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Animal & Crop Production

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 and Crop Production programme offers a comprehensive education in the science and business of animal and crop production. You will learn about the development and improvement in farm animal and crop production, gain broad knowledge on growth, physiology, nutrient utilisation, agribusiness, agri-environment and develop the skills to create economical and sustainable agricultural production systems. Plus, you will gain communication and IT skills to help you stay up-to-date on evolving technical, economic, and regulatory frameworks.

About This Course

​UCD’s Animal and Crop Production programme offers a comprehensive education in the science and business of animal and crop production. You will learn about the development and improvement in farm animal and crop production, gain broad knowledge on growth, physiology, nutrient utilisation, agribusiness, agri-environment and develop the skills to create economical and sustainable agricultural production systems. Plus, you will gain communication and IT skills to help you stay up-to-date on evolving technical, economic, and regulatory frameworks.

With practical experience gained through visits to UCD’s Lyons Farm and international placements, you will graduate with a wellrounded education and be prepared for a variety of careers in agribusiness, animal and crop industries, consultancy, and government agencies.

First year concentrates on developing the basic sciences, before the focus moves to more applied sciences. You can also choose elective modules, while the facilities at UCD Lyons Farm are widely used as teaching aids in the final two years of the course. Modules include:

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

Soil Science • Microbiology • Agricultural Botany • Animal Nutrition • Business Management

Third Year

Animal Breeding & Reproduction • Plant Diseases: Biology & Control • Animal Nutrition II • Professional Work Experience (PWE)

Fourth Year

Dairy Production • Beef Production • Sheep Production • Grass & Cereal Production • Farm Business Management • Professional Communications

Students spend an average of 40 hours a week attending lectures, tutorials and laboratory-based practicals, and undertake independent study. In third and fourth year, students make regular visits to UCD’s Lyons Farm. A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-trimester written examinations is used. Certain modules also require project work.

Professional Work Experience (PWE)

Between January and August in third year, you undertake a period of PWE in Ireland or abroad.

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

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.

Professor Alan Kelly
e. alan.kelly@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 might expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 FDSC10030 Our Food, Our Planet: Introduction to Sustainable Food Systems Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules might expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 PHYC10190 Aspects of Physics for Ag. Sci Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules might expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 RDEV10040 Introduction to Food and Agribusiness Management Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 AESC20060 Soil Science Basics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 FOR20100 Applied Biostatistics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 HORT20070 Agricultural Botany 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
 CPSC20020 Fundamentals of Arable Crop Production 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:
The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 AERD20030 Business Management Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
The modules may expand your knowledge in 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:
The modules may expand your knowledge in 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:
The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 FDSC20010 Food Macronutrients Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 AESC20050 Applied Zoology Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 BSEN20150 Agricultural Engineering Principles Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 CPSC20030 Principles of Crop Science Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 CPSC20040 Physiological Plant Ecology Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CPSC30010 Professional Work Experience 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  30
Stage 3 Core Modules
 AESC30100 Pests, Parasites and Beneficials Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 AESC30220 Soil Science Applications Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30010 Animal Reproduction Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30020 Animal Breeding I Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30040 Animal Nutrition II Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 BIOL30010 Plant Diseases: Biology and Control Autumn  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
 CPSC40010 Cereal Production Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 AERD30210 Food and Agricultural Policy Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 ANSC30390 Sheep Production Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CPSC30030 Root and Alternative Crop Production Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 RDEV30060 Professional Communications Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 AESC40150 Wildlife Conservation Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 AESC40660 Plants, Roots and Productivity Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 BSEN40410 Food Chain Integrity Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 CPSC30050 Organic Agriculture Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 CPSC30100 Emerging Crop Pathogens Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 RDEV30380 Knowledge Tfr for Farm Innovat Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 AESC40140 Agri-Environmental Nutrient Management Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 ANSC30130 Principles of Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 ANSC40040 Advanced Dairy Production Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 BSEN30020 Buildings and Environment Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 CPSC40040 Developments in Grassland Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 CPSC40050 Devs in Crop Production & Util Spring  5

SDG1 SDG2 SDG 12 SDG 13 SDG 15

 

Our BAgrSc in Animal and Crop Production, is meticulously crafted to cultivate leaders in sustainable agriculture. Dive into a curriculum that blends scientific expertise, technical proficiency, and business acumen to drive innovation in farming practices. Our program places you at the forefront of agricultural sustainability, addressing urgent environmental, economic, and social challenges both locally and globally.

Aligned with the sustainability vision of UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, our curriculum spans the entire agricultural food chain, emphasizing sustainable farming practices and their connections to food products, human health and nutrition. By integrating traditional methods with cutting-edge sustainability initiatives, we empower graduates to make a significant impact in reshaping the future of agriculture, paving the way for a wealth of career opportunities.

In addition to this the 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 come from a farm in Galway which sparked my interest in a career in Agricultural. In 3rd year we do Professional Work Experience and it gives students a real chance to get out on the farm and learn practical stuff. The highlight for me was going to study at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign in America for one Semester. I’d say to anyone thinking of studying Agriculture & Food Science in UCD to just go for it! It was the best 4 years of my life; I’ve great memories and friends and I’d highly recommend UCD, not just Ag Science, but UCD in general, it’s a great College.

Ronan Dunleavy, Student

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 & Crop Production:

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 & Crop Production:

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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