Animal Science (sandwich) BSc (Hons)

These programmes are designed to train potential animal scientists, equipping them with the knowledge and ability needed to work within the rapidly expanding animal industry. You will have the opportunity to acquire essential practical experience as well as in-depth theoretical knowledge, with key transferable skills heavily embedded within modules.

Programme Information

You will gain a thorough understanding of the biological principles that underpin the study of animals, such as anatomy and physiology, health, nutrition, reproduction, husbandry and welfare. Due to the modular design of the programmes, you will be able to select specialist modules during each year of study, building on the fundamental knowledge learnt in the compulsory modules. Optional modules include a range of subject specialisms, listed below, enabling you to tailor your degree around your interests and career aims. By the time you complete the programmes, you will be able to reflect on the theories and principles of Animal Science, and acquire the practical abilities and intellectual skills needed to challenge current scientific thinking, develop new ideas and evaluate current processes and practices, as well as develop wider transferable skills.

Learning is through a variety of methods incorporating lectures, seminars, laboratory-based practicals and field trips. Work in the laboratory and the field will provide you with experience in the application of the theories learned in lectures. Visits to external organisations (including Sequani, Slimbridge and Birmingham Sealife Centre) will allow you to appreciate how these theories are applied in commercial organisations. There are also two optional field trips available as part of the programme. A field course module to South Africa runs in the second year of the programme. This will give you an opportunity to explore African ecology and ethology. Activities will include animal tracking, day and night game drives, a visit to a Pillansberg National Park and individual student projects. Much of the teaching is delivered by the field staff based in South Africa. In the third year of the course there is a three day field course to Marwell Wildlife Park that is part of the Management of Animal Collections module. This trip will enable you to identify and evaluate the environmental and behavioural needs of a range of non-domestic animal species and provide the opportunity to investigate the necessary criteria for the reintroduction of animals into the wild. Much of the teaching for this module is delivered by full-time zoo staff, including the vet and a stud book keeper.

You will be assessed via a range of methods including written examinations, multiple choice questions, practical assessments, oral examinations, written assignments, practical notebooks and seminar presentations. An optional sandwich year can be taken at any level during your studies and there may be opportunities to undertake some of your studies abroad, as part of a collaborative exchange programme. There are a number of complementary studies courses available on site that you can undertake alongside your studies at a reduced cost. These include first aid, health and safety, animal handling, dog grooming and A.T.V. among others.

Areas of study

Students have a range of compulsory and optional modules to choose from. Compulsory modules are designed to give the core knowledge needed to underpin the optional modules. Compulsory modules include Anatomy & Physiology in Year 1, Statistics & Research Methods in Year 2 and in Year 3, Dissertation, Independent Study and Developments in Animal Science. These final year modules are research-based modules which can be tailored to topics of the students’ own interest.

The following illustrates how your module choices can lead to careers in different areas. Each column shows a career path and modules that support each career path.

Programme overview

UCAS code - D320 A

Programme length – three years full-time (optional sandwich year can also be taken)

Part-time option - Yes

Work experience opportunity - Yes, an optional 40 weeks sandwich year which can be taken at any level during your studies.

Careers

A wide range of opportunities are available for Animal Science graduates, including employment as welfare officers, technicians, animal health officers and nutritionists . Graduates may alternatively decide to undertake postgraduate study, research or seek employment in the field of education. A number of students use this course as a basis to apply to study Veterinary Medicine. Students who wish to undertake further research can use opportunities for conference attendance and presentation such as the Student Animal Welfare Conference and BSAS.

Other programmes you may be interested in

• BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare
• BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science
• BSc (Hons)/FdSc Veterinary Nursing Science (sandwich)
• BSc (Hons) Equine Science

Entry requirements

View the UCAS tariff points system

* One Level 3 qualification in science or equivalent (eg A2) (if an applicant does not have this, then the student must have a level 2 qualification in Science (eg GCSE at C or above) and undertake Principles of Animal Biology during semester one.

Key Contact

Fernando da Mata BAC, LIC, PGD -Programme Leader BSc (Hons) Animal Science

If you have any questions about this programme please email - Fernando.Da-Mata@hartpury.ac.uk

For the next opportunity to visit the college and find out more about the Animal and Land Programmes visit the HE Careers Events page