Undergraduate courses

Information on Undergraduate courses at Easter Bush Pathology.

Veterinary Pathology Course

The Easter Bush pathologists are responsible for the delivery of the stand-alone Veterinary Pathology course in the 3rd year of the five year BVM&S programme, which runs concurrently with the 2nd year of the four year BVM&S Graduate Entry Programme. This course takes place in Semester One, with the degree exam taking place just before Christmas each year. The course covers introductory pathology and systems based pathology. It consists of almost 50 didactic lectures and 5 weeks of practical classes (including gross and microscopic pathology), complemented with directed learning tutorials and an in-course assessment.

Final Year Pathology rotation

Final Year students spend one week of their rotations with Easter Bush Pathology. Introductory sessions are followed by a daily programme of practical necropsy prosection and tutorials, including in clinical pathology (haematology, cytology and biochemistry). Necropsy work generally takes place in the mornings with extension into the afternoon as necessitated by workload. Students gain experience in report-writing and necropsy case presentation, and there is usually some time for private study, as directed by the duty pathologist.

Final Year Microbiology rotation

The final year students have two tutorials on veterinary microbiology and antimicrobial stewardship led by staff working in these areas. Discussions cover sample submission to microbiology, workflow in the microbiology laboratory to perform culture, identification and antimicrobial sensitivity testing. Emphasis is given to how to interpret microbiology laboratory reports, understand the factors influencing antimicrobial selection and to choose appropriate antimicrobials for prescribing. This is done in the context of the problem of antimicrobial resistance and the need to promote strong antibiotic stewardship.