Animal Science – Equine

BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

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Why is this course for me?

Animal Science – Equine focuses on the applied sciences that underpin animal and veterinary biosciences, with emphasis on the horse. The degree provides the scientific knowledge and transferable skills necessary for professional leadership roles within many aspects of the animal and equine science industries. You’ll learn about:

  • The growth and development of farm animals, how they function and their behaviour and welfare
  • The equine industry in Ireland,its global context and entrepreneurial opportunities
  • Equine health, reproduction, genetics, breeding, nutrition and exercise physiology
  • Advances and future directions in research with emphasis on equine genetics and reproduction
Course Pathways
What Will I Study

You’ll study the basic sciences at the start, which are complemented by specialist modules in:

First & Second Year:

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

Third & Fourth Year:

  • Equine Anatomy & Physiology of Exercise
  • Equine Genetics
  • Equine Reproduction
  • Equine Nutrition
  • Farm Business Management
  • Equine Health & Husbandry

Animal practicals are delivered at UCD Lyons Farm, where excellent new equine teaching and research facilities exist. Anatomy classes are conducted at UCD’s Veterinary Hospital, while exciting research programmes in equine and animal science support the taught elements.

Students’ time is spent primarily attending lectures and undertaking independent study. In most modules, this also involves attending practical sessions, laboratory workshops and/or tutorials.

A combination of continuous assessment (class quizzes, MCQ tests, presentations), research projects and end-of-trimester examinations is used.

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

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, Australia, top show-jumping and yards in Ireland and the US, 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
  • University of Queensland, Australia
  • Cornell University, USA
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

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.

Other Entry Routes
Testimonial

“Studying Animal Science Equine in UCD has allowed me to get a glimpse into my future in the equine world. I have been involved with horses from a young age and always knew I would study an equine related course in university. Equine Science is the perfect course for anyone looking to improve their knowledge and broaden their horizons. The part I most enjoyed throughout my degree was Professional Work Experience in third year. I worked for Emil Spadone at Redfield Farms, a show jumping and hunter jumper farm in America. I spent six months working and riding in both Ocala, Florida and Califon, New Jersey. I learned a lot about the equine world in America, improved my riding and made some great connections, while also getting to travel to places like the World Equestrian Centre and New York City.”

Rhiannon Maher, Student

 

Contact Information

Dr. Barbara Murphy
e. barbara.murphy@ucd.ie

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

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