Equine Science D322 BSc

Program Overview

The Equine Science degree at Aberystwyth University provides a rigorous scientific foundation focused on horses. It prepares students for careers in the equine industry and allied fields through a comprehensive curriculum covering biological sciences, equine anatomy, nutrition, and business. The program offers various assessment methods and hands-on experiences, including an optional study tour and the opportunity to work towards BHS qualifications.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Equine Science degree at Aberystwyth University offers a rigorous scientific training with an equine focus. It prepares students for a professional career in the equine industry and its allied services, equipping them with the strong scientific skill set demanded by a wide variety of employers. The program provides a solid grounding in the biological sciences with a specialization in horses, covering topics such as physiology, genetics and metabolism, equine anatomy, equine exercise physiology, equine industry, nutrition, and reproductive physiology.

Outline:

Year 1

• Core Modules:
• Cell Biology (BR17520) - 20 credits
• Disease Diagnosis and Control (BR15420) - 20 credits
• Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology (BR16920) - 20 credits
• Genetics, Evolution and Diversity (BR17120) - 20 credits
• Skills for Animal, Equine and Veterinary Bioscientists in Equine Exercise Physiology (BR17220) - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Comparative Animal Physiology (BR16720) - 20 credits
• Equine Industry and Study Tour (BR15520) - 20 credits
• Introduction to Livestock Production and Science (BR17020) - 20 credits

Year 2

• Core Modules:
• Animal Breeding: Genetics and Reproduction (BR25220) - 20 credits
• Applied Nutrition of Livestock, Horses and Companion Animals (BR20720) - 20 credits
• Human, Equine and Canine Exercise Physiology and Locomotion (BR25320) - 20 credits
• Research Methods (BR27520) - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Equine Business (BR26120) - 20 credits
• Immunology (BR22220) - 20 credits
• One Health Microbiology (BR26520) - 20 credits
• Veterinary Health (BR27120) - 20 credits

Year 3

• Core Modules:
• Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals (BR35120) - 20 credits
• Equine Nutrition and Pasture Management (BR35720) - 20 credits
• Equine Stud Management (BR32520) - 20 credits
• Research Project (BR36440) - 40 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Marketing and Small Business Management (BR34720) - 20 credits
• Veterinary Infectious Diseases (BR34120) - 20 credits

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Essays
• Practical exercises
• Oral presentations
• Lab reports
• Exams
• Portfolios
• Reflective diaries
• Feed analysis and/or rationing exercises
• Magazine articles
• Webpages
• Podcasts

Teaching:

• Teaching is delivered through a variety of methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, practicals, field visits, and lab work.
• Students receive thorough training in concepts, research, and methodology relating to equine science.
• Learning is explored through laboratory research and experimentation, as well as hands-on exercises.
• The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active.
• Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry.
• The Department has a large number of research-only staff with whom students may have contact.

Careers:

The Equine Science degree prepares students for a wide range of employment opportunities in equine and animal science, research and development, advisory and technical support work, enterprise management, and education, both in the UK and overseas. Graduates are currently pursuing careers in the following:

• Research scientist
• Working at nutrition companies
• Stud manager
• Agriculture business
• Scientific journalism
• Teaching (primary and secondary schools, FE colleges)

Other:

• The program includes an optional equine study tour that includes visits to a range of different commercial organizations, including racing training stables, studs, and allied enterprises such as racecourses and sales.
Other enterprises may include veterinary laboratories, veterinary practices or schools, equine sporting events, non-thoroughbred breeding and/or training centers, and auction houses.
• All students on this course will have the opportunity to undertake work experience, international student exchanges, internships, bursaries, and training towards BHS exams.
• Aberystwyth is located in an outstanding coastal location with miles of unspoiled beaches to gallop upon, just a few miles from the equine center.
• The equine center is a British Horse Society (BHS) Approved Training Centre, where students can study for their BHS qualifications.