BSc

Animal Science (with integrated year in industry)

Animal Science (with integrated year in industry) Code D307 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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Key Facts

D307

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 104

  • Course duration

    4 years

Further details on entry requirements

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On the Animal Science degree at Aberystwyth University, you will study the applied science relating to domesticated animals, including farm animals, horses and companion animals. As the home of the only Veterinary School in Wales (Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science), we have excellent facilities to support your studies, including commercially run university farms, an equine teaching centre, and a range of teaching and research laboratories. 

Course Overview

During your studies you will acquire an understanding of the key biology relating to domesticated animal health, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, disease diagnosis and behaviour. You will also be able to develop a special interest in either livestock science, equine science or behavioural science, by selecting one of the degree’s three pathways. 

Your academic understanding will be firmly grounded within the practical and applied context of animal science and further enhanced by guest lecturers from different areas of the animal science industry. Our teaching staff are active researchers in areas such as veterinary infectious diseases, nutrition, reproduction, behaviour and more. 

The taught component of the Animal Science with integrated year in industry degree (D307) is identical to its three-year sister course BSc Animal Science (D306). The year in industry is taken in your third year in the UK or overseas, is supervised and assessed, and will count towards your degree grade. During your year in industry, you will pay a discounted tuition fee. 

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

Modules September start - 2023

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.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Animal Breeding: Genetics and Reproduction BR25220 20
Immunology BR22220 20
Veterinary Health BR27120 20
Applied Nutrition of Livestock, Horses and Companion Animals BR20720 20
Research Methods BR27520 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Equine and Human Exercise Physiology BR21520 20
Animal Behaviour BR21620 20
Livestock Production Systems BR20420 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Integrated Year in Industry BRS0060 60

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Research Project BR36440 40
Veterinary Infectious Diseases BR34120 20
Veterinary Pharmacology and Disease Control BR36820 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Equine Nutrition and Pasture Management BR35720 20
Equine Stud Management BR32520 20
Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals BR35120 20
Behavioural Neurobiology BR35320 20
Advances in Agriculture BR34820 20
Livestock Production Science BR30820 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Graduates of this degree will be well prepared for professional roles applying scientific insights to practical problems in animal science, within private and public organisations, advisory and consultancy services, welfare law enforcement, as well as animal feed, animal breeding and pharmaceutical industries. 

Completing a year in industry will allow you to:   

  • apply the learning from your course to the work environment   
  • make valuable industry contacts   
  • develop practical skills related to your area of study   
  • enrich your final year of studies with an enhanced appreciation of its applicability to your career   
  • greatly enhance your CV and increase your prospects of success in the job market.   

Please note that we do not have automatic work placements for every applicant. You will be responsible for securing your own work experience, with the support of our dedicated Year in Industry Coordinator and careers advisor to maximise your chances of success. If you are unsuccessful, you will be able to convert your course to the three-year version of the BSc Animal Science degree.   

Teaching & Learning

In the first year you will gain an understanding of applied animal biology and physiology, complemented by modules in biochemistry, genetics and microbial diversity. Specialised modules will concentrate on the anatomy and physiology of the horse and the effects of exercise and training upon specific body systems and in the successful management of the performance horse. You will also be introduced to the major farm animal production systems (beef, sheep, dairy, pig, broiler and egg) and their design in the context of UK and world agriculture. Practical sessions combining animal handling and examination training will provide first-hand experience of the techniques used in the diagnosis of diseases, possible treatments and environment management. 

In the second year you will look at key concepts of quantitative genetics and their use to design breeding programmes for the genetic improvement of performance, health and behaviour in domesticated animals. You will explore animal nutrition and the relative merits of foodstuffs for farm livestock, horses or companion animals. You will gain an understanding of immune responses in both humans and veterinary animals, and will become familiar with veterinary terminology and welfare guidelines for the care of sick and injured animals. There will be practical sessions on the examination of sick animals and methods of disease diagnosis. 

In the third year, you will undertake your work experience placement in an industry related to animal science. There may be opportunities to undertake some or all of your industrial year abroad, if you wish.  

In your final year you will study veterinary pharmacology and gain an understanding of the biochemistry, discovery, practical use and legislation relating to veterinary drugs and related treatment strategies. You will learn of the advanced biological aspects of infectious organisms and the infected animals' immune responses, focusing on farm and companion animal species. A compulsory research project will allow you to perform in-depth research on an appropriate topic under the guidance of a supervisor. Your project may be based on laboratory experiments or fieldwork exercises, comprise a computer modelling exercise or involve data analysis.   

How will I be taught? 

Teaching is delivered through a mix of practical classes, field trips, small-group tutorials and interactive lectures that will give you a firm grasp of the subject.

Assessment  

You will be assessed through a range of methods including essays, practical exercises, presentations, lab reports, exams, posters, feed analysis and / or rationing exercises. 

Personal Tutor    

You will be assigned a personal tutor who will be your main contact throughout the duration of your studies. Your personal tutor can help you to settle in when you first arrive and will be available to help you with academic or personal matters.  

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB-BCC with B in Biology

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDD-DDM in a specified subject

International Baccalaureate:
30-28 with 5 points in Biology at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in Biology

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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