The Animal Science – Equine degree aims to produce knowledgeable, empowered and globally aware equine scientists capable of addressing broad equine industry concerns through critical discourse, enquiry, innovation and sound scientific principle. The programme aims to satisfy requirements of key stakeholders – students, staff and employers – through cognizance of and responsiveness to the international, national, institutional and discipline specific influences that continuously shape the equine curriculum. Graduates will be equipped to pursue successful careers in both the equine industry and other relevant domains as the graduate attributes gained will be equally relevant in multiple work environments, as specialist expertise as well as broad transferable life skills are emphasized. A variety of teaching and learning strategies are used to promote personal and professional development through fostering critical and practical thinking, problem identification and management and communication skills. Emphasis is placed on understanding and applying scientific principles to address animal husbandry concerns. Active learning is promoted through group projects, problem based learning, class discussion, investigation and experimentation. Student performance is assessed using a range of methods, including continuous class evaluation, written & project assignments and end of semester examinations. This is in addition to a strong emphasis on autonomous student learning via individual project work, reflective reports, assigned readings and the traditional lecture format of teaching. Experiential learning is facilitated by the real-world experiences associated with industry work placement, stud farm visits and incorporation of trips to UCD’s Lyons Research Farm. Innovative teaching technologies such as webinars and podcasts and visits from equine professors at international institutions are employed to promote cultural awareness and appreciation of global perspectives within the equine industry, supporting the integration of knowledge, skills and attitudes.
- School
- School of Agriculture and Food Science
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Level
- Undergraduate
- NFQ Level
- 8
- Award
- Bachelor of Agricultural Science
- Mode of Delivery
- On Campus
- Programme Director
- Assoc Professor Barbara Murphy
- Overall Programme Credits:
- 240
- Programme Credits:
- Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 4
Core/Option: 45 Electives: 15 - Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
- Stage 1: 55
Stage 2: 50
Stage 3: 55
Stage 4: 45
Curricular information is subject to change.
2 - Demonstrate a broad knowledge of scientific principles and methodologies underpinning animal science research and husbandry
3 - Demonstrate an increased breadth and depth of knowledge and skills in the field of equine science, particularly equine genomics, exercise physiology and reproduction
4 - Utilise ability to collect, analyse and evaluate information in order to create new knowledge and understanding within the equine industry
5 - Interpret equine management and reproduction systems to meet economic targets while simultaneously achieving animal welfare objectives
6 - Understand and appreciate the importance of the impact of globalization and diversity in equine manangement systems for control of equine disease
7 - Describe animal production systems and how equine production can be integrated and managed within the larger agri-food industry in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way
8 - Use knowledge of scientific methods to devise, analyse, interpret and report on scientific investigations relevant to the equine industry
9 - Communicate effectively in oral and written form and interact professionally with people of different cultures and disciplines
Animal Science - Equine is an exciting degree programme offering modules which focus on applied sciences that underpin animal and veterinary biosciences, with a particular emphasis on the horse. The programme comprises modules in Equine Anatomy and Physiology of Exercise, Equine Genetics, Reproduction and Breeding Management, Equine Industries, Equine Health and Husbandry, Genetics and Biotechnology, Principles of Animal Science, Principles of Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare, Animal Nutrition, Animal Physiology as well as Business Management, Financial Planning and Control and Operations and Personnel Management. Strong research programmes in equine science support teaching in Animal Science - Equine.
Students will contribute to regular tutorial sessions, work on research projects and participate in field visits to relevant industry sites. The degree is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide professional leadership and technical support for the dynamic equine industry.
In particular, the objectives of this degree programme are to give you knowledge on:
- The growth and development of farm animals, how they function and their behaviour and welfare, with emphasis on the equine species
- How the various components of the equine industry are integrated and managed
- The equine industry in Ireland, the context in which it operates and its relationship to animal industries in Europe and worldwide
- Equine health, husbandry, genetics, breeding, nutrition and exercise physiology
- Genetics and Biotechnology
- Animal Nutrition
- Animal Breeding and Reproduction
- Equine Industries
- Equine Health and Husbandry
- Equine Anatomy and Physiology of Exercise
- Equine Genetics, Reproduction and Breeding Management
- Farm Business Management
- Operations and Personnel Management
UCD's Research Farm at Lyons Estate provides modern teaching facilities and well-equipped laboratories where you will carry out practicals relating to several of your core modules on aspects of animal nutrition, reproduction and general husbandry.
PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
A five-month Professional Work Experience placement is an integral component of your degree programme and will normally take place following the spring break in Stage 3. This will give you the opportunity to work in the equine industry either at home or abroad and is aimed at allowing students to put into practice what they have learned in the first three years of the degree. It also provides a strong foundation for the modules you will take in Stage 4.
A five-month PWE placement is integral to your degree and is an invaluable learning and networking opportunity. Exciting options include placements on stud farms in the Kentucky Bluegrass region, Japan, racing yards in Sydney, Australia, top show-jumping and eventing yards in Ireland, and with Tattersalls Ireland and Horse Sport Ireland.
There are also opportunities to participate in the Study Abroad Programme in third year.
- University of Illinois, USA
- Texas A&M University, USA
- Iowa State University, USA
- Purdue University, USA
In addition to the career opportunities available to Animal Science graduates, Animal Science – Equine graduates are equipped to pursue careers in:
- Equine enterprise management
- Equine leisure, recreation and tourism activities
- Equestrian marketing and sales enterprises
- Sports journalism
- Academic teaching
You can pursue equine science research and development careers, and Master’s and PhD opportunities in Europe and the US.
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 modules, students must take 10 credits of elective modules.
Stage 3
Students are required to take 60 credits in total. In addition to the 50 or 55 credits of core modules (depending on whether ANSC30220 Equine Health and Husbandry is offered in that year), students must take the remaining 5 or10 credits of elective modules. A period of Professional Work Experience is mandatory and must be undertaken in Stage 3.
Stage 4
Students are required to take 60 credits in total.In addition to the 45 credits of core modules (depending on whether ANSC30220 Equine Health and Husbandry is offered in that year), students must take 15 credits of elective modules. Alternatively, some or all of the 15 credits maybe selected from the additional options listed below.
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.
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: The 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: The 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 |
AERD20030 | Business Management | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
AESC20060 | Soil Science Basics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
ANSC30210 | Equine Industries | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
FDSC20010 | Food Macronutrients | 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 |
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. |
HORT20070 | Agricultural Botany | 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. |
BSEN30020 | Buildings and Environment | 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 - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
CPSC20030 | Principles of Crop Science | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
AESC30080 | Agri-Environmental Issues and Policy | 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 |
ANSC30030 | Animal Genomics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
ANSC30170 | Animal Physiology I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
ANSC30220 | Equine Health and Husbandry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
AESC30010 | Scientific Writing and Review | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
ANSC30150 | Animal Physiology II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
ANSC30230 | Professional Work Experience | Spring | 10 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
ANSC30340 | Equine Reproduction and Breeding Management | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 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 3 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 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
LANG10170 | French General Purposes 1 (CEFR A1.1) | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
LANG10230 | Spanish General Purposes 1 (CEFR A1.1) | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. |
ANSC30100 | Applied Biotechnology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
AERD30190 | Farm Business Management | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
ANSC30220 | Equine Health and Husbandry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
ANSC30250 | Equine Genetics | 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 |
ANSC30050 | Experimental Design and Data Analysis | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
ANSC30130 | Principles of Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
ANSC30350 | Equine Nutrition | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
RDEV30060 | Professional Communications | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives. |
AESC40150 | Wildlife Conservation | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives. |
ANSC40010 | Applied Animal Reproduction | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives. |
RDEV30380 | Knowledge Tfr for Farm Innovat | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives. |
AESC30230 | Climate, Carbon and Soil | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives. |
ANSC30100 | Applied Biotechnology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives. |
ANSC30380 | Animal Science Industries | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives. |
ANSC40090 | Equine Science Project | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives. |
CPSC40040 | Developments in Grassland | Spring | 5 |
Module Weighting Info
Award | GPA | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Programme | Module Weightings | Rule Description | Description | ||
BHAGR001 | Stage 4 - 50.00% Stage 3 - 50.00% |
Standard Honours Award | First Class Honours | 3.68 |
4.20 |
Second Class Honours, Grade 1 | 3.08 |
3.67 |
|||
Second Class Honours, Grade 2 | 2.48 |
3.07 |
|||
Pass | 2.00 |
2.47 |