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Animal & Crop Production

Course Information

BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

Full Time - Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN250
CAO Points Range 2018: 451
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 175

Leaving Certificate:

O6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject and two other recognised subjects

Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

This degree gives you a broad knowledge of the science and business of both animal and crop production and their interactions in a constantly changing environment. You’ll develop:

  • Knowledge of the growth, development and improvement of farm animals and crops
  • Knowledge of the agribusiness industry
  • The capacity to formulate economical and sustainable animal and crop production systems
  • The capacity for life long learning so you remain informed of evolving technical, economic and regulatory frameworks
  • Communication and IT skills

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

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.

What Will I Study

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 the UCD Lyons Research Farm are widely used as teaching aids. Modules include:

First Year

  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Introduction to Animal and Crop Science

Second Year

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

Third Year

  • Animal Breeding and Reproduction
  • Plant Diseases: Biology and Control
  • Professional Work Experience

Fourth Year

  • Ruminant and Non-ruminant Animal Production
  • Grass and Cereal Production
  • Farm Business Management
  • Professional Communications
  • Animal Nutrition II

Students spend an average of 40 hours a week attending lectures, tutorials and laboratory-based practicals, and undertake independent study. In the final year, students make regular visits to UCD’s Lyons Research Farm to get hands-on practical experience.

A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-semester written examinations is used. Certain modules also require project work.

For detailed information on subject content click here.

International Study Opportunities

Between January and August in third year, you undertake a period of PWE in Ireland or abroad. You can also study abroad in semester one of third year, at universities including:

  • Lincoln University, New Zealand
  • Kansas State University, USA
  • Texas A&M University, USA
  • Purdue University, USA
  • Michigan State University, USA.

Testimonial

“My time in UCD afforded me countless opportunities to broaden my knowledge of animal science, gain practical skills through professional work experience and get involved in the UCD’s welcoming agricultural community.

The highlight of my college career was undoubtedly the Study Abroad programme which allowed me to study at Cornell University for a semester. The chance to attend an Ivy League University, take practical and specialised classes while touring farms across New York State was the opportunity of a lifetime.

The opportunities afforded to me during my time in UCD have provided me with the tools required to set out confidently on a career in the agricultural industry.”

Aoife Leader Final Year Student

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