two written examination papers each of two
hours duration. Each examination paper will consist of two 60 minute sections.
Paper ONE will (provisionally) cover: Veterinary Anatomy
 Veterinary Physiology
Paper TWO will (provisionally) cover: Veterinary Animal Husbandry
 Veterinary Biomolecular Science: an MCQ examination of 40 questions with
negative marking.
Timing
The First Professional integrated examination will be take place (provisionally) on Tuesday
23rd May 2006 with the resit examination (provisionally) on Friday 18th August 2006.
Location
The First Professional examination will be held in examination halls at Gilmorehill, (exact
details to be announced).
Anonymity of marking and reporting
Examination answer books can only be identified to staff by matriculation number or
examination number thus ensuring student anonymity. Examination results are reported
anonymously by matriculation number or examination number.
Distribution of marks
The result of the first year integrated examination will be a single grade, which will reflect the
overall performance in the assessment. The examination has four separate subject areas,
Veterinary Physiology, Veterinary Anatomy, Veterinary Animal Husbandry and Veterinary
Biomolecular Science, each of equal weighting. The mark achieved in each subject areas will
be made up as follows, 15% will be awarded based upon performance in class examinations
and/or course work taken during the session, the remaining 85% will be based upon
performance in the professional examination. There will be no practical components to the
professional examination held in June. The distribution of marks will be clearly indicated on
the examination paper. Students must pass each subject area in order to obtain an overall
grade D or above in the Professional Examination.
Matriculation cards must be taken to all examinations as proof of candidate identity.
Delay between examination and notice of orals
In order to complete the marking and co-ordinate with other subjects in the exam, there may be
a delay of up to 2 weeks after the examination before students are notified of the need to attend
for oral examination.
Distinctions
Students attaining the equivalent of ‘A grades’ in all 4 subject areas will be awarded a
Distinction.
14
Course Information
Resits
Any student failing the first diet of the examination will be allowed to resit the examination at
the second diet. Students, who fail the 1st diet of the assessment, will be required to resit the
whole examination (i.e. all 4 subject areas). There will be no contribution from course work in
the second diet of the examination and no contribution from the 1st diet of the professional
examination. A pass grade (D or above) must be attained in order to progress into second year.
This by definition will necessitate achieving a pass grade in each subject area at the second diet
of the examination. Failure to achieve a pass grade in the second diet of the exam will
necessitate resitting the whole year, followed by two further diets of the exam, the following
June/August.
8.3
Role of external examiner and oral examinations
After the External Examiner has confirmed the marks for the written examinations in
consultation with the Internal Examiners:

….candidates with a grade E and F are required to attend a Pass/Fail Oral Examination
conducted by an External Examiner and one of the Internal Examiner from each subject
area.

….candidates with a Grade G or N may request an Oral Examination conducted by an
External Examiner and one of the Internal Examiner from each subject area.

The list of students that are required to attend and who may request, an oral examination
will be posted on the student notice board (University of Glasgow Faculty of Medicine) as
soon as possible after the marks of the written examination are collated. It is the
responsibility of the student to check the posted oral list. The list will indicate the time and
place to which the students should report for their oral exam. On the posted list, students
will be identified by matriculation/exam number. It is the individual responsibility of any
student who has opted not to have their marks posted on notice boards to determine if they
are invited, required or may request an oral examination by contacting the course leader,
members of the teaching team or Teaching Unit administrative staff. Oral examinations will
normally take place within 2 weeks of the written examination. Students not called for an
oral may request an oral examination, if so desired.

At the second diet of the examinations (August/September), ALL students who achieve
less than a grade D in the integrated 1st year examination will be REQUIRED to have an
oral examination conducted by an External Examiner and one of the Internal Examiners
from each subject area.
Extract from the Course Information for the 2nd Year Veterinary Biomolecular Sciences
course:Second Year Professional Examination in Veterinary Biomolecular Sciences
Both first year and second year material will be examined in the 2nd year Porfessional Examination.
The June examination in Veterinary Biomolecular Sciences will consist of the following
components:
(a)
A Written Examination composed of Essay questions (3 hours) of 5 essays to be written
from a choice of 8. The written examination will take place (provisionally) on
Monday 8th May 2006.
15
(b)
A MCQ Examination (90 mins) of 60 questions with negative marking. The MCQ
examination will take place (provisionally) on Tuesday 9th May 2006.
(c)
The total marks awarded for the June examination is 700; allocated as follows: Essay 500
marks, MCQ 200 marks.
The final grade is obtained by summing the marks from all three assessments.
Term 1 - 7.5%, Term 2 – 7.5%, June Exam – 85%.
The result is expressed as a grade according to the system approved by the Veterinary Faculty. The
aggregation score is used only for the calculation of honours and commendation which is arrived at
at the end of the 5 year Course.
8.4
Marks to Grade Correlation for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Primary
grade
Mark
Secondary
band
Mark
Aggregation
score
BVMS
A
70-100
1
2
3
80-100
75-79
70-74
20
19
18
Honours
B
65-69
1
2
3
69
67-68
65-66
17
16
15
Commendation
C
55-64
1
2
3
63-64
60-62
55-59
14
13
12
Pass
D
50-54
1
2
3
54
52-53
50-51
11
10
9
E
45-49
1
2
3
49
47-48
45-46
8
7
6
F
40-45
1
2
3
44
42-43
40-41
5
4
3
G
30-39
1
2
35-39
30-34
2
1
N
0-30
Fail
CR
8.5
The External Examiner
The External Examiner for Session 2005/2006 will be one of the following:Dr G. Pettigrew, Reader in Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary
Studies, University of Edinburgh, Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1QH.
Dr J. Plummer, 16 Avril Way, London E4 9HS
16
Course Information
Prof. D. Hogg, 32 Strathclyde Court, Helensburgh G84 9PW
Dr. J. Fishwick
8.6
Prizes
The Royal Highland Show Silver prize in Veterinary Biomolecular Science is awarded to the student
with the best performance over the 1st and 2nd year courses.
9.
POLICY ON EXEMPTIONS
Students must complete the first year Professional Exam and obtain a Pass in order to proceed
to the 2rd Year of the BVMS Curriculum since exemptions are not given.
If attendance and work during the course has not been certified as being satisfactory by the
Course Leaders, a Candidate may not be admitted to a Professional Examination in any subject
Details can be found in the University Calender [Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University
Calendar http://senate.gla.ac.uk/calendar/cal2005/13-veterinarymedicine.pdf
10.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The following information is also useful and important.
10.1 Protective clothing, Health and Safety
To ensure safety in the practical laboratory the following instructions should be obeyed:
laboratory coats must be worn at all times in the laboratory; obey the instructions of your
demonstrator in the safe handling of equipment and reagents; bags and coats must not obstruct
passageways; if the fire alarm is sounded evacuate the laboratory via the fire escapes at the rear
of each laboratory, do not use the lifts or the main stairwell; report any breakage of equipment
to your demonstrator, broken glass should be placed in the designated bin; before leaving the
laboratory, soak glassware in the basins provided, place plastic labware as instructed and leave
your workbench in a tidy state; if in doubt ask your demonstrator.
10.2 Staff-student Liaison
All of the staff teaching the Course welcome the opportunity to discuss problems associated
with the Course with the students concerned and you are invited to do so. The staff student
liaison Committee is normally made up of:
The Course Leaders
Other members of staff on the course (up to two)
The Student Year Representative
The Year Club Chairperson
Other student members (up to three), including one graduate representative
The Committee normally meets once a term. There is normally a formal agenda, but the student
representatives can solicit the Class for any other topics which they may wish to be raised.
Minutes are prepared, agreed and signed by the members of the Committee and displayed on
the 1st year BVMS notice board.
Student notices
These are displayed on the 1st year BVMS notice board at Garscube.
Illness
If a student misses classes because of illness or other valid reason, he/she should inform one of
the Course Leaders as soon as is practicable. It is most important that the Veterinary
Faculty Office is kept informed of any illness or other serious problem as soon as possible.
17
Help and advice
Any student who has a problem relating to or affecting the work of the class should discuss it
with one of the Course Leaders.
10.3 Staff
The staff primarily involved in teaching, examining and administering the 1st Year Veterinary
Biomolecular Sciences Course are:
Dr.Lubna Nasir (Co-Course Leader)
Pathological Sciences
l.nasir@vet.gla.ac.uk
Dr Collette Britton (Co-Course Leader)
Infection & Immunity
c.britton@vet.gla.ac.uk
Prof. David Eckersall
Animal Production and Public Health
p.d.eckersall@vet.gla.ac.uk
Prof. Mike Stear
Animal Production and Public Health
m.j.stear@vet.gla.ac.uk
Dr Iain Morgan
Pathological Sciences
Imm2x@udcf.gla.ac.uk
Dr Paul Everest
Infection & Immunity
Phe3d@vet.gla.ac.uk
Dr Kin-Chow Chang
Animal Production & Public Health
kcc1g@udcf.gla.ac.uk
Dr. Giles Innocent
Animal Production & Public Health
g.innocent@vet.gla.ac.uk
Ms. Vicki Dale (Quality Assurance Officer)
Operations Unit
v.dale@vet.gla.ac.uk
10.4 10.4 Moodle
Moodle is the University's centrally supported Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The Faculty
Moodle site can be accessed from on- or off-campus at: http://moodle.gla.ac.uk/vet/moodle/
Users should log in with their Novell username and password. After a successful login you will be
asked to update your profile.
Once you have logged on, you will be able to access individual courses within Moodle, as well as
general information, and information relating to EMS, summer vacation scholarships, and career
opportunities. Many of the courses require a one-time enrolment key. Your course tutors will provide
these at the start of term. Within individual courses, you will find links to lecture notes and
presentations, past papers, timetables, and links to relevant websites that have been reviewed by your
tutors. Throughout the year your tutors may also add additional Moodle ‘activities’ such as self-test
material, assignments, surveys and discussion forums.
Within ‘General resources and links for students’, you will find links to courses designed to help you
start using Moodle.
Moodle replaces the Student Web Server, a 2004-5 archive version of which is still available on- or
off-campus at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/faculties/vet/teaching/sws/
You will need to username 'vetstudent' and the password 'jamesherriot' to access this.For any
problems with Moodle please email Vicki Dale (v.dale@vet.gla.ac.uk).A 'cut down' version of the
SWS, with presentations in PDF format, course information, timetables, and links to relevant
18
Course Information
websites, can be found at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/faculties/vet/students/SWS/ accessible from offcampus using the username 'vetstudent' and the password 'jamesherriot'.
PAST EXAMINATION PAPERS
Past Class Examination papers for the last five years and examples of MCQ questionss are
available
Moodle,
Virtual
Learning
Environment.
19
11. PRACTICAL COMPETENCES REQUIRED OF THE VETERINARY SURGEON
INTRODUCTION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
An important statutory function of RCVS is to determine the “standard of proficiency” and “knowledge and
skill” to fit veterinary surgeons for practising in the United Kingdom. The standard set for registration is a
key benchmark that affects the approval of veterinary degree courses in the UK and overseas, and should
also be seen as the starting point for consideration of an individual’s continuing education and training
needs after registration. Maintaining and further developing professional competence is a requirement for
all veterinary surgeons.
This document sets out the essential competences required of the veterinary surgeon for membership of the
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
There are many definitions of ‘competence’ and many views on how it can be developed and assessed. In
general terms, however, competence is a concept that integrates knowledge, skills and attitudes, the
application of which enables the professional to perform effectively, and to respond to contingencies,
change, and the unexpected.
This document takes a broad definition of competence as being “the ability to perform the roles and tasks
required by one’s job to the expected standard” (Eraut & Boulay, 20001). The definition recognises that
requirements and expectations change depending on the job role and context. It also recognises that
competence develops, and that an individual may work ‘competently’ at many different levels, either at
different stages of their career, or indeed from one day to the next depending on the nature of their work.
Eraut and Boulay (2000) point out the importance of distinguishing between an individual’s competence –
what one can do, and performance – what one actually does. RCVS is concerned with competence when it
undertakes its primary function of determining “the standard of proficiency required for registration” and
ensuring that individuals “will have acquired the knowledge and skill needed for the efficient practice of
veterinary surgery” (Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, section 3). Performance may be affected by factors
such as workload, working conditions, levels of support, and so on. The regulation of performance is a
function of RCVS through its statutory disciplinary powers.
The essential competences have been broken down into three main areas. They are:
-
A
-
B
-
C
General professional competences and attributes
describing the distinguishing characteristics of a veterinary surgeon
Underpinning knowledge and understanding
describing in general terms the breadth of knowledge and understanding
needed for a career as a veterinary surgeon, and for subsequent professional
development in whatever sphere of veterinary science the individual wishes to
pursue
Practically-based veterinary competences
describing the basic practical competences that are expected at the point of
graduation.
1 “Developing the Attributes of Medical Professional Judgement and Competence”, a review funded by the Postregistration
Medical and Dental Education Research Initiative of the Dept. of Health’s Policy Research Programme, by Professor
Michael Eraut and Benedict du Boulay, University of Sussex.
The full paper is available on the web at
http:/www.cogs.susx.ac.uk/users/bend/doh
20
Course Information
The ten guiding principles of the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct should be seen
as overarching requirements for registration (and by implication, continued
registration) with the College. The Guide states that:
Your clients are entitled to expect that you will: 1. make animal welfare your first consideration in seeking to provide the most appropriate
attention for animals committed to your care
2. ensure that all animals under your care are treated humanely and with respect
3. maintain and continue to develop your professional knowledge and skills
4. foster and maintain a good relationship with your clients, earning their trust, respecting their
views and protecting client confidentiality
5. uphold the good reputation of the veterinary profession
6. ensure the integrity of veterinary certification
7. foster and endeavour to maintain good relationships with your professional colleagues
8. understand and comply with your legal obligations in relation to the prescription, safe-keeping
and supply of veterinary medicinal products
9. familiarise yourself with and observe the relevant legislation in relation to veterinary surgeons
as individual members of the profession, employers, employees and business owners
10. respond promptly, fully and courteously to complaints and criticism.
12. ESSENTIAL COMPETENCES REQUIRED OF THE NEW VETERINARY
GRADUATE
“DAY ONE SKILLS”
A1 - GENERAL PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
The new veterinary graduate should be able to:
A1.1
Communicate effectively with clients, the lay public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities;
listen effectively and respond sympathetically to clients and others, using language in a form appropriate
to the audience and the context
A1.2
Prepare clear case reports and maintain patient records in a form satisfactory to colleagues and
understandable by the public
A1.3
Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of services to clients
A1.4
Be aware of the ethical responsibilities of the veterinary surgeon in relation to individual patient care
and client relations, and also more generally in the community in relation to their possible impact on the
environment and society as a whole
A1.5
Be aware of the economic and emotional climate in which the veterinary surgeon operates, and respond
appropriately to the influence of such pressures
A1.6
Be willing to use one’s professional capabilities to contribute as far as possible to the advancement of
veterinary knowledge in order to benefit veterinary practice and further improve the quality of animal
care and public health
A1.7
Have an elementary knowledge of the organisation and management of a veterinary practice, including:
 awareness of own and employer’s responsibilities in relation to employment and health and safety
legislation, and the position relating to lay staff and public liability
 awareness of how fees are calculated and invoices drawn up, and the importance of following the
practice’s systems for record keeping and book-keeping, including computer records and case reports
 ability to use information technology effectively to communicate, share, collect, manipulate and
analyse information
 importance of complying with professional standards and policies of the practice
A1.8
Understand the need and professional obligation for a commitment to continuing education and training,
and professional development, throughout one’s professional life
A1.9
Conduct oneself in a professional manner with regard to the veterinary surgeon’s professional and legal
responsibilities and understand and apply the ethical codes as set out in the RCVS Guide to Professional
Conduct
A1.10 Be able to cope with uncertainty and adapt to change
A1.11 Develop a capacity for self-audit and willingness to participate in the peer-review process
21
A1.12
Be aware of personal limitations, and demonstrate awareness of when and from where to seek
professional advice, assistance and support.
(Commentary: This last item is considered to be one of the most important, and should guide all new veterinary
graduates when undertaking their professional duties. Veterinary surgeons undertaking procedures on
patients must at all stages in their careers be fully competent in their performance, or be under the
close supervision of those so competent. When in doubt, the new veterinary graduate must seek
professional support and in the interests of animal and human health, should not attempt to undertake
complex procedures unsupervised.)
B1 - UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The new veterinary graduate will need to have acquired a thorough knowledge and
understanding of the following:
B1.1
The sciences on which the activities of veterinary surgeons are based
B1.2
Research methods and the contribution of basic and applied research to all aspects of veterinary science
B1.3
How to evaluate evidence
B1.4
The structure and functions of healthy animals, and all aspects of their husbandry
B1.5
The aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of the common diseases and
disorders that occur in the common domestic species in the UK
B1.6
Legislation relating to the welfare (including transport) of animals and notifiable diseases
B1.7
Medicines legislation and guidelines on responsible use of medicines
B1.8
The principles of disease prevention and the promotion of health and welfare
B1.9
Veterinary public health issues including zoonoses.
C1 - PRACTICAL COMPETENCES
The new veterinary graduate should be able to undertake the following:
C1.1
Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group, and its/their
environment
C1.2
Handle and restrain an animal safely and humanely, and instruct others in performing these techniques
C1.3
Perform a complete clinical examination
C1.4
Attend all species in an emergency and perform basic first aid
(Commentary: problems to be handled for any species include first aid management of haemorrhage, wounds,
breathing difficulties, eye & ear injuries, unconsciousness, clinical deterioration, burns, tissue damage,
internal organ damage and cardiac arrest. First aid to be applied includes bandaging, cleaning,
immobilising limbs, resuscitation procedures, haemorrhage control.)
C1.5
Assess correctly the nutritional status of an animal and be able to advise the client on principles of
husbandry and feeding
(Commentary: this applies to commonly presented cases and would not, for example, be expected to include
advanced nutritional advice for complex cases, eg. high performance horses, high yielding diary cows,
certain exotic or zoological species.)
C1.6
Collect, preserve and transport samples, perform standard laboratory tests, and interpret the results of
those generated in-house, as well as those generated by other laboratories
(Commentary: new graduates are expected to have a working knowledge of tests to be undertaken include
conditions relating to infectious & contagious diseases; alimentary system; respiratory system;
circulatory system; urinary system; nervous system; endocrine system; mucucutaneous system;
musculoskeletal system; trauma; poisoning; obstetrics; paediatrics; parturition; reproduction)
C1.7
Use radiographic, ultrasonic, and other technical equipment which can be used as a diagnostic aid, safely
and in accordance with current regulations
C1.8
Follow correct procedures after diagnosing notifiable, reportable and zoonotic diseases
C1.9
Know and apply the RCVS twelve Principles of Certification correctly
C1.10 Access the appropriate sources of data on licensed medicines; prescribe and dispense medicines
correctly and responsibly in accordance with relevant legislation and ensure that medicines and waste
are safely stored and/or disposed of
C1.11 Correctly apply principles of sterilisation of surgical equipment
C1.12 Correctly apply principles of aseptic surgery
C1.13 Safely perform sedation, general and regional anaesthesia, implement chemical
methods of restraint, and assess and control pain
C1.14 Advise on, and administer appropriate treatment
22
Course Information
(Commentary: the new veterinary surgeon must always seek professional advice and support if presented with a case
beyond his or her immediate capability – see item A.12)
C1.15
C1.16
C1.17
C1.18
C1.19
C1.20
Recognise when euthanasia is necessary and perform it humanely, using an appropriate method, whilst
showing sensitivity to the feelings of owners and others, and with due regard to the safety of those
present; advise on disposal of the carcase
Perform a basic gross post mortem examination, record details, sample tissues, store and transport them
Perform ante mortem inspection of animals destined for the food chain and correctly identify conditions
affecting the quality and safety of products of animal origin
Assess and implement basic health and welfare records (and production records where appropriate)
Advise on, and carry out preventive and prophylactic programmes appropriate to the species and
commensurate with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards, seeking advice and
assistance where necessary from professional colleagues
Minimise the risks of contamination, cross infection and accumulation of pathogens in the veterinary
premises and in the field.
23