BSc Honours Animal Science

The Animal Science degree scheme offers vocationally relevant training in the animal sciences, drawing on Aberystwyth's acknowledged reputation as a centre of excellence in animal science research.

Key features

• 3 - year full-time course
• Combination of science, production and management methods
• Development of technical and transferable skills
• Visits and study tours
• Realistic and varied assessment
• Enthusiastic and supportive staff
• Located in one of the UK's leading localities for agricultural research and development

Content and Structure

The scheme provides the flexibility to enable you to specialize in an area that meets your particular interests and career intentions. Following a common first year, you then have the choice of one of four pathways. In addition to core subjects, during the second and third years you will study either Companion Animal Science, Animal Production Science, Animal Biology or Equine Science. Whichever pathway you select, you will have access to an outstanding range of expertise and resources provided by the Institute's world class laboratories, farms, equine units, animal houses and staff. The Institute is the largest and best resourced land based University department in the UK.

Year 1 - Your first year provides a foundation in animal production systems, animal anatomy, zoology, exercise physiology, biochemistry, cell structure and metabolism, genetics and information management.

Years 2 and 3 - Core modules in the second and third years deepen your knowledge of animal nutrition, animal health and welfare, immunology, reproductive physiology, parasitology, biotechnology, animal breeding, animal bioethics, animal behaviour and research techniques and statistical methods. You will also have the opportunity to study some of the new, emerging technologies in animal science such as genomics, proteomics and metabolomics.

In addition to taking the core modules listed above, the selection of one of the four pathways provides an opportunity to pursue specialist interests:

Animal Production Science includes modules in dairy and meat production, nutrition, animal health, the health and management of organic livestock and grassland management;

Equine Science covers areas such as equine performance physiology, equine nutrition and reproduction;

Animal Biology includes the study of more fundamental aspects such as molecular biology, protein and enzyme chemistry, animal behaviour, molecular pharmacology, cell signalling and recognition.

Companion Animal Science includes the study of the health, welfare, anatomy, physiology and nutrition of animals such as dogs, cats, rodents, birds and some of the more exotic species.

A further opportunity to pursue specialist interests is provided by the final year honours dissertation that is based on an individual research project.

Teaching and Learning

In addition to lectures and seminars, a variety of student centred activities, such as laboratory practicals and demonstrations, projects and assignments, and visits to research centres, help you to integrate science and practice. Assessment is based on a combination of coursework and written examinations.