BBC-BBB with B in Biology or Human Biology. Candidates taking a science A level with an associated practical skills assessment will also be required to pass the practical component.
Kick start and enhance your career prospects
with our new Animal Science with integrated year in industry. This course is
engineered to give you the head start in an increasingly competitive job
market, and upon successful completion of this degree, you will have developed
the skills and awareness all of which employers are seeking.
At Aberystwyth, Animal science is the science of the animals
that are used by man. In Aberystwyth, this means farm animals, horses and
companion animals. Animal scientists study the nutrition, breeding, fertility,
health, behaviour, physiology and anatomy of a wide range of domesticated
animals. Our students develop the skills required for successful careers using
these animals on a daily basis.
Student Satisfaction and Employability Results
2nd in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the subject area of Animal Science (NSS 2018).
Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS): 92% student satisfaction (NSS 2018)
98% of our graduates were in work or
further study within 6 months, 3% more than Biological Science graduates
nationally, (HESA 2018*)
Overview
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.
Modules
Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.
* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh
Employability
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.
Teaching & Learning
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.
