Animal Science degree - D306 - 3 years
Animal Science degree
Animal Science is the applied science of domesticated animals, including farm animals, horses and companion animals. The scheme offers vocationally relevant training, drawing on Aberystwyth's acknowledged reputation as a centre of excellence in animal science research.
Animal Science Degree key features
- 3 year full-time course
- Combination of science, production and management methods
- Visits and study tours
- Enthusiastic and supportive staff
- Location in one of the UK’s leading localities for agricultural research and development
Animal Science degree Content and Structure
The Animal Science degree provides the flexibility to enable you to specialise in an area that meets your particular interests and career intentions. Following a first year in the foundations of the discipline, you then have the choice of one of three pathways. In addition to core subjects, during the second and third years you will study either Companion Animal Science, Farm Animal Production Science, 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.
Animal Science degree
Year 1 - Your first year provides a foundation in the principles of: animal physiology, anatomy, zoology, biochemistry, cell structure and metabolism, genetics, animal production systems, ecology and exercise physiology. You will also be trained in research and communication skills.
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, the ethics of animal use, 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 three pathways provides an opportunity to pursue specialist interests:
Farm Animal Production Science includes training 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 equine behaviour;
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.
Animal Science degree 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 farms, equine units, other animal holdings and research centres, help you to integrate science and practice. Assessment is based on a combination of coursework and written examinations.
Animal Science degree Careers 
The Animal Science degree scheme opens up a wide range of career opportunities in scientific research within private and public organisations, veterinary training, advisory and consultancy services, pharmaceutical and animal feed industries and education. Graduates have also developed careers in unrelated areas such as the civil service and personnel management, because the skills acquired are valued in many graduate employment situations. This scheme also frequently leads to postgraduate research at MSc and PhD level.