BSc Animal Science

Animal science at Reading is an excellent preparation for careers in animal nutrition and health or for further training in veterinary science. Covering the fundamental and applied biology relating to Man's use of animals for production, leisure and companionship, we provide you with the sound scientific basis required of a vibrant, diverse industry. The BSc Animal Science is the preferred degree for a practical approach which considers the whole animal. It differs from Zoology which looks more at animal behaviour, ecology and conservation.

Description:
In Year 1 you will cover the basic scientific disciplines in animal science and other branches of biology. Year 2 includes a range of modules in animal, microbial and agricultural science which explain control and integration of life processes at all tiers of organisation from biomolecules to ecosystems. In the final year you choose from a diverse range of advanced courses, some of which address biological problems (and solutions) in animal production. The course also allows you to apply knowledge to a research project chosen from topics such as: maternal recognition of pregnancy, effect of companion animals on modifying blood pressure in humans, and behavioural stereotypes in horses.

Intercalated year
A one-year BSc Honours Animal Science programme is available for suitably qualified students reading for degrees in Veterinary Medicine who wish to take an intercalated degree. The programme is spread over the autumn, spring and summer terms and includes a variety of taught modules and a research project. Please contact the admissions tutor for further details.

Course Structure:
In Years 1 and 2, as well as taking the modules most obviously related to animal science, you can broaden your course by choosing other modules in biology, psychology, agriculture or a foreign language.
The Animal Science degree course includes many modules which are common to other degrees in biology (Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Zoology) and agriculture (Agriculture).

For detailed course structures, please ask for a subject/departmental brochure from sapdstudentoffice@reading.ac.uk

Year 1

Compulsory Modules
Animal Science in Practice 1
Human Physiology
The Living Cell
Genes and chromosomes
Mammals: Diversity, Behaviour and Conservation
Digestion & Nutrition
Fundamental Concepts in Chemistry (if you have no post-16 qualification in chemistry)
Career Management Skills
Optional Modules
From subject areas including:
Ecology
The UK Food Chain
Introductory Microbiology
Foreign Language

Year 2

Compulsory Modules
Small Animal Management
Animal Health & Disease
Animal Growth, Location and Reproduction
Molecular Biology of Gene Expression
Recombinant DNA Exercise
Animal Behaviour
Animal Science in Practice 2
Statistics for Life Sciences
Applied Animal Nutrition
Optional Modules
From subject areas including:
Endocrinology
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Organice Farming
Vertebrate Zoology
Animal Growth, Lactation and Reproduction
Foreign Language

Final Year

Compulsory Modules
Research Project (on a topic relating to animal science)
Optional Modules
From subject areas including:
Conservation Biology
Animal Welfare
Horses
Dogs and Cats
Practical Animal Nutrition
Equine Management
Captive Animal Management
Behavioural Ecology & Life History Theory
Cardiovascular Disease
Mammalian Reproduction
Wildlife in the Farming Environment
Practical Wildlife Reserve Management also available as Part 2 Module
Foreign Language

For more subject information please go to:
www.rdg.ac.uk/Study/Departments/ug-AnimalScience