Animal Science  (ANS1)

The BAgrSc Animal Science programme aims to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of key scientific facts, principles, concepts and theories relevant to Animal Science, and to produce future national and global leaders in key sectors of the economy, particularly those areas related to animal production, food production and related industries. Students are encouraged to think critically, be active, motivated, autonomous learners and to aspire to lifelong learning, leadership, and individual career growth and development. We aim to provide learning environments that integrate teaching, research, assessment and learning, individually and through group activities in order to develop leadership, critical and reflective thinking, effective communication and inquiry skills. The diversity of learning environments (off campus, particularly UCD Lyons Farm, classroom, laboratory, work placement) and methods (formal lectures, small group practicals, directed autonomous learning) ensure that students have a stimulating learning experience, which should equip them with the skills necessary to provide professional leadership and support for the expanding and dynamic Agri-Food industry. Students will undertake both basic sciences (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) as they relate to Animal Science, as well as more specialised topics including Agricultural economics and farm business management, Animal Reproduction, Physiology, Genetics and Breeding, Animal Nutrition, Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Ruminant and Non-ruminant Animal Production Systems, Experimental Design and Data Analysis. To achieve the aims of the Programme, students are exposed to stimulating learning and practical experiences from dedicated research-active staff involving an inquiry-based learning approach incorporating a diverse range of teaching and assessment methods in which both critical thinking and research skills are emphasized including case studies, group work, project work and work placements. 

1 - Devise and implement strategies for optimal animal performance and assess and suggest solutions for problems related to animal production
2 - Manipulate animal physiology and reproductive processes to optimise management and maximise fertility
3 - Design suitable diets for ruminant and non-ruminant production based on sound principles of animal nutrition and feed formulation
4 - Implement the principles of animal genomics and animal breeding for genetic improvement of economically important traits
5 - Implement strategies to optimize the use of grassland in animal production
6 - Use their knowledge of the scientific research principles to devise, analyse, interpret and report on scientific investigations
7 - Devise and implement novel improvement strategies underpinned by sound scientific knowledge and be proficient in communicating key messages to end users
8 - Be able to optimise animal production systems to meet economic targets and achieve environmental objectives
9 - Demonstrate knowledge of animal production systems and how the components are integrated and managed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way
10 - Understand the animal industry in Ireland, the context in which it operates and its relationship to animal industries internationally
11 - Develop and utilise a wide range of generic skills useful in further career development through specific class exercises and PWE.

Want to know more about animals? Want broad-ranging career opportunities in research, production, business and advisory roles? Then Animal Science might be for you.

Animal Science concentrates on the study of applied sciences such as genetics, animal physiology, animal nutrition and behaviour, health and welfare. These are fundamental to understanding how animals function - farm animals, companion animals and wildlife.

They also underpin the principles of livestock production. This degree is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide professional leadership and technical support for the dynamic and rapidly changing animal industry, which contributes 80% of Ireland's agricultural output. In particular, the objectives of this degree are to give you an understanding of:

 - The growth and development of farm animals, how they function and of animal behaviour and welfare

 - Animal production systems and how the components are integrated and managed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner

 - The animal industry in Ireland, the context in which it operates and its relationship to animal industries in Europe and worldwide.

STAGE 1
This stage includes the core modules for Agricultural Science and provides students with an opportunity to undertake an elective module, Introduction to Animal Science. These act as a foundation for later modules.

STAGES 2-4
The later stages of the programme include a range of relevant applied sciences dealing with animal nutrition, genetics, health, behaviour and welfare. You also undertake modules concerned with environmental issues and policy. You will deal with the physiology, breeding and nutrition of animals in more detail. You also have an opportunity to select from a wide range of modules, depending on your interests or career focus.

The UCD Research Farm at Lyons Estate provides modern teaching facilities and well-equipped laboratories.

PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
A five-month Professional Work Experience placement is an integral component of the degree programme and takes place following the spring break of Stage 3. This may be taken, for example, as a combination of on-farm, agribusiness and research centre placements. Some of this may be taken abroad as part of our student exchange programmes.
Previously students have gone to the USA, New Zealand, Australia and continental Europe.

Between January and August in third year, you undertake a period of PWE in Ireland or abroad. You can also study abroad in trimester one of third year, at universities including:

• Lincoln University, New Zealand
• Iowa State University, USA
• Texas  A&M University, USA
• Purdue University, USA
• Michigan State University, USA
• Cornell University, USA

Graduates are employed in a wide variety of areas, such as:

• Agribusiness
• Animal and crop industries
• Consultancy
• Semi-state or government agencies
• Financial services
• Print, radio and television media

This is also a very suitable degree if you intend to pursue full-time farming or combine part-time farming with a professional career. Research opportunities to Master’s and PhD level are available.

UCD Agriculture and Food Science Programme Office,
Agriculture and Food Science Centre,
Belfield,
Dublin 4
Tel: +353 1 716 7194
Email:agandfoodprogrammes@ucd.ie
Web:www.ucd.ie/agfood

Stage 1

In addition to the 55 credits of core modules, students must take elective modules amounting to 5 credits.

Stage 2

In addition to the 50 credits of core and option modules, students must take elective modules amounting to 10 credits.

Stage 3

In addition to the 50 credits of core modules, students must take elective modules amounting to 10 credits. A period of Professional Work Experience is mandatory and must be undertaken in Stage 3.

Stage 4

In addition to the 50 credits of core and option modules, students must take elective modules amounting to 10 credits.

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

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