BSc Animal Science

UCAS Code: D320 / D300
Course length: 3 years full time (D320) or 4 years including an industrial placement (D300)

Animal Science is the study of the biology of animals that are under the control of man-kind, making this an essential degree subject for students wishing to pursue careers in a range of subjects from agriculture and the nutritional sciences through to veterinary science.

The degree is concerned with the scientific understanding of how animals work; from the physiology and biochemistry of tissues and major organ systems down to structure and function of biomolecules and cells. We give particular emphasis to the study of growth, reproduction, nutrition and lactation of farm and companion animals and how these processes may be optimized to improve animal productivity, health and welfare.

Course overview

We have an Animal Science brochure (PDF - 701KB) available for you to download, which provides further details of the course structure and modules.

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. It also allows you to put your knowledge into practice in a research project. Topics chosen by previous students include:

• stress in high-yielding cows
• using GPS to establish grazing patterns in sheep in relation to parasites
• effect of companion animals on modifying blood pressure in humans
• behavioural stereotypes in horses.