FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

VETERINARY BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES – BVMS I

CURRICULUM FOR THE DEGREE OF BVMS

COURSE INFORMATION2005 –2006

COURSE LEADER: L. NASIR & C. BRITTON QUALITY ASSURANCE OFFICER: V. DALE EXAMINATION OFFICER: C. BRITTON

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Course Information

INFORMATION FOR THE FIRST YEAR COURSE INVETERINARY BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES

ACADEMIC YEAR 2005/2006

PLEASE NOTEItems 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 12. Aims of the Course 13. Learning Objectives of the Course 14. Components of the Course (4.1 - 4.13) 1-85. Course Content 86. Course Texts and Required Reading 8

7. Teaching Hours and Teaching Methods7.1 Teaching Hours 97.2 Lecture Course 97.3 Lab and Computer Classes 107.4 Tutorials 107.5 Self Directed Learning Assignment 10

8. Methods of Assessment 8.1 Methods of Assessment of Student Learning and the Course 11-128.2 Examinations and Course Work 13-148.3 Role of External examiner and oral exmainations 148.4 Marks to Grade Correlation for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine 158.5 The External Examiner 168.5 Prizes 16

9. Policy on exemptions and course certification 16

10. Other Important Information 1710.1 Protective Clothing, Health and Safety 1710.2 Staff-student liaison, Student Notices, Illnes, Help & Advice 1710.3 Staff 1810.4 Moodle 18

11. Practical Competencies required of the Veterinary Surgeon 19-2012. Essential Competences Required of the New Veterinary Graduate 20-22

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INFORMATION FOR THE FIRST YEAR COURSE INVETERINARY 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 COURSEThe 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 COURSEThe 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: 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

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Course Information

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: 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.

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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: 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

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Course Information

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 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

4.8 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

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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

4.9 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 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 carnivores7

Course Information

4.11 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

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

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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, ISBN:0723433410, £34.99 ORBiochemistry: Molecules, Cells and the Body; 1996 Dow, Lindsay & MorrisonAddison-Wesley, Wokingham ISBN 0-201-63187-3, £25.95

Other relevant reading Essential Cell Biology Alberts et al 1998 Garland, New York ISBN 0-815-32971-7Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals, Kaneko, Harvey & Bruss, 5th ed 1998Academic Press, New York, ISBN 0-12-396305-2Instant Notes in Biochemistry, Hames and Hooper, BIOS ISBN 1-85996-142-8Instant Notes in Molecular Biology. Turner et al , BIOS ISBN 1-85996-152-5Veterinary Genetics F. W. Nicholas 1987, Oxford University Press, Oxford 0-19857-569-6Biochemistry, 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=BooksPre-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

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Course Information

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 TERM II TERM III TOTALSHrs per student

Staff hrs

Hrs per student

Staff hrs

Hrs per student

Staff hrs

Hrs per student

Staff hrs

Lectures 33 (33) 19 (19) 8 (8) 60 (60)

Practicals Classes

3 (40) 3 (40) 0 (0) 6 (80)

Computersessions

3 (12) 3 (12) 1 (6) 7 (30)

Tutorials 2 (16) 2 (16) 1 (8) 5 (40)Self Directed Learning assignment

1 (1) 25 (64) 0 (0) 33 (10)

Totals 42 (102) 52 (151) 10 (22) 111 (220)

7.2 Lecture CourseLectures 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.

7.3 Laboratory & Computer ClassesThe 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 Boyd-Orr 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.

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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 13 th 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. METHODS OF ASSESSMENT.8.1 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:

Term 1 Examination worth 5%Term 2 Examination worth 5%; SDLA worth 5%June Examination 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 This section sets out the rules covering the treatment of students prevented by good cause from completing an assessment or performing adequately therein.

(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

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Course Information

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) 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.

(v) 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.

(vi) 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.

17.2 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 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

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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) AssessmentThis 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) AssessmentThis assessment consists of a SDLA essay (due 13th th 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 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 examFirst Professional Examination (Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery)

Components of the examThe 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.

TimingThe 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

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Course Information

The First Professional examination will be held in examination halls at Gilmorehill, (exact details to be announced).

Anonymity of marking and reportingExamination 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 marksThe 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 oralsIn 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.

DistinctionsStudents attaining the equivalent of ‘A grades’ in all 4 subject areas will be awarded a Distinction.

ResitsAny 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.

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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.

(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 70-100 123

80-10075-7970-74

201918

Honours

B 65-69 123

6967-6865-66

171615

Commendation

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Course Information

C 55-64 123

63-6460-6255-59

141312

Pass

D 50-54 123

5452-5350-51

11109

E 45-49 123

4947-4845-46

876

Fail

F 40-45 123

4442-4340-41

543

G 30-39 12

35-3930-34

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N 0-30

CR

8.5 The External ExaminerThe 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 9HSProf. D. Hogg, 32 Strathclyde Court, Helensburgh G84 9PWDr. 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

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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 LiaisonAll 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 LeadersOther members of staff on the course (up to two)The Student Year RepresentativeThe Year Club ChairpersonOther 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 noticesThese are displayed on the 1st year BVMS notice board at Garscube.

IllnessIf 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.

Help and adviceAny 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 Sciencesl.nasir@vet.gla.ac.uk

Dr Collette Britton (Co-Course Leader) Infection & Immunityc.britton@vet.gla.ac.uk

Prof. David Eckersall Animal Production and Public Healthp.d.eckersall@vet.gla.ac.uk

Prof. Mike Stear Animal Production and Public Healthm.j.stear@vet.gla.ac.uk

Dr Iain Morgan Pathological SciencesImm2x@udcf.gla.ac.uk

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Course Information

Dr Paul Everest Infection & ImmunityPhe3d@vet.gla.ac.uk

Dr Kin-Chow Chang Animal Production & Public Healthkcc1g@udcf.gla.ac.uk

Dr. Giles Innocent Animal Production & Public Healthg.innocent@vet.gla.ac.uk

Ms. Vicki Dale (Quality Assurance Officer) Operations Unitv.dale@vet.gla.ac.uk

10.4 10.4 MoodleMoodle 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 websites, can be found at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/faculties/vet/students/SWS/ accessible from off-campus 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.

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11. PRACTICAL COMPETENCES REQUIRED OF THE VETERINARY SURGEON

INTRODUCTION1. 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.

2. This document sets out the essential competences required of the veterinary surgeon for membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. The essential competences have been broken down into three main areas. They are:

- A General professional competences and attributesdescribing the distinguishing characteristics of a veterinary surgeon

- B Underpinning knowledge and understandingdescribing 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

- C Practically-based veterinary competencesdescribing 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

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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 care2. ensure that all animals under your care are treated humanely and with respect3. maintain and continue to develop your professional knowledge and skills4. foster and maintain a good relationship with your clients, earning their trust, respecting their

views and protecting client confidentiality5. uphold the good reputation of the veterinary profession6. ensure the integrity of veterinary certification7. foster and endeavour to maintain good relationships with your professional colleagues8. understand and comply with your legal obligations in relation to the prescription, safe-

keeping and supply of veterinary medicinal products9. 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 ATTRIBUTESThe 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 clientsA1.4 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 practiceA1.8 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

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A1.10 Be able to cope with uncertainty and adapt to changeA1.11 Develop a capacity for self-audit and willingness to participate in the peer-review processA1.12 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 UNDERSTANDINGThe 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

scienceB1.3 How to evaluate evidenceB1.4 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 UKB1.6 Legislation relating to the welfare (including transport) of animals and notifiable diseasesB1.7 Medicines legislation and guidelines on responsible use of medicinesB1.8 The principles of disease prevention and the promotion of health and welfareB1.9 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 examinationC1.4 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 diseasesC1.9 Know and apply the RCVS twelve Principles of Certification correctlyC1.10 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 equipmentC1.12 Correctly apply principles of aseptic surgery

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Course Information

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 (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 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

C1.16 Perform a basic gross post mortem examination, record details, sample tissues, store and transport them

C1.17 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

C1.18 Assess and implement basic health and welfare records (and production records where appropriate)C1.19 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

C1.20 Minimise the risks of contamination, cross infection and accumulation of pathogens in the veterinary premises and in the field.

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