Agriculture with Animal Science (with integrated year in industry) BSc (Hons)

Aberystwyth University

In choosing to study this Agriculture and Animal Science Degree at Aberystwyth University you will be immersing yourself in the science, production and management of agriculture and livestock. You will study in one of the longest-established centres in the UK with a world-class reputation for teaching and research in animal science and agriculture. This course includes a one-year industrial placement in a related agricultural business, enabling you to gain hands-on experience of agricultural and animal management. This may be tailored to meet your particular requirements and cover farm management, the agricultural support sector or research and development.The department has over 1000ha of farmland which includes lowland and upland sheep farms, a 500 cow dairy herd, intensive and extensive beef production systems. Out of all the oats grown in the UK, 65% have come from varieties bred and developed at IBERS Aberystwyth University.During this four-year course, you will look at all aspects of the agricultural industry as well as developing a sound understanding of nutrition, reproductive physiology, animal health, animal breeding and emerging animal biotechnology. In your second and fourth year, you will have the opportunity to explore specialist modules such as applied nutrition of livestock, horses and companion animals, agronomy and crop improvement to name a few. You will move on to cover topics including the physiology of animal groups in the context of environmental conditions, the biodiversity of habitats, conservation, productivity and human impact on the countryside. Your third year will be spent undertaking a work experience placement in an industry that is relevant to this course. You will be taught by enthusiastic teaching experts, who you may have already seen on TV documentaries or your favourite radio show. This course will be delivered through a programme of lectures, seminars, workshops and field visits. You will have plenty of opportunities to apply your academic learning in practical activities and workshops. You will also look at the connection between research and analysis exercises and their real-world outputs in the form of improved technology and improved animal welfare.Your BSc in Agriculture with Animal Science opens up a range of exciting opportunities for employment and further training. You will be a strong candidate for work as an agricultural consultant or farm manager, and because of your specialism in animal science, you will also succeed in animal-related management, animal nutrition, productivity, and welfare.Throughout your training, you will develop a wealth of skills that can be easily transferred into almost any graduate or professional employment situation. You will have first-rate technical and biological knowledge, combined with the ability to manage a farm or agricultural business efficiently, productively and safely. You will be confident in handling data and will be a strong communicator in both written and oral forms. You will also have valuable skills in the management of people, animals and resources, and will possess the latest expertise in agricultural best practice.