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Animal Science

BAgrSc (NFQ Level 8)
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Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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UCD’s Animal Science programme is a four-year degree that delves into the applied sciences necessary for understanding how animals function and the principles of livestock production. You will explore the growth, development, and behaviour of domestic animals, and the fundamentals of sustainable animal production systems. Modules include animal biology, genetics, biotechnology, nutrition, and more.

About This Course

UCD’s Animal Science programme is a four-year degree that delves into the applied sciences necessary for understanding how animals function and the principles of livestock production. You will explore the growth, development, and behaviour of domestic animals, and the fundamentals of sustainable animal production systems. Modules include animal biology, genetics, biotechnology, nutrition, and more.

In the later years of the course, you will attend classes at UCD Lyons Farm to gain hands-on practical experience, visit relevant industries and agricultural events and complete a five-month Professional Work Experience placement. With opportunities to study abroad and a range of career options in animal health, breeding, enterprise management, and more, this degree is the perfect choice for anyone passionate about farm animals and their role in agriculture.

You begin with introductory modules designed to give you a broad foundation in the science subjects as they relate to domestic farm animals. As you progress, you will study animal physiology, nutrition, genetics and breeding and how these sciences are integrated to optimise animal health and productivity. You will have the opportunity to select elective modules according to your interests. Professional Work Experience in Stage 3 will provide you with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in livestock production enterprises in Ireland or abroad to prepare you for final year.

First Year

Animal Biology & Evolution • Introductory Chemistry • Mathematics for Agriculture • Physics for Agricultural Science • Agricultural Economics & Business • Introduction to Biomolecules • Cell & Plant Biology • Information Skills • Optional 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 (PWE)

Fourth Year

Dairy Production • Beef Production • Sheep Production • 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 Lyons Farm to get hands-on practical experience. A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-trimester written examinations is used. Certain modules also involve project work.

Professional Work Experience (PWE)

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.

An opportunity exists to study abroad for a trimester in third year. Possibilities include:

• University of Illinois, USA
• Kansas State University, USA
• Michigan State University, USA
• Purdue University, USA
• University of Queensland, Australia

A wide range of career opportunities are available to graduates of Animal Science. These include entry into graduate study leading to Masters and Ph.D. degrees and a career in research, and/or in the Animal Health and Pharmaceutical Industry, Animal Breeding and Genetics, Animal feed industry, Procurement, processing and marketing of animal products, Education, Consultancy, Farming and enterprise management, and Journalism.

Professor Tommy Boland
e: tommy.boland@ucd.ie

UCD Agriculture & Food Science School Office
Agriculture & Food Science Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4

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Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 AESC10010 Land Use and the Environment Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CHEM00020 Introductory Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MATH10230 Mathematics for Agriculture I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC10180 Physics for Ag. Science Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 RDEV10020 Information Skills Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 RDEV10030 Introduction to Agricultural Economics and Business Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 ANSC10010 Introduction to Animal Science Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BIOL10010 Animal Biology and Evolution Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BIOL10030 Cell and Plant Biology Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CHEM10010 Introduction to the Chemistry of Biomolecules Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CPSC10010 Introduction to Crop Science Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of an elective in Trimester 2 - Spring.
 FDSC10030 Our Food, Our Planet: Introduction to Sustainable Food Systems Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of an elective in Trimester 2 - Spring.
 PHYC10190 Aspects of Physics for Ag. Sci Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of an elective in Trimester 2 - Spring.
 RDEV10040 Introduction to Food and Agribusiness Management Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 AERD20030 Business Management Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 AESC20060 Soil Science Basics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 FOR20100 Applied Biostatistics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 MICR20010 Agricultural Microbiology Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 ANSC20010 Genetics and Biotechnology Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 ANSC20020 Animal Nutrition I Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 BSEN30020 Buildings and Environment Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 FDSC20100 Agricultural Biochemistry Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 RDEV20140 Health, Welfare & Safety in Agriculture Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives
 BIOL20050 Climate Change and Agriculture Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives
 BSEN30170 Agricultural Mechanisation: Engines and Crop Machinery Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives
 FDSC20010 Food Macronutrients Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives
 AESC20050 Applied Zoology Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives
 CPSC20020 Fundamentals of Arable Crop Production Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students must select one of the following 2 modules
 HORT20070 Agricultural Botany Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students must select one of the following 2 modules
 CPSC20030 Principles of Crop Science Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30010 Animal Reproduction Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30020 Animal Breeding I Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30030 Animal Genomics Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30040 Animal Nutrition II Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30170 Animal Physiology I Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ENVB30110 Food Microbiology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30050 Experimental Design and Data Analysis Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30070 Professional Work Experience Spring  10
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30150 Animal Physiology II Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives
 AESC30080 Agri-Environmental Issues and Policy Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives
 BSEN30170 Agricultural Mechanisation: Engines and Crop Machinery Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives
 CPSC30050 Organic Agriculture Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives
 RDEV30380 Knowledge Tfr for Farm Innovat Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives
 AESC30010 Scientific Writing and Review Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives
 AESC30160 Agrichemicals and the Environment Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives
 AESC30230 Climate, Carbon and Soil Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives
 ANSC30100 Applied Biotechnology Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives
 ANSC30340 Equine Reproduction and Breeding Management Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 AERD30190 Farm Business Management Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 ANSC30120 Non-ruminant Animal Production (Swine & Poultry) Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 ANSC30400 Beef Production Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 ANSC30410 Dairy Production Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CPSC30040 Grass and Forage Production Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 AERD30210 Food and Agricultural Policy Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 ANSC30130 Principles of Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 ANSC30390 Sheep Production Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 RDEV30060 Professional Communications Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Students must select at least one module. Additional modules may be taken in place of electives
 FDSC30150 Principles of Meat Science Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Students must select at least one module. Additional modules may be taken in place of electives
 AESC40140 Agri-Environmental Nutrient Management Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Students must select at least one module. Additional modules may be taken in place of electives
 ANSC30380 Animal Science Industries Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Students must select at least one module. Additional modules may be taken in place of electives
 ANSC40040 Advanced Dairy Production Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Students must select at least one module. Additional modules may be taken in place of electives
 CPSC40040 Developments in Grassland Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Students must select at least one module. Additional modules may be taken in place of electives
 CPSC40050 Devs in Crop Production & Util Spring  5

SDG1 SDG2 SDG 12 SDG 13 SDG 15

 

The Animal Science Programme at UCD has been designed according to best international standards to educate you with a comprehensive knowledge of farm animals (their basic biology, development, genetics, genomics, physiology, nutritional requirements and health and welfare) and the fundamentals of sustainable livestock production. Our students develop a deep understanding of efficient sustainable livestock and forage production and their application to modern agriculture, in our changing climate. They are encouraged to develop as responsible Scientists able to communicate their knowledge of livestock, the land and commercial production and relate it to Irish and Global Agriculture.

The Animal Science Degree programme relates to the relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s): 

  • No Poverty (SDG 1)
  • No Hunger (SDG 2)
  • Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
  • Climate Action (SDG 13)
  • Life on Land (SDG 15)

I always had an interest in Agriculture in school from a very young age - I’m from a Dairy farm in Galway. When I didn’t get the points in my Leaving Cert I went the FETEC QQI alternative route entry where I did laboratory science in Galway for one year which I thoroughly enjoyed. During my placement, I worked in a wide range of fields including poultry, pigs, and sheep including spending two months on a progressive large-scale dairy, tillage, and beef finishing unit in the UK. I also completed a placement with industry leaders Roche’s Feeds and Dawn Meats which gave me a great insight into the agricultural industry.

Kayla Tarpey, Graduate

Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.

UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.

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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Animal Science:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceInt UAS1
Agricultural Science
Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates		 Closed
showAudience-audienceInt UAS1
Agricultural Science
Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates		 Apply
showAudience-audienceEU DN250
Agricultural Science
Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Application through CAO Apply via CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page

Additional special entry route(s) to Animal Science:

These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt UAS1
Agricultural Science
Bachelor of Agricultural Science		 Full-Time

Commencing September 2025		 Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.		 Apply
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