Animal & Crop Production

BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

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Course Video

Curricular information is subject to change.

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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 will 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
Course Pathways
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 Farm are widely used as teaching aids in the final two years of the course. Modules include:

First Year

  • Animal Biology & Evolution
  • Introductory Chemistry
  • Mathematics for Agriculture
  • Physics for Agricultural Science
  • Agricultural Economics & Business
  • Introduction to Biomolecules
  • Cell & Plant Biology
  • Information Skills
  • Optional Modules

Second Year

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

Third Year

  • Animal Breeding & Reproduction
  • Plant Diseases: Biology and Control
  • Animal Nutrition II
  • Professional Work Experience (PWE)

Fourth Year

  • Dairy Production
  • Beef Production
  • Sheep Production
  • Grass & Cereal Production
  • Farm Business Management
  • Professional Communications

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.

For detailed information on subject content click here.

You may be interested in the following blog post: Reasons to study Agricultural Science in UCD.

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 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
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.

Other Entry Routes
Testimonial

“Having grown up on a tillage farm in County Wexford, I have always had a strong passion for agriculture. This made my decision to apply to Agricultural Science in UCD very easy. UCD have consistently been the number one agricultural science course in Ireland, and within the top 20 globally. With access to some of the most respected researchers in the industry as well as UCD Lyons Farm, I had no doubts about putting UCD as my number one choice. As a recipient of a UCD Ad Astra Academy Academic Scholarship, I have had the opportunity to partake in many workshops and seminars to improve personal skills, access an academic mentor, and make friends with students from every course in the university. This was a highlight of my time as an undergraduate student.”

Conor Kehoe, Student

Contact Information

Professor Alan Kelly
e. alan.kelly@ucd.ie

UCD Agriculture & Food Science School Office
Agriculture & Food Science Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4

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