Animal Science

Programme Short Name:	BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Load (FT vs PT):	Full Time
Levels (UG, G, etc):	Undergraduate studies
Course Information:	CAO Code: DN250 ASC CAO Points Range 2015: 470 - 600 Length of Course: 4 Years DN250 Places: 160 Leaving Certificate: Passes in six subjects including English, Irish, Mathematics, one laboratory science subject & two other recognised subjects. Two of the six subjects must be minimum HC3. Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for: A-Level/GCSE Other EU Applicants Non-EU Applicants Level 5/6 FETAC Entry Routes Level 6/7 Progression Routes Mature Entry Route
Why is this course for me?	At the core of Animal Science is the study of the applied sciences that are fundamental to understanding how animals function and that underpin the principles of livestock production. The degree will give you an appreciation of: The growth and development of domestic farm animals, and animal behaviour and welfare Animal production systems and how the components are integrated and managed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner The livestock industry in Ireland, the context in which it operates and its relationship to animal industries in Europe and worldwide
What will I study?	Modules include: First Year Introduction to Animal Science Animal & Plant Biology Chemistry Mathematics Physics Information Skills Agricultural Economics & Business Elective modules Second Year Genetics & Biotechnology Animal Nutrition Biostatistics Business Management Agricultural Microbiology Elective modules Third Year Animal Reproduction Animal Breeding Animal Physiology Animal Genomics Professional Work Experience Fourth Year Ruminant Animal Production (Dairy, Beef, Sheep) Non-ruminant Animal Production (Swine, Poultry) Animal Health, Behaviour & Welfare Grass & Forage Production Students spend an average of 40 hours a week attending lectures and tutorials and participating in laboratory-based practicals, and undertake independent study. In the final two years, students make regular visits to UCD’s Lyons Research Farm to get hands-on practical experience. A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-semester written examinations is used. Certain modules also require project work. For detailed information on subject content click here.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities	A range of opportunities exists, including: Animal feed industry Procurement, processing and marketing of animal products Education Consultancy Farming and enterprise management Journalism Graduate research opportunities exist at master’s and PhD levels.
Professional Work Experience & International Study Opportunities	A five-month PWE placement takes place in third year and may be taken as a combination of on-farm, agribusiness and research centre placements. Some of this may be taken abroad (e.g. USA and New Zealand). In addition, an opportunity exists to take a semester abroad. Possibilities include: University of California, USA Kansas State University, USA Michigan State University, USA Cornell University, USA University of Queensland, Australia
Student Profile	“I love animals and always wanted to study Animal Science at UCD. I chose UCD as it has an excellent reputation internationally, I liked the course and the campus is welcoming and has great facilities. Staff are very approachable and with small class sizes you will make lots of friends. Practical courses at Lyons Estate in years three and four were really enjoyable. For me, Professional Work Experience was the best aspect of the degree. I gained invaluable experience with Dovea Genetics in Tipperary, and with Teagasc in Athenry. I would recommend students with an interest in science, animals and agriculture to consider this degree as there are very good long-term career prospects. I enjoyed the degree so much that I started a PhD in Animal Science.” Hazel Watson, Student
Related Programs:	Agricultural Science Animal Science - Equine Dairy Business Veterinary Medicine
Pathway
Contact Information:	UCD Agriculture & Food Science Programme Office Agriculture & Food Science Centre Belfield, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 1 716 7194 Email: agandfoodprogrammes@ucd.ie
Categories:	Animal Science