Equine science undergraduates at University Centre Reaseheath in Cheshire have praised a specialist vet for helping them keep on track with their final year degree studies.
Mr Campbell Thompson BVM&S MRCVS, a partner at Nantwich Equine Vets LLP, is continuing to deliver lectures online now the university centre has switched to distance learning due to coronavirus restrictions.
Within hours of the changeover Campbell, who specialises in sport horse performance, delivered an online lecture on diagnostic imaging techniques to replace a study trip to the practice’s high tech veterinary centre.
The BSc (Hons) Equine Science students were able to log into the session from home, view x-ray images and share virtual chat with their tutor and peers. Over 90% of the cohort accessed the session and it was recorded for those who were unable to attend. Feedback after the session was excellent.
Reaseheath College and its University Centre has a well established relationship with Nantwich Equine Vets and some students complete work placements there. Normally Campbell delivers sessions for an equine injury and rehabilitation module at his practice to student groups but agreed to move to recorded delivery so they did not miss out.
The on-line lectures are continuing with a session on traditional and innovative treatments for lameness, including stem cells, platelet rich plasma and shockwave therapy.
Campbell, who was British Equestrian team vet for over four years including the 2000 Sydney Olympics, said: “The team here were pleased to help continue the students’ education without putting them or us at any risk of spreading COVID-19. We were impressed that nearly all the group accessed the session and I enjoyed the challenge of describing the radiographs, although I missed the students’ physical presence.”
Undergraduate Em Bennett said:
“The on-line session was very successful considering how quickly it was organised. It has been very interesting having Campbell’s input integrated into our learning, especially as he is a practising clinician and able to discuss current and ongoing advances in treatment.”
Advanced Practitioner Kate Douglas-Dala commented:
“I’d like to thank Campbell and his team for helping us to continue to deliver our programmes at such a critical time in our students’ education. I really value the long-standing partnership that we have in the delivery of this module and it is a real enhancement of the BSc (Hons) Equine Science programme.”
University Centre Reaseheath offers degrees in Equine Science, Sports Performance, Training and Rehabilitation, Behaviour and Welfare and Equine BioVeterinary Science. The university centre prides itself on producing graduates who have a good balance of academic and practical skills and who have hands-on experience of the industry they want to join. For this reason an exceptionally high percentage of graduates gain relevant and rewarding jobs in their speciality.
We also offer good value livery packages if you’d like to bring your horse with you!
Check out www.ucreaseheath.ac.uk/equine for course information, graduate profiles and to book onto our next virtual HE Open Day!
Meet some of our graduates
Lilly Harris
BSc (Hons) Equine Science 2019 First Class
Dean’s Award for Outstanding Achievement and Personal Progression
Despite suffering a serious accident which resulted in hospitalisation and a significant period of absence, Lilly completed her final year thesis on equestrian motivational sports psychology to first class standard.
Setting out to identify behaviours which led to a successful relationship between coach and rider – an area which has received little attention in equestrian scientific literature – Lilly recruited 340 participants for data collection. Her in-depth research revealed that both sides felt behaviours such as verbal praise and body language were most effective.
Lilly has progressed onto an MSc in Equine Behaviour, Performance and Training at another institution and plans to expand her undergraduate research further.
She is also studying for an academic teaching qualification (Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training) alongside her Master’s degree and is considering a future career either as an equine behaviourist or a Higher Education lecturer.
Lilly says:
“The best thing about being a Reaseheath undergraduate is that you’re encouraged to think independently, be more creative, branch out and make your own choices. Plus you get really good guidance throughout.”
Watch Lilly’s video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxcfVOgIml8
Sophie Booth
BSc (Hons) Equine Science 2019 First Class
Sophie chose this particular degree because it was science based and also allowed her to follow her passion for horses.
For her final dissertation she researched the use of essential oils as an alternative treatment for equine skin problems. She presented this research at the Alltech Equine Science conference and was also a finalist in the Equine Thesis of the Year – both amazing experiences.
During her studies she completed a placement with the Animal Health Trust, where she gained industry experience and valuable contacts which have been useful post-graduation.
She’d like a career in microbiology research and found her skills transferred easily into human medicine. She’s currently a laboratory research technician in the Medicines Evaluation Unit at the University Hospital of South Manchester but would like to return to the equine industry after gaining more experience.
Sophie says:
“The best thing about University Centre Reaseheath is the quality of the course and variety of modules. The staff are really supportive with lots of time for you as an individual, so you get a really great student experience.”
Watch Sophie’s video at ucreaseheath.ac.uk/success
