Programme Specifications
Animal Science
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
Biosciences
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
September 2023
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
An Animal Science graduate should have a detailed, comprehensive and systematic knowledge and understanding of the following:
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The biology of domesticated animals, including the similarities and differences between different species of domesticated animals.
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The knowledge and transferable skills required for a career in animal science, e.g. R&D work in industry, teaching, and advisory work.
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Detailed knowledge of the student’s academic specialist area, based on the pathway followed.
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Holistic view of animal anatomy, physiology and function, and its application to practice.
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The nutrition, reproduction, health and welfare of domesticated animals.
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The current and potential future research underpinning development of all areas of animal science.
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The legal, moral, ethical and social issues associated with the use of animals for work, production, leisure and research.
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Development of the skills necessary to present relevant information to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Subject specific skills
An Animal Science graduate should be able to:
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Apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry relevant to the biology of domesticated animals.
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Assimilate information from academic, industrial and governmental sources, to gain an understanding of theory and practice of the production of livestock and the well-being and competitiveness of companion animals, including the horse.
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Critically evaluate research, evidence and information supplied from a variety of sources and where appropriate propose new hypotheses relevant to the sector.
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Apply knowledge and understanding to address familiar and novel problems in the context of Animal Science.
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Design an experiment, investigation, survey or other means to test hypotheses or propositions.
Generic and graduate skills
The following transferable skills will be developed and assessed in the proposed BSc Animal Science degree:
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Problem solving
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Research skills
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Communication and interpersonal skills
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Improving own learning and performance
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Team work
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Information technology
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Application of numerical skills
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Personal development and career planning
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Time management and task prioritisation
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
Overall aim of the scheme
The course aims to provide students with a broad in-depth knowledge of some of the common aspects across the various components of animal science and who are able to meet or exceed the QAA Benchmark for an Animal Science graduate. To produce graduates who are able to work in a range of fields relating to life science, who can operate efficiently and safely in field, farm and laboratory, are able to communicate and understand data and concepts, are able to utilise specific applied skills to address diverse problems, and are able to direct their own research and learning.
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
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A1 An understanding of the anatomical, physiological, molecular and functional biology of domesticated animals and be able to demonstrate the role and application of these in a practical environment.
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A2 Knowledge and interpretation of the theoretical and practical application of biology to animal management, care and production.
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A3 An understanding of the factors affecting animal performance, health, welfare, growth and development and how these can be applied to relevant scenarios.
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A4 An understand and the ability to calculate the nutritional requirements for animals; how this varies between species, and how it varies at different stages of an animal’s life.
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A5 Understanding of reproductive management, breeding, genetics and the application of reproductive technology to practical examples
Learning and Teaching
Elements of these skills will be taught and developed throughout a range of modules. This will include: lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning examples and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation; feedback from
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; data analysis.
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
10.2.1 Intellectual Skills
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
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B1 The skills needed for academic study and demonstrate their use in applied situations.
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B2 Assimilate information from a number of sources, including current research and governmental reports, in order to gain an understanding of theory and practice.
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B3 Critically evaluate research, evidence and information supplied from a variety of sources and where appropriate propose new hypotheses.
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B4 Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.
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B5 Apply knowledge and understanding to address familiar and novel problems.
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B6 Design an experiment, investigation, survey or other means to test a hypothesis, concept or proposition.
Learning and Teaching
Elements of these skills will be taught and developed throughout a range of modules. This will include: lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning examples and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation; feedback from coursework.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay
writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a
dissertation; data analysis.
10.2.2 Professional practical skills (where applicable)
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
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C1 Design, apply, analyse and present various research findings or study techniques.
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C2 Plan, conduct, and report on investigations.
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C3 Collect and collated information or data in the library, from scientific sources, laboratory or field, and summarise and/or report it appropriately.
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C4 Conceive, develop, plan and undertake investigations in a responsible, ethical and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, animal welfare, relevant Health & Safety regulations and legislation concerning experimental animal use, legal requirements and sensitivity to undertake investigations.
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C5 Communicate effectively with individuals and organisations in a range of scenarios.
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C6 Write for a range of audiences including academics, practitioners, special interest groups and the wider public.
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C7 Apply appropriate management and experimental techniques to a range of situations.
Learning and Teaching
Professional practical skills are acquired and promoted through practical laboratory classes, farm visits, field visits, lectures, seminars and other class activities, case studies undertaken in a range of real-life situations and experimental research for the dissertation.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Coursework to include: the submission of scientific reports, oral presentations and essays. Lab work. Students are expected to demonstrate advanced critical, interpretative and analytical skills in both their coursework and written examinations. The dissertation should demonstrate student competence in practical and academic skills.
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
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D1 Problem solving skills, both of a generic nature and those directly relevant to the animal science sector.
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D2 Research skills, including the ability to formulate hypotheses and develop methods to test these hypotheses
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D3 Communication of information to different levels of audiences, ranging from peers and contemporaries to the level of popular science.
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D4 Improving own learning and performance skill sets
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D5 Team working skills
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D6 Information technology skills
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D7 Application of numerical analysis
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D8 Personal development and career planning
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D9 Time management
Learning and Teaching
Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and evaluated via relevant assessments as appropriate. Students learn and develop skills through student and tutor-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; self-directed learning, oral presentations and experimental dissertation work. Students are also required to produce, and regularly update, a CV and will gain feedback. Students will be encouraged to undertake work experience, including access to the Year in Employment Scheme. Students will also have access to an optional study exchange programme which will also develop transferable skills of communication, personal development and career planning.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
The skills listed above are assessed using exercise-based and essay assignments, project work, practical laboratory reports, the dissertation project, seminar presentations, statistical evaluation, examinations essays and short answer examinations.
BSC Animal Science [D306]
Academic Year: 2023/2024Single Honours scheme - available from 2000/2001
Duration (studying Full-Time): 3 yearsHuman, Equine and Canine Exercise Physiology and Locomotion
Animal Behaviour
Equine Stud Management
Behavioural Neurobiology
Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals