Veterinary Biosciences

Queen's University Belfast

Overview: The Veterinary Biosciences programme offers dynamic, research-led education at the intersection of animal health, welfare, disease and biomedical science. This degree is designed for students passionate about understanding the biological and physiological processes that underpin animal health and veterinary medicine and how this knowledge can be applied to improve animal health and welfare, public health, and biomedical research.Through a combination of lectures, laboratory work, field studies, and research projects students will explore key areas such as animal physiology, immunology, infectious diseases, genetics, pharmacology, and comparative pathology. The curriculum integrates both theoretical foundations and practical skills, enabling students to investigate the mechanisms of disease, the science of diagnostics, and the principles behind disease prevention and treatment in animals.Students will learn from experts in veterinary medicine, molecular biology, animal welfare, parasitology and biotechnology, gaining hands-on experience with modern research techniques, diagnostic tools, and ethical frameworks that guide veterinary and biomedical science. There is also a strong emphasis on the One Health approach, recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and the conservation challenges met in the modern world. The societal impact of animals will also be examined.In later years, students may specialise through optional modules and independent research projects, choosing areas such as wildlife disease ecology, conservation, veterinary public health, translational medicine, or animal behaviour and welfare. This programme offers opportunities for placements in veterinary labs, research institutes, animal rehoming and rehabilitation centres or the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.Skills obtainedThe programme is designed to equip the student with a diverse set of relevant, core transferrable skills which include:A knowledge of animal handling, animal welfare, detection/prevention and treatment of disease, principles of veterinary anaesthesia, analgesia and behaviour modifying drugs, oncogenesis, sampling methodologies and interpretation of presented behaviours.Ability to consider animal health and welfare within the broader One Health context that encompasses human and environmental/ecological health.Effective communication, collaboration and reflective learning will equip students for management roles and meaningful interactions with professionals and members of the public alike. Students will also acquire scientific research skills including laboratory-based practical skills, statistics and data handling. In addition, students will have the opportunity to conduct an independent research project in the final year of the programme.