Animal Science (ANS1)

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 programme.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)