Animal Science

Program Overview

The BAgrSc Animal Science program at UCD equips students with the knowledge and skills in animal physiology, breeding, and nutrition for careers in animal production, food production, and related industries. Through applied sciences and a five-month professional work experience placement, students gain practical expertise and international study opportunities, fostering their potential as future leaders in the animal industry.

Program Outline

• The growth and development of farm animals, how they function, and of animal behavior and welfare.
• Animal production systems and how the components are integrated and managed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.
• The animal industry in Ireland, the context in which it operates, and its relationship to animal industries in Europe and worldwide.

Program Description:

The Animal Science program concentrates on the study of applied sciences such as genetics, animal physiology, animal nutrition and behavior, health, and welfare. The program also underpins the principles of livestock production.

Stages 2-4:

• Applied Sciences: These stages include a range of relevant applied sciences dealing with animal nutrition, genetics, health, behavior, and welfare.
• Environmental Issues and Policy: Students undertake modules concerned with environmental issues and policy.
• Animal Physiology, Breeding, and Nutrition: Students delve deeper into the physiology, breeding, and nutrition of animals.
• Elective Modules: Students have the opportunity to select from a wide range of modules, depending on their interests or career focus.

Professional Work Experience:

• Placement: A five-month Professional Work Experience placement is an integral component of the degree program and takes place following the spring break of Stage 3.
• Locations: Placements can be taken in a combination of on-farm, agribusiness, and research center settings, both in Ireland and abroad.

Stage 1:

• Focus: This stage concentrates on the basic sciences and includes project work in which students explore areas of animal and crop production.

Stages 2-4:

• Modules: Students take a number of modules, ranging from relevant applied sciences (such as Soil Science, Microbiology) to intensive study in the areas of Animal Husbandry, Crop Husbandry, Farm Business, Agricultural Policy and Communications, together with an opportunity for selection of elective subjects and project work.
• UCD Lyons Research Farm: The animal and crop facilities at the UCD Lyons Research Farm are widely used as teaching aids in this degree option, particularly in the final stages of the program.
• Professional Work Experience: An extensive eight-month period of Professional Work Experience is undertaken from January of Stage 3.

Professional Work Experience:

• Duration: Between January and September in Stage 3, students undertake a period of Professional Work Experience in Ireland or abroad.
• Purpose: This is a central part of the program and allows students to gain practical skills, which make a valuable contribution to their CV and can lead to employment offers following graduation.

International Study Opportunities:

• Study Abroad: Students have opportunities to study abroad (Australia, Europe, and the USA) in Stage 3 for one semester.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program employs a diverse range of teaching and assessment methods, including formal lectures, small group practicals, directed autonomous learning, case studies, group work, project work, and work placements.
• Faculty: The program is taught by dedicated research-active staff.
• Learning Environment: The program provides learning environments that integrate teaching, research, assessment, and learning, individually and through group activities.
• UCD Lyons Farm: The UCD Lyons Farm provides modern teaching facilities and well-equipped laboratories.

Careers:

• Employment Areas: 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
• Farming: The program is also suitable for students intending to pursue full-time farming or combine part-time farming with a professional career.
• Research: Research opportunities to Master’s and PhD level are available.

Other:

• Program Director: Professor Trudee Fair
• School: Agriculture & Food Science
• Attendance: Full Time
• Level: Undergraduate
• NFQ Level: 8
• Program Credits:
• Stage 1: Core/Option: 55, Electives: 5
• Stage 2: Core/Option: 50, Electives: 10
• Stage 3: Core/Option: 50, Electives: 10
• Stage 4: Core/Option: 50, Electives: 10
• Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
• Stage 1: 55
• Stage 2: 50
• Stage 3: 50
• Stage 4: 50
• Mode of Delivery: Face-to-Face
• Location: Agriculture and Food Science Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4