Animal Science FdSc

The programme is 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 foundation degree around your interests and career aims. By the time you complete the programme, you will 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.

The Foundation degree is a vocationally focused programme that enables you to engage in work-based learning throughout the two years of study. Upon successful completion of the Foundation degree you can apply to progress on to the BSc (Hons) which will take an additional one year of study.

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. 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.

Areas of study

Level 1

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Introduction to Animal Welfare
  • Animal Nutrition Animal Genetics
  • Evolution & Biodiversity
  • Animal Behaviour
  • Animal Microbiology 1
  • Introduction to Veterinary Science
  • Principles of Ecology
  • Employment Skills

Level 2

  • Animal Reproductive Physiology
  • Applied Animal Nutrition
  • Animal Production
  • Laboratory Animal Management
  • Exotic Animal Management
  • Behavioural Measurements
  • Ethics and Welfare
  • Applied Veterinary Science
  • Animal Microbiology 2
  • Parasitology
  • Wildlife Management Theory
  • Statistics and Research Methods
  • Business Principles
  • Equine Therapy 1
  • World at Work

Programme overview

UCAS code – D321 A

Programme length - two years full-time

Part-time option - Yes

Work experience opportunity - Yes, eight weeks usually between years 1 and 2.

Careers

A wide range of opportunities are available for Animal Science graduates, including employment as welfare officers, technicians, animal health officers, nutritionists . Graduates may alternatively decide to undertake further graduate study, research or seek employment in the field of education.

Other programmes you may be interested in

Entry requirements

  FdSc (Hons)
GCSE Five GCSEs at Grade C or above to include English, Mathematics and Science*
Tariff points range 120
A level subjects/grades One A2 in a biological science preferred*
National Diploma subjects/grades PPP in a science subject*
Access Yes
International Baccalaureate IB Points 24

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

Dr Richard Rolfe –Subject Leader Animal and Land Science

If you have any questions about this programme please email – Richard.Rolfe@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

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