Programme Specifications

Animal Science


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Science

5 : Programme title
Animal Science

6 : UCAS code
D306

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

Biosciences



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

September 2023



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

An Animal Science graduate should have a detailed, comprehensive and systematic knowledge and understanding of the following:

  • The biology of domesticated animals, including the similarities and differences between different species of domesticated animals.

  • The knowledge and transferable skills required for a career in animal science, e.g. R&D work in industry, teaching, and advisory work.

  • Detailed knowledge of the student’s academic specialist area, based on the pathway followed.

  • Holistic view of animal anatomy, physiology and function, and its application to practice.

  • The nutrition, reproduction, health and welfare of domesticated animals.

  • The current and potential future research underpinning development of all areas of animal science.

  • The legal, moral, ethical and social issues associated with the use of animals for work, production, leisure and research.

  • 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:

  • Apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry relevant to the biology of domesticated animals.

  • 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.

  • Critically evaluate research, evidence and information supplied from a variety of sources and where appropriate propose new hypotheses relevant to the sector.

  • Apply knowledge and understanding to address familiar and novel problems in the context of Animal Science.

  • 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:

  • Problem solving

  • Research skills

  • Communication and interpersonal skills

  • Improving own learning and performance

  • Team work

  • Information technology

  • Application of numerical skills

  • Personal development and career planning

  • Time management and task prioritisation



10 : Intended learning outcomes


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.



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • 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.

  • A2 Knowledge and interpretation of the theoretical and practical application of biology to animal management, care and production.

  • A3 An understanding of the factors affecting animal performance, health, welfare, growth and development and how these can be applied to relevant scenarios.

  • 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.

  • 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.



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


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:

  • B1 The skills needed for academic study and demonstrate their use in applied situations.

  • B2 Assimilate information from a number of sources, including current research and governmental reports, in order to gain an understanding of theory and practice.

  • B3 Critically evaluate research, evidence and information supplied from a variety of sources and where appropriate propose new hypotheses.

  • B4 Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.

  • B5 Apply knowledge and understanding to address familiar and novel problems.

  • 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:

  • C1 Design, apply, analyse and present various research findings or study techniques.

  • C2 Plan, conduct, and report on investigations.

  • C3 Collect and collated information or data in the library, from scientific sources, laboratory or field, and summarise and/or report it appropriately.

  • 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.

  • C5 Communicate effectively with individuals and organisations in a range of scenarios.

  • C6 Write for a range of audiences including academics, practitioners, special interest groups and the wider public.

  • 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.



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • D1 Problem solving skills, both of a generic nature and those directly relevant to the animal science sector.

  • D2 Research skills, including the ability to formulate hypotheses and develop methods to test these hypotheses

  • D3 Communication of information to different levels of audiences, ranging from peers and contemporaries to the level of popular science.

  • D4 Improving own learning and performance skill sets

  • D5 Team working skills

  • D6 Information technology skills

  • D7 Application of numerical analysis

  • D8 Personal development and career planning

  • 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.



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



BSC Animal Science [D306]

Academic Year: 2023/2024Single Honours scheme - available from 2000/2001

Duration (studying Full-Time): 3 years

Part 1 Rules

Year 1 Core (120 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR16900

Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology

BR17000

Introduction to Livestock Production and Science

BR17120

Genetics, Evolution and Diversity

BR17200

Skills for Animal, Equine and Veterinary Bioscientists in Equine Exercise Physiology

BR17520

Cell Biology

Semester 2
BR15420

Disease Diagnosis and Control

BR16920

Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology

BR17020

Introduction to Livestock Production and Science

BR17220

Skills for Animal, Equine and Veterinary Bioscientists in Equine Exercise Physiology

Part 2 Rules

Year 2 Core (100 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR20720

Applied Nutrition of Livestock, Horses and Companion Animals

BR27120

Veterinary Health

BR27500

Research Methods

Semester 2
BR22220

Immunology

BR25220

Animal Breeding: Genetics and Reproduction

BR27520

Research Methods

Year 2 Options

Equine Pathway

Semester 2
BR25320

Human, Equine and Canine Exercise Physiology and Locomotion

Year 2 Options

Behaviour Pathway

Semester 1
BR21620

Animal Behaviour

Semester 2

Year 2 Options

Livestock Pathway

Semester 1
BG20400

Systemau Cynhyrchu Da Byw

BR20400

Livestock Production Systems

Semester 2
BG20420

Systemau Cynhyrchu Da Byw

BR20420

Livestock Production Systems

Final Year Core (80 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR34120

Veterinary Infectious Diseases

BR36400

Research Project

Semester 2
BR36440

Research Project

BR36820

Veterinary Pharmacology and Disease Control

Final Year Options

Equine Pathway

Semester 1
BR32500

Equine Stud Management

BR35720

Equine Nutrition and Pasture Management

Semester 2
BR32520

Equine Stud Management

Final Year Options

Behaviour Pathway

Semester 1
BR35320

Behavioural Neurobiology

Semester 2
BR35120

Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals

Final Year Options

Livestock Pathway

Semester 1
BG30800

Gwyddor Cynhyrchu Da Byw

BG34800

Datblygiadau mewn Amaethyddiaeth

BR30800

Livestock Production Science

BR34800

Advances in Agriculture

Semester 2
BG30820

Gwyddor Cynhyrchu Da Byw

BG34820

Datblygiadau mewn Amaethyddiaeth

BR30820

Livestock Production Science

BR34820

Advances in Agriculture


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.