Animal Science (with integrated year in industry)

• The syllabus of this course with the integrated year in industry is identical to its sister course BSc Animal Science (D306). Your work experience must be relevant to this degree and the year is assessed which will count towards your degree grade.

• Students will have to organise their work experience under the guidance of our Director for Employability. There is no guarantee that the work experience will be paid (If you cannot obtain a placement, then you must transfer to its sister course BSc Animal Science D306).

• During your year in work experience, you will pay a discounted tuition fee of which the information can be found here.

• Our extensive range of facilities include: a modern equine facility providing livery, competition and educational resources.

• Flexible course structure allowing you to focus on one of these areas in the second and third year: Companion Animal and Equine Science or Farm Animal Science.

• Over 1000Ha of farmland, including lowland and upland sheep farms, a 500 cow dairy herd, intensive and extensive beef production systems, an equine centre and a flock of layer poultry.

• A university woodland with over a hundred purpose built nest boxes and homes for nature.

• Students can take in and enjoy the beautiful habitats on our doorstep, including marine, moorland, mountain, grassland and coast, providing you with a fabulous variety of fieldwork and recreational opportunities. 

• Charismatic species such as red kites, bottlenose dolphins, and more… 

• IBERS is home to a  wonderful museum full of historic zoological specimens. 

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry.  The Institute has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

What career prospects exist for me?

The degree will allow you to explore a career in:

• Assessing the welfare of domestic animals

• Use of genetics to maximise the efficiency of breeding programmes for domestic animals

• Animal nutrition

• Teaching, including in further or higher education

• Research across the spectrum of Animal Science

• Scientific publishing

• Laboratory work in both the private and public sector

What do I gain from studying Animal Science?

In addition to the degree-specific courses, our degree at Aberystwyth University teaches you a broad range of transferable skills such as observation, research, analysis and reflection.

You will also be studying in a department that has invested over £55 million in the infrastructure of student facilities.

The department has close links with many learned societies such as the British Society for Animal Science, and international research institutions, which provide a great way of networking with those in your field.

Your year in industry:

Make no mistake, you will develop confidence and gaining experience in the industry will stimulate your enthusiasm for the subject.

 Completing a year in industry will allow you to:

• Apply the learning from your course to the work environment;
• Make industry contacts;
• Develop practical skills related to your area of study;
• Apply your practical skills and technical knowledge after returning to study;
• Enhance your CV and better prepare yourself for a job after graduating.

Students on this scheme should note that the department institute does not have automatic placements for every applicant. You will be responsible for finding securing the work experience, however, you will have the assistance of our institute Work Experience Coordinator and our dedicated careers advisor (James Cuffe, jpc11@aber.ac.uk). If you fail to find work experience you will be able to convert your course to the three-year version of your subject.

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four-year degree scheme.

What will I learn?

In the first year you will explore:

• Anatomy and physiology of domesticated animals

• Major farm animal production systems (beef, sheep, dairy, pig, broiler and egg)

• Cell structure

• Biomolecules

• Genetics

• Metabolism

• And have training in communication and research skills

In your second year you will study:

• Mammalian reproductive anatomy and physiology relevant to livestock, equids and companion animals

• Animal welfare

• The immune system

• You will be given an option to follow an equine, livestock or behavioural pathway, with modules specific to these pathways

• Material necessary for your final year dissertation

• An opportunity to undertake a period of work experience

In your third year you will undertake your work experience in an industry that is relative to this degree BSc Animal Science.

In your final year you will investigate:

• Animal biotechnology

• Animal breeding

• Parasitology

• Infectious diseases

• You will continue to follow your chosen pathway, with its specific modules

• And undertake a compulsory dissertation

How will I be taught?

Your course will be delivered through lectures, workshops, tutorials and practicals.

You will receive training in concepts, research and methodology relating to science of animal. This will be undertaken by laboratory research and experimentation, as well as hands-on exercises.

You will be assessed through:

• Essays

• Practical exercise

• Oral presentations

• Worksheets

• Reports

• Statistical exercises

• Dossiers

• Posters

• Portfolios

• Wikis

• Reflective diaries

• Literature reviews

• Magazine articles

• Filed notebooks

• Exams