Animal Science
BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllAt the core of Animal Science is the study of the applied sciences that are fundamental to understanding how animals function and that underpin the principles of livestock production. The degree will give you an appreciation of:
- The growth and development of domestic farm animals, and animal behaviour and welfare.
- Animal production systems and how the components are integrated and managed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner
- The livestock industry in Ireland, the context in which it operates and its relationship to animal industries in Europe and worldwide
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
- Genetics & Biotechnology
- Animal Nutrition
- Biostatistics
- Business Management
- Agricultural Microbiology
- Elective modules
Third Year
- Animal Reproduction
- Animal Breeding
- Animal Physiology
- Animal Genomics
- Professional Work Experience (PWE)
Fourth Year
- Dairy Production
- Beef Production
- Sheep Production
- Non-ruminant Animal Production (Swine, Poultry)
- Animal Health, Behaviour & Welfare
- Grass & Forage Production
Students spend an average of 40 hours a week attending lectures and tutorials and participating in laboratory-based practicals, and undertake independent study. In the final two years, students make regular visits to UCD Lyons Farm to get hands-on practical experience.
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.
A five-month PWE placement takes place in third year and may be taken as a combination of on-farm, agribusiness and research centre placements. Some of this may be taken abroad (e.g. USA and New Zealand). In addition, an opportunity exists to take a trimester abroad. Possibilities include:
- University of Illinois, USA
- Kansas State University, USA
- University of Queensland, Australia
- Michigan State University, USA
- Purdue University, USA
A range of opportunities exists, including:
- Animal Health and Pharmaceutical Industry
- Animal Breeding and Genetics
- Animal feed industry
- Procurement, processing and marketing of animal products
- Education
- Consultancy
- Farming and enterprise management
- Journalism
Graduate research opportunities exist at Master’s and PhD levels.
“Growing up I held an undeniable passion for animals due to my equine and suckler beef background. Being from a small town in the midlands, I was not used to the city life. However, since I got to UCD, the staff have being extremely helpful during my four years. The lecturers are exceptional and very helpful with many being leaders of research and innovation in their fields. For me, one of the highlights of the degree was the 20 weeks of Professional Work Experience (PWE), which I completed in stage three. During PWE, I gained invaluable experience with companies such as Kiernan Breeding Stock, Manor Farms and DDS Carrickboy Farms. I was awarded the PWE Certificate of Excellence from UCD in recognition of outstanding performance on this placement.”
Viola Callaghan, Student
Professor Tommy Boland
e. tommy.boland@ucd.ie
UCD Agriculture & Food Science School Office
Agriculture & Food Science Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4
